Business & Management
EfD-Mak Centre in Strategic Plan Retreat to Ensure Proper Environmental Management in Uganda
The EfD-Mak Centre has gone into a three day strategic plan retreat (February 15th -18th 2022) to write the strategic plan for the next five years to ensure that there is proper environmental management in Uganda.
Officials from the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, environmental economists from Makerere University colleges of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and that of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), selected officials from the Makerere University Planning Directorate, representatives from Civil Society Organisations and the Private sector will participate.
The meeting was officially opened by the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali at Ridar Hotel in Seeta.
The EfD-Mak-Centre was established in 2018 at the EfD Global Hub’s annual meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam and is among the newly established Centres making up 15 centres of the EfD Global network.
The Centre was launched at Makerere University on 29th August, 2019 under the joint management the CoBAMS, and CAES. It is mandated to build capacity in environmental economics through capacity building and sponsoring action-oriented research projects to find solutions to the most pressing environmental and development challenges such as climate change for sustainable development.
While opening the meeting, the Principal CoBAMS congratulated the centre leadership upon achievements so far recorded noting that since its inception, it has remain on course and continued to do a commendable job.
Assoc. Prof. Hisali said, the work that the centre is set out to do is central to the future of not only Uganda, but also, the future of humanity.
“There is very little that we are going to be able to do going forward without harnessing and learning how to co-exist with the different aspects of the environment and this is something that we better take very seriously, otherwise, the growth and prosperity that we see today across the globe will be very quickly wiped away without taking due consideration to environmental concerns.” he said.
Assoc. Prof. Hisali congratulated the EfD-Mak centre leadership for mobilizing the team and coming gather to discuss raising key issues of interest to the participants in the course of the discussion for the strategic plan .
He implored participants to consider the issue of visualization of the centre taking care of whether they need to expand the institutional capacity in terms of administrative structure, how the structure should look like and how to align the activities of the centre into the mainstream activities of the university.
“Are we going to remain focused on research, training and outreach or there is a possibility of doing a few other things that would be part of the visualization that we need to take into consideration as we develop the strategic plan.
Once we finish the visualization, the next thing is the outlook, how to operationalize it, steps and resources that are required for the next five years”, The Principal advised.
Hisali also implored participants to appreciate in greater detail what the status quo currently is, the gaps there between and the implementation plan itself, noting that the strategic plan is just part of the process.
“There will be an annex called implementation matrix and in doing this, you benefit from experience, what you know, but avoid as much as possible putting in things that are clearly not achievable because you are going to be evaluated on the basis of what you have put down.
But good reporting also now entails capturing other things and achievements that you did that are outside the plan. So you should not constrain yourself to including everything in the plan, and also hope that at some stage we would be able to cost what we are think about so that we get a sense of what is possible and what it might take to deliver this plan,” the Principal advised.
The other important consideration according to Prof. Hisali was the alignment of the mandate of the centre with the interventions and objectives so that they speak to the input indicators and outputs which must come from the conceptualization.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale noted that although natural resources constitute the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the people in Uganda, they have come under increased pressure arising from high population growth rates with its associated high poverty levels, limited public knowledge on environmental functions, and poor governance.
“Due to high poverty levels, many people are still engaged in charcoal burning, hunting, and farming in environmentally risky areas like wetlands. As a consequence, many forests, wetlands and their associated biodiversity have been heavily destroyed.” the Director noted.
The Director pointed out that, Uganda’s natural resources and environmental challenges pose serious threats to realizing the country’s sustainable development agenda and therefore, the establishment of the EfD-Mak Centre is timely and provides an opportunity to work on practical solutions to reverse the current trends.
Together with the relevant stakeholders, Prof. Bbaale said, the Centre is committed to provide the much-needed evidence, capacity development, policy outreaches and advocacy.
Bbaale said the strategic plan will focus on capacity development in managing Uganda’s natural capital to the relevant officials and practitioners, and will strive to ensure demand driven trainings that serve the real purpose.
In addition, the professor said, the strategic plan seeks to address the existing governance and institutional gaps in managing environment and natural resources in Uganda and the persistent disaggregation of empirical research and policy engagement.
“The Centre is currently priding in an experienced mass of Research Fellows at all levels with diverse research interest from energy, transport, agriculture, climate change, forestry, wildlife and others. These together with the support from the global hub and partners are strong to bridge the research-policy gap.
Currently, the Centre is running a number of research projects with support from the global hub and this is evidence that the Centre is set and ready to face and address the above challenges together with partners.”, Prof. Bbaale asserted.
