Are you passionate about tackling climate-related challenges and empowering climate-affected communities in Africa? Do you aspire to complete academic research with a real-world impact? Join Climares, a groundbreaking research project that supports the climate resilience of at-risk populations in five African countries. For our work in Uganda, we are looking for 2 PhD candidates who will work with either smallholders or refugees and other stakeholders using innovative, participatory research methods. The positions are initially for one year, extended, conditional upon good performance, to a maximum of five years, on a full-time basis. The positions are based in Makerere University, Uganda, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences. If successful, the applicants will receive a joint/dual degree with Wageningen University, The Netherlands [PhD A- smallholders] or Erasmus University Rotterdam [PhD B- refugees].

Expected starting date: July 1^st – August 1^st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description – what you will do?

You will be part of an exciting new research project called Climares (www.climares.nl). Climares is a consortium of 7 African and 7 Dutch universities, along with societal partners, working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Morocco, Senegal, and Uganda. Our mission is to support at-risk populations—smallholders, fisherfolk, urban outdoor workers, pastoralists, and displaced people—by transforming weather and climate data into actionable insights that enhance resilience and enable early adaptation. Climares uses participatory digital and in person research, co-created climate storylines and advocacy methods to ensure that weather and climate information becomes accurate and actionable and integrated with local knowledge systems.

Within the scope of the project, you are expected to develop your own PhD research focus and thematic interest, in close collaboration with your supervisors. The supervision team consists of African and Dutch academics with a range of research areas. You will also be part of an interdisciplinary group of eleven PhD researchers, who are recruited from the five African countries and who will be the core of the Climares project. The PhD researchers will work independently and in collaboration, by sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences.

The PhD projects in Uganda centre around action-oriented research with communities and other stakeholders, such as civil society actors, private actors, and government representatives. The projects aim to support the agency and resilience of communities by creating and supporting Knowledge∞ Action (K∞A) networks. These networks are composed of all stakeholders that have an interest in the resilience of a population group, including affected communities. As a PhD researcher, you will be responsible for setting up and facilitating these networks over a five-year period, and for collecting data on the process. For the duration of the project, you will be part of the Climares Academy that meets online for one day per week for training, supervision and meetings with your peers.

1. Project A (SMALLHOLDERS) will focus on the climate-related challenges and innovation strategies of smallholders engaged in cash crop production, notably highland coffee cultivation.
2. Project B (DISPLACEMENT) will focus on refugees and other forcibly displaced persons in Uganda, and their resilience strategies in relation to their experienced climate-related threats and uncertainties.

Where you will work

These PhD positions are based in Uganda, with occasional travel to the Netherlands (or other countries) for training purposes and consortium meetings.

The PhD trajectories will start with an intensive two-month training in the Netherlands. After this, you will return to Uganda to spend significant periods of time with either smallholders or refugees and to start working on the Knowledge∞Action (K∞A) networks. During this period, you will attend online training and reflection meetings one day per week.

You will be a member of the Climares PhD school, called the Climares Academy. Training will include academic courses as well as training on skills and content required for Climares, and individual career development support. Training will be provided by members of the Climares consortium, including academic partners and societal partners such as the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, Deltares, and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. PhD candidates will receive cutting-edge teaching and mentoring from a diverse range of experts, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Supervision and degree

The supervision teams for these PhD projects will consist of scholars from Makerere University and Wageningen University for PhD -A and scholars from Makerere and Erasmus University for PhD-B. With your supervisors, you will develop a detailed PhD project plan, including research activities and milestones. You will also jointly develop and regularly monitor your own career development plan.

You will be admitted to and graduate from Makerere University, as well as – through joint/dual-degree arrangement – from Wageningen University (PhD-A] and Erasmus University [PhD-B] in the Netherlands.

Requirements

We are looking for an interdisciplinary team of PhD researchers. We therefore invite candidates with various profiles to apply.

Requirements for both candidates:

1. You have a master’s degree or an equivalent diploma in social sciences, climate sciences, geographical sciences, environmental sciences or a related field;
2. You have experience with, and a strong affinity for, research related to climate change, climate resilience, climate change impacts, or climate vulnerability;
3. You possess strong research skills, either qualitative or quantitative, and have experience working with communities, preferably using participatory methods;
4. You are motivated to develop your methodological skills in both qualitative and quantitative research;
5. You are a resident of Uganda, or have extensive experience working in Uganda, preferably with either smallholders (PhD-A) or refugees (PhD-B). For participatory research with communities, it is important that you are familiar with local customs and that you speak one of the relevant local languages.
6. You are able to carry out your work independently and proactively, and you are also able to work well in a team. You support the idea of interdisciplinary teamwork and knowledge sharing.
7. You have excellent academic skills (analytical thinking, scientific writing and presentation), evidenced for example by a good review of your master’s thesis and potentially some scientific publications;
8. You have excellent social skills that will allow you to work with communities, other stakeholders and other PhD candidates over a long period of time.
9. Proficiency in English is a must. Graduation at one of the Netherlands universities must be done on the basis of a dissertation in English.

