Business & Management
Environmental Economists want a “Green Fund” Established
Environmental Economists from Makerere University and stakeholders in environment and natural resources sectors have expressed the need for Uganda to establish a Green Fund to finance green initiatives.
The dons have also proposed and re-echoed known initiatives that require mind-set change and government commitment to infrastructural developments that can reduce environmental pollution.
Environmentalists also want part of the Green Fund to come from greatest polluters in the country and the developed countries relative to the damage caused.
In addition, they want the African voice heard in the global discussion towards mitigation, commitment and transitioning to low carbon economies.
The call was made during the policy dialogue organised by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel as one of the mainstream activities. The dialogue held on December 20, 2023 brought together members of the academia, representatives of private sector, government ministries, departments and agencies, CSOs, manufacturers, and commercial banks on the theme, “Green Financing in Uganda: From Paper to Practice”.
The main aim of the workshop was to engage with the government to have a healthy debate how to finance green transitions and greening starting from the household level. The key message was that there is need to transit, but the transition is not cheap, it is expensive and requires deliberate effort.
While opening the workshop, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali said the engagement was hinged on twin objectives of attaining low carbon outcomes and high growth outcomes which are environmentally friendly.
As researchers and policy makers, Prof. Hisali interested participants to discuss and understand the current growth landscape, where growth is coming from, and main activities that drive growth and livelihoods.
Within that landscape, the professor advised participants to address the main concerns with regard to sustainability, the environmental concerns with regard to the current sources of growth and the status quo.
Hisali also told participants to pose a question of the disruptive effects that come along with the transitions to low carbon sources of growth; and closely related, the best options to make the transitions and finally, how the green financing strategies can be made attractive for the different actors to take them on.
Outside the green financing alone, Prof. Hisali challenged participants to debate on other options that policy makers can consider to enable the transition to low carbon sources of growth to start taking place.
The Professor also guided participants to have discussions on the framework for enforcement and auditing of the transition process itself, asking, what is it that they can do to ensure that they are tracking the progress made and whatever has been agreed upon at policy level, and ensure it is enforceable and that there are institutions and agencies to enforce that.
“The other issues we should be discussing is that what is our voice as Uganda and as the developing world in these discussions towards a low carbon economy. Do we have the voice as anyone else? Or is it that for us we should be making the transition while others are not, where is the equaliser. Are we in future for example going to talk about green imports or it is about us only ensuring that we go green and possibly some powerful nations look on and go to the extent of lip service”. Hisali asked.
In an interview, Prof. Hisali said, the discussion of the African voice in mitigation carbon emissions has picked traction at the global- level questioning whether all countries of the world have the same voice and commitment to addressing matters of environmental sustainability.
“This discussion is important because the transition to low carbon economies come with certain disruptions the way things are done and those disruptions are a cost. They disrupt livelihoods, slow growth and the only way we can be committed to that transition, is when we are sure that it is not only us but that everyone else has the same commitment. We all belong to the planet and we should have the same level of commitment,” Hisali stressed.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale noted that although there are more than one SDGs focused on the environment and green financing, many countries are not living up to the set aspiration of the SDG. Bbaale is also the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University.
As a university, Prof. Bbaale said, they must undertake research and establish to what extent the country has achieved green energy transitions and inform government where the country is, and what should be done. Through research Bbaale said the university has done a lot to come up with innovations as solutions to the green transitions such as solar energy solutions and others.
Bbaale reported that the EfD-Mak Centre is focusing on environment and natural resources, on how to harness and manage the environment for sustainable development, satisfying the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs and the benefits of the future generation.
As the Environment for Development initiative, Bbaale said, the topic of green financing is based on the fact that the environment has been the most affected resources through deforestation, reclaiming of wetlands, and most of these have come partly through agriculture where forests have been cut unsustainably and for infrastructural developments.
Bbaale warned that most of these developments have taken place without minding about the environment adding that unlike human beings who forgive and forget, nature does not.
“Nature does not forgive and nature does not forget. Actually, at one-time nature will hit back badly. You have seen in Kampala during this season, in the last three months, floods swallowing up people, our fellow human beings dying, cars being swallowed up in a place where you least expect that you are going to meet your death.
We have seen that one being caused by the environment hitting back. Maybe because that very area was a wetland, but during the construction of the house or the building or the road, this was not catered for.” The Director decried.
