General
East Africa to Explore Business Opportunities from Climate Change
Over 100 participants at the 1st Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business in East Africa Conference have developed a Communiqué that will be presented at the upcoming United Nations Climate Conference (COP21) in December 2015 in Paris, France.
The Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu who is scheduled to lead the Ugandan delegation to the 2015 Climate Change Conference (COP21), officially opened the Kampala Conference held on 12th November 2015 on the theme: Supporting the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference: Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business in East Africa.
Hon. Kamuntu commended the Royal Embassy of Norway, Makerere University-Uganda, and University of Bergen-Norway, for organizing the conference aimed at exploring and demonstrating through workable models/approaches that sustainable solutions and technology can be enhanced to create business opportunities for the mutual benefits.
“This Conference is timely; for it presents the East Africans with a platform to discuss and come up with a message on climate change and business opportunities that we would like to be captured by over 190 countries in COP21 in 2015. This is a commendable consultative and participatory approach, and I thank the Embassy of Norway, the University of Bergen in Norway, and Makerere University, Kampala for organizing this important conference,” the Minister said.
In the communiqué, the participants comprising government officials, delegation from East Africa and Norway, members of the private sector, development partners and key industry figures, the academia and media recommended to the United Nations Conference of the Parties Conference (COP21) the following:
- The prioritization and mainstreaming of South-North collaborations especially in the areas of research and innovation that are key to attaining climate-friendly development and eventually developing sustainable business enterprises into national policy frameworks.
- Based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the urgent streamlining of climate financing initiatives including but not limited to carbon markets to enable up-scaling of existing technologies on a massive scale such as the use of solar energy, wind and thermal resources as well as energy saving clean cooking technologies.
- That the Academia, Private Sector and Government form a strong alliance that commercializes research findings, technology and technology transfer as well as innovative approaches towards climate-smart business opportunities at all levels.
- That Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith-based organizations, the private sector and the media embrace networking as a mutually beneficial avenue for sharing and disseminating business programs supported by national and regional policy frameworks as well as build capacity of stakeholders to implement viable climate change and business linkages.
Addressing the participants at Serena Hotel Kampala, Hon. Kamuntu said that the effects of climate change in Uganda are already evident in the agricultural sector; affecting the productivity of seasons which have culminated in adverse effects in combination with increasing population growth rate.
“Uganda’s current growth rate indicates that 60% of the population consists of young people below 18 years and 78% of the population is the youth under 35 years. With this kind of population, it will be a wise opportunity and blessing for the country to invest in and develop skills of these young people in order to have a dynamic labor force for Uganda’s economy. However we must recognize that if this is not handled, the combination of climate change with the increasing population can be a disaster,” he stated.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda H.E Susan Eckey said for the world to be able to find solutions to climate change, countries should develop a system for national reporting.
“In the climate meeting in Lima last year, countries agreed to not only set national goals before the Paris conference but also to enhance necessary action, and we see that countries are willing to do more than before. More than 150 countries responsible for 90% of gas emissions have already set their climate goals. These goals show that the transition to the low emission societies has begun,”she said.
Her Excellency informed the participants that Norway has set three top priorities ahead of the upcoming Paris conference. These include: a long term vision; countries to update and upgrade their climate goals every five years; and a system for national reporting.
Highlighting the issue of temperature change and its adverse impact on human and natural systems, the Rector of University of Bergen, Prof. Dag Rune Olsen said that by the end of this year 2015, the global average temperature may have a positive milestone of about 1 degree Centigrade above industrial levels as predicted by the UK Meteorological Office.
“This climate change has wide spread impact on humans and natural systems. The increase in temperature will also have widespread impact on bio-diversity, food security as well as affect public health. We shall also witness the increase to geo-hazards. The human influence on the climate system is clear and the recent emissions of greenhouse gasses are the highest in history, that leads us to the reasons as to why the upcoming meeting-the COP21 in Paris is important,” he explained.
Prof. Olsen revealed that the Africa Progress Report shows that Africa can seize climate and all energy opportunities. The new research on the climate economy shared by Lord Stern also illustrates the opportunity to transform and expand the supply of hydroelectric solar Power energy in Africa, which will spur development and reduce on the negative environment effects.
According to the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, global attention today is focused on climate change as a critical
driver for development. Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu mentioned that East Africa and Norway have initiated several joint efforts to address the impacts of climate change while harnessing business opportunities.
