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
Macroeconomics Conference Addresses Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Payment Systems
By Noeline Nabukenya
On 8th May 2025, the School of Economics under the College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS) hosted the Macroeconomics of digital payment system conference at Makerere University. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Bank of Uganda
(BOU) and International Growth Centre (IGC), to promote use of digital financial services.
The conference was timely, coming at a time, when the world is experiencing a shift from moving with cash to accelerated digital transformation. The development has since penetrated the financial services market, promoting financial inclusion because of being secure and
convenient. Users have since observed an increase in speed, accuracy and reduction of transaction costs.
Uganda has made great strides in the adoption of digital technology. During the conference, the participants noted that the mobile money payment systems expedited the transfer of money. It is very fast, quick, convenient and affordable. The conference provided a platform to reflect on how that transition has happened and its impact on the economy.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal for COBAMS, welcomed delegates at the university and assured them that the conference would generate transformation and change in the business sector. He noted that digital payments have emerged as a critical tool in shaping the macroeconomic landscape of developing economies.
“The shift from cash to digital modes of transaction has profound implications for taxation, monetary policy, financial inclusion, and the efficiency of the financial system as a whole,” he observed.
He noted that the conference highlights the challenges of digital payments which have an implication to businesses; issues like mobile money taxation, digital financial service costs, interoperability, infrastructure gaps and remittance payments.
The conference therefore addressed the gap of mobile money taxation among other digital financial services and how they left out voices of the most affected-the small business owners. The participants called upon relevant authorities and stakeholders to consider making a redress.
“Uganda, like many of its regional counterparts, is standing at the crossroads of technological change and policy innovation. As digital financial services expand, we must understand their effects. This is not only a research imperative-it is a national necessity.”
Bank of Uganda expressed commitment of supporting digital financial services and creating avenues for accelerated development as the country embraces digital payment systems.
Dr. Doreen Rubatsimbira, the Head, Monetary Policy Analysis at BOU, said a technical team on block chain technology has been instituted to extend support to the journey of realizing digital financial services.
“We have also explored the visibility of the central bank digital currency and constituted a technical working group on block chain technology as a way of leveraging transformative technologies for the financial sector,” she stated.
On behalf of BOU, Dr. Rubatsimbira applauded Makerere University for their continued partnership on a number of activities that contributes to the economic growth of the country.
The university has worked with Bank of Uganda on different occasions because of the shared academic and policy goals. “This collaboration has led to a generation of economists and policymakers,” she said.
International Growth Centre Senior Country Economist, Dr. Nhial Kuch, said there is a steady progress in adoption of digital payment systems. As an organization, they are looking at providing more funding for evidence-based research to help policymakers come up with adjustments in policies that don’t clash with financial inclusion.
“When we think about tax policy, we must make sure that it is not contradicting other policies, the government is pursuing i.e. financial inclusion or access to innovative services or digital payments,” he said.
He underscored the significance of IGC funding towards evidence based research, noting that they funded the paper on mobile money tax, which is paying off by raising important dialogue that brings together researchers and policymakers, to sit in one room and address these issues and come up with some policy interventions.
“We also funded research on the Electronic Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) which was creating confusion especially among business owners, but our intervention helped in interpretation of that tax,” Kuch added.
Prof. Ibrahim Okumu, the Dean, School of Economics, appreciated all partners especially BOU and IGC for their joint support to organize a colourful conference. He stressed that this kind of collaboration underscores the power of partnership in driving research, capacity building
and evidence-informed policy.
Through this partnership with the Bank of Uganda, Makerere University is scheduled to launch the Master of Science in Economic and Investment Modelling in August 2025, a program that will help strengthen the analytical capacity needed for sound public investment decisions.
On 5th May 2025, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handed over 40 high-tech laptops and 10 projectors to Makerere University to facilitate teaching, learning, and research at the School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
The handover ceremony commenced with a powerful prayer led by Sister Tracy Ence, a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the prayer, she evoked God-the Almighty, to take control of the handover ceremony, blessing each individual with a generous heart, and blessing the Church and Makerere University as both entities embark on a journey of long-term partnership in the education.
The delegation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consisted of over 10 personalities from different professions and vocations who have dedicated their lives to the church and service to humanity. These brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ are volunteers who undertake projects for the good of the Church and God’s people.
Presenting the ICT equipment to Makerere University, the Head of Delegation, Brother Christophe Ge’rard Giraud stated that the church values education expressing their commitment to partnerships that promote spiritual and secular education.
