Business & Management
EfD Uganda Stakeholders Propose Sustainable use of Biomass
The Inclusive Green Economy program of the Environment for Development Initiative in Uganda on 17th November hosted stakeholders across the country’s sectors to get their perspectives on biomass transition to clean energy sources in Uganda.
Uganda’s IGE engagement specialists Dr. Peter Babyenda says this is one of the work plan item on on social inclusion where stakeholders were identified by IGE fellows during the 17th EfD Annual meeting in Ghana.
In a meeting held at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, stakeholders gave the situation analysis of biomass use in the country, where they want to go, how to go there and who should take the country there.
“We found out that almost 90% of our households depend on biomass whether in rural areas or town. This is attributed to cultural issues where certain foods are believed to have good taste when cooked on firewood or charcoal, the fear to use electricity and gas that may result to shocks and fire explodes, inaccessibility to clean energy sources and affordability issues.”
The meeting resolved to primarily focus on behavioural change efforts of the sustainable use of biomass and gradual transitioning to clean energy sources.
’We concluded that for now we cannot say let us move to clean energy but go slowly go slowly on sustainable use of biomass by planting more trees so that instead of depending on natural forests, we depend on plantation forests, use energy saving stoves and those that can save users on effects of smoke and slowly move to clean energy sources by connecting households to electricity and make it affordable and make gas available at an affordable cost’´Babyenda said.
The meeting also proposed the need for more awareness creation about alternative energy sources such as biogas for schools and prisons.
Representing the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, Dr. Yawe Bruno thanked Sida through the EfD Global hub at the University of Gothenburg for funding the IGE program and the EfD-Mak centre.
“The use of biomass in Uganda has persistently remained high. 80% use firewood and 13% charcoal for cooking but there is a proportion that use a combination of those two. This imposes great implication for household welfare.
Biomass usage affect our productivity, schooling of children, labour market participation especially by women and children. On health, the use of biomass especially firewood causes eye defects, breathing difficulties, snake bites, body dislocations and sexual abuse,” He explained.
Besides household effects, Yawe noted that reliance on biomass has effects on the environment.
Yawe reported that Uganda’s forest cover is being threatened by biomass usage reducing it from 24% in 1990 to less than 9% to date. Transiting to renewable and clean energy requires clear understanding of supply and demand relationship for both biomass and clean energy.
“We must know what drives the uptake and while many can afford gas and electricity, why are we insisting that we should have charcoal? Comparatively, a 6kg gas cylinder costs 60 thousand and today a bag of charcoal costs not less 70 thousand but some households find it cheaper which is expensive and because of the felling of trees, the quality of charcoal may not last more than a week,”
He challenged stakeholders to find out why the supply and demand for biomass is still high amidst detrimental effects and why the supply for clean energy is still low amidst numerous innovations.
Representing the Director EfD-Mak Center, the Dean, School of Economics Dr. Mike Okumu said many households are struggling to transition from firewood and charcoal due to socioeconomic characteristics that define them.
Okumu attributed the climate change effects to the household behaviours and enterprise behaviour and challenged stakeholders to find innovative ways of co-existing with the environment to enhance productivity and also feed communities
He congratulated the IGE engagement specialists for being intentional in identifying the participants taking into account that the majority and poorest population resides in the rural Uganda, and Uganda’s biggest population being the youth.
The meeting comprised specialists in environmental conservation, researchers in renewable energy specifically biomass energy, persons dealing in innovations in sustainable productivity, those working with rural energy transition and renewable energy through use of waste plants and animal residues and persons engaged in youth environmental initiative particularly agroforestry.
Okumu also congratulated the EfD-Mak centre for bringing on board collaborative partners from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies , the private sector and Civil Society organisations.
He expressed the centre’s commitment to engage in similar engagements for purposes of having a drive into a cleaner Uganda and mitigating climate change effects on Uganda’s economy and a drive to having persons making informed decisions towards a better climate sensitive Uganda.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
School of Economics Hosts Team Building Event, Celebrates Excellence with Awards
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the School of Economics at Makerere University organized a vibrant team-building activity in the scenic surroundings of Buwatte. This initiative aimed to foster stronger bonds among staff members, celebrate outstanding achievements, and set a collaborative tone for the year ahead.
The day was filled with a variety of activities designed to promote teamwork and camaraderie. Staff members enthusiastically participated in interactive games, lively discussions, and fun challenges that brought out their competitive yet collaborative spirit. The games were followed by a hearty lunch, where everyone gathered to share stories, laughter, and a sense of community. The event culminated in a joyous moment of merry-making, which showcased the School’s vibrant culture of inclusivity and togetherness.
The occasion also served as a platform to honor outstanding individuals who had excelled in their roles over the past year. The award for the best journal paper was presented to the Dean, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to academic research and publication. Meanwhile, the coveted Teacher of the Year Award, as voted by students, was bestowed upon Mr. Fred Kasalirwe for the second consecutive year. This recognition underscored his dedication to delivering engaging and impactful learning experiences.
In his address, Prof. Okumu expressed heartfelt appreciation for his colleagues’ hard work and commitment, which he credited for the School’s numerous achievements in 2024. He extended special congratulations to the winners of the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, acknowledging their contribution to enhancing the university’s reputation for academic excellence.
Prof. Okumu emphasized the importance of sustaining the spirit of teamwork, which he described as a cornerstone for the School’s continued success. He encouraged his staff to embrace collaboration as they embark on new academic and administrative pursuits in 2025.
