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Mak implored to research into the Centralization of Forest Governance in Uganda

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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.

A section of the panelists contributing to the discussion.
A section of the panelists contributing to the discussion.

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.

Dr. John Sseruyange representing the Director EfD-Mak centre.
Dr. John Sseruyange representing the Director EfD-Mak centre.

 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.

EfD-Mak centre research fellows Dr. John Sseruyange (Left), Dr. Alice Turinawe (Standing) and Fred Kasalirwe during the meeting.
EfD-Mak centre research fellows Dr. John Sseruyange (Left), Dr. Alice Turinawe (Standing) and Fred Kasalirwe during the meeting.

“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.

Mr. Mwidyeki Anthony speaking during the dialogue.
Mr. Mwidyeki Anthony speaking during the dialogue.

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.

Maria Lubega (Left) interacts with the opinion leader Frank Kawooya (Right).
Maria Lubega (Left) interacts with the opinion leader Frank Kawooya (Right).

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

The Deputy RDC Maria Lubega (Left) listens as the District Police Officer contributes.
The Deputy RDC Maria Lubega (Left) listens as the District Police Officer contributes.

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.

EfD-Mak Data Manager Fred Kasalirwe giving a brief about the centre.
EfD-Mak Data Manager Fred Kasalirwe giving a brief about the centre.

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.

EfD-Mak Data Manager Fred Kasalirwe interacts with the police commander after the meeting.
EfD-Mak Data Manager Fred Kasalirwe interacts with the police commander after the meeting.

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.

Deputy RDC Maria Lubega delivering her closing remarks.
Deputy RDC Maria Lubega delivering her closing remarks.

“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.”

Frank Kawooya and other three panelist during the policy dialogue.
Frank Kawooya and other three panelist during the policy dialogue.

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.

Jane Anyango

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CoBAMS Students Gain Hands-On Experience at Kingfisher Oil Field

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Students at Central Processing Facility, Kingfisher

Hoima and Kikuube Districts, Uganda – October 20, 2024

A group of third-year students from College of Business and Management Sciences’s Energy and Natural Resources Economics program visited the Kingfisher oil operations and Kabalega Airport in Hoima and Kikuube districts on October 20, 2024. Led by Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. John Sseruyange, and with authorization from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, the visit offered the students an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom learning with field experience.

The primary objective of the field trip was to enhance students’ practical understanding of Uganda’s oil industry by observing the extraction and production processes firsthand. According to Dr. Babyenda, “Blending theory with real-world exposure is essential for these students, as it allows them to apply and expand their knowledge beyond the classroom.”

During the tour, students explored several key areas:

  1. Practical Exposure – Witnessing the operational procedures of oil extraction offered students a concrete understanding of how theoretical concepts play out in the field, enhancing their grasp of the industry.
  2. Economic Impact Analysis – Observing the economic role of oil production in Hoima and Kikuube allowed the students to explore its broader impact on local and global markets and its contributions to community development and Uganda’s economic landscape.
  3. Technical Knowledge – The students gained insights into the technical aspects of oil extraction, learning about the complexities of the operations, the innovations employed, and the challenges faced by the industry.
  4. Environmental and Social Considerations – Students observed the environmental practices in place and evaluated the social dynamics involved, gaining an understanding of how oil companies balance production with community and environmental sustainability.
  5. Career Insights – With opportunities to interact with professionals in the oil sector, students received guidance on potential career paths in the industry, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
  6. Current Industry Issues – The group also delved into the status of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project and discussed challenges in oil and natural gas production, examining where Uganda stands in terms of production timelines, obstacles, solutions, and the role they can play as future energy professionals.
Students at Luwero Industries Waste Treatment Plant

Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Sseruyange highlighted the importance of this experience in solidifying students’ understanding of Uganda’s evolving oil industry. “This field experience not only complements what they’ve learned in lectures but also equips them with a real sense of the operational and societal impact of the energy sector,”he noted.