The Director also reported that since its launch, the Centre has grown its wings away from being typical Makerere-based and created partnerships with some District Local governments and some Universities with regional coordinators for the both local governments and Universities. With these strategic partnerships, Bbaale said the Centre will strengthen the policy engagements with stakeholders not only at the centre, but also across the country. This will be good for the research disseminations and policy engagements on environment and natural resources.
Prof. Bbaale further said, the Centre has also created functional working relationships with a number of government ministries and agencies, the civil society, private sector, international agencies and academia. These strategic working relations according the Director will position the Centre to spearhead policy discussions in the space of Environment and natural resources and inclusive green economy with the ability of uptake of the resolutions.
The Centre according to the Director is having strategic working relations with sister EfD-Centres in the region including EfD-Tanzania and EfD-Kenya. This he said, is very crucial in conducting joint research activities that yield policy discussions that benefit the entire region thereby contributing to the East African Community Policy Agenda on environment and climate change for the EAC Vision 2050.
Prof. Bbaale also reported that the Centre is establishing the Advisory Board which will provide the strategic direction and guidance to the centre. This he said, is very critical in realizing the strategic objectives of the Centre as highlighted in the strategic plan and the annual plans.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre Uganda.
Kampala, Uganda – December 19, 2025 — The Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda Centre at Makerere University has taken stock of its 2025 achievements and outlined its strategic direction for 2025–2029, with a strong focus on energy transition, climate change, and sustainable natural resource management.
The reflections were shared during the Centre’s annual end-of-year celebration, which brought together members of the EfD Steering Committee, deans from the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences, government officials, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, and students.
Interdisciplinary Foundation Strengthens Impact
Addressing stakeholders, EfD Uganda Director, Professor Edward Bbaale, highlighted the Centre’s progress in institutional development, research, policy engagement, and capacity building. While acknowledging challenges encountered during the year, he noted that these provided valuable lessons as the Centre transitions into a new strategic phase under the EfD Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
Prof. Bbaale underscored the Centre’s unique positioning within Makerere University, noting that it is jointly anchored in the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences. This interdisciplinary foundation, he said, enables EfD Uganda to address complex development challenges such as energy transition, climate change, water resources, forestry, biodiversity, and agriculture from a holistic perspective.
“This approach aligns with Makerere University’s policy on research institutes and reflects global trends that increasingly demand cross-disciplinary collaboration,” he said.
He further highlighted existing academic synergies, with PhD students in Economics and Agricultural Economics sharing coursework, and announced the launch of a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resource Economics, recently approved by the National Council for Higher Education. The programme, jointly developed by faculty from both schools, is expected to strengthen training in environmental economics and natural resource management.
Strategic Direction for 2025–2029
Prof. Bbaale unveiled the Centre’s strategic plan for 2025–2029, anchored on six thematic areas: energy transition; climate change adaptation and mitigation; climate-smart agriculture; water resources management; forestry and biodiversity; and environmental quality.
He noted that climate change remains a cross-cutting issue across all themes, adding that EfD Uganda will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure its research informs national policy and practical interventions.
Over the next five years, the Centre’s research will focus on land use and biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and energy transition-areas expected to generate evidence-based solutions for Uganda and the wider region.
Key stakeholders identified for collaboration include the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Climate Finance Unit), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and district local governments.
Major Achievements in 2025
Prof. Bbaale reported that the Centre concentrated its efforts on the three pillars of Makerere University: research, policy engagement, and training.
Policy Engagement
The Centre organised two high-level dialogues on climate-smart agriculture and a policy dialogue on e-mobility under the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) programme.
“We chose e-mobility because it is a green mode of transport,” Prof. Bbaale said. “Through the IGE programme, we worked with senior civil servants and policymakers to explore how Uganda can transition to a greener economy.”
The programme also facilitated cross-country peer learning among Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. He cited Rwanda’s rapid electrification of motorcycles through taxation and subsidies, and Tanzania’s success in universal rural electrification, as key lessons.
Capacity Building
The Centre conducted more than ten training sessions for fellows, researchers, policymakers, and graduate students. It also recruited a funded postdoctoral fellow Dr. Gemeda Olani Akuma. from Ethiopia, to work on natural capital issues.
“Postdoctoral fellows are critical to knowledge generation,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “If Makerere strengthens its postdoctoral programme, our research output will more than triple.”
He referenced benchmarking visits to South African universities with strong postdoctoral systems, noting that Makerere is steadily moving toward becoming a research-led institution.
