Agriculture & Environment
Mak-CAES holds Research Seminar for SET Project supported graduate students
Published
3 years agoon

Capacity Building for Socially Just and Sustainable Energy Transitions (SET), a Project under the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University is supporting 3 PhDs, 7 MAs and 2 Postdoc students
Overview
The East African region has embraced the global drive to transition to low carbon economies and clean energy. However, a key challenge is the persistent lack of knowledge, capacity and skilled personnel to support the transition. In 2021, the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University received funding under NORHED II to improve research and knowledge on energy transitions.

The six-year project titled,“Capacity Building for Socially Just and Sustainable Energy Transitions (SET)” aims to build capacity and competence through education, research and outreach to secure a workforce in the East African region with relevant skills and knowledge to implement and demand for a just and sustainable low carbon energy transition agenda.

Specific objectives of the project include; i)developing capacity in social sciences, humanities and environmental management education programs to address emerging challenges and harness opportunities presented by the transition to low carbon energy economies in new oil and gas frontiers in East Africa; ii)improving competence and capacity of staff and students to undertake teaching and research on energy transitions from social sciences and humanities perspectives; iii) producing more and better research on energy transitions in East Africa through joint interdisciplinary research conducted by graduate students and Senior researchers at the partner institutions, and ultimately contribute to national and regional policy and practice in energy transitions; and iv) establishment of a Norway-East Africa (NOREAC) partnership and strengthening existing national and regional partnerships between academia, public sector, private sector and civil society to improve the relevance of graduate programs and ultimately enhance employability of graduate students.

Partner institutions include; Makerere University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), University of Stavanger (UiS) and TUK University of Juba.

Led by Dr. Charlotte Anne Nakakaawa-Jjunju from NTNU and coordinated by Prof. Frank Mugagga, Head, Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, the project will directly contribute to the realization SDG4 on Quality Education, SDG5 on Gender equality, SDG7 on Energy, SDG13 on Climate Action and SDG17 on enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development. It will indirectly contribute to SDG1 on ending poverty; SDG3 on good health and wellbeing; SDG8 on decent work and economic growth; SDG10 on reduced inequalities; SDG11 on sustainable cities and communities; and SDG16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

Project themes
The project themes include; i) Geographies of energy transition in East Africa;ii) Stranded assets and green growth in East Africa: Role of state and non-state actors; iii) Inclusive engagement in energy transitions: Gender, participation and justice; iv)Energy infrastructure, environmental impacts and changing social practices; and v) Transition to an integrated East African regional energy market: Enabling infrastructure, Policies and Regulations.

Support to graduate students
The project is supporting 3 PhDs, 7 MAs and 2 Postdoc students from the partner institutions. These include; Dr Maria Nantongo, a postdoc student from MUBS conducting research on positioning oil and gas companies for the transition to a lower carbon economy. Others are; Mr. Benon Nabaasa, a PhD student who will be assessing Uganda’s energy geographies for solar power transition with special focus on the incumbent energy geographies for selected solar power infrastructure, geographical nature of solar power rollout for selected solar power infrastructure, and the relationship between specific energy geographies and the nature of solar power rollout.

Ms. Kemitare Gladys, a PhD student examining asset and resource stranding as a consequence of the transition to a lowcarbon energy economy intends to assess the drivers of stranded assets and resources, estimate the impact stranded assets and resources will have on Uganda’s GDP, and investigate the policies, plans and frameworks that have been put in place to mitigate the risk of asset stranding on Uganda’s economic development. Ms. Namukasa Juliet, PhD student is undertaking research on carbon mobility in Kampala with special focus on user perspectives and practices on walking, cycling and public transport. She intends examine the visions of and meanings connected to walking, cycling and public transport, assess the challenges and controversies of these mobility modes, specifically focusing on their relation to other forms of mobility or factors such as gender, age, material, social, cultural and economic differences; and to provide solutions on what should be put in place for such mobility modes to be used more and minimize the growth of private car mobility.

