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. |
General
UNDP and Mak Launch Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio to Boost Gender Equality and Digital Inclusion
Makerere University, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has launched two transformative facilities, a Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre at the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and a state-of-the-art Multimedia Studio at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility. These facilities mark a major milestone in the University’s commitment to gender equality, student and staff welfare, and digital innovation in higher education.
A Milestone for Gender Equality: Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre
Mr. Ian King, the Ag. Resident Representative, UNDP Uganda, speaking at launch of the Daycare and Breastfeeding Centre emphasized the importance of the Gender Equality Seal (GES) initiative, funded by the European Union (EU). He applauded the Institute for being the first in Africa to participate in the GES.
Mr. King highlighted the role of the facility to mothers and some fathers in ensuring children’s safety and peace of mind for parents. He further commended the Institute for demonstrating what can be achieved through the programme. He stressed the importance of setting high standards for child care centres and making spaces safe for young parents. The Daycare centre is intended to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and relief for mothers and fathers to focus on their work and studies.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the centre will be crucial in supporting breastfeeding mothers—particularly students and staff—to continue their academic and professional pursuits. Recalling a time when women were barely represented in the University Senate, he acknowledged the significant strides Makerere has made, while also noting ongoing gaps in graduate gender equity.
“The majority of graduates are women, but there are still issues of equity at the graduate level. I think there are still issues that we must solve, and one of them is helping mothers who are students and members of staff to continue with what they do, even when they have got babies to look after because that’s one of the reasons, I think, why many students drop out just because they become mothers,” he added.
He acknowledged that the facility will come in handy for addressing challenges, including balancing motherhood with academic or professional responsibilities. He extended appreciation to UNDP for their long-standing partnership in transforming Makerere into a more inclusive and modern academic institution.
The Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali, in her remarks, thanked the Vice Chancellor who catered for the Daycare Centre while designing the building. Prof. Ssali highlighted that the Daycare describes Makerere University‘s history and its commitment to gender equality and inclusion. She highlighted that the University has over 20 gender policies and interventions—with some directly impacting gender equality and others improving the work ecosystem—for example, digitization, quality assurance programmes and scholarship programmes. “But this is the first that directly addresses the needs of both students and staff—mothers and fathers alike—through a shared space for child care,” she said.
Ms. Donna Keirungi, a mother and alumna of the University, shared her personal journey on how challenging it is to balance both studying and childcare. She highlighted that the Daycare Centre aims to make the various policies on gender equality and women’s empowerment practical, and to support the University’s commitment to Gender Equality. The Centre aims to fulfil the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2030’s emphasis on creating an enabling environment and work-life balance.
“The journey to establish the centre began in 2022 with support from the UNDP, including benchmarking at a well-established Daycare Centre in Parliament. The centre is open to children aged zero to five years, including those of students and staff members,” she highlighted.
The Daycare Centre is unique in that it benefits all members of the University community, including single fathers and students.
H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James, the 91st Guild President, thanked UNDP and the organising committee for their efforts in making the facility a reality, describing it as a testament to the University’s commitment to gender equity, student welfare, and removing barriers for parenting students. He highlighted the importance of peace of mind for students, especially mothers, and how the facility will help them balance their roles.
Advancing Digital Transformation: New Multimedia Studio Launched
In a separate but equally impactful launch at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Mr. Ian King described the studio as a strategic milestone in the University’s vision to modernise higher education and foster flexible learning. Mr. King noted that Uganda has made significant progress in digital inclusion with over 13 million internet users. He emphasized that the facility aims to address gaps in digital skills access—with only 3% of the population currently benefiting—and promote digital inclusion in line with the pillars of the Digital Economy Scorecard.
He also expressed confidence that the next Digital Economy Scorecard will show improved figures due to the efforts of Makerere and other universities. The digital studio will provide a dedicated space equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate equitable access to digital skills development. He encouraged full utilization of the studio to maximise its impact on teaching, learning and skills development. He further thanked the Makerere University Management and development partners for their financial contributions that enabled the studio’s realization.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the UNDP for their long-time support, especially with facilities like the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak UniPod). He thanked the UNDP for contributing to the modernisation of the University. The Vice Chancellor pledged to use the facility to build capacity across all disciplines and provide knowledge to a wider audience online.
He noted that Africa’s enrolment in higher education is the lowest in the world despite having the fastest-growing population, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality education to as many people as possible, both on-campus and online. “I’m happy that this facility looks even more diverse than ones I have seen,” he said, expressing his gratitude to UNDP. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the impact of the UNDP’s support towards unleashing talent and fostering innovation among students. “So by bringing the UniPod, you helped us unlock so much talent, and these students can now come up with the innovations which can be commercialised and create jobs for our fast-growing populations,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, the Director, Makerere University Institute of Open Distance and e-Learning (IODel), said that the studio brings a significant leap in content production for e-learning. He expressed gratitude to UNDP for providing the necessary equipment to compete with world-class universities. He highlighted that e-learning courses are now incorporating multimedia elements like video and sound, moving on from the text-based model.
He further mentioned the preference of the younger generation for visual and interactive content, making multimedia content essential for effective teaching and learning. Prof. Muyinda explained how the new multimedia studio will allow for more authentic and context-specific e-learning content, enhancing student engagement. He emphasized that the University is focusing on four key areas: training staff on studio usage, AI literacy, online facilitation, and teaching learners how to use e-learning technology. He underscored the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in e-learning to keep up with global standards.
Dr. Godfrey Mayende revealed that all science units can also be taught in this Multimedia Studio. He said that the studio provides the naturalness of a class setting as it gives space for students to physically sit in the studio room as the lecturer is teaching or recording a lecture.
The two facilities; Daycare Centre and Multimedia Studio, are the latest in a series of initiatives borne out of the strong partnership between Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme, including the previously launched Mak UniPod and Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions. The abovementioned developments offer clear demonstration that Makerere University and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have a strong partnership focused on fostering innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.
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