Business & Management
Mak implored to research into the Centralization of Forest Governance in Uganda
Mpigi District Local Government and stakeholders in the forestry sector want Environmental economists from Makerere University to conduct research into the impacts of centralizing the governance of national forests in Uganda.
According to section 54 (1) a of the National Forestry Act, 2003, management of all Central Forest Reserves is the mandate of National Forestry Authority (NFA) whereas that of Local Forest Reserves is the direct responsibility of the district forest officer as specified under section 48 (3) e of National Forestry Act, 2003. All forestry activities are guided by the National Forestry Policy 2001.
Poor forest governance has been blamed for the depletion of the ecosystem in Uganda. The people of Mpigi contend that since government mandated NFA to manage national forests, most of the forests have been depleted and they want national forests governance decentralized.
To achieve this districts officials and stakeholders say, Makerere University should conduct research into the impact of centralizing national forest governance to provide evidence for policy change. This call was made during the policy dialogue held at the district chambers organized by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Centre on 22nd November 2022. The university team was led by the Director represented by Dr. John Sseruyange.
The meeting brought together representatives of the district political and technical arms, civil society organizations, the private sector, elders and opinion leaders, farmers leaders under the theme, “Forestry and Biodiversity: Addressing Challenges of Forest degradation and Enhancing Environmental Management in Uganda”.
The participants discussed the key governance issues in the forestry sector, how communities can be strengthened to participate in forest recovery programs and what best forest restoration mechanisms should be adopted to revert the forest destruction trends in Uganda.
Governance here referred to, “the norms, institutions, and processes that determine how power and responsibilities over forests are exercised, how decisions are taken and how citizens – including women, men, youth, indigenous people and local communities – secure access to, participate in, and are impacted by the management of forests”
Presenting the status of forests in Mpigi district, the Chief Administrative Officer represented by the District Natural Resources Officer Mwidyeki Anthony said the management of forests in Mpigi has been so challenging and has on a number of occasions raised many issues involving NFA, the district and the community living adjacent to the forests.
“It should be noted that, the once thick forests in Mpigi district which had a collection of Muvule, Setaala, Musizi and other indigenous tree species have and are still gradually being reduced to empty land or replaced with eucalyptus trees for many reasons.
The natural forests reported that indigenous species that had survived for ages are now being abruptly ruined. This tragedy has befallen all the natural forests in Mpigi, a district once blessed with a wide range of biodiversity. Most natural forests in Muduuma and Kiringente have completely gone”, Mwidyeki submitted.
Mwidyeki explained that all the central forest reserves in Mpigi district with exception of Mpanga forest have been faced with the problem of encroachment in form of cultivation, grazing and settlement while in most of all the reserves, conflicts resulting from unclear boundaries are very common and have sometimes resulted in court cases leading to loss of time and money.
The vegetation cover of most Central Reserve Forests in Mpigi according to Mwidyeki have been changed into eucalyptus plantations, boundary markers uprooted, increasing forest encroachment, land grabbing and conflicts between NFA staff and communities living adjacent to these forests.
Besides population pressure that has increased the demand for fire wood, charcoal and land for settlement, Mwidyeki alleged that there has been creation of illegal land tittles in these reserves, construction of roads and industrialization.
Mwidyeki however highlighted a number of initiatives undertaken to promote forestry. These included; Sensitization and training of communities in forestry management, distribution of tree seedlings across the district, establishment of the district nursery bed, training and supervision of nursery owners on acquisition of quality tree seed and conducting routine inspections to detect and deter illegal forestry activities.
Representing the Director, EfD Mak Centre, Research Fellow Dr. John Sseruyange underscored the importance of forests as major stores of atmospheric carbon contributing to the regulation of climate change, water quantity, mitigating the effects of high flows in wet periods and low flows in the dry periods.
He said forests contribute to soil and water protection and biodiversity conservation and supply well over 90% of Uganda’s energy requirements in the form of fuel wood.