The Masters students include; Mr. Patrick Kayima who is conducting research on the effect of hybrid solar energy electrification on people’s livelihoods on Bugala Island in Kalangala District; Mr. Lukyamuzi Vincent –assessing the willingness of Kampala slum dwellers to adopt and adapt to clean cooking technologies; Mr. Kafilondi Albert – investigating the suitability and accessibility of solar photovoltaic technology infrastructure in South Sudan; Ms. Namono Maureen – assessing the drivers of energy transition and its impact on the economy; Ms. Suzan Nafisa – examining the impact of solar energy on women’s socio-economic lives in Juba, South Sudan; Mr. Madet Daniel – examining the environmental and socio-economic effects of crude oil extraction in Bentiu, South Sudan; and Mr. Thon Makoi who is assessing the socio-economic impact of oil production on women, focusing on Paloch Oil producing area in Melut, South Sudan.

Research seminar
On 11th October 2022, the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences held a research seminarat which the students presented their concept papers to get input/buy in from sector players and other stakeholders regarding the relevance of the planned research.The workshop was also intended to receive guidance from stakeholders on the best course of action on how the intended research can be structured to inform policy and practice.

Held at the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, the blended seminar (physical and online)was attended by supervisors from partner institutions as well as representatives from line ministries who made enriching contributions to the students’ proposals.The students were enlightened on the current challenges in the energy sector and guided on the best format of structuring their research to provide practical solutions.

Remarks by the Dean SFEGS and project coordinators
Speaking at the workshop, the Dean, School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, CAES, Prof. Fred Babweteera commended SET as a timely project that would greatly contribute to transforming Makerere into a research-led University. “As the country grapples with the challenges of constructing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, SET comes in handy to address the socio-economic injustices related to the project,” he noted, pledging increased support towards quality research and graduate training. He applauded the PIs for the initiative and thanked the development partners for the support rendered towards the project and other programmes at the university.

Sharing an overview of SET, Prof. Frank Mugagga appreciated the funders, noting that project would largely improve capacity of graduate training and research at Department and partner institution.

In her remarks, Dr Charlotte Anne Nakakaawa-Jjunju from NTNU urged the students to contextualise their work and align it to contribute to policy and practice. She also reminded the students of the need to mainstream gender throughout their research.The Norwegian Development Policy emphasizes gender mainstreaming in all NORHED-funded projects.
More photos from the Seminar



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Agriculture & Environment
Call for Grants to Develop Policy Briefs and Working Papers on Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems
Published
1 day agoon
October 6, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in close collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the vital role of young researchers in shaping Africa’s future. Graduate students, in particular, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and rigorous research to the climate and agriculture discourse. Yet, much of this knowledge remains locked in academic theses and journal articles, with limited translation into policy and practice spaces where it can have the greatest impact. To bridge this gap, RUFORUM & AGRA are launching a grant opportunity for graduate students
(Master and PhD Candidates & Post-Doctoral Fellows) enrolled in African universities to develop policy briefs and/or working papers on strengthening climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative is designed to support students not only to generate high-quality academic outputs but also to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
The program will provide educational, skilling, and incubation opportunities, preparing young people; especially young women for the world of work. It will also enhance access to market-relevant training and practical skilling opportunities, enabling youth to gain the competencies needed by the labor market for both self-employment and wage employment. Through this call, RUFORUM & AGRA seeks to empower a new generation of African scholars to contribute directly to national, regional, and continental dialogues on climate change, resilience, and sustainable agri-food systems.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 500 words through the RUFORUM online application portal (https://rims2.ruforum.org/)
o Instructions for submission can be accessed on this link - Inquiries: cgs[@]ruforum.org
- RUFORUM reserves the right to make final award decisions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Call Opens: September 5, 2025
- Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 15, 2025
- Notification of Selected Abstracts: October 30, 2025
- Submission of Final Policy Brief/Working Paper: December 31, 2025
Agriculture & Environment
Mak Hosts TORCH Project Training Workshop on Clean Energy & Green Growth
Published
5 days agoon
October 2, 2025
Written by Matila Tom Micah
Makerere University on 1st September 2025 held a training and retooling workshop for stakeholders under the TORCH Project. TORCH is a collaborative initiative between Makerere University, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences-BOKU, Kyambogo University, Kabale University, University of Juba, and Busitema University. Funded by the OeAD-GmbH under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education Research for Development (APPEAR), the project seeks to strengthen cooperation between academia and local communities to promote green growth and environmental sustainability. The project aims to promote academic-community partnerships through living labs, training, research, and outreach.
The workshop, held under the theme “Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-Emission Society in East Africa: Strengthening Academic and Community Collaborations in Outreach, Training, and Research in Green Growth and a Healthy Environment”, brought together academics, students, policymakers, and community leaders. Together, they explored strategies for green growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, TORCH’s Principal Investigator, opened the event with an overview of the project, explaining key concepts such as green growth and the innovative Living Labs approach. He underscored the urgent need for African universities to lead the charge in green growth, a development model balancing economic progress with natural resource conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
While the country has adopted the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy, Dr. Musinguzi pointed out that universities have yet to fully integrate green growth principles into curricula, research, and community engagement. TORCH aims to bridge this gap by establishing three Living Labs in the Central, South-western, and Eastern regions of Uganda, focusing on enhancing teaching, community-driven research, and policy development.
Green Growth
In his presentation, Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the importance of adopting green growth as Uganda’s path to development. He described green growth as “environmentally sustainable economic progress that encourages low-carbon, socially inclusive development.” “Green growth is not merely about environmental protection – it is about creating a future where economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability coexist,” he explained.