Delighted about the partnership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Makerere University, Brother Christophe said: “As a church, we love to get into partnership. Wherever our faith may be, we all believe there’s a God in heaven. This donation of laptops and projectors will strengthen and liven the classroom. We hope and pray that the donation will be a blessing.”
Brother Ambrose Kilama, the Stake President, a volunteer and an Ecclesiastic leader informed the audience that Education is the eleventh (11th) commandment in the Church. He re-affirmed that in the fulfilment of the 11th commandment, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes pride in education within and outside the church. “This is the beginning of the partnership. The donation symbolizes the commitment of the Church to undertaking partnerships in education.”
The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Vice Chancellor represented by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)-Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Dean of the School of Business-Dr. Godfrey Akileng, the Dean of the School of Economics-Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Umar Kakumba and over 30 members of staff from the Department of Marketing and Management, and the Department of Accounting and Finance under the School of Business.
Listening to Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, Head of the Department of Marketing and Management, giving an account leading to the donation of the ICT equipment, the participants agreed that it was a divine connection. It also re-echoed the biblical teaching of the good Samaritan.
Dr. Mugarura revealed that the donation that the School of Business was receiving on 5th May 2025, started with an interaction with Dr. Phillip Mathemera, a Volunteer with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2024. While at Makerere University main campus, Dr. Mathemera, who was trying to locate the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), met Dr. Mugarura, and requested for directions. Attributing it to luck or God’s timing, Dr. Mugarura was the person present at the actual time when Dr. Mathemera was seeking help. They interacted, Dr. Mugarura directed him to CAES, and they also exchanged contacts for future correspondence.
Dr. Mugarura disclosed that when the Department of Marketing and Management was organizing an event and looking for sponsors, he pulled out the business card, to contact Dr. Mathemera for possible sponsorship.
Dr. Mugarura explained that during the telephone conversation, Dr. Mathemera guided him to explore support for a partnership rather than sponsorship for a one-off event.
Following the guidance received, Dr. Mugarura teamed up with Dr. Tibaingana to write a concept addressing the teaching and learning needs challenge in the Department of Marketing and Management.
Filled with joy, Dr. Mugarura briefed the audience inside the School of Business Conference Hall that the Church responded positively to the concept. “I am pleased to state that everything that we requested for in the concept was accepted. We have assembled here today, on the 5th of May 2025, to receive the ICT equipment. We pledge to put these items to good use as we advance digitalization in teaching and learning,” said Dr. Mugarura.
Receiving the ICT equipment on behalf of Makerere University, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi reported that when he learned of this donation, he was filled with a deep sense of gratitude to God in heaven, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the two (2) members of staff namely: Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana who wrote the concept on the teaching and learning needs.
Stating the need for high-tech equipment and accessories to deliver meaningful education, Prof. Buyinza noted that the donation of ICT equipment significantly impacts the teaching, learning and research agenda of the University.
Referencing the 4th and 5th industrial revolution that thrives on ICT and digital education, Prof. Buyinza re-affirmed that the equipment received will enable the members of faculty to play a pivotal role in the realization of University 5.0, which is built on integrated ICT.
Prof. Buyinza applauded Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, members of staff in the Department of Marketing and Management for identifying viable friends.
Welcoming the delegation from the Church to the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), the Principal-Prof. Edward Bbaale, notified the guests that the College consists of three (3) schools. These include: the School of Business, the School of Economics, and the School of Statistics and Planning, with each School having key departments. He also welcomed the staff from the School of Business that hosts the Department of Marketing and Management, and the Department of Accounting and Finance.
Prof. Bbaale commended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for prioritizing partnerships, emphasizing that Makerere University values partnerships. “Building partnerships, collaborations, and internationalization are the cornerstones to build us up into a research-driven university,” he said.
Appreciating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Principal highlighted that the donation of laptops and projectors was a timely intervention, presenting the teaching staff with the required equipment as they undertake roles to contribute to the research-driven agenda of the University. “The support comes at a time when digital training and e-Learning are taking centre stage at Makerere University, which positions our faculty to be active players in this journey.”
Presenting a brief profile of the School of Business, the Dean-Dr. Godfrey Akileng stated that the School, which has 43 members of staff, is renowned for championing entrepreneurship. He reported that the School holds the Annual Entrepreneurship week/expo, which provides a platform to students to demonstrate their business and entrepreneurship skills and abilities.
