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Environmental Economists want a “Green Fund” Established

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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.

Participants in a group photo after the closing ceremony. Sheraton Hotel, Kampala Uganda.
Participants in a group photo after the closing ceremony.

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.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali making his opening remarks. Kampala Sheraton Hotel.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali making his opening remarks.

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.

A section of participants.
A section of participants.

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.

Prof. Edward Bbaale contributing during the discussions.
Prof. Edward Bbaale contributing during the discussions.

“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.

Prof. Edward Bbaale speaking during the  dialogue.
Prof. Edward Bbaale speaking during the dialogue.

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.

A section  of participants attending.
A section of participants attending.

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.

Some of the centre research fellows and students attending the dialogue.
Some of the centre research fellows and students attending the dialogue.

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.

Dr. Sam Mugume making the closing remarks.
Dr. Sam Mugume making the closing remarks.

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.

Dr. Sam Mugume from the Ministry of Finance delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Sam Mugume from the Ministry of Finance delivered the keynote address.

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
Dr. John Bosco Oryem (R) contributing to the discussion.
Dr. John Bosco Oryem (R) contributing to the discussion.

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.

ED Uganda Manufactures Association attended the dialogue.
ED Uganda Manufactures Association attended the dialogue.

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.

A panel from government ministries and agencies, the private sector.
A panel from government ministries and agencies, the private sector.

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.

Dr. Peter Babyenda convened the workshop.
Dr. Peter Babyenda convened the workshop.

“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

Jane Anyango

Business & Management

CoBAMS, European Partners Launch Programme to Equip Students with Polycrisis Management Skills

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The project team led by Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, CoBAMS with the DVCFA, Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe on the first day of the workshop. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in collaboration with international partners, is implementing a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) aimed at equipping a new generation of professionals in Africa and Europe with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and respond to complex, interconnected global crises.

Held under the PolyCIVIS network, the programme, titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, brings together participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

It was competitively secured under the 6th Call for CIVIS Blended Intensive Programmes by the Makerere PolyCIVIS team, comprising Prof. Edward Bbaale from the School of Economics, CoBAMS; Dr. Anthony Tibaingana from the School of Business, CoBAMS; and Dr. Kamatara Kanifa from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Prof. Edward Bbaale welcoming participants to the workshop at CoBAMS on 7th September 2026. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale welcoming participants to the workshop at CoBAMS on 7th September 2026.

The European facilitators include Prof. Gudrun Zagel, Dr. Sabine Hennig, and Dr. Roman Puff, all from Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria.

Tackling the Growing Reality of Polycrises

Funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme under the Jean Monnet Networks, the initiative responds to the growing reality of polycrises – situations in which multiple crises, including climate change, pandemics, displacement, poverty, environmental degradation and economic instability, interact and compound one another, often resulting in consequences more severe than those of individual crises.

The BIP Workshop at Makerere University

The BIP combines virtual and physical learning to give participants both theoretical grounding and hands-on experience in polycrisis management.

During the virtual component conducted in May 2026, participants including students and academics from the participating institutions worked in interdisciplinary teams to analyze real-world scenarios, including climate disasters, refugee crises, pandemics and urban waste management. The students were required to develop and present polysolutions from the perspectives of different stakeholders, including governments, civil society and academic institutions.

The DVCFA, Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe launched the programme on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The DVCFA, Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe launched the programme on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.

The physical component, taking place in Kampala from 7th-11th September 2026, brings together students from across CIVIS consortium universities to complete the remaining course content, participate in practical activities, and develop solutions to real-world polycrisis challenges. It also provides participants with an opportunity to examine real-life Ugandan cases, including the Kitezi landfill disaster and the Bulambuli landslides. Through these case studies, students will explore how crises intersect with public health, environmental protection, poverty, security, and sustainable development, while gaining practical insights into integrated approaches to crisis management.

On the first day of the training, participants undertook an excursion to the Kiteezi Landfill. During the week, they will also engage with experts from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), civil society and academia, and work in thematic groups to explore the legal, economic, sociological, historical, communication and educational dimensions of Kampala’s waste management challenges.

The teams will subsequently develop a Kampala waste policy paper and accompanying presentations, proposing integrated approaches to addressing the city’s waste crisis.

