Business & Management
EfD Uganda hosts renown energy economist, Marc Jeuland – Duke University
The EfD-Mak Centre Uganda on 1st December, 2022, hosted renown scholar in the area of economics at the EfD Network and University of Duke in the United States. Marc Jeuland was invited for the seminar to share his work and inspire the research fellows and students of economics because of his deep wealth experience in the area of energy economics.
Presenting a paper on Sustainable energy transitions in developing countries: Research knowledge and research gaps, Marc explained why energy transition is important.
“Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity and environmental sustainability. Modern energy can help avoid lung diseases and millions of deaths, and support children to study after dark, farmers to pump water for crops, households to refrigerate food, clinics to keep medicines, and poor people to reduce time-consuming drudgery and entrepreneurs to develop small businesses”, he said.
The seminar held via zoom provided an opportunity for researchers and graduate students to learn from him as far as energy transition is concerned by sharing some of the insights, experiences, and the main research gaps and advise about a country like Uganda that is still using unclean energy in all sectors.
Uganda as a country, is still very far on the transition project just starting to think about clean e-vehicles etc. As researchers and graduates, this is an area where they need to go deeper if they are to contribute to this cause of sustainability, adaptation and resilience.
Centre Director Edward Bbaale says, the center is trying to focus on a number of issues that are intended to mitigate climate change, which are much related to energy. According to Bbaale, some of the fellows have done research in energy economics and still have that drive to go deeper into it given the central role of energy transitions as far as resilience, adaptation and sustainability issues are concerned. This is also very important for Uganda that is still very much dependent on unclean energy for many purposes.
“We wanted to understand the major theoretical aspects that are concerned with developing research in energy economics and we wanted to tap into the experience on how to theoretically model the aspects of energy economics but also understand his experience as far as the empirical methodologies of approaching energy studies are concerned”, the Director said.
Marc Jeuland started with the historical perspectives on energy transition and a narrative dominated by the historical account of the industrial revolution and gave the broader definition of energy transition as a change in the fundamental state of an energy system and moved into understanding how different countries are doing as far as energy aspects are concerned.
At the same time, he presented the research gaps, missing knowledge and data gaps as well as things to look out for when developing research proposals and the gender nexus as an issue.
“The main issue is the gaps to do in the energy economic literature, but also the methodological aspects that we can look out for when trying to find proposals in energy economics”, Bbaale explained.
The EfD Mak Seminar series
The centres hosts a series of seminars on different research aspects bringing together research fellows, undergraduate and graduate students with the aim of helping the faculty learn new things and at the same time help students pick up new ideas.
As young economists, these seminars are meant to help students understand what economists do in the profession they are going into beyond a narrow perspective of passing their degrees.
These seminars also open up the students’ world into accepting what the subject matter is all about and to appreciate that the journey they have started on answers to global challenges and are therefore relevant in pursuing this profession.
Staff members from the Department of Population Studies, within the School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University, have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day training on Doctoral Supervision. The training, held from June 28 to June 30, 2024, was meticulously conducted by esteemed faculty from the College of Education and External Studies, alongside experts from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the supervisory skills of doctoral advisors, underscores Makerere University‘s commitment to academic excellence and robust research mentorship. The Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. James Wokadala, officiated the closing ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training sessions.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive and rigorous research environment for our doctoral candidates. This training is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and effective mentorship,” remarked Prof. Wokadala in his closing address.
He said the college has got plans to improve PhD graduation levels, some of which include appointing two PhD coordinators per school. He asked the staff to exhibit high ethical standards while supervising the students.
The training program was generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, secured by Dr. Patricia Ndugga. The grant facilitated a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, designed to equip the faculty with advanced supervisory techniques and strategies to support doctoral students effectively.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This training is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of doctoral supervision at Makerere University. We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for their continued support in our quest to improve research training and mentorship.”
The participants, who included both seasoned and emerging academic staff, have expressed their enthusiasm for applying the new skills and knowledge gained to their supervisory roles, thereby enriching the academic journey of their doctoral students.
Makerere University remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier education and research training, continuously seeking avenues to enhance the capabilities of its faculty and the academic experience of its students.
In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.
Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”
“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”
With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.
“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.
Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.
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