New Projects and Institutional Growth
EfD Uganda launched five new projects and expanded its institutional partnerships during the year. These included Sida-funded initiatives, a consultancy with GIZ, the Centre’s first MakRIF-funded project, and grants from the Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation.
In institutional development, the Centre inaugurated 13 new advisory board members, strengthening governance and oversight. Prof. Bbaale also introduced the Centre’s core staff, praising their dedication and commitment to capacity building, including the mentorship of interns and teaching assistants some of whom have since joined institutions such as the Bank of Uganda.
Strengthening National and International Engagement
The Centre deepened collaboration with national institutions, including the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Among ongoing initiatives is a study aimed at improving bill payments at the utility to unlock new investments and service improvements.
EfD Uganda is also working with district local governments to build capacity in environmental valuation and natural capital accounting, supported by MakRIF funding from the Government of Uganda.. Trainings were conducted for districts in central Uganda and in Fort Portal.
At the international level, the Centre hosted visiting scholars, including Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa from the University of Cape Town, who trained government officials on community-based conservation, and Prof. Mark Purdon from the University of Montreal, who launched a book on carbon markets.
EfD’s Natural Capital Accounting Model Adopted by Government
A major highlight was the development of a natural capital accounting model, supported by GIZ and now adopted by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The Excel-based MoneyCap model, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, UBOS, and the National Planning Authority, supports policy assessment by comparing investment scenarios in natural capital.
“This places us at another level,” Prof. Bbaale said, noting that the model aligns with global climate finance discourse and Africa’s emerging coalition of finance ministers for climate action.
Prof. Bbaale warned that Uganda’s agriculture sector must urgently adapt to climate realities, citing erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. He stressed that climate-smart agriculture is critical to safeguarding livelihoods and food security.
The Centre also celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of Inclusive Green Economy Fellows, supported by Sida, and announced five new grants, including a Carnegie-funded project on household and SME energy efficiency and a grant for climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling and the Makerere Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) from the Government of Uganda
Commitment to Policy-Relevant Research
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Bbaale reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s mission to generate research that delivers practical solutions for policymakers and communities.
“Our work asks a fundamental question: how much natural capital are we depleting in the pursuit of growth?” he said. “That is the frontier we are working on.”
He thanked the Centre’s team for their dedication and contributions throughout the year.
Centre Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist, reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s commitment to collaboration with policymakers, academia, civil society, and the media.
“Policy engagement includes working with the media,” Dr. Babyenda said. “We remain open to partnerships and invite stakeholders to engage with us.”
He thanked participants for attending the annual reflection event and encouraged continued networking.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
December 18, 2025 – Coming after the successful completion of the examination season, and as the year comes to an end, the afternoon, evening and night hours of 18th December 2025, presented the best opportunity, to staff to reflect on the 2025 College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) achievements in a relaxed environment.
The ever-green Makerere University Guest House gardens provided comfort as staff continued to enjoy this lovely space situated on the Makerere University Main Campus.
The event brought together the Principal, Deputy Principal, Deans of the respective Schools, Heads of Department, academic, administrative, technical and support staff, as well as guests, in a mix of celebration, networking, and recognition.
The end of year staff get-together provided a platform to strengthen collegial relationships, and reflect on the College’s future direction. In the true sense of networking, the event also featured dance competitions amongst staff.
Recognition of CoBAMS staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards 2025
A key highlight of the event featured recognition of the ten (10) members of staff from CoBAMS who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award 2025. These included: Early Career Scholar Category-Namugenyi Christabellah and Dr. Richard Ssempala, Mid-Career Scholar Category-Dr. Peter Kisaakye, Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Dr. John A. Mushomi, and Dr. Kasimu Ssendawula, Senior Career Scholar Category-Dr. Stephen O. Wandera, and the Best Teachers Category-Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Faisal Buyinza and Mr. Fred Kasalirwe.
Presenting the CoBAMS Awards amidst applause from members of staff, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof.Sarah Ssali flanked by the Deputy Principal of the College, Associate Professor James Wokadala read a special message: “Your dedication elevates the standards of the College of Business and Management Sciences and brings distinction to Makerere University.”
