General
Uganda’s IGE Fellows discuss Draft National Peer Review document on fossil fuel, plastic pollution & forest loss
Uganda’s Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Fellows have called for national policy instruments that are clear with objectives and implementation plans.The need for reliance on information-based instruments has also been emphasized to contribute to the information disclosure and mindset change.
These came up during the In-country National Policy Review Workshop organized by the IGE support team at the Environment for Development Initiative Centre at Makerere University on 1st June 2022.
The New IGE Cohort 2022 was launched in Naivasha Kenya followed by an online training and is now conducting National Peer Review exercises.
The overall objective of the workshop was to strengthen the collaboration between the academia and practitioners for increased evidence-based policy making for the Inclusive Green Economy.
Specifically, the workshop reflected on the IGE Vision, strategies and programmes to expose the gaps in the National Peer Review document relating to policy instruments.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale said, the IGE programme at the Centre focuses on training, peer learning and exchange of ideas.
“Policy review in this context looks at the existing instruments in the country to address environmental issues. We normally focus on literature review and taking stock on environment”. Prof. Bbaale explained.
Participants observed that the National forest cover has been damaged in many aspects from human activities but not well researched.
“Environment and Environmental resource economics has not been studied well in many of the universities across the globe.
This means environmental economists have to care so much on the environment and thus IGE fellowship addresses much of the environment related tasks”, Fulbright Scholar and Research fellow at the EfD-Mak Centre, Dr. Nick Kilimani observed.
The draft NPR document on the three themes: fossil fuel, forest loss and plastic pollution in the country was presented and discussed by the IGE fellows. See attachment for the details of the different themes, discussions, observations and recommendations.
IGE Fellows’ NPR discussions on Fossil fuel, Forest loss and Plastic pollution
| Theme | Observations | Recommendations |
| 1. Fossils A ban on importation of used vehicles aged 15 years and above. Subsidizing on manufacturing of electric vehicles. Subsidizing on solar energy. A 45% subsidy on solar panels in 2007. Establishment of non-motorized transport corridor. Encouraging use of public transport. Reduce cost of inspection for electricity. | Policies have been majorly affected by government in many departments thus civil disobedience of the policies. Need to review, terminate or pick up a new policy. Age of a car does not qualify a policy if not respected by the implementer. Instrument on solar energy is goo but costs still remain high in rural areas in terms of accessibility, affordability and inclusiveness. People will prefer staying with old cars rather than a new purchase which is more expensive. Information on Kiira electric motors missing Solar subsidies have not been able to impact to the end user. Public transport will be on demand rather than private cars. Inspection costs of electricity still remain higher. | Recruit a research officer in key ministry to address specifically policy issues. Give power subsidy up to the end user to encourage use of cleaner energies including LPG and hydroelectricity. Institute a policy mix in executing instruments. Evaluate identified policy instruments in terms of performance, impact and what needs to be done for robust results. Use of train as an alternative. Provide Information on Kiira electric motors and include walk -ways information in the write up. Include plans for geothermal. |
| 2. Forest loss Providing good quality subsidized seedlings. Subsidizing firms that produce clean energy saving stoves. Continuous planting of trees by NFA. Resurveying, demarcating all forest reserves. Eviction from forest reserves. In 2020 about 200 land titles were cancelled in Mukono and Wakiso districts. | Lack of training for Tree seedlings provision and maintenance. Green economy concentration in greater Kampala. Tree planting does not cater for management. Inadequate monitoring of forest resources. Lack of initiative to track Green jobs. Inadequate financing to local governments. Information on local instruments missing. Supply – demand missing link | Focus training on tree seedling management and integrate tree seedlings into fruit trees. Adopt Clean energy as multiple tool for green economy. Diversify green economy outside greater Kampala. Digitalize monitoring of forest resources. Track green jobs. Increase financing to local governments. Provision of information on instruments. |
| 3. Plastic pollution A ban on all plastics with a provision on recycling and extended producer responsibility and product storage. Disposal of plastic wastes | Lack of strong information models. Low involvement of the private sector. Public mindset on dangers of plastics still low. De-link is from the housing sector and wiring system Local government involvement in pollution control still wanting. Implementation plan not clear. | Strengthen information based instruments to model behavior and alternatives. Compounding private sector efforts. Task the local governments on pollution control. Policy instruments should come out clearly with implementation structure. Need for more reliance on the use of information-based instruments. |
In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.
A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.
In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:
“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”
Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”
He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:
“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”
Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”
In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.
“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”
Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.
“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”
Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action
Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:
“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”
She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.
European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity
Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:
“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.
Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:
“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”
The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.
The Legacy Continues
Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:
“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”
The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.
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