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Makerere Inducts the 2nd Cohort of IGE Fellows for Uganda

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Makerere University recruited the first Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Cohort 2021 in December 2020 and subsequently launched the program in June, 2021 with six (6) senior public servants nominated from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development,  Ministry of Water and Environment,  the National Planning Authority (NPA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

This first cohort 2021 has undergone a full year capacity building and is slated for graduation and crowning with the title, “IGE fellows” to become IGE change agents and trainers in their different Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Makerere University IGE in Practice” is a collaborative programme between Makerere University’s Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Center and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden fully funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Other participating countries are Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

The program is aimed at strengthening Uganda’s capacity for transformation towards an Inclusive Green Economy largely under the United Nations SDG 8 that focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Some of the IGE Cohort 2021 Fellows pose for a group photo with Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (Seated 2nd R) and Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd L) during the workshop.
Some of the IGE Cohort 2021 Fellows pose for a group photo with Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (Seated 2nd R) and Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd L) during the workshop.

The program focuses on the use of environmental policy instruments, and specifically economic instruments such as environmental taxes, pollution fees, subsidies or subsidy reduction and other types of fiscal incentives for societal development in line with the Global Agenda 2030.

On 17th March 2022, EfD-Mak center organized a Training of Trainers workshop as the final activity for the pioneer IGE Cohort 2021 and a platform to share  lessons learnt and what they have done in National Policy Reviews in the previous year with the new IGE cohort 2022.

The blended workshop held physically and online was graced by IGE program leader from the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg Sweden Prof. Anders Ekbom and the co-programme leader Emelie César. It was also  attended by graduate students from Makerere.

Makerere University IGE Program Policy Engagement Specialist Peter Babyenda said the workshop was the last for the IGE fellows 2021 who had been taken through the IGE principles, policies and what to do to achieve the IGE goals.

Some of the IGE fellows attending the workshop.
Some of the IGE fellows attending the workshop.

Babyenda said the pioneer fellows were trained online due to COVID-19. The program also held a grand workshop at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Uganda where all participating countries joined to present their national environment and natural resources-related policies for review.

“We also did a review of all existing IGE policies in Uganda and today our IGE fellows have been disseminating to us and the new fellows what they have learnt from forestry sector, urbanization, energy and the agricultural sector” he said.

The workshop inaugurating the new cohort 2022 was officially opened by the Principal, College of Business and Management Studies (CoBAMS), Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali on 17th March 2022 at the EfD-Mak Conference room in the Central Teaching Facility Two at Makerere University.

 Dr. Hisali congratulated the IGE Cohort 2021 upon their resilience to work in an environment which combines office work and training, expressing hope that they will put into practice everything they have learnt.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali making his opening remarks.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali making his opening remarks.

“We are still having a challenge in this country that the concept of Inclusive Green Economy and inclusive green growth generally still has a very limited audience. There are very many people in the private sector and government and elsewhere who have limited knowledge on what this inclusive green economy is”, Dr. Hisali said.

Hisali congratulated and challenged the IGE pioneers to integrate what they learnt into the workplace and implored them to support the university whenever called upon to give guest lectures and undertake joint research.

The Principal hailed the program facilitators for the good work done in capacity building even during the COVID-19 lockdown, and thanked Sida for the continued support to Makerere University programmes.

Dr. Hisali welcomed and congratulated the new IGE Cohort 2022 assuring them that they were in the right place. He highlighted a number of issues that the cohorts should be interested in answering as they embark on the journey.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (R) and other workshop participants listen to the proceedings.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (R) and other workshop participants listen to the proceedings.

 “Our growth of Uganda’s economy has been largely driven by unsustainable use of natural resources. What interventions then, are we going to put in place as a country to enhance productivity of our resources so that we see growth coming in from increased productivity and less on unsustainable use of natural resources”, Dr. Hisali asked.

The other challenge that IGE fellows ought to take note of according to Dr. Hisali is how to go about the income inequality and high population growth rates accompanied by the fact that many of the people are clustered around the poverty line with about 40-42% living on less than 1.9 dollars a day. These, he said, will intuitively resort to exploitation of natural resources.

Dr. Hisali also observed that Uganda has a number of IGE projects spread across the private and public sectors involving many individuals, but with very limited synergies because they are scattered and isolated.

Workshop participants and IGE Fellows pose for a group photo with Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (Seated 2nd R) and Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd L) after the Induction.
Workshop participants and IGE Fellows pose for a group photo with Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (Seated 2nd R) and Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd L) after the Induction.

