Makerere University’s School of Statistics and Planning (SSP) recently hosted a three-day workshop on sustainable electronic waste (e-waste) management, led by a team from the East African Community (EAC). The workshop, which is part of a broader initiative to enhance environmental management practices across the East African region, was aimed at retooling university staff on the best practices for handling and disposing of e-waste.

The workshop was officially opened by Prof. James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences and Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning. In his opening remarks, Prof. Wokadala expressed his gratitude to the EAC team, led by Mr. Dismas Mwikila, for the critical knowledge shared with Makerere University staff. He highlighted the importance of e-waste management, emphasizing that the public needs to be well-informed about the proper ways to dispose of electronic waste.

“E-waste is becoming a growing concern as more electronic devices are being used and discarded. Without proper disposal methods, hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, often found in electronic equipment, can cause significant harm to both human health and the environment,” said Prof. Wokadala. He underscored that this training comes at a crucial time, as Uganda and the broader East African region are seeing an increase in the use of electronic devices. He also expressed his hope that similar training workshops would be scaled up to other colleges within the university to ensure comprehensive coverage of this critical issue.

The workshop forms part of the EAC’s Electronic Waste Management Plan (E-Waste MP), which was developed to address the growing challenge of electronic waste across its member states, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the EAC’s environmental and social commitment plan, managing e-waste is crucial not only for protecting the environment but also for safeguarding human health. In line with this, the EAC emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable e-waste management practices, such as recycling and proper disposal, which help to mitigate the harmful effects of toxic materials found in electronic products​

The workshop covered the best practices for the disposal of these items, including recycling and recovery techniques that can be used to extract valuable materials from discarded electronic devices. This ensures that fewer toxic substances are released into the environment, and valuable resources are recovered for reuse.

Prof. Wokadala further appreciated the EAC’s generous support to Makerere University’s School of Statistics and Planning, noting that the school recently received 160 computers, laptops, printers, and other ICT equipment worth $0.5 million from the EAC. This donation is expected to enhance the school’s technological capabilities, further supporting the institution’s mission to provide high-quality education and research in the field of statistics and planning. Additionally, the EAC has provided funding to facilitate staff training in Data Analytics, a critical area for the future of research and decision-making in the digital age.

The Mr. George Magala, from the Ministry of EAC Affairs Uganda, also highlighted the importance of sustainable e-waste management practices not only in educational institutions but also across all sectors of the economy.

Mr. Mwikila explained that e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, growing at a rate of 3-5% per year. This growth is driven by the increasing use of electronic devices, coupled with their shorter life cycles. He noted that without sustainable e-waste management practices, countries in the East African region risk facing significant environmental and health challenges. Proper e-waste management not only reduces the harmful impacts on the environment but also provides economic opportunities through the recovery of valuable materials such as copper, aluminum, and gold from discarded electronics

The workshop concluded with a call to action for universities and other institutions in Uganda and the wider East African region to adopt sustainable e-waste management practices. The EAC reiterated its commitment to providing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to help institutions manage e-waste in a responsible and sustainable manner.

This initiative demonstrates Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to align itself with global best practices in environmental management, further positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development in the region. By equipping its staff with the necessary skills to manage e-waste, the university is taking a proactive step in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the digital age.

The three-day workshop represents an important milestone in Makerere University’s collaboration with the EAC, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the university’s ability to manage electronic waste sustainably.

Introduction

The world is increasingly witnessing the occurrence of an array of terrestrial and atmospheric processes culminating into a multitude of geohazards that adversely affect communities. Climate change is specifically creating a plethora of unwanted socioecological impacts that have hindered the progression of societies. Prevalent feedbacks manifesting through increasing intensity and extent of natural hazards, destruction of vital ecosystems, biodiversity losses, declining agricultural yields exemplify the magnitude of the sustainability challenges at our disposal. And yet the world is committed under the United Nations Agenda 2030 to reverse the negative processes and attain the desired equitable, transformed and sustainable societies. Geovisualization which involves using geographic data and
visualization techniques to represent spatial information presents a greater potential of obviating the above challenges, contributing to community resilience and the sustainability agenda.

The gist of this collaborative summer school is to provide an immersive learning experience on geovisualization under increasing risks related to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience.

Requirements:

(a) Be a Masters or PhD student registered at Makerere University, Uganda Martys University or Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

(b) Have an interest in the thematic focus of the summer school e.g., climate change, disaster risk management, environmental risk and geo-information science

(c) Motivation and interest to participate in the summer school

(d) Brief CV of maximum 2 pages. Students from other institutions may be admitted, but they will cater for their costs especially in the field.

Piggyback with the GORILLA Conference: The summer school is scheduled back-to-back with the 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems, and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change (GORILLA 2024), which will take place in Kampala from 4th to 6th December 2024. Participants will have the opportunity to register for the conference (regular fees apply), further enriching their learning experience and facilitating networking with professionals and scholars in the field. Students participating in the GORILLA conference will be given priority.

Application Procedure and Deadline: Applications to participate in the first summer school should be submitted online at: https://gorilla.mak.ac.ug/summer-school

The application deadlineis Sunday 20th October 2024.

Funding: The Costclim project will cover onsite costs including meals and refreshments. Accommodation costs for participants will be covered only during the field excursion period.

Contacts: More information about the summer school can be obtained from;

• Hilde Refstie: hilde.refstie@ntnu.no
• Yazidhi Bamutaze: yazidhibamutaze@gmail.com

On 2^nd October 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially opened the re-constructed Makerere University’s iconic Main Building, and installed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the new Chancellor.