What we offer

We offer you an interdisciplinary PhD position, where you will obtain academic skills with practical application, in an enthusiastic team of world-renowned scholars and organizations working on climate issues.

The expected start date of this position July 1^st – August 1^st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. You will be based at Makerere University, the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, one of the Departments within the School of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

We offer a competitive remuneration as well as research costs.

The initial contract has a duration of one year (12 months), to be extended to five years conditional upon performance.

About the Home University: Makerere University

General description

Established in 1922 as a technical college, Makerere University was affiliated to the University of London until 1963 when it became one of the three constituent colleges of the University of East Africa. It became an independent University in 1970 by Act of Parliament. This status continued until 2001 when the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act was enacted (https://mak.ac.ug/about/facts-figures). Makerere University is committed to providing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs.

The successful PhD candidates will be hosted at the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, one of the Departments within the School of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (https://mak.ac.ug/study-mak/colleges-departments). The Department offers crosscutting academic programmes and research, combining the aspects of Human, Physical and Environmental Geography. Our research foci spans climate science, climate change and earth observation; Coupled human-environment systems, demography and development; disaster risk management and reduction and Urban and regional systems, transformations and sustainability.

About the Host universities

A) Wageningen University

Position A, focusing on smallholders, will be co-supervised by Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Wageningen University is the most renowned life science university in the Netherlands, hosting high quality research and training on biodiversity, climate change, food security, health, and society. The mission of the University is ‘ to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’. The university contributes with impact-oriented often interdisciplinary research and hosts a strongly international community of staff and students. https://www.wur.nl/en.htm

The PhD research on smallholders is interdisciplinary in nature. The supervision team from Wageningen University will combine social science (from the chairgroup Sociology of Development and Change, SDC, part of the Social Science Department) and environmental science (from the chairgroup Soil Physics and land management, SLM). SDC hosts expertise on rural and urban development, natural resource governance and conflict, vulnerability and resilience; and a strong tradition of fieldwork and collaborative methodologies. SLM hosts expertise on sustainable land management, soil and water conservation, and farmer-led adaptation and innovation.

B) Erasmus University

Position B, focusing on refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, will be co-supervised by the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), part of Erasmus University, in the Netherlands. ISS is an international graduate school of policy-oriented critical social science. Established over 60 years ago, ISS brings together academics and students from the Global South and North to study political, economic, and social developments in transition economies. It has a long tradition in action-oriented research and a wide range of expertise working on and with African societies.

The PhD candidate will be embedded in The Hague Humanitarian Studies Centre, a research centre for academic and applied research, teaching and training, and networking and impact in the field of humanitarian studies that focuses on the impact of humanitarian crises, including climate-related disasters and displacement.

Application process

The deadline for applications is 25 March 2025. You can apply by emailing your application to:

Position A: climares-phdapplication@wur.nl PLUS frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug
Position B: climares-phdapplication@wur.nl PLUS paul.mukwaya@mak.ac.ug

Clearly indicate whether you are applying for position A (smallholders) or position B (refugees).

The application must be in English. Please note: We strongly discourage the use of generative AI in your application.

Please include the following documents:

1. A motivation letter (max. two pages)
2. A curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Names and contact details of two referents
4. A concept note or description of research ideas of not more than 4 pages, outlining the intended focus, possible research questions, and the methodological and theoretical focus
5. publications if any; and as it is often difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution to publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

After reviewing all applications, we will make a shortlist of candidates who are invited for an interview. There might be a second interview before a final selection is made.
Interviews will be online and are to be scheduled for April 9, 10, and 11.

Further information

For more information on Climares, please visit: www.climares.nl

For specific questions, please contact:

1. Prof Frank Mugagga; Email: fmugagga@gmail.com or frank.mugagga@mak.ac.ug for the position on smallholders (position A)
   or
2. Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya; Email: pmukwaya@gmail.com or paul.mukwaya@mak.ac.ug for the position on refugees (position B)

Uganda’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, with the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote agro-industrialization. The government has set ambitious targets, including increasing agriculture’s contribution to the GDP, ensuring food and nutrition security by 2030, and creating decent employment opportunities for women and youth, with the goal of halving poverty levels by that same year.

