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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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AERC Delegation Pays Courtesy Call to VC

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Prof. Tonny Oyana (3rd Right), Prof. Victor Murinde (3rd Left), and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu (2nd Left) with the AERC delegation during the courtesy call. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, received by Prof. Tonny Oyana, 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

A delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) today paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. The delegation was led by Prof. Victor Murinde, Executive Director of AERC.

The team was received by Prof. Tonny Oyana, who represented the Vice Chancellor at the meeting. Prof. Oyana expressed appreciation for AERC’s continued support to the School of Economics, and commended the longstanding partnership between Makerere University and AERC.

Prof. Tonny Oyana (Right) presents the Makerere Souvenir Book to Prof. Victor Murinde. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, received by Prof. Tonny Oyana, 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Tonny Oyana (Right) presents the Makerere Souvenir Book to Prof. Victor Murinde.

Drawing on his expertise in Information Systems, Prof. Oyana emphasized the importance of deep and strategic collaboration between institutions. He noted that, much like in Information Systems where components must be tightly coupled to function efficiently, partnerships in academia must be deeply integrated to yield meaningful impact.

The Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, who accompanied Prof. Murinde, also expressed his gratitude for AERC’s unwavering support. He highlighted several key areas of assistance including:

  • Scholarships for Master’s and PhD fellows;
  • Support for ICT infrastructure development; and
  • Contributions toward the construction of the School of Economics building.
Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Ms. Betty Kyakuwa with the delegation at the Main Building entrance. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, received by Prof. Tonny Oyana, 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Ms. Betty Kyakuwa with the delegation at the Main Building entrance.

Prof. Okumu noted that these efforts have significantly enhanced the School’s academic and research capacity, and he looked forward to continued collaboration and deepened partnership between the two institutions.

During the meeting, Prof. Murinde shared AERC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2035, titled “Reinventing the AERC for Delivering Africa’s Economic Prosperity.” He explained that AERC is embarking on a comprehensive reform agenda designed to:

  • Strengthen research excellence,
  • Enhance policy impact, and
  • Secure long-term institutional sustainability across Africa.
Prof. Victor Murinde (Left) presents an AERC souvenir to Prof. Tonny Oyana. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, received by Prof. Tonny Oyana, 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Victor Murinde (Left) presents an AERC souvenir to Prof. Tonny Oyana.

Following the meeting, the AERC delegation joined scholars, economists, and academics for a for and a meeting, further demonstrating AERC’s commitment to knowledge exchange and regional capacity building in economic research.

Betty Kyakuwa
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PIM Centre of Excellence Launches KCCA Training in Public Investment Management

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Participants pose for a group photo at the launch of the KCCA PIM Training. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.

May 19, 2025 |


The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, has launched a five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

This specialized training marks a significant milestone—not only in advancing professional capacity within KCCA, but also in reinforcing strategic collaboration between academia, local government, and national planning institutions. The training was officially opened by Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner of the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department (PAP), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED).

Ms. Esther Ayebare. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Esther Ayebare.

A Commitment to Professionalization

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Ayebare emphasized the importance of investing in PIM capacity as a cornerstone of Uganda’s development agenda. “The government is committed to building a pool of skilled professionals who can design, appraise, and manage viable public projects. This training is part of a broader strategy to ensure that public investments deliver real value for money,” she said.

She encouraged the participants to actively engage with the course content, especially the hands-on and practical components that simulate real-world project scenarios.

Participants follow proceedings at the launch. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants follow proceedings at the launch.

Strategic Investment by KCCA

In his remarks, Mr. Edson Masereka, Manager for Research and Business Development at KCCA, expressed gratitude to the PIM Centre of Excellence and MoFPED for facilitating the training. He noted that KCCA has over 30 projects currently in the pipeline and stressed the need to equip staff with the right skills to manage them effectively.

“This training is timely. It will strengthen our internal capacity to design, prepare, and execute public investments. We hope the quality and impact of our projects will improve significantly as a result,” he said.

Mr. Edson Masereka. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Edson Masereka.

A Unique Cohort with a Strong Message

Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal Investigator of the PIM Centre of Excellence, praised the training as both unique and transformative. “This is the first cohort fully sponsored by KCCA itself—a testament to the authority’s commitment to internal capacity building and professional excellence,” he said.

He also recognized the visionary partnership between Makerere University and MoFPED, which has made it possible to establish the PIM Centre of Excellence as a leading hub for training, research, and policy advisory in Uganda’s public investment space.

Prof. Edward Bbaale. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale.

“Beyond training, we are also working on revising the Development Committee Guidelines, assessing public investment performance since NDP I, and producing knowledge to inform decision-making,” Prof. Bbaale noted.

The trainees will undertake three core PIM modules during the five-day session:

  • Project Identification and Preparation
  • Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP) and Execution
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment, with a strong emphasis on climate, environmental, and social safeguards.
Dr. John Sseruyange from PIM CoE. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange from PIM CoE.

In the coming months, participants will have the opportunity to enroll in advanced modules on financial and economic appraisal, delivered in collaboration with Cambridge Resources International and Queen’s University (Canada), leading to a prestigious international certification.

Building a National Cadre of PIM Experts

The training reflects broader national efforts to build a robust and professional cadre of PIM practitioners capable of driving Uganda’s development goals through effective project management. Participants will receive joint certification from Makerere University and MoFPED, underscoring the academic and policy rigor of the programme.