Collective Achievements and Strategic Priorities
Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, in his end-of-year message, acknowledged the dedication of all staff and their contributions to the college’s success. “I sincerely thank all colleagues across our academic, research, administrative, and support units for your relentless dedication to advancing the mandate of the College. Your collective efforts remain the backbone of our success and institutional resilience,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale highlighted notable achievements in research and publications, congratulating staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards and Best Teacher Awards. “These achievements reflect individual distinction and collective pride for our College. I encourage you to sustain this excellent performance,” he said. He further recognised faculty who secured research grants from Mak-RIF, international development partners including the Gates Foundation, UN-PAGE, GGGI, the World Bank, and Erasmus+, noting that such successes reflect growing global trust in CoBAMS scholarship.
The Principal underscored the college’s role in fostering institutional growth and partnerships. “I appreciate colleagues who have initiated and advanced Memoranda of Understanding with domestic and international partners. These platforms strengthen relevant academic training, impactful research, and policy engagement,” he said.
He highlighted new academic programs responsive to Uganda’s economic and societal needs, emphasising the college’s forward-looking and development-oriented approach.
Prof. Bbaale praised initiatives promoting staff welfare and cohesion, including the CoBAMS Physical Fitness Programme and the Mak-CoBAMS SACCO.
On infrastructure development, the Principal noted, “Government has allocated resources to commence the CoBAMS Infrastructure Expansion Project, and the University Council has approved two strategically located plots of land for its implementation. We shall actively engage the design consultant to ensure the buildings meet our teaching, research, innovation, and policy-engagement needs.”
He concluded his remarks by acknowledging life’s challenges alongside successes, extending condolences to staff who lost loved ones in 2025 and seasonal greetings: “As we step into 2026, I wish you and your families a year filled with God’s abundant blessings, good health, professional fulfilment, and personal joy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.”
DVC Academic Affairs praises Research, Innovation, and Integrity
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Sarah Ssali, praised CoBAMS for its contribution to Makerere University’s strategic goals.
She extended warm greetings from the university management, including the Vice Chancellor, and underscored the importance of every staff member’s role. “Whatever role you play, you are adding a brick to this institution, just as those before us did,” she said.
Prof. Ssali highlighted the college’s research-led initiatives, emphasizing the importance of postgraduate and doctoral programs as a pipeline for academic excellence. “I commend CoBAMS for taking this seriously. Your work reflects the university’s strategic direction and internationalisation,” she said.
She noted the recent launch of the CoBAMS Working Paper Series and encouraged its development into four journals in economics, business, statistics, and planning in the near future. “This will allow graduate students to actively contribute, mentoring the next generation of scholars while strengthening Africa’s knowledge production and decolonising knowledge,” she explained.
The DVC Academic Affairs acknowledged CoBAMS for innovative approaches to research and value addition. “During the Entrepreneurship Expo, your work with coffee demonstrated how one thematic area can generate multiple products—from coffee oil to bath scrubs—showing creativity and value addition. Similarly, demography and population studies contribute crucial expertise, from census data to electoral processes,” she said.
Prof. Ssali encouraged the college to document and develop indigenous knowledge systems. “Your role as a college is to study local economic models, explore African-informed business and economic practices, and produce scholarship that reflects local realities,” she said.
She congratulated faculty members who secured research grants, published in peer-reviewed journals, or served as editors, noting that these achievements reflect both individual excellence and the academic culture of CoBAMS.
Reflecting on the Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile Centre of Excellence at Makerere University and the research promoted by the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, Prof. Ssali called for rigorous development of the initiative. “While research chairs focus on individual scholarship, Centres of Excellence build pipelines of knowledge for future generations, preserving the legacy of scholars namely Dr Mutebile in monetary policy, finance, and banking,” she said.
Networking and Teamwork
In his address, Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized the importance of networking and teamwork. “Today is a day for networking. This is a time to connect socially, celebrate, and reaffirm our commitment to serve Makerere University and, specifically, our College.”
He applauded staff for supporting the college’s teaching, learning, research, and student mentorship activities. He highlighted CoBAMS’ innovative initiatives, including the CoBAMS SACCO and the CoBAMS fitness club, which promote teamwork, wellness, and collegiality.
He thanked the event organisers for their efforts and acknowledged those who have supported administrative processes, such as fast-tracking promotion applications. He called upon staff to continue collaborating to serve Makerere University, the nation, and humanity.
Staff Appreciate the get-together moments
Charmed by the spirit of celebration, dance competitions amongst staff, and the choice of trending music, a significant number of staff stayed at the venue until the party came to a complete stop at 10:00p.m.
The following day (19th December 2025), the rejuvenated staff took to the College WhatsApp platform, and wrote messages, acknowledging being refreshed, feeling nice and young again. They requested the College leadership to plan for more of such engagements that promote teamwork, collegiality and good health.
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