The students expressed their gratitude for the immersive experience, noting how it broadened their perspectives and deepened their knowledge. The field trip served as an essential step in preparing them for careers within Uganda’s energy and natural resources sectors, bringing them closer to the industry’s forefront and the future of sustainable energy in the region.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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EfD-Mak Honored as Runners-Up in Policy Impact Award at 18th EfD AGM

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Uganda Team (L-R) Eng. Domnic Mucunguzi, Mr. Jordan Ssemwanga, Dr. Florence Lwiza Nsereko, Mr. Nathan Mununuzi, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani, Dr. Susan Kavuma, Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo and EfD-Uganda Head Prof. Edward Bbaale. 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EfD network, held from October 3 to 6, 2024, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda team, led by Prof. Edward Bbaale, has been
recognized as Runners-Up for the prestigious EfD Policy Impact Award 2024. Their impactful
paper, titled “Policy Options for Clean Cooking and Reduced Biomass Dependency,” earned
them a Certificate of Excellence during the 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EfD
network, held from October 3 to 6, 2024, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

Organized by the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg and hosted by EfD-Kenya
Centre at the University of Nairobi, the AGM brought together researchers and policymakers
from across the world. The event celebrated the remarkable work being done to influence global environmental policies.

Representing Uganda, Prof. Bbaale was accompanied by Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo, EfD-
Mak’s Office Manager, and a team of researchers and collaborators. Among those present were
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Dr. Susan Kavuma, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani, Dr.
Florence Lwiza Nsereko, Mr. Jordan Ssemwanga, Mr. Nathan Mununuzi (Ministry of Water and
Environment), and Eng. Domnic Mucunguzi (Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and
Fisheries).

Insights from the Study

The award-winning study, led by Prof. Bbaale and his research fellows—Dr. Babyenda, Dr.
Sseruyange, and Dr. Kilimani—focused on “Promoting Inclusive Clean Energy Transition in
Uganda: Evidence, Challenges, and Policy Options.”
The research explored perceptions of
cooking energy systems in Uganda, with an emphasis on the over-reliance on biomass,
particularly charcoal, as the primary energy source in low-income areas.

The study revealed key barriers to the clean energy transition, including fear of electricity and
liquid petroleum gas, weak public awareness, and insufficient regulatory frameworks. These
challenges have slowed the adoption of alternative energy solutions in Ugandan households.

Prof. Bbaale emphasized the need for stronger regulatory support and awareness to foster the
country’s energy transition: “The transition to cleaner energy requires overcoming public
misconceptions and improving regulatory systems to promote sustainable cooking solutions.”

Group Photo of the participants of the EfD 18th AGM in Nairobi. 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EfD network, held from October 3 to 6, 2024, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Group Photo of the participants of the EfD 18th AGM in Nairobi.

See video clips interview with Edward Bbaale and Peter Babyenda – Courtesy of the EfD Global
Hub

Edward Bbaale:

https://play.gu.se/media/Edward%20Bbaale%20-
%20Sustainable%20energy%20transitions%20in%20Uganda%3A%20The%20role%20of%20En
ergy%20Efficiency/0_iaiqbcmq

Peter Babyenda:

https://play.gu.se/media/Peter%20Babyenda%20-%20Embracing%20clean%20cooking%20for%20greener%20Uganda/0_lhsexaky

EfD-Mak’s Growing Impact

Prof. Bbaale highlighted the value of the 18th AGM for fostering collaboration and growth
within the EfD network. “The EfD-Mak Centre appreciates the efforts of colleagues who
submitted proposals and papers, and we congratulate Dr. Lwiza and Dr. Kavuma for their
contributions. These proposals are vital to keeping the Centre running,” Bbaale noted.

A photo of the EfD policy impact award. 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EfD network, held from October 3 to 6, 2024, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
A photo of the EfD policy impact award.

Looking ahead, he encouraged further mobilization of research fellows, recommending the
appointment of collaborative leaders and co-leaders to enhance engagement and productivity
within the Centre. A full report on EfD Uganda’s participation at the AGM is attached.