Prof. Bbaale encouraged the participants to be active contributors in this journey:

A facilitator addresses participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
A facilitator addresses participants.

“This workshop is just the beginning. You are the future champions of effective public investment. Engage fully, learn deeply, and take these skills back to your institutions to make a difference.”

The PIM CoE at Makerere University remains committed to providing high-quality capacity building, evidence-based research, and technical support that enhances Uganda’s ability to implement impactful public investment projects.

Betty Kyakuwa
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EfD Launches $30,000 Carnegie CECAP-funded Research Project on Household and SME Energy Efficiency in Uganda

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Participants in group photo after the inception workshop. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – May 15, 2025
The Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University has launched a two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The project, supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, officially kicked off with an inception workshop held at the EfD Mak conference room on Wednesday.

Dr. Peter Babyenda, a postdoctoral researcher and lead investigator on the project, said the study will focus on identifying the key drivers of energy consumption at the household and SME level, particularly within the manufacturing sector. “We are investigating what factors determine energy use—whether it’s charcoal, LPG, or electricity—and how that use can be made more efficient,” he said.

The research is being conducted under the mentorship of Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of EfD-Mak, and is part of a larger initiative under the Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training led by Principal Investigator Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who also serves as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

Dr. Peter Babyenda, Post Doc Researcher. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Post Doc Researcher.

The project aims to provide evidence-based policy and awareness messages to improve energy efficiency in Uganda, amid rising electricity costs and population growth. “The only sustainable way to address rising energy costs is through improved efficiency,” Dr. Babyenda emphasized.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, energy engineers, economists, and researchers from institutions such as the Economic Policy Research Centre. Their input is expected to help refine the study tools and shape data collection strategies.

Dr. Babyenda noted that the team will now revise its research instruments based on feedback from the workshop, and submit the tools for ethical review by the CoBAMS Research Ethics Committee. Field data collection is slated to begin in early June.

Participants gathered in the EfD Conference room. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants gathered in the EfD Conference room.

The study, selected through a highly competitive process that saw only 25 projects funded, is expected to culminate in two peer-reviewed publications and a comprehensive report. Dissemination efforts will target both policymakers and end users, including the Ministry of Energy and relevant community stakeholders.

“This project is a milestone for us at EfD-Mak. We are excited to contribute research that has the potential to influence national energy policy,” Dr. Babyenda said.

Dean Calls for Deeper Stakeholder Engagement and Practical Insight

The Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu, called for greater alignment between academic research and practical stakeholder perspectives in energy studies.

Congratulating Dr. Peter Babyenda and his team for securing the $30,000 research grant, Prof. Ibrahim praised the initiative as a reflection of both academic rigor and practical relevance.

Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu officially opening the workshop. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu officially opening the workshop.

“My understanding of inception workshops is that they are meant to test whether your conceptualization aligns with stakeholder perspectives,” he said. “The quality of feedback you receive depends on the quality of stakeholders you engage.”

Prof. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of engaging engineers in the electricity sector, arguing that understanding operational mechanisms is essential for any discussion on energy efficiency. “Efficiency is not just an economic concept—it’s grounded in how energy systems work, and that’s an engineering issue,” he noted.

He encouraged the research team to use the stakeholder feedback to refine their research tools and conceptual framework. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted how a paper he published in the Policy Review Journal originated directly from stakeholder insights gained during a previous inception workshop.

A section of participants. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of participants.

The Dean also stressed the need for inclusive dissemination strategies. “For any research to have real impact, it must involve the end users not just at the point of output but from inception through to delivery,” he said. “If you don’t speak to the people who use the energy, you lose the entire purpose of the research.”

Prof. Ibrahim closed by extending gratitude to all participants and reaffirming the School of Economics’ support for the EfD center. “What we’ve earned today are not just discussions, but deep mental insights that will shape this project going forward,” he concluded.

Participants Urge Deeper Energy Awareness and Policy Integration

Key stakeholders from government and academia called for enhanced public awareness and integrated energy policies

Esther Fiona Atek, an Energy Officer from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, underscored the ministry’s interest in the project findings. “While we know how much residences consume, we’re particularly interested in how that breaks down between rural and urban areas, and within specific uses like cooking and lighting,” Atek said. “The research will inform future policies to promote energy-efficient technologies both in households and SMEs.”

Atek emphasized the study’s potential to support the ministry’s mandate to drive energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors. She highlighted the need for disaggregated data that can guide technology promotion and tailor interventions to actual consumption patterns.

Dr. Abubaker Matovu and other participants during the meeting. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Abubaker Matovu and other participants during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abubaker Matovu Wasswa, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Makerere University, called for broader public education on energy types and uses. “People often limit solar energy to lighting, yet it can do so much more. We must understand the different forms of energy—biomass, petroleum, LPG, solar—and how each can be used efficiently,” he said.

Dr. Wasswa stressed that energy sustainability requires a cultural shift in how Ugandans perceive and utilize various energy sources. “If we don’t educate users on energy efficiency across all forms, we risk wasting valuable resources and missing out on long-term sustainability,” he warned.

Kironde a secretary for defense at Kalerwe market submits the need for the university to engage with Local Councils. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Kironde a secretary for defense at Kalerwe market submits the need for the university to engage with Local Councils.

The EfD-led research project aims to provide actionable data and recommendations to improve energy efficiency across Uganda. Fieldwork is expected to begin in June 2025, with findings set to influence national policy discussions and promote smarter energy use in households and manufacturing enterprises.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda

Jane Anyango

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