To support the realization of the National Agro-industrialization Agenda and Uganda’s Vision 2040, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), with the support of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) and the APEX platform, officially launched the Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC) on 24 February 2025. The APRC aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that Uganda’s agricultural policies are grounded in solid empirical data and research. By employing analytical methods and using nationally representative data, the Centre will provide valuable insights into Uganda’s agri-food systems’ challenges and opportunities. Its goal is to contribute to the creation of sustainable, impactful agricultural policies that enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of Uganda’s farming communities.

Objectives of the Agricultural Policy Research Centre

The primary goal of the APRC is to promote increased use of research evidence in policy-making, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in objective, data-driven analysis. The key objectives of the Centre include:

1. Supporting the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of national development plans, programmes, projects, and policies.
2. Generating analytical outputs from major datasets, such as the Uganda National Household Survey and the Annual Agricultural Survey, to inform national policy.
3. Building the capacity of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in monitoring and evaluation, data management, and analytics.
4. Strengthening collaborations between CAES and development partners to enhance sustainable agricultural policies.
5. Advancing the employability of Applied Economics students through training in data analytics.
6. Ensuring effective integration of research outcomes into executive decision-making processes.

Anticipated Outcomes

The launch of the APRC is expected to yield several key outcomes, including:

1. Strengthened integration of research into the national policy-making process.
2. Increased awareness and engagement with the Centre’s mandate by stakeholders.
3. The establishment of networks among government entities, academic institutions, donors, and research partners.
4. Enhanced capacity for MDAs through specialized training in data management and analytics.
5. Improved employability for students and researchers in Applied Economics.

The Inaugural Launch Event

The APRC was officially launched by Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), represented by Mr. Steven Byantwale, the Commissioner for Crop Protection, on 24^th February 2025. The launch ceremony was attended by prominent scholars and practitioners from the agricultural sector, who engaged in discussions on the role of academia and think tanks in shaping national policies.

 Remarks by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries

In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze highlighted the importance of the APRC, emphasizing its role in improving agricultural policies through research, data, and stakeholder engagement. The Minister noted that past agricultural policies often lacked empirical data, leading to inefficiencies and poor implementation. “The APRC’s focus on rigorous research and collaboration with various sectors will ensure that policies are data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable,” he noted.

The Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security in line with Uganda’s strategic priorities. “APRC’s work will be closely aligned with the Ministry, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and other stakeholders to enhance service delivery, promote agricultural innovation, and improve value chains.”

He urged all stakeholders to actively engage with APRC, stressing the need for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. The Minister extended appreciation to all development partners for their support in funding research and policy development. He encouraged researchers and academics to use APRC as a platform for innovative and impactful solutions.

 On behalf of the Minister of State for Animal Industry at MAAIF, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Dr Anna Rose Ademun Okurut, the Commissioner for Animal Health, underscored the importance of connecting research with policy. “For a nation to progress, its actions must be rooted in research,” she emphasized, calling for the creation of policies that can effectively promote the adoption of research findings.

Former Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Victoria Ssekitoleko, highlighted the need for research that tackles the real challenges faced by local communities. She suggested revisions to the Bachelor of Agriculture programme to better align with the evolving demands of the industry. “It’s essential to equip individuals in Agricultural Extension and Agribusiness with skills in public speaking,” she emphasized. Additionally, Hon. Ssekitoleko called for the implementation of policies to regulate the real estate sector, which is believed to be rapidly consuming agricultural land.

Vice Chancellor’s address

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Prof. Robert Wamala, Director Research and Graduate Training emphasized the significance of the Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC) in advancing evidence-based policy for Uganda’s agricultural sector. “Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support evidence-based policy processes in Uganda’s agricultural sector, and as the host institution, we take immense pride in this achievement,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the APRC will bridge the gap between academic research and policy-making. “This Centre will complement existing efforts and will serve as a hub for cutting-edge policy research, drawing on the expertise of our renowned faculty, researchers, and graduate students. By working closely with government ministries, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations, APRC will translate research findings into actionable policies that benefit farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader economy. Additionally, APRC provides a unique learning and training platform for students and young researchers who aspire to shape the future of agricultural policy in Uganda and beyond. I specifically commend the strategic partnership with the APEX platform of the Office of the President in this initiative,” he explained.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for recognizing the importance of the APRC by providing the necessary support for its establishment. He also acknowledged the financial and technical support of the Centre’s development partners, whose contributions are expected to leave a lasting impact on Uganda’s agricultural sector.

In a special way, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the Principal of CAES and the leadership of the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (DANRE) for their dedication to guiding the initiative.