“Sustainably managed forests give environmental benefits, sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life of people across the country”, Dr. Sseruyange said
Sseruyange reported that the Uganda forestry sector reforms (1998 – 2003) aimed at providing more efficient and effective forest administration, management and utilization of Uganda’s forest resources, through: The Forestry Policy (2001), The National Forestry Plan (2002),
The NFTPA (2003) and a new institutional framework for the management of forestry resources in the country.
These resulted in the birth of institutions such as: The NFA, the UWA, the DFS, private forest owners and community forests owners which distributed responsibilities between the central government, local government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, community based organizations and the local communities.
The reforms according to Sseruyange aimed at promoting multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, integrity and professionalism in management of the forestry sector.
“Despite these good intentions, the forest estate in Uganda has continued to shrink from 4.9 million hectares in 1990 to currently 2.3 million hectares, NFA (2015) a loss of over half of the forests in a span of 25 years. …. However, over this period, 46% of protected woodlands- mostly those under NFA, were lost.
The reasons for this decline are mostly attributed to poor forest governance, and particularly problems with forest law enforcement and governance, and associated institutional issues” , He stated.
The main causes of deforestation according to Dr. Sseruyange relate to issues of governance in the forestry sector, illegal and unregulated trade of forest products and the unsecured forest tenure rights. Other issues are the conversion of forest land to other land use types such as agriculture and urbanization, and rampant felling of trees for firewood and charcoal burning.
In her closing remarks the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Maria Lubega described the dialogue as timely, thanked the university for choosing Mpigi, pledging the district commitment to support efforts geared towards restoring the environment.
Lubega wants an evidence based report on forest governance from Makerere University for presentation to the relevant government organs.
“Two weeks ago, the President sent someone from his office to come because he was interested in the environment restoration, and we are working on this report. When the report about this dialogue is ready share with us because it is timely, and I shall share with it directly with the president because NFA is just an authority and the other one is a fountain of honor so we shall take our views to the president”. She said.
Participants speak out
During the panel and plenary discussions participants expressed the need to decentralize the management of all forest reserves to the district.
“The forest sector is the least funded. Officers vehicles get stuck with no fuel. The moral fabric of the people of Mpigi is filled with, I don’t care attitude. NFA has been nicknamed as “nfa” meaning I am dying. NFA efforts are not coordinated with the district office. The District Natural resources officer should have been a member of NFA, there is a lot of political interference while implementing policies with orders from above”, The District Senior Entomologist Onyango Oluoch decried.
The District Forestry Officer Ssengendo Micheal says the major issue is governance.
“When you look back, the forests were intact and management was proper. All regulations were being followed. With the new changes in the policy of 2001 when they brought in NFA, that is where we all lost it because there was confusion and no coordination because of the bad governance.
The first thing we need to do is to revert back the old system. We need to have staff at every level. We need the forest guards, forest rangers but all these were reduced by two per district which is really over whelming when it gets to implementation of our forest management”.
Nsamba Benon, a Political leader says, districts had powers to safeguard forests but more damage has been done when powers were shifted from local government to central government.
“Ever since NEMA took over, there is a very big damage on our forests as compared to long ago. It is our mandate to protect the environment. The business of centralizing powers has done more harm than good to our country.
It is possible to bring all stakeholders to board to protect the environment but it cannot be possible if people are seeing non-residents cutting away indigenous trees planting and owning eucalyptus trees. The biggest issue here is policy. It should be reversed and our Forest Officer takes charge”.
Opinion leader, Frank Kawooya says the laws are weak and segregatively applied to a few.
“These laws are weak. Those who are supposed to manage forests cut the forests and replace them with eucalyptus. Now we see that forests have begun being shared. Am touched, in the past forestry students at Makerere would not be awarded degrees without coming to study in Lwamata forest . Today no child ever comes to study because forests are no more.”
The District Environmental Police Commandant says those mandated to guard the forest are the ones that cut the trees. He is opposed to the idea of replacing natural forests by eucalyptus and says enforcement is also problem.