The event held at Makerere University’s Freedom Square, was presided over by President Museveni, the university’s Visitor, alongside First Lady, Hon Janet Kataaha Museveni, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports.

Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including former Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, members of the University Council, administration, development partners, a delegation from the University of Bergen in Norway as well as alumni of Makerere University. The reopening of the main building comes four years after a disastrous fire that resulted from a short circuit destroyed the building in September 2020.

Speaking at the event, President Museveni congratulated the university for getting back the building which has been funded by the government of Uganda. He added that his initial concerns about the potential loss of student records, but he was relieved when he was reassured by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe that the records were safe.

“When this unfortunate incident happened, as Professor Nawangwe said, my main concern was the records of the students. For the building, we could construct a new one, and we have constructed it,” he said.

The reconstruction preserved the building’s historic exterior while modernizing the interior to enhance safety and accessibility. Traditional wooden floors were replaced with tiles and terrazzo, and pathways for persons with disabilities were added. The building also features more durable concrete walls, fire detection and fighting equipment, and a restored bell that rings every hour.

President Museveni also congratulated the university on appointing Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as Chancellor, succeeding Prof. Ezra Suruma. He praised Dr. Kiyonga as a longstanding and key figure in the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“Secondly, I want to congratulate you on having a new chancellor, in the person of Dr. Crispus Kiyonga. He is an outstanding cadre and leader of the NRM. He is a member of the central executive committee and has been very active in our efforts since 1980 when we were involved with UPM, so I congratulate him and I congratulate the University,” The President said.

The President explained the fundamental role of some disciplines at Makerere University such as Food Science and Quantitative economics. He also underscored the relevance of science disciplines to national development.

Hon. Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education thanked President Museveni for his swift response when Makerere’s ivory tower was destroyed by the fire. She also commended the President for providing funds for the renovation of the students’ halls of residence.

“On behalf of the education sector, I thank you, Your Excellency, for your immediate directive to fund the restoration of the iconic building and other critical projects at Makerere including the students’ residences following a request from the University Council. Your timely intervention, Mr. President underscores your unwavering support for the higher education sector and Makerere University in particular,” she said.

Dr. Kiyonga expressed gratitude for his appointment and emphasized his commitment to strengthening ties between the university, government, and the broader community. He promised to work closely with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe and other stakeholders to align Makerere University’s research with Uganda’s development agenda.

Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the University Council, thanked the government for funding several projects at Makerere, including the restoration of the main building, the construction of the new building for the Law School, and the renovation of halls of residence.

“The restoration of the main building strongly symbolizes the government’s commitment to investing in Makerere University and indeed the education sector. In addition to the main building, the government has generously funded several infrastructural projects including the construction of the School of Law new building, the school of dentistry, the renovation of Lumumba Hall, the wall around the university, and several others,” she said.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ministry of finance, planning and economic development for implementing the president’s directive and providing the necessary funding for these critical projects,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof.  Nawangwe, thanked the President for swiftly approving the release of funds for the restoration of the building after he had presented the case to the Cabinet.

He also highlighted that the basement of the restored building will be reserved for a museum, and the university hopes to host the Luweero War Memorial Museum in this space.

When Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and I, came to the Cabinet to explain the cause of the fire, you guided the Cabinet to immediately approve the release of the 21 billion shillings that were required to reconstruct the building. Your excellency and Mama Janet, this afternoon, we have just re-opened the reconstructed main building, and the building is entirely funded by the government of Uganda,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to request the President that the government provides Makerere University with a road maintenance unit under the National District Road Maintenance Program.

He explained that such a unit would allow engineering students to gain practical experience by maintaining university roads and those in nearby communities. This initiative, he added, would contribute to producing well-trained engineers who could strengthen the construction industry in Uganda.

“We wish to enhance the training of our engineers through advanced technical and business development skills so that they can compete with international firms. We therefore request for your support, Your Excellency to consider Makerere University in form of a district for the allocation of a road maintenance unit as part of the district road maintenance unit program,” he requested.

“With this unit we would be able to train our students by maintaining the university’s roads and the roads of the surrounding communities. The ultimate aim is to produce engineers who will build strong constructing firms for our country. I pray that this proposal is given consideration in the next financial year budget.”

In response, President Museveni welcomed the idea and offered his support, agreeing that it would provide valuable practical learning for Makerere’s students.

“Regarding the road unit, that is a very good idea, I will definitely support that so that you can have your own road unit to teach your engineers how to make roads and how to build practically. I totally agree with that,” President Museveni said.

The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Mastercard Foundation for the support extended to Makerere University when the Main Building was gutted by a fire. “I received the first international call, from Reeta Roy, President of the Mastercard Foundation, who in a very short statement said: We are going to support you with one million dollars to help you recover the student records. Indeed, the seed sown by the Mastercard Foundation has transformed Makerere into one of the most digitalised universities,” he said.

The Guild President, Lubega Vincent Nsamba acknowledged the President for providing funds for the reconstruction of the main building, but most importantly providing funds to renovate the different halls of residence.

“I thank you for the funds that have been contributed to the reconstruction of the main building, but most importantly and particularly to the renovation of halls of residence. They have completed Lumumba hall and they are now at Mary Stuart,” he said. 

“We extend a vote of appreciation for recognizing that need and providing funds to cater for that. This has not only contributed to the welfare of the students, and has also improved their academic life on Campus,” he added.