Business & Management
EfD-Mak Launches two projects on Uganda’s National Water and Forest Authorities
The Environment for Development Initiative (EfD) Makerere Centre has launched two new collaborative projects – on improving water bill payments in the National water authority and a quasi experimental analysis of the Forest Authority Afforestation projects. The launch is a significant achievement for the year 2021/2022.
The projects were launched during the centres seminar series held on 13th October 2022 at the EfD Confrence room. The function was graced by the Principal College of Business and Management Scieces Prof. Eria Hisali as chief guest. It was also attended online by the EfD Global hub Manager for Research Dr. Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin and project collaborators ,
While officially launching the projects, Prof. Hisali said as a developing country the university cannot afford to do research for the sake of doing research but research that is going to have an impact on policy, change people’s lives and have findings that are immediately useful.
“This does not mean that that it should not be rigorous. It should be as rigorous as possible but it should be immediately relevant to our environment and needs”, Hisali stressed.
To achieve that, the Principal expressed the need for policy makers and implementers, the researchers and the private sector to come in one room and discuss some broad thematic areas and agree on areas immediate relevancy and the biggest knowledge gaps.
The second phase according Hisali is to prepare some few background papers around the broad thematic areas that give the scope and insights of the advances of the methodological approaches and a few other things and then commission relevant studies.
“If we take that route, we are going to come with findings that are immediately useful. As researchers in this part of the world we cannot afford at all to do research for the sake of doing research. We should do rigorous research that links to the problems that we are facing as acountry and that speaks to providing solutions to the list of problems”, Hisali re – emphasized
As the leadership of the college, Hisali pledged to remain committed to working closely with patners and to continue permitting all processes required to support the colleagues doing research.
The new projects
Project one titled, “Improving Bill Payments for Water and Sanitation in Uganda” is spearheaded by Prof. Edward Bbaale as the Principal Investigator . Bbaale is also the Director EfD Mak Centre. He assisted by Co-Principal Investigators. Dr. Nicholas Kilimani (EfD-Mak & Makerere University) Dr. Rose Kaggwa (National Water and Sewerage Corporation), Dr. Nicholas Mwebaze (National Water and Sewerage Corporation) and Dr. David Fuente (EfD & University of South Carolina).
Prof Bbaale said the motivation behind the study was based on the global water and sanitation infrastructure challenge and the need to respond to the SDG 6 on the provision and attainment of “Safe and affordable water and sanitation for all by 2030” and Uganda’s NDPIII and Vision 2040- increasing access to safe water for all.
“Arrears undermine utilities financial sustainability. For Example in South Africa: households owed municipal governments 40 billion Rand (about 4 billion USD). In Nairobi, Kenya: ~60% of customers have arrears while in Kampala, Uganda (study location): 57% of residential customer accounts have arrears”, Bbaale said.
He said the study will be conducted in Kampala – National Water and Sewer Corporation (NWSC) aimed at reducing customer arrears and bill non-payment, improve financial sustainability of utilities, boost the agency’s financial position to cater for its investments and also increase the social welfare benefits from the agency’s investments
The project according to Bbaale will document pathways through which improved billing can result in better bill payment hence sustained revenue for the agency.
“Improving agency’s financial sustainability enhances its ability to improve the quality of services and the expansion of access to households who lack access to piped water and sanitation services.
There are welfare benefits associated with the improved quality and coverage of the agency’s services, i.e., improved health, increased time for productive work, increased school attendance”, He added.
Established in 1972, NWSC, is a public utility company 100% owned by the Government of Uganda and is mandated to supply water and sewerage services to 257 cities and towns across the country with a customer base standing at 711,556 accounts.
The Customer base of the NWSC currently stands at 711,556 accounts with total arrears level of Uganda Shillings 69,471,961,698 billion government arrears inclusive and 32,962,667,390 billion non-government arrears.
The project area of study that is, Kampala water area, has total customer base of 357,342 accounts. Out of these accounts 202,484 are domestic accounts with non-government arrears of Uganda shillings 10,584,626,646 billion (2.8 M USD) contributing 69% of the total non-government arrears.
Policy implications
Reduce customer arrears and bill non-payment and improve financial sustainability of utilities and ensure households maintain access to services
Documentation of the implications of an efficient revenue mobilization in harnessing resources for effective service delivery
Direct engagement of National Water in the project will increase potential for using the study’s results to inform policy and practice.
Knowledge co-production and policy engagement
The second projects titled, “ Quasi-Experimental Analysis of National Forestry Authority Afforestation Projects in Uganda”, is being led by Dr. Patrick Byakagaba of Makerere university . The Project Co-PIs are Professor Katrina Mullan (university of Montana), Professor Jeff Vincent (Duke university), Mr. John Diisi (National (Forestry Authority Uganda)and Mr. Mr. Peter Babyenda of Makerere University.