“In 1924 we had an inventory for counting trees in Masaka. We counted trees about 2000. There is a forest called Buzilango but, of recent when went there, I found that there are people living there. It was no longer a forest for government. Forest guards are the ones who cut trees and sell to bakeries and schools. Eucalyptus is not good because they drain water at a high speed and, were introduced by industrialists who wanted to build industries.
But we of enforcement have a problem. You go and see a person with a car carrying timber and there is no legal document showing. When you stop the car, you will hear the person referring you to talk to another person. Sometimes there is collaboration with NFA and timber dealers connected from above. I suggest the powers should be brought back, decentralize forest reserves so that districts own, oversee and manage the forests. We need to sensitisize masses to look beyond financial gains but the future generation because in 50 years, we may not have any natural forest”.
A representative from the NGO forum called for sensitisation of the people on district and national forests.
“Different roles must be emphasized. Demarcations for individual, district and national forests must be emphasized. After sensitization they will know the species to plant”.
The District Farmers’ Chairperson Stella Nantamba says farmers are in weather crisis.
“Farmers rely on land. Soil is infertile, weather patterns have changed and many have resorted to forests and wetlands. Information given to farmers is distorted and weather changes are adverse Intervention requires adoption of agroforestry for environmental conservation and food security”.
But for teacher Emmanuel, charity begins at home and community. Sensitization form the community level will help children internalize the importance of forests.
“There is need for mindset change of those mandated to protect the environment so that children learn from them. Privatization of forests should be discouraged to save forests”, he said.
Business & Management
Driving Sustainable Growth: Eco-Efficiency and Cleaner Production are vital in shaping the future of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
By Ritah Namisango and Christopher Kaahwa
On Wednesday, 15th April 2026, the School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University hosted a project dissemination workshop that brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and faculty members.
The workshop focused on the presentation of findings and policy recommendations from the research project titled: Promoting Eco-Efficiency (EE) and Cleaner Production (CP) for sustainable development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda.
Opening the workshop, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, the Dean, School of Business represented by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, the Head, Department of Marketing and Management welcomed participants and highlighted the role of research in connecting Makerere University to the wider community.
He noted that MSMEs form the backbone of Uganda’s economy making up the largest share of businesses across sectors and because of this, any meaningful research must speak directly to their realities.
The Dean of the School of Business commended the project team namely Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, Dr. Kasim Sendawula, and Associate Professor Peter K. Turyakira, for positively contributing to the university’s goal of being a research-led institution.
He explained that Eco-Efficiency (EE) is about using available resources wisely not just for today, but for tomorrow and generations to come. “In a country where most businesses operate on a small scale, understanding how to produce more with less is essential,” he said.
Dr. Tibaingana acknowledged the government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) for funding the research project titled, Promoting Eco-Efficiency (EE) and Cleaner Production (CP) for sustainable development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda. He recognized Professor Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Chairperson of the Mak RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) and thanked him, for gracing the dissemination workshop with his personal presence.
Achieving sustainable growth through eco-efficiency and cleaner production
The main presentation led by Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, the Principal Investigator (P.I.) unpacked the research project in a detailed and practical way. At its core, the study explored how MSMEs, particularly in the Food and Beverage (F&B) Service sector in Uganda can achieve sustainable growth by balancing three key areas: economic performance, environmental responsibility and social contribution.
From a social perspective, Dr. Nanyanzi stated that businesses were found to be playing an important role in creating jobs, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to community activities. She added that the study was also focused on reducing environmental harmful practices such as reliance on charcoal and firewood and adopting cleaner energy sources that would economically yield increased profits for enterprises.
The study revealed that while these enterprises significantly contribute to employment and government revenue, they face serious constraints pointing out that high operational costs especially electricity remain a major challenge. “ So, many businesses are forced to turn to cheaper alternatives that are harmful to both health and environment creating a difficult balance between survival and sustainability,” she said.