Principal, CAES

Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the Principal of CAES, described the launch of the Agricultural Policy Research Centre (APRC) as a significant step in transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector. She explained that the Centre seeks to tackle ongoing challenges, such as low productivity, the impacts of climate change, market inefficiencies, and gaps in policy implementation. “The APRC is designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy-making, ensuring that agricultural policies are grounded in credible, data-driven insights,” she said. “Its main objective is to provide empirical evidence that will guide decision-making, monitor agricultural trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies. The Centre is also committed to building the capacity of future agricultural policy analysts and promoting collaboration among academia, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.”

The Principal explained that the Centre will host policy roundtables, stakeholder forums, and consultations to foster dialogue among government agencies, private sector leaders, farmer organizations, and development partners. “These platforms will drive solutions to Uganda’s agricultural challenges.”

She acknowledged the invaluable support from the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University and the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) in establishing the APRC. Prof. Nabanoga invited stakeholders, including researchers, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, to engage with the APRC in generating relevant research and advocating for policy reforms that will shape the future of Uganda’s agriculture.

The workshop featured a panel discussion with experts from both the government and private sectors, exploring the crucial role that academic institutions and think tanks play in shaping national policies. Additionally, the event featured presentations on Uganda’s value chains and the development of its livestock infrastructure.

The APRC is coordinated by Prof. Bernard Bashaasha under the Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics (DANRE), School of Agricultural Sciences at CAES.

Video of the launch proceedings: 

Additional Photos from the event

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Makerere University has released a comprehensive report detailing the key challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. With an annual population growth rate of 5.6%, Kampala faces significant pressure on its infrastructure and urban systems. The report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, aims to provide actionable insights to improve the living conditions and urban services for all residents, especially marginalized communities.

Launched by Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, the Minister of State for Urban Development, on 13^th February 2025, the report explores the political, social, and infrastructural dynamics that have shaped urban development in Kampala. The analysis covers critical domains, including informal settlements, youth and capability development, land and connectivity, and health, wellbeing, and nutrition.

A Holistic Approach to Kampala’s Urban Challenges

The findings are based on extensive research by Makerere University‘s Urban Action Lab, with contributions from scholars, practitioners, and experts both local and international. The report identifies the most pressing challenges facing the city, particularly for its disadvantaged communities, and provides a framework for addressing these issues in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. Key contributors to the research include: Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, lead author and Head, Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University; Ms. Judith Mbabazi, Researcher, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University; Prof. Henrik Ernstson, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, The University of Manchester, UK; Dr. Peter Kasaija, Dr. Daniel Ochieng Ologe, Dr. Ritah Nakanjako, and Dr. Kareem Buyana, Researchers, Urban Action Lab, Makerere University; Ms. Hasifa Namuli, Wakiso Town Council Planner; Dr. Gloria Seruwagi, School of Public Health, Makerere University; Dr. Nansozi K. Muwanga, and Patricia Liola Tona Katto, Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre; Dr. Henry Bazira, Ms. Maria Ssematiko, Dr. Eria Serwajja, Mr. Muhamed Lunyago, and Dr. Doreen Kobusingye.

Key Findings

1. Infrastructure Deficits: The city is struggling with significant deficits in infrastructure and service provision, which are further exacerbated by rapid population growth.
2. Governance Challenges: Multiple actors, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the central government, often fail to coordinate effectively on service delivery. This lack of coordination leads to inefficiencies and contestations within city systems.
3. Inequality in Service Delivery: Informal settlements are disproportionately affected by poor service delivery, including inefficient transport, inadequate electricity distribution, and insecure neighbourhoods.
4. Privatization and Market-Driven Approaches: Privatization of services has led to a fragmented system, where gaps in service delivery are filled by private actors, resulting in unreliable and inaccessible services for many, particularly in informal settlements.
5. Mistrust and Governance Issues: Political struggles, corruption, and ineffective governance slow down reform efforts and hinder sustained investment in key urban sectors.
6. Political Elites and Informality: The influence of political and business elites operating informally impacts critical decisions on urban development, particularly regarding land, infrastructure, and public services.
7. Health and Nutrition Gaps: Despite abundant food, low incomes and poor nutrition knowledge contribute to poor health outcomes. A more informed and accessible approach to nutrition is needed.
8. Youth and Vulnerability: Kampala’s youth, who represent 46% of the population, are underserved by policies and face high rates of teenage pregnancies and drug abuse, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
9. Land Market Exploitation: Land brokers take advantage of information gaps in the land market, complicating efforts to address housing and land tenure issues.
10. Informal Settlements and Political Capital: Informal settlements in Kampala are becoming significant for economic rents and political leverage, which further complicates efforts to address urban challenges.