Highlighting the School’s exponential growth in terms of graduate training and supervision, Dr. Akileng said: “In 2011/2012, the School had only two members of staff with PhDs. Today, the number of staff with PhDs is 26. We have developed capacity over the years with staff able to teach and supervise the different PhD tracks, namely PhD by research and PhD by coursework. Currently, the School of Business boasts of 31 students who are enrolled on the PhD programme,” he remarked.
Dr. Akileng congratulated the faculty upon receiving high-tech equipment. He requested the department of marketing and management to evolve into a model unit in the promotion of e-Learning and digital education at the University.
Impressed by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana’s resource mobilization efforts in securing the donation, Dr. Akileng also thanked Dr. Tibaingana for his devotion to teaching, learning, and graduate supervision. “Dr. Tibaingana is a rising star. This year, Dr. Tibaingana supervised three PhD students to completion. We are proud of his work,” he remarked.
Dr. Akileng called upon the members of faculty to utilize the equipment in the execution of official tasks, to serve the students and the University at large. This will bring real progress and growth to the School and the University.
Contributing to the discussion, Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer who moderated the ceremony, informed the audience that Makerere University had embarked on the development of an e-Learning Digital Transformation roadmap for the next five years (2025-2030). Observing that this strategic step involves the acquisition of high-tech ICT equipment to enable the different players to undertake the required roles, Ms. Namisango appreciated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints for the generous donation.
Giving a vote of thanks on behalf of the members of staff, Dr. Pros Katumba, who teaches ICT and Strategic Management, flanked by Dr. Jamidah Nakato and Dr. Zaina Nakabuye, Lecturers in the Department of Marketing and Management, stressed that the ICT equipment received will enhance service delivery at the School of Business. “We have been having a gap in equipment. Thank you for this donation that will greatly impact teaching, learning, and research.”
True to the statement, that this was the beginning of partnership, Dr. Tibaingana ignited the audience when he reported that Dr. Mathemera had extended an offer to the 17 students studying marketing to undertake a driving course leading to acquisition of driving permits valued for 5 years. The training is scheduled to start after the end of Semester Two exams 2024/2025 on 17th May 2025.
According to Dr. Tibaingana, the sponsorship follows a guest lecture that was delivered by Dr. Mathemera in April 2025. “Thrilled by the interaction and enthusiasm of the marketing students, Dr. Mathemera generously offered the sponsorship,” he stated.
Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Insurance Training College (ITC) aimed at enhancing professional training, research, and industry engagement in the fields of actuarial science and insurance.
The signing ceremony, held on May 6, 2025, at the University Main Building, was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and attended by officials from both institutions. The MoU will be implemented through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and is expected to significantly benefit students, particularly those pursuing Actuarial Science.
Under the new agreement, Makerere University students will receive exemptions from selected certification courses offered by the Insurance Training College, easing their path toward professional accreditation. The partnership also paves the way for joint training programs, research collaborations, internship placements, external examination services, and other mutually beneficial initiatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the importance of such collaborations in preparing students for a dynamic and competitive job market.
“This MoU is both timely and strategic. Collaborations with professional bodies such as the Insurance Training College ensure that our students are not only academically grounded but also professionally prepared to meet industry demands,” said Prof. Nawangwe.
“The insurance sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the region. It requires well-trained, ethical, and innovative professionals—and Makerere University is committed to producing exactly that.”
On behalf of the Insurance Training College, Mr. Saul Sseremba, Chief Executive Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and its long-term impact.
“We are excited to formalize our collaboration with Makerere University. Our goal is to build a critical mass of highly skilled insurance professionals who will drive the transformation of the sector in Uganda and beyond,” said Mr. Sseremba.
“We look forward to a fruitful relationship that blends academic excellence with industry relevance.”
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Bbaale Edward, Principal of CoBAMS, underscored the significance of the partnership in enhancing the college’s mission of bridging academic theory and professional practice.
“This MoU is aligned with our strategic goal of strengthening industry linkages and providing our students with hands-on exposure to the realities of the workplace,” said Prof. Bbaale said.
“Actuarial Science is a rigorous program, and these exemptions will ease our students’ progression into professional certification while motivating them to pursue excellence. We are grateful to ITC for this opportunity and look forward to implementing this partnership effectively.”
The MoU signifies Makerere University‘s continued commitment to strengthening university-industry linkages, expanding professional pathways for students, and fostering applied research that contributes to national development.
The signing was witnessed by the Head of Department, Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science, Dr. Felix Wamono, the Dean School of Planning and Statistics, Dr. Margaret Banga and Dr. Shaheen Memon – Assistant Lecturer.
The event concluded with a symbolic signing of the agreement and a commitment from both parties to begin implementation immediately.
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