The EfD-Mak Centre’s research has continued to make waves, including a recent presentation to Parliament in May 2024, where the team advocated for regulatory frameworks to support the transition to clean energy in Uganda.
(https://news.mak.ac.ug/2024/05/efd-takes-research-findings-to-parliament-advocates-for-
regulatory-and-policy-framework-to-support-transition-to-clean-energy-for-households/
)

A full report on EfD Uganda’s participation at the NAIROBI 18th EfD AGM may be accessed below.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda

Jane Anyango

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School of Business holds 4-day Doctoral colloquium

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The School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences, has concluded the 3rd Annual Doctoral Colloquium Programme, 2024, which brought together 34 PhD students, including 11 third-year and 23 first- and second-year students, for a four-day engagement held from Monday October 14 to October 17, 2024.

Organized under the leadership of Prof. Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business, and Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, the colloquium focused on the theme, “Research Grounding, Framing, Problematizing, and Making a Contribution for a Seamless PhD Experience.” The event aimed
to educate participants on research proposals and thesis guidelines, enhance scholarly writing and presentation skills, and foster networking between young and senior researchers.

The colloquium achieved its objectives through sessions on both provisional and full admission processes, addressing essential topics such as proposal and thesis structure, conceptualization, literature review, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, philosophy of methods, scholarly writing, and ethical clearance. Paper presentation sessions, held on Days 3 and 4, allowed students to refine their research ideas and enhance their understanding of PhD management policies, philosophical foundations, and scholarly writing skills.

Prof. Godfrey Akileng highlighted the remarkable progress of the School’s doctoral program since its inception in 2019. “We have 31 active doctoral students, and five graduates are expected in January,” said Prof. Akileng. He expressed pride in the school’s initiatives, noting the increasing publication rate among both students and staff, which reflects the growing research output. Prof. Akileng encouraged scholars to present their research, develop a matrix for comments received, and work diligently to finish their work on time.

Prof. Akileng also emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction in research, stating, “Our business thought is that the best strategy is having a satisfied work customer and addressing their needs.” He reaffirmed that the staff remains committed to supporting students throughout their PhD journey, urging them to stay focused and follow the plan.

Prof. Edward Bbaale -Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences

In addition to the ongoing training efforts, upcoming events include the November and December research seminars, where staff members studying abroad will present their work.

During his opening remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), emphasized Makerere University’s strategic vision under the 2020-2030 plan, which focuses on transforming the university into a research-led and innovation-driven institution. Prof. Bbaale highlighted three key pillars of the strategy: increasing graduate enrollment, establishing research entities, and bridging research and policy​.

“We aim to raise the graduate student population to 30% by 2030, with 10% being international students,” Prof. Bbaale said, adding that the current figure stands at 12%, with only 2% being international students. He also noted the creation of 68 research centers and institutes, such as the School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as key steps in developing innovative solutions through collaborative research.

Prof. Bbaale encouraged students to embrace challenges and use the resources available at Makerere University to further their academic and research goals. “Your research is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a beacon of hope and a catalyst for societal change,” he said, citing the importance of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in shaping the future of academic excellence.

Dr. Julius Kikoma, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training

Speaking at the closing of the colloquium, Dr. Julius Kikoma, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) at Makerere University, praised the School of Business for its progress in doctoral training. “I’m happy to see that the school has grown its capacity to train PhDs,” Dr. Kikoma remarked, adding that the DRGT is working to make the PhD journey less isolating by organizing gatherings like the colloquium, which bring students together.

Dr. Kikoma further highlighted the reforms initiated by the DRGT to streamline PhD training, including a shift from open-ended to structured programs, cohort-based admissions, and providing full admission to students. “We’ve implemented changes to help PhD students move more smoothly through their journey,” he explained.

The symposium also featured contributions from experts such as Dr. Kassim Sendawula, the Coordinator of the PhD Programme at the School of Business, who underscored the value of expert feedback in the research process. Dr. Sendawula noted that the review process provided essential skills and insights, helping scholars refine their research and develop practical solutions.

The colloquium demonstrated Makerere University’s dedication to advancing graduate training and research, fostering a supportive community for PhD students. Dr. Kikoma highlighted that 350 applicants for PhD by research were received in the current academic year, underscoring the increasing interest in graduate studies at the university. The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to support PhD students, align research with national priorities, and maintain the momentum toward achieving the university’s vision of becoming a research-led institution.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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