Proposed Reforms

The report suggests several priority reforms to improve Kampala’s urban development, including:

1. Upgrading Informal Settlements: Addressing poor housing conditions and infrastructure in informal settlements.
2. Proper Land Registration: Enhancing land tenure security through improved registration systems.
3. Waste Management and Public Health: Implementing sustainable waste management systems and promoting healthy diets through public health campaigns.
4. Youth Skills Development: Creating apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and life-skills initiatives for youth.
5. Improving State Capabilities: Strengthening the capacity of local and central governments to manage urban challenges, with a focus on financing, human resource development, and forging productive partnerships with non-state actors.
6. The authors stress the importance of community participation in governance and propose that economists, urban researchers, and other stakeholders provide urban policy advice without being seen as political opposition.
7. Other proposed initiatives include: i) the Kawenja Plastic Waste Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub aims to improve a slum upgrading project in Kisenyi III, focusing on flood control and livelihood enhancement. It will create a network of plastic waste collectors, conduct a situation analysis, and collaborate with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other agencies. The initiative will involve procuring and installing equipment to formalize recycling efforts. ii) Improved Hygiene and Sanitation at Ggaba Market: To address hygiene and sanitation challenges faced by food vendors, the report proposes the installation of a sludge transfer tank and a three-wheeler vehicle at Ggaba Market. This intervention aims to enhance sanitation standards and create a healthier environment for both vendors and customers.

Remarks from Key Stakeholders

The meeting was attended by representatives from government and non-government organizations, as well as leaders from the Kampala Capital City Authority, who shared insights into the city’s development challenges and proposed several reforms for improvement.

Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development

In his address, Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Urban Development encouraged city leaders to view Kampala’s challenges as opportunities for growth. He highlighted the city’s potential to generate revenue for Uganda and emphasized the need for systemic improvements in service delivery.  The Minister commended the researchers and committed to supporting the implementation of their recommendations. “Research should be viewed as a tool for solving issues, not just lamenting over them. Our leaders need to recognize Kampala as an integral part of Uganda’s governance due to its vital role in the country’s development. We must prioritize making Kampala thrive, as it is the central hub for commercial activity. City planning should accommodate and support informal trade effectively. Moving forward, we must focus on reducing youth unemployment through life-skills programs. Additionally, there is an urgent need to improve waste management, enhance financial literacy, and better regulate refugee affairs.”

 The Lord Mayor of Kampala

Briefing participants on the city development challenges, the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago expressed concern over the growing political interference and the lack of funding for planned activities. “On several occasions, we have struggled to address issues of physical planning, yet Kampala still lacks a structural plan. The Directorate of Physical Planning at KCCA is the least funded. While Kampala boasts of the best natural environment, its built environment is among the worst. There is a pressing need to transform the city’s vast slums into the ‘Garden City of Africa’.”  He expressed gratitude to ACRC for the report, noting that its findings would be crucial in guiding the implementation of reforms in the City.

Vice Chancellor’s address

 In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, expressed appreciation to the ACRC research team for dedicating their time and resources to investigate the challenges hindering progress in the city. “As Vice Chancellor, I acknowledge the significant role our university plays in shaping the future of Kampala and Uganda. Our mission to foster innovation, research, and education must address the challenges of urban development, enabling us to create sustainable solutions for growth. A key issue is the growing demand for housing, driven by Kampala’s rapid population growth. However, the supply of affordable, quality housing has not kept up, resulting in overcrowded slums and poor living conditions. As an academic institution, we are well-placed to contribute by researching affordable building technologies, promoting sustainable urban planning, and collaborating with policymakers to ensure equitable housing for all.”

Commenting on the challenges posed by the city’s population growth, the Vice Chancellor pointed out the inadequacies in transport infrastructure and waste management. He stressed the importance of collaborating with researchers to develop alternative transportation models, smart mobility solutions, and urban planning that prioritizes walkability while reducing reliance on private cars. Additionally, he highlighted the need for further research into waste-to-energy technologies, the creation of sustainable waste management systems, and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices.

“As Kampala expands, we must also consider the preservation of its natural environment. Green spaces, parks, and urban forests are essential for the well-being of the city’s inhabitants. They provide recreational areas, improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the city,” he explained.

Mr. Joseph Walter Pade, the Commissioner, Urban Development at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, emphasized the need to involve the entire country in addressing the challenges facing Kampala. He also highlighted the importance of changing mindsets to tackle the city’s development issues.

The Dean of the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, commended the research team for the excellent work and called for the wider dissemination of the findings to maximize their impact.