“The other challenge is that we are focused on pursuing a private sector led growth which in its self is not a problem, but in my own view, has a number of disadvantages .The challenge with respect to Inclusive Green Economy is that many private sector actors may not give enough attention to the issue of sustainable growth. They may be driven in the short term by the profit, motive to maximize the returns on their investment, and the situation is made worse because of the weak regulatory framework.” Hisali decried

Program objectives

Speaking online, the IGE Programme leader from University of Gothenburg, Prof. Anders Ekbom said the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice is Capacity Development Programme for Senior Civil Servants and Policy makers.

Prof. Ekbom explained that besides strengthening research –policy interface, the IGE program is to strengthen countries’ capacity for transformation to an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) – through increased knowledge and application of economic and environmental policy instruments, organizational change, and strengthened national systems for inclusive and sustainable economic development.

He further said the countries’ capacities are strengthened at three levels namely Individual, organizational and system level.

IGE Programme leaders Prof. Anders Ekbom and Emelie César attending the workshop online.
IGE Programme leaders Prof. Anders Ekbom and Emelie César attending the workshop online.

”At individual level, the objectives include increased understanding of IGE and the application of environmental economic instruments, increased knowledge of organizational changes and  expanded international, regional and national networks.

At organisational level, the aim is increased capacity for IGE and application of economic instruments, increased priority on IGE and economic instruments and IGE projects and support for ongoing IGE work and processes.

And at system level, the program objectives include improved cooperation between organizations and sectors in the country and region, strengthened IGE system and  transformations towards IGE and application of useful environment economic instruments”, Prof. Ekbom explained.

The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale commended the the centre staff and Makerere University Management for supporting and providing an environment that is conducive for the IGE program to thrive.

Director EfD -Mak centre Prof. Edward Bbaale speaking during the workshop.
Director EfD -Mak centre Prof. Edward Bbaale speaking during the workshop.

Prof. Bbaale welcomed the students,  as well as IGE 2021 and 2022 cohorts to the workshop.

”It is an exciting opportunity having the IGE 2021 fellows building capacity of their fellow workers and even for ourselves on what they have done and learnt for the year on Inclusive Green Economy training for senior public servants. This is a great opportunity and moment”, he said.

Bbaale thanked all the stakeholders from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies for considering IGE program as a great opportunity and nominating the senior colleagues to participate in the training program.

The Director thanked the Global hub for organising the program and meeting on the mandate despite the COVID-19 challenges.

Bbaale extended gratitude to the Sida and the EfD Global hub for financing the program and expressed the centre’s commitment to deliver on her mandate.

Prof. Edward Bbaale addressing participants and IGE Fellows.
Prof. Edward Bbaale addressing participants and IGE Fellows.

Participants speak out on the training

Aloo Steven doing Masters of Arts in Economics, Policy and Planning Makerere University said he learnt about how to incorporate issues of environment in development, and how to have a smart city.

” I wish this kind of training continues. I have seen the training is on the higher level and I wish it can be brought to the lower level to bring students to cause a mindset change among the young people on how to keep the environment green”.

Ronald Kagwa, a  pioneer IGE fellow from the National Planning Authority (NPA) said, ”This is a very good way to begin a new program. The second lot of IGE fellows have learnt the lessons we picked from the second program, what they need to do and I think they have got a better understanding of the program, is to come up with policies relevant to combating the sustainable development challenges of the country, the need for partnerships and they should come up with policies that address the national objectives.”

Pioneer IGE Fellow Moreen Anino presenting the national policy review on the Forestry sector during the workshop.
Pioneer IGE Fellow Moreen Anino presenting the national policy review on the Forestry sector during the workshop.

Racheal Nabasirye  is  an IGE Cohort 2022 Fellow and a planner in the Directorate of Policy, Research and Innovation, NPA. She said, ”The IGE workshop was very insightful. I learnt a lot about the environment, how  we can make our economy green through the different sectors, agriculture, transport and I think we need to push it to the private sector as one of the major players as well as strengthen our institutions to further this course”.

Robert Chuchu, the Ag.Director Strategy at Kampala Capital City Authority and also an IGE Cohort 2022 Fellow said he found the training very interesting, engaging and worthwhile.

’The IGE programme has a lot to contribute to improve our country and as we bring together experts and building skills and capacities of the different civil servants, policy makers and other players in the development of our city, it is critical as we deliberate on issues that concern the environment and the green economy. Green economy is the future in every aspect because it is crosscutting in all our lives and we must be able to appreciate these principles and how to promote them”.

Jane Anyango, EfD-Mak Centre

Jane Anyango

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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