Amidst these challenges, the study highlighted the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs. It was found out that many business owners have developed coping strategies to remain operational with some of them adjusting production depending on customer flow especially in areas such as Kampala where demand fluctuates with academic calendars. Dr. Nanyanzi noted that other entrepreneurs have found ways to manage resources more carefully for instance through switching on refrigerators at night when electricity tariffs are lower or re-using water to reduce costs.
Makerere University Guest House highlights its cleaner production strategy
Adding a practical perspective to the study, Mr. Patrick Ojiambo Lwande, the manager of Makerere University Guest House shared how cleaner production is being implemented by the facility in its everyday operations. He mentioned that the facility undertakes waste segregation, recycling and proper waste management as key practices. “Organic waste is separated and repurposed, recyclable materials are re-used and hazardous waste is carefully handled to avoid environmental pollution,” he stated.
Appreciation of eco-efficiency and cleaner production measures
These practices reflect an emerging understanding of eco-efficiency by business owners who are beginning to recognize that reducing waste and conserving resources can directly improve their production line.
The study also found out that many enterprises are making efforts towards cleaner production. Hygiene standards are being improved, waste is better managed and emissions are controlled through simple measures such as chimneys and ventilation system. In some cases, food waste is used as animal feed while other organic materials are re-used in farming. However, the progress to transition towards more sustainable practices is slowed down by various obstacles including limited financial capacity, lack of technical skills and low awareness among business owners.
Key recommendations
To address these gaps, the project team proposed the following practical recommendations:
- Increasing access to affordable financing by government and financial institutions through introducing subsidies, grants, or low-interest green financing schemes to support investment in cleaner production technologies,
- Promoting public-private partnerships to lower the cost of eco-efficient equipment and infrastructure,
- Undertaking capacity building and training programmes, awareness and sensitization campaigns,
- Strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks, research and innovation support,
- Providing support for small and informal businesses by designing tailored interventions for micro and small enterprises, and
- Encouraging business clustering and cooperative models to enable shared access to eco-efficient technologies and resources.
MakRIF supports research that addresses national priorities
Professor Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Chairperson of Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) emphasized the importance of research that addresses national priorities, noting that government support for research is meant to generate practical solutions.
Professor Masagazi Masaazi highlighted the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda’s economy, describing the research presented as both timely and relevant. “This is exactly the kind of research Uganda needs — research that directly impacts society and supports economic transformation,” he said.
He encouraged researchers to explore collaborations across disciplines. “Bringing together expertise from different fields can lead to stronger and more impact-oriented solutions that respond to the country’s development needs,” he added. He also called for greater engagement with policymakers and industry players during dissemination.
Research and Industry pathways
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng urged researchers, faculty and participants at the dissemination workshop to rethink how research translates into real economic value, emphasizing stronger research to industry pathways at Makerere University and beyond.
Promoting environmental compliance
Mr. Peter Ssekajja, Senior Environmental Officer (Cleaner Production), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) informed participants about the ongoing efforts to promote environmental compliance, referencing the establishment of a Compliance Assistance Unit and the introduction of the National Environment Sustainability Awards as some of the supporting measures.
He stated that these initiatives aim to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices while recognizing those that are leading the way. “Environment is no longer just about enforcement, but also about guidance, innovation and collaboration,” he emphasized.
Mr. Ssekajja reflected on the changing nature of environmental challenges as populations grow and resources becoming more strained. He appealed for efficient and responsible use of resources by business owners. He implored the business owners to consider sustainability not as a burden, but as an opportunity.
Participants enlightened on eco-efficiency and cleaner production
Dr. Jude Mugarura, the Head, Department of Marketing and Management, appreciated the dissemination workshop which presented them with an opportunity to listen to both the research project team and two practitioners namely Makerere University Guest House, and the National Management Environment Authority (NEMA). “We are therefore able to bridge the academia and the field of practice,” said Dr. Mugarura.