Why Green Growth matters for Uganda
With Uganda’s rapidly growing population placing immense pressure on land, food, and energy resources, Dr. Musinguzi pointed out that per capita land ownership had significantly decreased, while climate change impacts such as floods, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall continue to threaten food security.
He stressed that pursuing green growth offers Uganda multiple benefits:
- For farmers, it ensures resilience to climate shocks, better yields, and access to innovations like solar irrigation and biogas.
- For the youth, it opens up new job opportunities in renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly enterprises.
- For policymakers, it aligns development plans with environmental sustainability while attracting green investments.
- For households, it reduces energy costs, improves health, and enhances overall well-being.
Uganda’s policy commitments
The workshop highlighted national frameworks already in place to support green growth, including the National Environment Act (2019), the Climate Change Act (2021), and the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (2017–2030). These policies, coupled with Uganda’s Vision 2040, set a clear direction for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
Green technologies being piloted under the TORCH Project
During the workshop, Dr. Musinguzi showcased several practical innovations being piloted under the TORCH Project. These include:
- Solar home systems that cut fuel demand by up to 25%.
- Rainwater harvesting tanks that save 20,000–50,000 litres of water per household annually.
- Improved cook-stoves that reduce indoor air pollution and fuel consumption.
- Drip irrigation systems that minimize water loss by up to 60%.
- Biogas systems that convert organic waste into clean energy for households.
Despite these advances, uptake remains low. A 2024 UBOS report revealed that only 3% of Ugandan households currently use clean cooking fuels and technologies, way below international clean energy adoption targets.
The importance of Academia-community engagement in promoting green growth
The training emphasized the need for universities to serve as “living laboratories” for green innovations. Makerere University, through the TORCH Project, is integrating green growth concepts into its curricula, running pilot projects in communities, and training the next generation of sustainability leaders. “We are committed to bridging the gap between academic research and community transformation,” Dr. Musinguzi said. “Green growth must not remain in lecture halls, it has to be felt in farms, households, and cities across Uganda.”
Participants agreed that scaling up green growth is not just a policy ambition, but a national necessity. “With the right investments, awareness, and community involvement, Uganda can transition towards a zero-emission, climate-smart, and inclusive economy by 2040.”