Dr. Byakagaba said Uganda continues to experience wood deficit and natural forest loss and this led to NFA and partners to invest afforestation projects
This study intends to evaluate these afforestation projects in terms of their contribution to well-being and landuse/landcover dynamics
The study sites according to Byakagaba will be villages adjacent to each reserve and control communities will be >5km from reserve within the same landscape. The selected study areas are Katugo (Nakasongola) – long history of planting (multiple harvests) and mostly planted by NFA; Kasagara (Nakasongola) – more recent planting, by many small private planters; Bujawe (Hoima)- more recent planting, small private planters and; Kachung (Dokolo) – more recent planting, single large private planter with FSC certification
“The aim is to evaluate the socio-economic and forest-cover impacts of the forest plantations but specifically to analyse the impacts of NFA afforestation programs on human well-being
and also to assess the impacts of NFA afforestation programs on land use/land cover dynamics
The proposed proxy indicators for household well-being that will be studied include; employment, income, food security, poverty” Byakaga explained adding that spatial land use/cover datasets from the National Forestry Authority will be used for assessing landuse/landcover dynamics, and, the Theory of change by SPGS will be applied in interrogating the impacts
Report by
Jane Anyango
Communication Officer
Business & Management
EfD Researchers and Transport Sector Players Strategize on Promoting E-Mobility in Uganda
Kampala, December 4, 2024
Over 30 Stakeholders from Uganda’s transport and energy sectors convened at the Kolping Hotel, Kampala, for a workshop aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric mobility (e-mobility) as a strategy for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. Organized by the Environment for Development (EfD)-Mak Centre, the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, transport operators and users, as well as private sector players to address challenges and opportunities in Uganda’s e-mobility transition.
Promoting Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
The workshop, led by Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist at EfD-Mak, centered on the theme “Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions in Uganda’s Transport Sector.” Dr. Babyenda highlighted the environmental and economic importance of transitioning to e-mobility, stating, “Transforming Uganda into a modern society as envisioned under Vision 2040 demands that we address the environmental challenges in the transport sector, a major carbon emitter.”
The agenda included discussions on the status of energy efficiency, the role of women in e-mobility, and strategies to promote the adoption of electric motorcycles and buses.
Rising Numbers and the E-Mobility Transition
According to survey findings by the EfD researchers, Uganda’s transport sector has seen an unprecedented rise in vehicle and motorcycle usage. The number of vehicles in the country has more than doubled, increasing from 739,036 in 2012 to 1,355,090 in 2018. Motorcycles have seen an even sharper increase, growing from 354,000 in 2010 to over one million by 2018. This growth has intensified emissions and air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Kampala, which was ranked the world’s fifth most polluted city in 2020.
Electric mobility is emerging as a viable solution. Over 400 electric motorcycles, introduced by private sector players such as Zembo, GOGO, and Spiro, are already on Uganda’s roads. These e-motorbikes offer cost savings on fuel and maintenance, zero emissions, and enhanced security. Dr. Babyenda described them as a step forward in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint, though he acknowledged the challenges of limited charging stations, counterfeit batteries, and insufficient awareness.
Government Policy and Infrastructure Development
Eng. David Birimumaso, Principal Energy Officer at the Ministry of Energy, detailed the government’s efforts to support e-mobility. These include developing charging infrastructure, establishing policies for electric vehicle adoption, and training technicians and operators.
“Transport contributes 16% of energy-related emissions,” said Eng. Birimumaso. “Through partnerships with private players like Zembo and Kiira Motors, we are promoting e-mobility by building charging stations and offering capacity-building programs for stakeholders. By 2030, we aim to ensure 100% electricity access, making e-mobility viable for all Ugandans.”
So far, the Ministry has piloted electric vehicle charging at Amber House in Kampala and supported the establishment of four charging stations along the Masaka Road corridor. These efforts are part of the broader energy policy, which emphasizes the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources.
Economic and Gender Inclusion in E-Mobility
The workshop also highlighted the importance of economic and gender inclusion in e-mobility. Dr. Babyenda noted that while women are increasingly involved, barriers such as cultural stigmas, inappropriate vehicle designs, and limited training opportunities persist.
“Encouraging women to take up roles as drivers and technicians in the e-mobility sector is essential for a holistic transition,” Dr. Babyenda remarked. Participants recommended vehicle redesigns to accommodate women and initiatives to encourage female participation in the sector.
Key Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the promise of e-mobility, several barriers hinder its widespread adoption in Uganda. One major challenge is the limited availability of charging stations and battery-swapping points, which restricts the operational range and convenience of electric vehicles. The prevalence of counterfeit batteries further undermines reliability, discouraging potential users. Additionally, the high upfront costs of electric vehicles and motorcycles present a significant financial barrier for many Ugandans. Insufficient public awareness and persistent misconceptions about e-mobility also contribute to slow adoption, highlighting the need for targeted education and sensitization campaigns.