Some of the students with the European facilitators - Dr. Sabine Hennig and Dr. Roman Puff. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students with the European facilitators – Dr. Sabine Hennig and Dr. Roman Puff.

 The learning approach incorporates case studies, simulations, role-play, guest lectures, peer learning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and problem-based learning. Participants are encouraged to move beyond identifying problems to developing practical and sustainable solutions.

Call for Integrated Approaches to Complex Global Challenges

Officially opening the programme, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe commended the team for securing the programme.

Addressing participants, he emphasized the need for universities to move beyond fragmented approaches to problem-solving and develop integrated responses to increasingly complex global challenges.

“Interconnected problems cannot be adequately addressed through fragmented solutions,” Prof. Nawangwe observed, stressing the importance of collaboration across disciplines, institutions, sectors and countries.

Some of the students in a discussion on the economic benefits of waste. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the students in a discussion on the economic benefits of waste.

He noted that no single discipline or institution possesses all the knowledge required to address the challenges confronting societies today, calling for stronger integration of fields such as economics, public health, environmental science, engineering, governance, technology and the social sciences.

Embracing Innovative and Sustainable “Polysolutions”

Prof. Nawangwe further emphasized the importance of developing innovative and sustainable “polysolutions”- integrated responses that address multiple, interconnected crises while minimizing unintended consequences across other sectors.

He underscored the value of combining African and European perspectives, noting that while crises may manifest differently across regions because of differences in history, institutions and resources, challenges such as climate change, migration, pandemics, conflict and economic instability increasingly transcend national boundaries.

He described the partnership as an opportunity for mutual learning and co-creation of knowledge, rather than a one-way transfer of expertise.

Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, one of the project members addressing participants on the first day of the workshop. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, one of the project members addressing participants on the first day of the workshop.

“We must bring these experiences into conversation and determine what works, under what circumstances, and how solutions can be adapted to different social, economic and institutional contexts,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

Collaboration Beyond the Blended Intensive Programme

The Vice Chancellor expressed hope that the collaboration would extend beyond the BIP into joint research, publications, teaching, student supervision and other sustained academic initiatives.

He challenged the participants to make the most of the opportunity by learning across disciplinary boundaries, questioning established assumptions and focusing on solutions.

“The world you are preparing to lead will require people who can understand complexity, work across institutional and disciplinary boundaries, and convert knowledge into practical responses,” he said.

Ebola Outbreak Demonstrates the Interconnected Nature of Modern Crises

The Vice Chancellor further observed that the postponement of the physical component of the training following the outbreak of Ebola underscored the interconnected nature of modern crises. He noted that a health emergency can quickly disrupt education, international mobility, economic activity and institutional planning.

The DVCFA with the programme facilitators - Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Dr. Kamatara Kanifa, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Prof. Gudrun Zagel, Dr. Roman Puff, and Dr. Sabine Hennig. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The DVCFA with the programme facilitators – Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Dr. Kamatara Kanifa, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Prof. Gudrun Zagel, Dr. Roman Puff, and Dr. Sabine Hennig.

Appreciation by the Vice Chancellor

He commended the PolyCIVIS team and partner universities for bringing the initiative to fruition, expressing confidence that the programme would generate practical and innovative polysolutions to some of the challenges facing societies.

Strengthening international academic collaboration

In his capacity as Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale described the programme as a significant reflection of the College’s commitment to fostering an integrated approach to teaching, research, policy engagement and international collaboration.

He noted that the increasingly complex challenges facing society require institutions and professionals to transcend geographical and disciplinary boundaries and collaborate across diverse fields of expertise.

Prof. Gudrun Zagel guides students through a discussion on the legal dimensions of waste management. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Gudrun Zagel guides students through a discussion on the legal dimensions of waste management.

 Prof. Bbaale further highlighted the value of bringing Makerere students and faculty into direct engagement with colleagues and practitioners from partner universities.

“Such engagements enrich the learning experience while creating opportunities for sustained collaboration in research, teaching and student supervision. For Makerere University, the programme represents a practical expression of its internationalization agenda, creating opportunities for students and academics from different countries to exchange knowledge, share expertise and work together to address complex societal challenges.”