Insights from Participants
- Dr James Wasike Mangeni from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Makerere University highlighted the need to rebuild social structures and foster responsible use of resources within the university, calling on leadership to reinforce environmental management and nurture respectful behaviours among students.
- Dr. Isaac Newton Alou from the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University praised the green growth and Living Labs concepts, urging incorporation of sustainability into infrastructure projects like green and solar rooftops, and enhancing student-led data collection for impact assessment.
- Dr. Anthony Mwije from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Makerere University stressed that green growth starts with personal discipline and should be embedded in university operations, including procurement and transport. He advocated for infrastructure supporting sustainable lifestyles, such as bicycle-friendly roads and reliable public transit.
- Dr. Olupot Giregon, Head, Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University raised concerns about the equitable distribution of green growth costs, especially for smallholder farmers, emphasizing stewardship and the importance of making green growth meaningful from curricula to end-users.

Living Labs: Innovation at community level
In rural Uganda, smoky cooking fires pose serious health risks for many families. The TORCH Project is tackling this issue by transforming households from passive energy users into active innovators, building a cleaner, healthier future.
At the heart of this initiative are Living Labs – community hubs where academia, industry, policymakers, and local residents collaborate to develop and test practical green technologies. These include biogas digesters that turn animal waste into clean fuel, solar power systems replacing hazardous kerosene lamps, energy-efficient stoves, and rainwater harvesting solutions.

“Living Labs empower communities, especially women, who face the greatest energy challenges, to lead sustainable transitions,” said Dr. Musinguzi. “Students also work directly with villages, gaining hands-on experience in addressing Africa’s energy needs. A significant advantage is linking these efforts to carbon credits, enabling families to generate income by reducing emissions and turning climate action into economic opportunity.”
The TORCH Project plans to expand Living Labs throughout East Africa, supported by digital tools to accelerate clean energy adoption, climate action, and poverty alleviation. More than just projects, these Labs foster community pride and position local residents as innovators in the fight against climate change.
Agriculture & Environment
Uganda Urged to Strengthen Extension Services to Realize Climate Smart Agriculture Goals
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 25, 2025By
Jane Anyango
Fort Portal, Uganda
Uganda’s progress toward Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) will remain limited unless deliberate efforts are made to strengthen agricultural extension services and turn policy intentions into real impact for farmers.
This was the key message delivered at a high-level policy dialogue held in Fort Portal, which brought together over 30 district officials, researchers, and policymakers from 11 districts across the Bunyoro and Rwenzori sub-regions.
The dialogue, held at Night Rose Hotel, was organized by the Environment for Development (EfD)–Mak Centre, under Makerere University, coordinated by the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg Sweden, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The event aimed to deepen local understanding of CSA and strengthen connections between policy frameworks and implementation at the grassroots.
In his welcome remarks, Baguma Brian James, Senior Fisheries Officer for Kabarole District, thanked the EfD team for bringing such a relevant discussion to the region. He described the event as a moment of professional and academic reflection, noting that many participants had been reawakened to concepts they once encountered in school.
“I’d like to thank you all for being part of these valuable engagements,” Baguma said. “As Kabarole District, we are actively participating in this project. Our farmers are progressing toward co-funding stages for input support.” He expressed hope that the dialogue would not only offer technical knowledge but also actionable strategies participants could take home and apply.

Representing the Director of EfD-Mak Centre, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani underscored the importance of science in guiding agricultural decisions. He reminded participants that the EfD Centre’s functions include research, outreach, and policy engagement – all of which converge in dialogues like this one.
“The theme of this dialogue Smart Agriculture resonates with Uganda’s urgent need to sustain its agricultural backbone amid mounting pressures from climate change and human activity,” Dr. Kilimani said. He emphasized that decision-making must be grounded in scientific evidence rather than conjecture, pointing out that agriculture, while essential to Uganda’s economy, continues to suffer under environmental degradation, poor planning, and the effects of climate variability.
“We are no longer in an era of trial and error. Decision-making must come from science, not hearsay,” he added. Kilimani also highlighted the power of global collaboration, noting that the EfD network spans six continents, creating a powerful exchange of knowledge to support sustainability around the world. “We are using these global synergies to contribute to a sustainable planet—of which we only have one.”