To address these challenges, participants recommended expanding charging networks, introducing subsidies for electric vehicles, enforcing quality standards for batteries, and conducting nationwide sensitization campaigns. Hybrid vehicles were also suggested as a transitional solution to address range anxiety.
Workshop’s Relevance to National Goals
This workshop was part of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program, a regional initiative funded by Sida through the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Since its inception in 2020, the program has trained over 25 fellows across East Africa, focusing on green transitions and evidence-based policymaking.
The 2024 workshop theme aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, which prioritize energy efficiency and emission reductions in the transport sector.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism about Uganda’s e-mobility potential. Dr. Babyenda emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Achieving energy efficiency requires collective effort. We must involve everyone, from boda boda riders to policymakers, to ensure a successful transition to clean, efficient transport.”
With over 400 electric motorcycles on Uganda’s roads and a growing network of charging stations, the country is making strides in its journey toward sustainable mobility. However, much work remains to achieve widespread adoption and integration of e-mobility solutions. The workshop served as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation in this critical sector.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer at EfD Uganda
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, successfully concluded the training of its 4th cohort of public officers on November 15, 2024. This capacity-building program focused on the User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, a critical process mandated by Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015.
Under the PFMA, every bill presented to Parliament must include a Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). The preparation of the Statement of Financial Implications (SFI), which forms the basis for the CFI, is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This statement provides detailed revenue and expenditure estimates and projected savings over a minimum of two years’ post-enactment.
Empowering MDAs with Essential Skills
The training sessions, which began last week and will continue into the following week, aim to equip MDAs with the skills required to prepare robust SFIs. These competencies are essential for MoFPED Budget Analysts to review and draft CFIs or Letters of Financial Clearance effectively.
The 4th cohort comprised officers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda Land Commission, Ministry of Local Government, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and the Ministry of Kampala, among others.
A Step Toward Transparent and Accountable Governance
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Moses Sonko, Principal Economist at MoFPED, commended the initiative and acknowledged the value it brings to Uganda’s public policy and legislative processes. Representing the Permanent Secretary of MoFPED, Mr. Sonko highlighted the importance of the training in strengthening governance frameworks.
“This training was developed to equip us with tools and knowledge essential for our roles in ensuring that Uganda’s policy and legislative proposals are financially sound, transparent, and align with national priorities,” Mr. Sonko remarked. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance policy preparation and implementation.
He also emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the training, which enables officers to identify the financial, social, environmental, and economic impacts of proposed bills and policies.
Participant Feedback
Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. Mr. Davis Kwizera from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) shared his positive experience, stating: “This training has offered a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of policy processes. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare relevant policy documents. If you’ve taken the courses on Financial and Risk Analysis as well as Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis, this program completes the package.”
The new guidelines for the clearance of financial implications will officially take effect in July 2025. PIMCoE remains committed to building the capacity of public officers to ensure that Uganda’s legislative and policy frameworks are underpinned by sound financial and risk analyses, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable development.
For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.
In a pivotal workshop held at Makerere University on November 12, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM). This transformative model, conceptualized by Prof. Ezra Suruma, aims to tackle some of Uganda’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.
Prof. Suruma, the architect of PDM, underscored the crucial role of researchers in creating wealth-empowering strategies for Ugandans. “The PDM is designed to eradicate poverty, promote economic inclusion, improve service delivery, and modernize agriculture,” Prof. Suruma stated. He highlighted that the model not only provides a pathway for Uganda’s rural households to participate in the economy but also aims to address the underlying issues that leave many citizens unable to afford basic needs.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended Prof. Suruma’s visionary leadership and the significant impact PDM is expected to have on communities across Uganda. “The PDM stands as one of the largest government interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting communities,” he remarked. Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized Makerere University’s commitment to supporting PDM through the PDM Lab hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which serves as a hub for real-time data analysis to guide the implementation of PDM activities across the country.
The PDM Lab at CoBAMS, led by Prof. Eria Hisali and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that can shape PDM policies at the grassroots level. During the workshop, Dr. Suruma extended his appreciation to UNDP for their support and acknowledged the researchers for their efforts in generating valuable insights into the effectiveness of PDM.
Despite Uganda’s notable economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, are high, limiting economic opportunities for the country’s largest demographic. Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is another critical issue, with many Ugandans unable to afford or reach essential medical services. These challenges underscore the need for initiatives like the PDM that are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and ensure equitable access to services.
“PDM seeks to empower households to create wealth, ultimately reducing dependence on subsistence farming and encouraging local economic development,” Prof. Suruma emphasized. He believes that the model’s holistic approach will foster greater self-sufficiency among Uganda’s communities by addressing poverty from multiple angles, including agricultural modernization, financial literacy, and service accessibility.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about PDM’s potential to drive sustainable change. Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere University’s dedication to supporting this national initiative, affirming that the PDM Lab will continue to play a key role in assessing and enhancing the model’s effectiveness.
The Parish Development Model offers a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans striving for a better quality of life, aligning with Uganda’s broader aspirations for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.
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