Dr. Seperia Bwadene Wanyama, from the School of Business, thanked Mr. Peter Ssekajja from NEMA for his presentation on cleaner production and eco-efficiency, which demonstrated to the participants some of the day-to-day wasteful practices with respect to resources, that they were engaged in, without knowing the implications. A key highlight focused on the usage of water in toilets which indicates the button to press after a short call, and the one to press after a long call, which would greatly save water consumption. “Learning is a continuous process. I have learned from the presentations of the findings by the research project team, as well as, Mr. Peter Ssekajja, who provided an informative presentation on real life practices on eco-efficiency and cleaner production.”
Conclusion: Toward a Clean and Resilient Economy
The workshop concluded with a strong call for collective action to support MSMEs in adopting eco-efficient practices. With the right support, small businesses can become engines of sustainable development. “This study provides practical insights that, if implemented, can transform MSMEs into drivers of sustainable development,” Dr. Sendawula emphasized.
Overall, the research outlines a clear pathway toward a greener, more resilient Ugandan economy—where MSMEs thrive while contributing to environmental sustainability and social well-being.
Academics, researchers and students at Makerere University have been urged to deepen research into whether international donors cooperate or compete in the provision of aid, amid growing concerns that shifts by major funders could significantly affect service delivery in developing countries.
The call was made during a public lecture delivered on April 16, 2026, by French economist Nathalie Ferriere, titled “Donor Cooperation or Competition: What Do We Know from Economics Research and What Should We Investigate.” The lecture, part of the Environment for Development Initiative seminar series, attracted faculty, researchers and students .
Ferriere, an Associate Professor at Sciences Po Aix affiliated with the Aix-Marseille School of Economics, is in Uganda for a two-week research engagement involving consultations with government institutions including the Ministries of Finance and Health as well as local governments.
Study Donor Reactions to Aid Withdrawals
Ferriere said her research focuses on how donors respond when a major funder withdraws support particularly in sensitive sectors such as family planning.
“My research here is about the interaction between family planning providers’ aid. I look at how the withdrawal of US aid in given years affects the spending of other donors,” she explained.
She noted that her findings show a delayed but concerning pattern.
“Once the US stops giving family planning aid, other donors at the beginning do not react for one or two years but after, they also start to reduce funding,” she said.
Ferriere warned that such trends could have direct implications for countries like Uganda, where a significant portion of health services relies on foreign aid.
“If you have a decrease in this aid, you will have a decrease in family planning provision,” she said adding that governments must anticipate such shifts.
“If you want to keep the same level of services, the government should increase its own expenditure. My next research will be to understand how governments respond in such situations,” she added.
Lecture Opens New Research Frontiers
College Principal and EfD centre Director Edward Bbaale described the lecture as timely and aligned with the university’s strategic direction to strengthen research and international collaboration.
“The topic speaks a lot to me because it opens up research frontiers. What should we really take on as researchers? How else can we look at cooperation or competition in terms of aid?” Bbaale said.
He commended Ferriere for partnering with Makerere researchers on aid-related studies, noting that such collaborations are critical for building a research-driven institution.
“We are excited that of all universities in Africa, you chose to work with researchers from Makerere University,” he said.
Bbaale emphasized that the university is positioning itself as a research-led institution, with internationalization and partnerships at its core.
“A research university is not only about teaching. It is about meetings like this to exchange ideas, to understand where we are and where we are going,” he added.
Donor Behaviour Key to Development Outcomes
Lecturer John Bosco Oryema said the lecture underscored the importance of understanding donor dynamics for countries dependent on external funding.
“When a big donor behaves in a specific way, other donors will follow in the same way,” Oryema noted.
“For developing countries that depend on aid, we need to study the behaviour of our donors. When one reduces, others may also reduce, and our development interventions may fail,” he warned.
Researcher Alice Nalwera highlighted the tendency of donors to align their decisions based on actions taken by leading funders.
“Most donors tend to cooperate and follow what others are doing. There is an aspect of information sharing,” she said.
“What the US is doing will greatly influence what other donors do in terms of disbursement,” she added..