Fort Portal Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Busingye Emmanuel, officially opened the dialogue and welcomed participants to the city. He applauded the event’s focus on climate-smart agriculture but lamented the widespread failure to enforce environmental laws and coordinate government action effectively.
“Uganda is not short of laws or institutions to protect the environment. The problem is either poor coordination or outright inaction,” Busingye said. He cited the continued degradation of wetlands in Fort Portal as a key example of where environmental protection efforts fall short. While several government agencies exist to enforce these policies, their actions are often fragmented or undermined by personal and political interests.
“If we did what we are supposed to do, we wouldn’t have this level of environmental destruction,” he added. Busingye further urged participants not to treat the event as a box-ticking exercise but as a launching point for real implementation on the ground. “Let’s not attend workshops and stop there. Let us act on the ground.”
Presenting an overview of CSA, Dr. Peter Babyenda revealed sobering statistics about land use and degradation. He noted that agriculture accounts for 72% of Uganda’s land use and that 41% of this land is already degraded. If the current trend continues, by 2040, nearly 90% of Uganda’s land could be under agricultural use, intensifying environmental stress.

“Our natural forest cover once fell to 9%, though efforts to promote CSA have raised it to around 30%,” Dr. Babyenda explained. He warned, however, that only 30% of farmers in Uganda are currently practicing climate-smart techniques — a dangerously low figure given the urgency of climate change.
“CSA offers a triple win increased productivity, improved resilience, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “But adoption remains low due to costs, lack of awareness, and poor access to technologies.” Dr. Babyenda also highlighted the European Union’s upcoming regulatory requirements on deforestation-free coffee exports, warning that Uganda could lose access to lucrative markets if it fails to embrace CSA practices. “Without climate-smart agriculture, our exports will suffer,” he stated.
Dr. Florence Lwiza Nsereko delivered an evidence-based presentation on CSA case studies and emphasized the critical role of extension services in scaling CSA. She reiterated that agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use forms like livestock production remain Uganda’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Yet despite an abundance of policy documents, actual implementation remains weak.

“Climate Smart Agriculture integrates productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. But its adoption remains low because our extension services lack capacity,” Dr. Lwiza said. She pointed to key barriers in extension delivery, including lack of access to training, weak institutional support, and poor perceptions about CSA among field officers. Notably, she revealed that female extension workers often outperform their male counterparts in CSA delivery.
She further noted that Western Uganda is both highly vulnerable to climate shocks and densely populated, making it a prime candidate for CSA interventions. “Western Uganda is both a climate risk hotspot and an opportunity zone. Now is the time to act,” she concluded.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Dr. Aisha Nanyiti presented research on the role of renewable energy micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in transforming agriculture across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. She argued that clean energy and climate-smart practices must be pursued together to achieve inclusive, low-carbon growth.

“Agricultural modernization and climate goals can go hand in hand — if we remove barriers to clean energy,” she said. She stressed the importance of financial access, supportive regulations, and targeted capacity building to ensure that MSMEs can support CSA.
Closing the dialogue, Deputy Speaker of Fort Portal City, Tusiime Florence, expressed gratitude to the organizers but raised concerns over the sustainability of such engagements. She urged EfD-Mak and its partners to avoid the common trend of one-off workshops that do not translate into long-term support for local governments.

“Workshops come and go, but no one returns to follow up with our communities,” she said. Tusiime called attention to the overwhelming workload and underfunding of agricultural extension officers, many of whom use their own money and have no transport to reach rural areas. “Our extension workers are overworked and underfunded. They have no motorcycles, no transport,” she said. “Yet they are expected to implement national climate and agricultural goals.”
She called for continued support and follow-through from Makerere University and the EfD-Mak Centre. “When farmers dry maize on bare soil, it’s not ignorance – it’s lack of training and support,” she noted. “If you come back and work with us, we will make CSA work.”
The Fort Portal dialogue highlighted the growing urgency to transition from policy declarations to farmer-level action, as climate shocks continue to impact agricultural livelihoods. While Uganda has made strides in crafting climate and agriculture policies — including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and CSA frameworks — weak operationalization, limited financing, and poor coordination remain major obstacles. Stakeholders agreed that building capacity, particularly among extension workers, remains the single most effective route to scaling climate-smart agriculture and delivering tangible impact where it matters most — at the farm.
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