“The effects of climate change already have profound and irreversible impact on economic social and environmental systems. They are manifested in several forms including drought, erratic rainfall patterns and other extreme weather events that threatens human health and infrastructure, agricultural production and food security, water and other natural resources and sustainability that are the very core of human survival and economic development. It is therefore very urgent that we come up with both mitigation and adaptation majors that will help us to deal with the evolving climate,” he remarked.
During the conference, participants also discussed the effects of climate change on trade and business, social economic opportunities and development, human health, environment and continental prosperity. Through the various discussions and presentations held, the participants indicated that the high prevalence of food shortages faced by East African countries is caused by the high illiteracy rate and unawareness, marketing bottlenecks, poor agricultural practice, resource depletion and degradation.
Giving the East African perspective on mitigation and adaptation strategies carried out by Makerere University so far, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa noted that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has integrated aspects of climate change at undergraduate level and introduced new regional Masters programmes. He also shared that the College has developed seeds for rangeland forages, drought and disease resistant varieties of crops as well as carried out extensive research on indigenous multipurpose tree species that can absorb carbon dioxide from the environment.
In a presentation titled, Converting the Climate Change message into suitable business, Mr. Ssewagudde Christopher, Representative from Innovation Norway said: “The emerging opportunities for alternative livelihoods, asset building, improving scientific knowledge for value addition projects, up-scaling, replication and sustainability, institution of linkages and the importance of participatory approaches and addressing cross-cutting issues in business like mainstreaming gender, indigenous knowledge, HIV/AIDS, child protection and disability have changed the standards of living as well as creating more business opportunities for East African people.”
The participants recognized that sustainable solutions and technology can be harnessed to create business opportunities for the mutual benefit of East Africa and Norway in line with international targets including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They also appreciated the support provided by the United Nations through Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Conference of the Parties towards an international agreement of dealing with the Climate Change adaptation and Mitigation.
During the conference, the Minister of Water and Environment Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, H.E. Susan Eckey and Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu were presented with signed copies of a book entitled Responsible and Profitable: Strategies for Sustainable business models by Authors Sveinung Jørgensen and Lars Jacob Tynes Pedersen. The book connects Business with Climate Change and provides knowledge on how countries can utilize opportunities availed by the current climate change.
Article by: Mak Public Relations Office
General
Unlocking Global Opportunities: Makerere University Career Fair – Day Two Connects Students to Scholarships and Fellowships
By Christopher Kaahwa
After an engaging opening day that explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of work, the second day of Makerere University Careers Fair – 2026 focused on scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students and graduates.
Day one of the Careers Fair highlighted how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are transforming industries and the skills that young professionals need to remain competitive in the evolving global job market. Building on these conversations, Day Two of the Careers Fair, held on Thursday, 12th March 2026, provided participants with practical guidance on accessing funding opportunities for further study, research, and professional development, both locally and internationally.
The day featured a series of presentations, information sessions, and interactive engagements delivered through a panel discussion. This approach was designed to help participants better understand the wide range of scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to support their academic and professional journeys. Participants interacted directly with program representatives and alumni who have previously benefited from international scholarships and fellowships.
Throughout the discussions, speakers encouraged students to prioritize early preparations for such opportunities by identifying programs that align with their academic interests, leadership aspirations, and long-term career goals. They emphasized that while academic excellence is important, most of the scholarship and fellowship programs also look out for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, community engagement, and a clear commitment to addressing societal challenges.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at Makerere University
Speaking during the session, Prof. Justine Namaalwa Jjumba, Program Director, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, highlighted the scholarship opportunities available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Prof. Namaalwa stated that the Mastercard Foundation extends scholarships across the entire University, and this year, the Program would soon advertise 260 scholarships, with 70 per cent reserved for female students and 30 per cent for male students.
Prof. Namaalwa highlighted the Program’s dedication to inclusion, referencing the Mastercard Foundation initiatives that aim to serve all categories of prospective applicants in the quest to promote gender equity in higher education. “Beyond the gender percentages, we are very keen on inclusion,” she stated, noting that 25 per cent of the scholarships are allocated to refugees and internally displaced persons, while 10 per cent are reserved for young people with disabilities.