Preparing future leaders for complex challenges

The programme seeks to enable learners to identify, assess and manage polycrisis situations in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while building competencies in addressing the social, environmental and economic dimensions of crises.

Participants at the Kiteezi Landfill. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled Enhancing Skills in Polycrisis Management: African and European Approaches, under the PolyCIVIS network, with participants from Makerere University, the University of Salzburg, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 7th September 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants at the Kiteezi Landfill.

It also aims to develop practical skills in designing and evaluating integrated policies and polysolutions, including effective communication and public awareness strategies.

Ultimately, the initiative seeks to strengthen participants’ critical thinking, digital, spatial and 21st-century skills while promoting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration.

The BIP also serves as a pilot initiative for the planned Joint Master’s Programme on Managing Polycrises under the PolyCIVIS framework.

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KCCA Officials Complete Two-Week Training in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis

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Mr. Edison Masereka and Prof. Edward Bbaale pose for a group photo with KCCA Officials on 4th September 2026. Officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) completion of two-week (August 24 to September 4, 2026 in Jinja) training in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis under the Public Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis Module II (PIAR II) programme by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Jinja, September 4, 2026

Officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have completed a two-week training in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis, strengthening their capacity to prepare, assess and make informed decisions on public investment projects.

The training, held in Jinja from August 24 to September 4, 2026, was conducted under the Public Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis Module II (PIAR II) programme by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). It brought together KCCA officials drawn from different professional backgrounds, including economic planning, engineering and other technical areas.

Speaking at the close of the training, Mr. Edison Masereka, Manager, Business Development and PPPs in the Strategy Management and Business Development Department at KCCA, commended the participants for their commitment throughout the programme and emphasised the importance of applying the knowledge gained to KCCA’s project preparation and implementation processes.

Mr. Masereka said the training comes at an important time for KCCA, given the range and complexity of projects undertaken by the Authority, which span infrastructure, transport and roads, as well as social sectors such as education, health and social protection.

Mr. Edison Masereka. Officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) completion of two-week (August 24 to September 4, 2026 in Jinja) training in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis under the Public Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis Module II (PIAR II) programme by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Edison Masereka.

He noted that weaknesses in project preparation can contribute to challenges during implementation, including delays, changes to project designs and cost overruns. He therefore encouraged the participants to use the skills acquired during the training to improve the quality of project preparation and appraisal.

“The training does not stop here. This is probably just the beginning,” Masereka said, stressing the need for the officials to continue practicing and strengthening the skills acquired.

He also expressed KCCA’s interest in continuing its partnership with the PIM Centre of Excellence through practical engagement on actual KCCA projects, noting that such collaboration would provide an opportunity for the trained officials to apply and further strengthen their skills.

Building a stronger public investment management capacity

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, congratulated the participants on completing the two-week programme and commended KCCA for deliberately investing in the professional development of its staff.

He noted that the cohort had undertaken a progressive capacity-building programme, having previously completed training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management as well as Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis before advancing to Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis.

According to Prof. Bbaale, this approach is helping KCCA build an internal pool of officers with increasingly strong competencies across the public investment management cycle.

He challenged the participants to move beyond simply acquiring certificates and apply the knowledge in their day-to-day work.

Prof. Edward Bbaale. Officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) completion of two-week (August 24 to September 4, 2026 in Jinja) training in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis under the Public Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis Module II (PIAR II) programme by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale.

“Do not allow this training to remain in your notebooks or on your certificates. Apply it,” Prof. Bbaale urged the participants.

He emphasised that public projects should not be assessed solely on their ability to generate financial returns. Projects such as roads, drainage systems, public transport, street lighting, markets, water and sanitation may generate significant economic and social benefits even where direct financial revenues are limited.

For KCCA, he said, economic appraisal provides a broader basis for determining whether scarce public resources are being allocated to projects that generate the greatest benefits to society.

“Resources, however, will always be limited relative to our needs. We therefore cannot afford poorly conceived or inadequately appraised investments,” Prof. Bbaale said.

He encouraged KCCA to institutionalise the skills acquired through the training within its project preparation and decision-making processes and urged the participants to become champions of good Public Investment Management practice within the Authority.