It is time to protect the environment through mindset change, best practices and investment in green initiatives
Prof. Edward bbaale
Prof. Bbaale stressed that it is now time to talk about protecting the environment against greenhouse gases and, one sure way, apart from mindset change and preaching to the population on the best ways of life, one other way, is through investment.
He observed that almost 85% of Uganda’s households depend on biomass for cooking, mainly firewood and charcoal. He said, it is dangerous and leads to deforestation, pollution and respiratory diseases. The alternatives he said, can come through, for example, using LPG and electricity which are very expensive and require subsidies to make sure that an average household can afford consistently.
Bbaale called for mindset change among the citizenry and re-orientation of the country’s infrastructure to allow citizens ride bicycles to short distance workplaces to reduce on use of vehicles and pollution.
“You do not need to board a vehicle if you are coming from 1.5 kilometers away. A bicycle can do that, even 20 kilometers away. But now we need to establish the infrastructure for that. Have lanes that are for bicycles alone. And when you’re riding your bicycle, you are very safe. You will not meet your death because of riding a bicycle.
I’ve interacted with the professors elsewhere in the developed world, and the head of the university, the president of the university rides a bicycle to work. But these people are safe. So the question is, are you safe when you ride a bicycle to go to your place of work? But now, for us to re-orient, we require financing. And also how would you ensure that most of us will be riding electric motorcycles which don’t emit any gases?”. Bbaale said.
The don also welcomed the move to the manufacture and use of electric vehicles.
“Okay, how can we, all of us, ensure that we shall at one time be driving electric cars which require that they are charged to make sure that you have enough current that will take you to Mbarara. This means that as you drive to Mbarara, somewhere, there must be a point where you go and refill your current as you drive an electric car.
But now, government investment requires that the planning, programming and the budgetary processes are in view or in perspective of the need to finance these green investments.”, He added
The Director explained that some of the issues might require doing adaptation, and so need adaptation finance while some of the issues would require to finance the disaster, because,for example, the floods bring disasters, landslides and all of these. And so it requires that there is a fund for disasters that happen because people suffer through climate shocks.
Part of the Green Fund should come from the greatest polluters in the country and the Developed countries
prof. edward bbaale
Prof. Bbaale also noted that Neither Uganda as a country, nor Africa as a continent of Africa, is not solely responsible for climate issues faced.
“…Because our colleagues in the north that are already developed, America, Europe and all that, during the industrial revolution released a lot of greenhouse gases into the environment. And that’s why actually negotiations are going on that the developed countries that actually polluted the environment in the first place should pay.
So, part of the fund that I’m talking about should come from the developed countries. Part of the fund should come from China, Europe and, part of the fund must come from the United States”, Bbaale asserted.
Bbaale added that greatest polluters in the country must pay correctly for what they have damaged.
“We must map and know globally who are the greatest contributors to the climate fund. The same applies to Uganda. We have had the debates. Who are the greatest polluters? If you are running an industry and you are releasing waste products into Lake Victoria, you must pay so that government can use the money you have paid to correct what you have damaged.
…even if you were just releasing, because of your industrial activity greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, government should be in a position to compute the extent of damage you are causing and therefore you, the private investor, be able to pay for that. And so, government requires to finance activities that constitute green transitions”, Bbaale advised.
He said transiting into a green environment has two phases. Number one, is mindset change that is, what we do as human beings, and it also has to do with the real costs which is not cheap.
EfD-Mak Policy Engagement Specialist for Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Program Dr. Peter Babyenda said, as a country, continent and globe, there is a lot on paper, but practice is lacking.
Babyenda expressed the need to involve everybody starting from the public, the academia, media, manufacturers and commercial banks among others.
“We have realized that whenever we are coming up with these policies, more so, to do with banking, the commercial banks which deal with the person are not part of the negotiations yet there is no local person who goes directly to the central bank. So we need to involve banks right away from planning to implementation”, He said.
Babyenda also said, there is need to invest in mindset change and be able to raise funds locally as a country.