The team-building event was not only a celebration of the past year’s accomplishments but also a rallying call for a productive and united future. Staff members left the event reinvigorated and motivated to uphold the School’s vision of academic excellence and impactful scholarship. As the School of Economics enters the new year, this memorable day in Buwatte stands as a testament to the power of unity, shared purpose, and the collective commitment to shaping a brighter future for the institution.
Nine members of staff from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University were honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards during the institution’s 75th graduation ceremony. The awards were presented at a special graduation luncheon, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, recognized exceptional lecturers and researchers across various categories—early, mid, and senior career—as well as outstanding educators based on student evaluations.
Namugenyi Christabellah and Richard Ssempala were awarded in the category of early career scholars. The two were recognized for their exemplary research contributions, each achieving five publications in 2024. In the mid-career category, Dr. Peter Kisakye emerged as the standout performer with 11 publications, followed by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Mushomi John Atwebembeire, and Dr. Ssendawula Kasimu, who each published seven papers during the year.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Mr. Fred Kasalirwe, and Dr. Faisal Buyinza were celebrated as the best teachers, following outstanding evaluations from students, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality education.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the winners and commended their dedication to excellence in teaching and research. “These awards reflect our university’s unwavering commitment to fostering academic and professional excellence. As Makerere University, we take pride in nurturing talent and rewarding those who inspire innovation, dedication, and knowledge creation. Congratulations to all the awardees for setting a remarkable example for others to follow,” he said.
The event was graced by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Kaducu, who lauded Makerere University for its continued commitment to academic excellence. In her remarks, she stated, “Makerere University’s role in shaping the future of our nation cannot be overstated. These awards are a testament to the caliber of educators and researchers the institution nurtures. I encourage all awardees to continue striving for greater achievements and to inspire the next generation of leaders and scholars.”
At the same luncheon, ACCA Uganda recognized three top-performing students of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program. Ndagire Sarah, Yiga James Mark, and Nabagereka Rebecca, each graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.68, were awarded plaques in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
Additionally, the best-performing student in the Master of Economics program, Nalweere Alice, received an award from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). The award included a two-year paid training opportunity with EPRC as a research fellow. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Nalweere expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is not just a recognition of my hard work but also a motivation to contribute meaningfully to economic research and policy development in Uganda. I thank Makerere University for providing an environment that fosters academic excellence and EPRC for this incredible opportunity.”
The graduation luncheon served as a platform to celebrate the institution’s achievements and its unwavering commitment to promoting excellence among its staff and students. The event highlighted Makerere University’s vital role in shaping the academic, research, and professional landscape of Uganda and beyond.
The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) proudly presented 1,523 graduands on the second day of Makerere University‘s 75th graduation ceremony. Among these, 7 were awarded PhDs, 195 earned master’s degrees, 3 completed postgraduate diplomas, and 1,318 graduated with undergraduate degrees. Female graduands made up 53% of the cohort, with 805 women and 718 men.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, lauded CoBAMS as Makerere’s youngest college but already a beacon of excellence in teaching and research. He noted the College’s pivotal role in linking the University with the government through collaborative projects. Key achievements highlighted include; the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) which was praised for spearheading impactful training programs, building the capacity of officials across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The Environment for Development Centre was recognized for attracting grants totaling approximately USD $400,000. These funds supported capacity-building programs in Inclusive Green Economy for senior public servants, five research projects, policy dialogues, and community outreach activities.
The vice chancellor also recognized CoBAMS students who excelled in the Joint Facility for Electives (JFE) competition in Nairobi. Ritah Ahumuza, a Master of Arts in Economics student, achieved an outstanding average of 87.5%, the highest in over five years. She was honored with an award by the African Economic Research Consortium for her stellar performance.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed pride in the College’s strides in fostering innovation, academic success, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Makerere University’s position as a global academic leader.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Kaducu, congratulated the graduands and acknowledged the parents for their sacrifices. She urged the students to be proactive contributors to Uganda’s development. “Go into the world and light a candle. Start humbly, face the future with courage, and create jobs rather than dispersing them,” she said.
During the week-long graduation ceremony, 13,658 graduands will receive their awards, including 143 PhDs, 1,813 master’s degrees, 11,454 bachelor’s degrees, and 243 postgraduate diplomas. Of these, 53% are female, and 44% of the PhD recipients are women. The Vice Chancellor noted these statistics as evidence of Makerere’s progress toward gender equity and research-led growth.
Prof. Nawangwe lauded the Government of Uganda’s support through initiatives like the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), which has enabled cutting-edge research.
Future Direction
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga, outlined Makerere’s vision for expanding its community outreach and commercialization of research innovations. He proposed strengthening partnerships with private-sector investors to turn academic ideas into viable businesses. Dr. Kiyonga also encouraged the graduands to apply their skills to create opportunities in agriculture, education, and other sectors.
As Makerere celebrates its legacy as a beacon of higher education, CoBAMS exemplifies the transformative impact of education in transforming the economy. The achievements celebrated today reflect the university’s dedication to empowering individuals and fostering national development.
-
Natural Sciences2 weeks agoMeet Mubiru Enock Joel: Makerere University’s Top Performing Science Student of the Year
-
General2 weeks ago75th Graduation Highlights
-
Education2 weeks agoMakerere University Hosts Exchange Students from Norway for Field-Based Learning in Uganda
-
General1 week agoMak 75th Graduation Commences with 49 PhDs Conferred
-
Computing & IS1 week agoClose to 700 Graduate from CoCIS at the Mak 75th Graduation