General
EU Climate Diplomacy Week Lecture calls For Burden Sharing
By 11:00am on 16th September 2016, the usually silent Senior Common Room in the Main Administration Building was abuzz with activity as Staff and Students of Makerere took up every available seat, expectantly awaiting the start of the Public Lecture. As part of activities to mark the Climate Diplomacy Week, the EU Delegation in Uganda in partnership with the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovation (MUCCRI) organized a Public Lecture aimed at raising climate change awareness among University students.
The Moderator of the event and Acting Director MUCCRI, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi thanked his audience for keeping time and introduced the day’s theme “Innovative and effective approaches to climate change adaptation in Uganda”. He noted that Makerere University is engaged in a number of activities such as teaching, curriculum review and outreaches, all aimed at highlighting the impact of climate change and the appropriate adaptation strategies that can be adopted.
The Public Lecture was jointly presided over by H.E. Ambassador Kristian Schmidt, Head of the EU Delegation in Uganda and Alhaji Momodou Jallow, FAO Country Representative. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) thanked the EU Delegation in Uganda for choosing Makerere to host the all important Public Lecture. He noted that bringing students on board is the right thing to do and urged the students present to work together with today’s researchers to build rather than destroy their future.
Prof. Edward Kirumira is no stranger to the Climate Change Adaptation debate. The Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) is also the Academic Coordinator for the Makerere-University of Bergen collaboration and as such, played a key role in organizing the first EA Norway Climate and Business Conference. The outcome of this conference was a Communique to COP21 on Climate Change and Opportunities for Sustainable Business. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Prof. Kirumira noted that climate adaptation is a multidisciplinary, multifaceted, multi sector undertaking that calls for concerted effort to accomplish.
“Issues of climate change and climate adaptation are part and parcel of the curriculum review process that the University is undertaking now. This Public Dialogue comes at a very opportune time to make sure that climate change issues are on the agenda of curriculum review” said Prof. Kirumira
He urged the students to listen attentively and thereafter, actively participate in the discussions so as to guarantee themselves internship and possibly employment positions. He observed that the public lecture had in addition to the EU Head of Delegation and FAO Country representative attracted some of the most important parties in the climate change circles, all of whom presented very good future prospects for students.
“It is indeed important to have the academia, training and research institutions on board to contribute knowledge and information in addressing the climate change challenge. This forum is therefore timely and significant, and similar forums should be organised” remarked Alhaji Jallow, the FAO Country Representative in his keynote address. He noted that FAO is already working with MUCCRI on a project aimed at enhancing Knowledge Management and Communication Systems for climate change adaptation. The project is being carried out in six out of twenty nine Districts of Uganda’s cattle corridor. These six Districts are Sembabule, Luweero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Mubende and Kiboga.
Alhaji Jallow hoped that the Public Lecture would identify priority areas that need concerted effort in contributing knowledge, information and technologies for building resilience to climate change challenges. “Resilience to climate change will surely maintain food and nutrition security for all and sustain development themes” he said.
H.E. Ambassador Kristian Schmidt is a lively speaker who likes to engage his audience. Noting that his speech had a number of acronyms, the Ambassador occasionally paused whenever he met one and asked the students to give him the full version, and none disappointed. He noted that Uganda had the best climate in the world and it would be a pity if this enviable fact were to change.
“You the youth are well-placed and crucial in society in addressing and also living with the consequences of climate change” said Ambassador Schmidt. He commended the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) for spearheading efforts that led to Uganda playing a very constructive role at COP21 (Congress of Parties 21). COP21 was the 2015 Paris Climate Conference aimed at achieving a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.
“Climate Diplomacy is about countries working together to agree on burden sharing and collective action, when acting alone will not solve the problems that we face… It is about countries saying ‘we all have to do our share’ and then committing to doing it together” Ambassador Schmidt explained. He therefore urged Uganda to press on and ratify the COP21 Agreement as this will pile pressure on emitting countries to do the same.
Ambassador Schmidt then shared four examples of the EU Delegation in Uganda’s Green Projects that other parties could borrow a leaf from. These include: the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme III (SPGS III) for Commercial Agroforestry; Green Transport to support multimodal transportation; the Largest On-grid Solar Energy Plant in East Africa currently under construction in Soroti and working with KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority) on its Climate Change Action Strategy to address congestion.
Following the Ambassador’s presentation, the day’s discussion would have been incomplete without expert opinions on the four themes of: climate change policy and practice in Uganda; the role of education in addressing climate change; climate change and the youth; and climate change and gender. The Moderator, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi then invited the day’s panelists who included Mr. Bob Natifu-Climate Change Department (CCD)-MWE and Prof. John Baptist Kaddu-Lead Government of Uganda Negotiator for COP to share their views. Others included Mr. Sadam Kiwanuka-President Makerere University Climate Change Association, Ms. Catherine Mulinde-PhD Candidate on Climate Change Adaptation and Dr. May Sengendo-School of Women and Gender Studies, CHUSS
At the conclusion of the open discussion, Hon. Chebet Maikut, the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) National Focal Point and Coordinator, CCD-MWE commended the audience for being keen listeners and active discussants.
“The Youth have a daunting responsibility, more so in our National circumstances where Uganda’s economy is predominantly based on our natural resources… Our natural resources are under the biggest threat; they are bleeding! If we don’t do anything now, the future is very bleak” he warned.
Hon. Chebet Maikut nevertheless reiterated Government’s total commitment to addressing climate change as demonstrated by the various national policies and strategies in place. He then thanked the EU for their generous support to the Government’s Development programmes and negotiations at COP.
Article by Public Relations Office
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Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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