“We cannot plan for green financing where 80% of the budget is from the donors So, we need to mobilise the funds locally through contributions from emitting manufacturers, people in Agriculture and fossil fuels,” He said
Babyenda also said there is need to define the products clearly starting where the green financing will go for instance investments in tree planting, subsidizing environmentally friendly technologies including the cooking among others.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
Makerere University launches two taught PhD Programmes in Management, Accounting and Finance
“New doctoral students urged to pursue research that delivers solutions to Uganda’s socio-economic challenges.”
Makerere University has launched two new taught Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes namely: The PhD in Management (by coursework) and the PhD in Accounting and Finance (by coursework).
The programmes, launched on 4th August 2026, under the School of Business at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), are among the first taught PhD programmes in the two disciplines in Uganda.
The launch was presided over by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, during a three-day orientation programme for the inaugural PhD students running from 4th to 6th August 2026.
Prof. Ssali challenged the new scholars to pursue evidence-based research addressing pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world.
“Choosing to pursue a PhD is not an ordinary decision. It is a commitment to becoming part of an institution with a rich history of research, innovation and knowledge creation,” Prof. Ssali said.
She told the students that the purpose of doctoral training should go beyond acquiring academic qualifications, urging them to focus on solving real-world problems.
“A PhD should prepare you to solve problems. You should ask yourselves: ‘What problem am I trying to solve?’ Research should not simply produce another thesis that sits on a shelf in the library. It should generate knowledge, products, services, policies and innovations that improve people’s lives,” she said.
Prof. Ssali explained that research outputs should not only be physical products, but could also include frameworks, management systems, policies and models that transform society.
“For those in the service disciplines, your product could be a framework, a model, a policy, a management system or a new way of delivering services that changes how society functions. That is why we do research,” she said.
She urged the scholars to remain committed throughout their doctoral journey, noting that persistence and discipline are critical to completing a PhD.
“A PhD requires commitment. It requires discipline. It requires sacrifice. Success in a PhD is determined by persistence,” Prof. Ssali said.
She encouraged students to embrace critical thinking and challenge existing ideas through evidence-based inquiry.
Prof. Ssali implored the scholars to focus their research on areas that can contribute to economic transformation, including agriculture, manufacturing, taxation, supply chains, governance, finance, climate change and technology.
“Uganda faces many challenges, but every challenge is also an opportunity for research. Research should not stop at identifying problems. It should propose practical, implementable solutions,” she said.
Makerere positions graduate training at centre of research agenda
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the launch of the programmes as a major milestone in Makerere University’s agenda to strengthen its position as a research-intensive institution.
Prof. Bbaale said the PhD programmes represent a strategic investment in developing researchers, innovators and academic leaders.
“Today’s occasion is very significant because it marks the launch of the taught Doctor of Philosophy in Management and the Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting and Finance programmes,” he said.
“These are among the first taught PhD programmes in these disciplines in Uganda, and we are very proud of this achievement.”
He commended the School of Business leadership and faculty for developing the programmes, acknowledging that establishing doctoral programmes requires commitment, teamwork and dedication to academic excellence.
He observed that the programmes align with Makerere’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led university.
“Graduate training must be at the centre of that transformation. Events like this one—the admission and orientation of PhD students—are exactly the kinds of activities that define a research-intensive university,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale encouraged the first cohort students to publish their research in reputable journals and complete their studies within the required period.
“Complete your coursework successfully. Progress through your research diligently. Graduate within the required period. Publish your work in reputable, high-impact journals. Your success will create a strong foundation upon which future cohorts will build,” Prof. Bbaale said.
He guided that doctoral research should provide evidence to guide national decision-making.
“There is a great demand for evidence-based policy advice in Uganda. Government needs researchers who can provide evidence, not simply opinions,” he said. “Your research should generate evidence upon which decisions can be made.”
School of Business welcomes pioneer cohort
The Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, welcomed the students and described the programmes as part of the school’s continued growth in graduate training.
“We are delighted to welcome you as you begin this journey with us. We hope that you will stay with us throughout the next three years of your PhD studies,” Assoc. Prof. Akileng said.
He asserted that the doctoral journey would be demanding, but assured students of support from the faculty.
“The programme is demanding, and the research component will be very intensive. Our hope is that we shall walk this journey together and, three years from now, celebrate your graduation as one cohort,” he said.
He highlighted that a PhD is about knowledge creation rather than simply earning a title.