Evelyn Nizame, a third-year economics student said cooperation among donors is essential.
“It is very important for donors to cooperate on key projects to deliver quality services to the people,” she said.
Another student, Nabakoza Joan, emphasized the risks of fragmented aid. “When there is a lot of competition, there is fragmentation of funds. But if donors cooperate under one policy, it leads to better outcomes for developing countries,” she explained.
Business & Management
EfD Uganda sends off internee Ruth Asiimwe to African Development Bank, prides in strong mentorship
Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University on 16th April 2026 bid farewell to its third intern, Ruth Asiimwe, who has secured a position with the African Development Bank in Juba South Sudan, with staff and alumni hailing the programme’s growing record of nurturing top talent.
Asiimwe’s departure adds to a list of successful transitions by EfD interns into key national and international institutions. The centre’s first intern, Alice Nalweera, joined the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) before becoming an assistant lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Economics, while the second, Lean Ankunda, was recruited by the Bank of Uganda.
Speaking at the farewell, Policy Engagement Specialist Peter Babyenda said Asiimwe’s achievement reflects the strength of EfD’s mentorship model.
“In the same way we bid farewell to Alice and Lean as they moved on to EPRC and Bank of Uganda respectively, today we are here again because of the mentorship we are providing,” Babyenda said. “Ruth is now joining the African Development Bank in Juba, and we are proud of her.”
Babyenda also credited the EfD leadership and partners, noting that the Sida-funded centre, established in 2019, has consistently invested in building research capacity among young scholars.
“We started this mentorship programme to help students learn from what we are doing and become researchers. Wherever you go, please represent us well,” he added.
“A nursery bed for young professionals”
The Director of the EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the centre as a “nursery bed” for young professionals, emphasizing its role in shaping future leaders.
“EfD is a place where we nurture seedlings and later transplant them into the main garden. Ruth has been very diligent and professional, and I have no doubt she will represent us well,” Bbaale said.
He added that Asiimwe’s move extends the centre’s influence beyond Uganda. “She is not leaving the EfD network; rather, our footprint is expanding to the African Development Bank and to another country. This makes collaboration easier and strengthens our presence.”
Centre Manager and Supervisor Gyaviira Ssewankambo said the internship programme was introduced to strengthen internal capacity and has since evolved into a critical talent pipeline.
“Ruth has made us proud. She set a high benchmark, and we expect those coming in to build on that,” Ssewankambo said.
Research Fellow Dr. Nicholas Kilimani highlighted the importance of targeted mentorship and talent identification in building a strong team.
“We are dealing with highly specialised talent. The approach of identifying and nurturing dedicated young professionals has paid off, and Ruth is a clear example,” he said.
Staff members also praised Asiimwe’s character, describing her as humble, disciplined, and professional. Data Manager Fred Kasalirwe noted that beyond academic excellence, her soft skills set her apart.
“You may be academically strong, but without soft skills it is difficult to thrive. Ruth is extremely humble and will blend well in any environment,” he said.
Administrative Officer Hilda Makune echoed similar sentiments, saying Asiimwe’s positive attitude and interpersonal skills made her stand out.
“We will miss her. Her humility and teamwork have been exceptional, and we are confident she will represent us well,” Makune said.
Alice Nalwera, the pioneer intern, urged Asiimwe to uphold the centre’s reputation and inspire others.
“Wherever we go, we carry EfD with us. Talk good about the centre and inspire other young women to follow this path,” Nalwera said.
In her remarks, Asiimwe credited EfD for shaping her professional journey, emphasizing the importance of a supportive work environment.
“I have learned that working in a good environment with supportive leadership motivates you to do better. EfD has given me that foundation,” she said.
She also thanked her supervisors and colleagues for mentorship and guidance, noting that the experience had prepared her for the demands of her new role.
Asiimwe’s departure coincided with the introduction of a new intern, Kevin Apolot, who takes over as the centre continues its mentorship programme aimed at producing the next generation of researchers and policy professionals.
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