Strengthening project preparation and decision-making

The training also highlighted the importance of stakeholder analysis in public investment. Prof. Bbaale observed that infrastructure and other public investments affect different groups—including residents, businesses, commuters, property owners and communities—in different ways.

He said understanding these interests early in the project cycle is essential for improving project design and implementation.

Masereka similarly highlighted the importance of strengthening the ability of KCCA officials to communicate and defend projects to different audiences. He noted that technical presentations to finance officials, senior management and political decision-makers require different approaches, while technical officers must have a strong understanding of the projects they are presenting.

Some of the KCCA Officials that took part in the training. Officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) completion of two-week (August 24 to September 4, 2026 in Jinja) training in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis under the Public Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis Module II (PIAR II) programme by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the KCCA Officials that took part in the training.

He further proposed continued engagement between KCCA and the Centre, including possible executive-level sessions to help senior decision-makers appreciate the principles and processes underlying project appraisal and investment decisions.

The proposal is intended to ensure that project appraisal competencies are understood not only by technical officers but are also appreciated at the institutional decision-making level.

From training to better projects for Kampala

The closing ceremony marked the completion of the second module of PIAR II for the participating KCCA officials, but both KCCA and the PIM Centre of Excellence emphasised that the partnership should extend beyond the classroom.

Dr. John Sseruyange, the Manager of the Centre said the ultimate measure of the training would not be the certificates awarded to participants, but whether the acquired competencies translate into better-prepared projects, stronger appraisal reports, better investment choices and improved services for the people of Kampala.

He also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to continuing to work with KCCA through training, research, technical support and policy engagement.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma’s productivity at Makerere University unearths the potential of postdoctoral fellowships

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Prof. Edward Bbaale poses for a group photo with Dr. Gemeda Olani Akuma and staff at the farewell on 2nd September 2026. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) farewell to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa conclusion of his postdoctoral fellowship (July 2025 to September 2026), 2nd September 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

September 02, 2026: The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) through the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) hosted a farewell event to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma as he concluded his postdoctoral fellowship at Makerere University.

About Dr Gemeda

Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa has served as a Postdoctoral fellow at Makerere University from July 2025 to September 2026.

During the Postdoctoral fellowship, Dr Gemeda has made significant contributions to research on water systems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in Uganda. He has collaborated closely with Makerere faculty members on several research projects, with two scientific manuscripts currently under review for publication.

Beyond research, Dr Gemeda played an instrumental role in mentoring graduate students (Master’s and PhD students) by providing technical guidance on their research projects and dissertations.

A Fellowship Built on Learning and Collaboration

Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Dr Gemeda appreciated the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for supporting his postdoctoral fellowship at Makerere University.

Dr. Gemeda O. Akuma delivering his heartfelt appreciation speech. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) farewell to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa conclusion of his postdoctoral fellowship (July 2025 to September 2026), 2nd September 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Gemeda O. Akuma delivering his heartfelt appreciation speech.

Specific to his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr Gemeda said: “I was focused on my work. I came here to learn, understand the wider research dynamics, enrich my experience, widen my international networks. It has been a very productive engagement. Two papers have been written, submitted to journals, and they will be published soon.”

Reflecting on his experience, he appreciated the professional relationships and academic networks built during his stay, describing them as a strong foundation for future collaboration.

“The EfD community has been like a family to me. It has been very welcoming and supportive, and it made me feel at home throughout my fellowship,” he said.

He acknowledged the support and cordial working relationship that he received from Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr Peter Babyenda, and Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo.

Dr Gemeda described his fellowship at the EfD-Makerere Centre as a productive engagement that enriched his research experience, expanded his international exposure, and created valuable opportunities for future collaboration.

He pledged to remain an ambassador for Makerere University by sustaining the academic and professional relationships established during the fellowship. He expressed commitment to pursuing future joint research initiatives and invited colleagues to Ethiopia to further strengthen academic collaboration.

Sustaining Networks for Future Research

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal CoBAMS and Director of the EfD Makerere Centre, lauds Dr. Gemeda’s impactful contributions. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) farewell to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa conclusion of his postdoctoral fellowship (July 2025 to September 2026), 2nd September 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal CoBAMS and Director of the EfD Makerere Centre, lauds Dr. Gemeda’s impactful contributions.

The Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences and Director-EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, commended Dr Gemeda for his remarkable contribution to the College’s research agenda and graduate training.