“A PhD is not about being called ‘Doctor.’ It is about becoming a contributor to knowledge. It is about transforming yourself. It is about solving problems. It is about making an impact,” Assoc. Prof. Akileng said.
Assoc. Prof. Akileng advised students to build strong relationships with supervisors while taking responsibility for their own research.
Building research networks
Dr Caroline Twongirwe, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance at CoBAMS, urged the new scholars to begin developing research networks early in their PhD journey.
She cautioned students against focusing only on coursework while postponing research preparation.
“If we spend a whole year focusing only on coursework and then begin thinking about research later, the target of completing within three years may not be achievable,” Dr Twongirwe said.
She said collaboration is essential for producing quality research and accessing international opportunities.
“For us to produce quality research, generate new ideas and contribute to knowledge, we need collaboration,” she said.
Dr Twongirwe explained that research networks can provide mentorship, expertise, funding opportunities and greater visibility for scholars.
“Your networking must be intentional. Identify people with whom you share common interests and who can help you move forward in your research journey,” she said.
She encouraged students to attend seminars, conferences and engage with researchers in their areas of interest.
“Research networks introduce you to mentorship and guidance, access to expertise, collaboration opportunities, funding opportunities and greater visibility for your research,” she said.
Academic regulations and research tracking
Dr Alfred Tingo from Makerere University’s Directorate of Graduate Training urged the new PhD students to understand university regulations, complete registration requirements and remain engaged throughout their studies. He called upon the students to maintain communication with their supervisors and university structures.
Dr Tingo highlighted the importance of the university’s Research Information Management System (RIMS) in monitoring students’ progress.
“RIMS helps us track your research progress. Your research topic, proposal development, approvals and supervisor interactions are captured in the system,” he said.
The new PhD programmes are expected to strengthen Makerere University’s contribution to research, innovation and policy development by producing scholars capable of generating knowledge for Uganda, Africa and the global community.
Business & Management
CoBAMS 2026 Orientation kicks off: Mak DVC Academic Affairs underscores excellence, networks, integrity and values
By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme
Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) kicked off its four-day orientation programme (4th to 7th August 2026) aimed at equipping first-year students with the knowledge required to smoothly transition into university life.
The programme focuses on familiarizing students with the College’s teaching and learning environment, the academic calendar, university policies and procedures, library and ICT services, scholarship opportunities, leadership platforms and student support services.
Organized by the Office of the Principal, in collaboration with the College Registrar, College Communication Office, and the Student leaders, the first day of the CoBAMS Orientation was a great convening with over 800 students who filled Makerere University Central Teaching Facility to the brim.
Day one (4th August 2026) presented a golden opportunity to the first year students to interact with Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Makerere University. Introduced to the audience by Prof. Edward Bbaale-College Principal, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) delivered a powerful speech filled with words of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance to the students.
The students listened to presentations from the following university officials: Prof. Edward Bbaale-College Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala-Deputy Principal, Ms Stella Butamanya-Acting College Registrar, Ms Sylvia Martha Munafu-College Librarian, Ms Catherine Tumusiime-IT Specialist, Ms. Evelyn Kharono-Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Peter Mubiru-College Bursar, Mr. Blaise Turyasingura from the Makerere University Revenue Office, Ms. Ritah Namisango-Communication Office, Ms Claire Nakaseeta, and Ms Moreen Orikiriza.
Blended with the peer to peer engagement from the student leaders, the first day of the CoBAMS Orientation featured presentations on Guidance and Counselling, Life at Campus, Understanding the academic calendar, Makerere University Tuition Policy, Meeting financial obligations within the stipulated deadlines, Information Technology (IT) Services, and Library Resources.
CoBAMS Reaffirms Commitment to Student Success
Welcoming the first-year students, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale, highlighted the College’s commitment to providing students with a supportive and enriching learning environment through its three schools namely the School of Economics, the School of Business, and the School of Statistics and Planning.
“The College’s support extends beyond academics to include mentorship, counselling, and other student support services aimed at promoting holistic growth and success,” he emphasized.
The Principal encouraged the new students to take full advantage of these opportunities as they transition into university life. He affirmed the College’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary for academic achievement, personal development, and future professional success.
Students urged to pursue Excellence and Integrity
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali congratulated the first-year students upon joining Makerere University, and encouraged them to embrace the transformative journey of university education.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that students are the University’s most important stakeholders, noting that every academic programme, service, and institutional activity is designed to support their success.