She explained that the Mastercard Foundation initiatives prioritize students from economically dis-advantaged and hard-to-reach regions such as Karamoja, Teso, Busoga, and West Nile, with 20 per cent of the scholarships designated for applicants from such areas. An additional 20 per cent are for students from refugee-hosting communities, 10 per cent allocated to international students, and the remaining opportunities remain open to other Ugandan applicants.
In addition, Prof. Namaalwa announced graduate scholarships under the Africa Climate Collaborative, which will provide 50 scholarships for master’s students and 12 scholarships for PhD students across the university. She revealed that the scholarships offer comprehensive support, including full tuition and functional fees, and urged prospective applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service.
She encouraged participants to carry on the mantle of sharing the information widely within their communities, particularly with bright learners who may lack the financial means to pursue university education. “So, I call upon every one of you present today to extend a hand of charity by sharing this information,” she urged.
U.S. Exchange and Fellowship Opportunities
Representatives from the United States Exchange Program shared a wide range of scholarship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities available to students and young professionals who aspire to study or undertake any programme in the United States.
Ms. Blessing Owomugisha Immaculate, President of the U.S. Exchange Program Alumni Network in Uganda, explained that Uganda currently has a vibrant Alumni Network of more than 6,000 members comprising individuals who have previously participated in Exchange Programs in the United States and returned to contribute to community development and mentorship.
She stated that there are several United States-sponsored exchange programs available for students, graduates, and professionals, primarily focusing on leadership, academic research, and professional development. The key programs include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program (master’s/research), Mandela Washington Fellowship (young leaders), Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program, Academy for Women Entrepreneur Program, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship,EducationUSA Scholars Program, and many more tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of Ugandan youth.
EducationUSA Scholars Program
In the same session, participants received valuable guidance on pursuing higher education in the United States during a presentation by Mr. Ezra On’rel Nuwenyine, an EducationUSA Adviser in Kampala. Mr. Nuwenyine mentioned that EducationUSA is a global network of over 430 advising centres in more than 175 countries, including Uganda, providing accurate and comprehensive information for international students aspiring to study in the U.S.
He presented the benefits of studying in the United States and guided the participants through the five key steps to consider for their studies abroad. The steps included researching suitable academic institutions that match one’s interests, financial support for their studies, completing application forms with the necessary supporting documents, applying for a student visa, and preparing for their departure to the U.S for their academic journey. He highlighted important resources such as educationusa.state.gov, collegeboard.org, and finaid.org, which can be visited for accurate and credible information.
“Make sure to always check the eligibility criteria before applying to any university and focus on finding institutions that match your academic, financial and personal goals,” he advised, while encouraging participants to carefully plan their academic journey.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
Sharing his personal experience, Mr. Joseph Luswabi, a veterinary medicine student at Makerere University, shared about his remarkable participation in the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI). He explained that the program provides leadership and professional development opportunities to young people across Africa.
Mr. Luswabi informed students that his selection to participate in the YALI program required persistence, revealing that he applied four times before being selected in 2024. He shared that his experience, which included intensive training on leadership and networking with fellows across the continent, has broadened his perspective beyond his academic discipline.
“Before you leave the University, make sure you apply and gain an opportunity to participate in any fellowship program,” he said. He encouraged students to take advantage of fellowship opportunities while still at the university, emphasizing that such experiences provide exposure, leadership training, and access to influential professional networks that can significantly shape their career path.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Another speaker, Mr. James Katumba, President – Hubert Humphrey Fellowship alumni association in Uganda, shared insights about the prestigious fellowship designed for mid-career professionals. The program, named after former U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey, focuses on leadership, public service, and professional development.
Mr. Katumba elaborated that the fellowship takes professionals to the United States for a 10-month non-degree academic study, during which fellows are placed at different universities where they can attend courses, engage with faculty members, and undertake professional placements aligned with their career goals.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Katumba encouraged students not to be discouraged by rejection during competitive applications, and emphasized that persistence often pays off, sharing that many successful fellows apply multiple times before being selected.
The second day of the Fair also featured presentations from several partner universities – Ashesi University, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and industry players – Tamani Solutions and AniScholar, who presented study and employment opportunities available to students and graduates. These equipped participants with the knowledge and resources needed to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Ms. Ritah Namisango, a Public Relations and Communication Specialist at Makerere University moderated the proceedings of the Career Fair.