“Dr. Gemeda’s work demonstrated the value of postdoctoral fellows in strengthening research and scholarly publication at Makerere University. He described his research outputs as scientifically rigorous, well disseminated, and of significant academic value,” he noted.

Underscoring the experience gained from Dr Gemeda’s productive postdoctoral fellowship, Prof. Bbaale called upon Makerere University to strengthen and institutionalize the postdoctoral programme to significantly contribute to its research intensive strategy. Prof. Bbaale articulated that postdoctoral fellowships have a great potential including deepening collaboration between researchers in Uganda and institutions abroad.

Prof. Bbaale highlighted that Makerere University should tap into the experience gained from programmes such as Dr Gemeda’s postdoctoral fellowship to improve its institutional frameworks and encourage more academic units to host postdoctoral researchers.

He commended the EfD-Makerere Centre for providing a supportive research environment and emphasized the importance of sustaining the academic networks established during the fellowship to foster future research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint scholarly initiatives.

Advancing Research, Policy and Graduate Mentorship

Moderating the ceremony, Dr Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Coordinator at College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), applauded Dr Gemeda for advancing research and policy engagement with Government of Uganda ministries and agencies.

Dr Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Coordinator at CoBAMS, applauds Dr Gemeda for exceptional contributions. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) farewell to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa conclusion of his postdoctoral fellowship (July 2025 to September 2026), 2nd September 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Coordinator at CoBAMS, applauds Dr Gemeda for exceptional contributions.

He praised Dr Gemeda’s mentorship of Master’s and PhD students and his contribution to Natural Capital Accounting research, noting that his fellowship had made a lasting impact on research, policy engagement, and capacity building at Makerere University.

Farewell Messages from Colleagues and Participants

During the farewell ceremony, Dr Nicholas Kilimani, a research fellow at EfD and member of faculty at CoBAMS thanked Dr Gemeda for his support to Environment for Development (EfD). He expressed hope for continued collaboration, wishing him productivity and success in his next chapter.

Dr Florence Lwiza, a faculty member at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) described Dr Gemeda as approachable and highly productive, particularly in strengthening the visibility of collaborative research. She wished him success and expressed confidence that their professional collaboration would continue.

Dr. Florence Lwiza of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) commends Dr. Gemeda for boosting research visibility. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) farewell to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa conclusion of his postdoctoral fellowship (July 2025 to September 2026), 2nd September 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Florence Lwiza of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) commends Dr. Gemeda for boosting research visibility.

Ms Rhoda Kahita, a member of staff at the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), praised his diligence and willingness to support colleagues, describing him as hardworking, approachable, and always ready to assist despite his demanding schedule.

Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo, Manager of the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD)-Makerere Centre, commended Dr Gemeda’s exceptional commitment and dedication to collaborative research.

“That experience reflected his passion, determination, and commitment to producing quality work,” Ssewankambo said.

Ms Alice Nalweera, a researcher at the EfD-Makerere Centre, appreciated the Centre for hosting Dr Gemeda and highlighted his positive attitude and teamwork, noting that he made a significant contribution to the Centre’s collaborative research environment.

Ms Ritah Namisango, Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University, applauded Dr Gemeda for advancing the University’s vision of “Building for the Future” through research, partnerships, grant writing, and international collaboration.

Heartwarming moment: Dr. Gemeda receives commemorative souvenirs from his mentees—Master’s and PhD students. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) farewell to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa conclusion of his postdoctoral fellowship (July 2025 to September 2026), 2nd September 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Heartwarming moment: Dr. Gemeda receives commemorative souvenirs from his mentees—Master’s and PhD students.

To re-kindle the Makerere University spirit and friendship, Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), and some of the Master’s and PhD students he has mentored presented to Dr Gemeda commemorative Souvenirs amidst applause from the audience.

The ceremony was attended by several Makerere University officials and members of the EfD-Makerere Centre, including Prof. Edward Bbaale-Principal-College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and Director-EfD Makerere Centre, Dr Peter Babyenda- Policy Engagement Coordinator at CoBAMS, Gyaviira Ssewankambo-Manager-EfD Makerere Centre, researchers, and members of faculty who have worked closely with Dr Gemeda.

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Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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