“Recognize your value within the University community and actively participate in orientation activities and academic programmes, develop into independent thinkers, innovators, and future leaders capable of addressing national and global challenges,” she stated.
Highlighting the significance of business and management education, Prof. Ssali noted that the disciplines equip learners with the knowledge and skills to understand economic systems, create value, lead organizations, and contribute to sustainable development.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) reminded students that university life demands responsibility, discipline, and personal accountability. She urged them to prioritize attending lectures, utilizing library resources, participating in discussions, and making productive use of the opportunities available at the University.
Prof. Ssali called upon the students to appreciate the sacrifices made by parents, guardians, taxpayers, and sponsors who have invested in their education by using their time and resources wisely. She advised students to uphold integrity, avoid academic misconduct, and strive to build a positive legacy throughout their time at Makerere University.
She emphasized the importance of making informed personal decisions, maintaining strong professional values, and cultivating networks that would support both their academic and career aspirations. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey and challenged them to pursue excellence, leadership, and innovation.
University life, Academic Excellence and Discipline
The CoBAMS Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala, encouraged the students to embrace university life as an opportunity for academic excellence, personal growth, leadership development, and professional preparation.
He emphasized that university education extends beyond obtaining a degree, urging students to remain committed to learning, make productive use of their time, and actively participate in academic and co-curricular activities.
To attain academic excellence, the Deputy Principal advised students to complete their online course registration promptly, familiarize themselves with the university environment and attend lectures regularly. “Maintaining academic integrity by upholding high standards of discipline, professionalism, and respect for university staff and property,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey, assuring them that the doors of the College administration remain open for guidance and assistance.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Commencing the presentation on “Guidance and Counselling: Life at Campus,” Ms. Evelyn Kharono, highlighted the major adjustments that first-year students face, including managing their own time, finances, academic workload, and social life.
“Develop discipline, plan your schedules carefully, and take responsibility for your academic progress, noting that university life requires greater independence than secondary school,” she advised.
Underscoring the importance of mental health, Ms. Kharono encouraged students to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and managing the use of smartphones and social media to avoid distractions that could affect their academic performance.
Guidelines on Tuition Payment Procedures
Presenting the “Makerere University Tuition Policy,” the College Bursar, Mr. Peter Mubiru, emphasized the importance of using the official payment systems through the University portal and generating Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs) before making any payments.
Mr. Mubiru encouraged students to pay their tuition within the stipulated time to avoid inconveniences during the examination period.
Student Enrolment and Registration
Building on to the presentation on “Makerere University Tuition Policy,” Mr. Blaise Turyasingura from the Makerere University Revenue Office underscored the importance of understanding Makerere University’s enrolment, registration, and fee payment procedures, emphasizing that timely compliance with these processes is essential for a successful academic journey.
He explained that enrolment confirms a student’s intention to study at the University, while registration enables students to select and officially register the course units they will undertake during the semester.
He urged students to use the portal to generate Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs) before making any payments.
Mr. Turyasingura advised students to be vigilant against fraudulent investment schemes and unrealistic business opportunities that promise unusually high financial returns, urging them to exercise sound financial judgment and safeguard their education funds.
Tapping into Orientation activities
Ms. Stella Butamanya, Registrar of the School of Statistics and Planning under CoBAMS, implored the students to participate in the various orientation activities lined up during the course of the week.
She reminded students to work closely with their elected leaders, the Mentor Support Team (MST), and the orientation staff stationed at various tables, as they are available to offer assistance and ensure a smooth transition into university life.
Utilization of Library Resources
Briefing students on the College Library Resources, Ms. Sylvia Martha Munafu called upon students to utilize the library throughout their university education for coursework, research, revision, and independent learning.
“Make full use of both the physical and digital library resources, including books, journals, databases, and other online learning materials,” she advised.
Access to Digital Services
Ms. Catherine Tumusiime from the I.T. Department encouraged the first year students to utilize the ICT resources on the official YouTube channel @DICTSMakerere.
Key highlight
On Day Two (5thAugust 2026), the orientation programme will feature presentations on students’ responsibilities at Makerere University, campus security, health and wellness, digital services, the Gender Mainstreaming Programme, and other student support initiatives.
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