Writer: Christopher Kaahwa is an alumnus of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Program at Makerere University
In a landmark event symbolizing Uganda’s stride towards sustainable transportation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, commissioned the first Electric Fast-Charging Station at Makerere University on Friday 13th March 2026. The ceremony, held at the Senate Building Parking Lot, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s e-mobility journey, blending academic innovation with industrial application and governmental support.
The station, a DC Fast Charger C6-180 installed in collaboration with Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), is designed to power electric vehicles efficiently, supporting Uganda’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This setup ensures high-power DC charging ideal for fleet operations.
Hon. Dr. Musenero, in her keynote remarks, highlighted the profound significance of the occasion, tracing its roots back to 2011 when Makerere unveiled the Kiira EV – Uganda’s first electric vehicle prototype. “This infrastructure is the physical manifestation of a journey that began on this very hill nearly two decades ago,” she stated, emphasizing how the university’s initial proof-of-concept challenged skepticism about Africa’s role in automotive technology.
The event, she noted, completes a narrative full circle, with the birthplace of the Kiira EV now hosting the infrastructure to sustain a modern electric fleet. The commissioning aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s National E-Mobility Strategy, which aims to localize 65% of the e-mobility value chain by 2040 and create over 500,000 high-quality green jobs.
Hon. Dr. Musenero underscored the strategy’s focus on reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while enhancing environmental well-being. “We are transforming Uganda into a net source of e-mobility solutions,” she declared, pointing to the potential for Ugandan intellect to produce vehicle parts and charging systems domestically.
In his remarks at the event, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described the launch as a “multi-faceted achievement,” not only advancing the institution’s inclusive agenda but also setting an example for public institutions in adopting e-mobility. In so doing, Makerere University has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition.
On September 26, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja and handed over three Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) buses to Makerere University to enhance staff and student mobility. The fleet included two diesel-powered Kayoola Coaches and one electric Kayoola EVS 8.5m bus donated by KMC specifically to aid the movement of differently-abled staff and students. This move demonstrates academia’s capacity to integrate home-grown solutions into daily operations, impacting the economy through practical science.
The commissioning of the fast-charging station is rooted in a long history of collaboration. The Kiira Electric Vehicle Project, hatched in the former Faculty of Technology, has evolved into a national movement for automotive manufacturing. Hon. Dr. Musenero praised this progression: “We have moved beyond proving that an electric vehicle can be built in Uganda. We are now ensuring our electric vehicles are deployed across the continent, solving Africa’s mobility problems.”
Academia’s role remains central, as Hon. Dr. Musenero elaborated. While government provides policy frameworks and the private sector offers capital, universities supply the essential knowledge. The E-Mobility Skilling Programme at Makerere University‘s Innovation Pod (Mak-UniPod) is training the next generation of electric vehicle engineers, who are tackling “moonshot projects” to redefine urban transport. Research into optimizing local resources, such as Uganda’s lithium and cobalt deposits for battery production, is also underway.
A key environmental highlight of this development is Uganda’s renewable energy advantage. With over 95% of the national grid powered by hydroelectric dams, every charge at this station utilizes clean energy. “We are using our own water to power our own vehicles, keeping our wealth within our economy rather than exporting it to purchase foreign oil,” Hon. Dr. Musenero remarked, framing the launch as Uganda plugging into the global renewable shift. She pledged the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat’s continued collaboration with Makerere University, KMC, and partners to proliferate such stations across Kampala and beyond.
Addressing Makerere students, Hon. Dr. Musenero issued a challenge: “See this charging station as a symbol of your own potential. The engineers who built the first Kiira EV were once sitting exactly where you are. They did not wait for permission to be great.” She urged them to leverage available resources to innovate, building on a legacy that has shifted national conversations.
The event drew distinguished guests, including Members of Management, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi, KMC’s CEO and his management team, private sector partners, development agencies, and university faculty.
Looking ahead, this launch propels Uganda towards a “Qualitative Leap” in its economy, as Hon. Dr. Musenero described. By fostering innovation and investing in young minds, the nation aims to lead in technological advancement. The station not only powers vehicles but ignites progress, ensuring Uganda remains at the forefront of Africa’s e-mobility revolution.
As the ceremony which was intermittently “blessed” by drizzles drew to a close, the feeling of hope for a cleaner, self-reliant future – one charged by Ugandan ingenuity, was unmistakable.
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