Business & Management
Makerere Presents Nepal’s Community Forest Management Model to Government Agencies
In 2023, the Ugandan team comprising Dr. Peter Babyenda of Makerere University EfD-Mak Centre, Christine Mugyenyi and Rukundo Tom from the National Forest Authority went to Nepal to study the Community Forest Management Model. The study tour was funded by EfD Global Hub and the National forestry Authority Uganda.
The study tour was one of the activities of EfD Forest Collaborative Peer Learning Project on Community Forestry aimed at deepening the understanding on community-based forestry management and sharing ideas and experiences regarding forestry among the participant countries.
This study was timely given the current efforts by Ugandan government to increase the forest cover to 24% by 2040. Through community forest management, the people of Nepal have been able to increase their forest cover to 45% from 29% in 1992.
As such, Nepal provides a practical example of how the community can be empowered to manage forests and significantly contribute to the general growth of forest cover in the county. The leadership of the forest user groups also act as training ground for the national leadership and as a result, the national leadership also participates in the sustainable utilization of forests.
Nepal presents an interesting scenario demystifying practices in many other countries where local people are seen as enemies of forests. Through Community Forest User Groups (CFUG), Nepal’s model demonstrates how local people, are at the forefront of protecting forests in Nepal.
The experiences from Nepal should act as the guide to successful forest management in other countries including Uganda. In addition, the study tour was informative with vast knowledge attained from different stakeholders on implementation of community forestry.
The study tour involved meetings with the different stakeholders, field visits in some of the community forests and experiencing the Nepalese culture through visiting religious and cultural sites. The 5 days program was under the guidance of the Forest Action – Nepal and coordinated by Professor Randy.
The tour started with the visit to Kalopani Community Forestry User Group (CFUG), which is in a mountainous site in Kavre District. The team visited a second CFUG on the way to our meeting with the Kavre Divisional Forestry Office, which has jurisdiction over Kalopani CFUG. The team also visited Kavre Divisional Forestry Office and held discussions with the Dean of the Tribhuvan University Institute of Forestry.
EfD-Mak centers disseminates study findings to government agencies
Research fellows from EfD-Mak centre from Makerere University on 27th February 2024, went to the Ministry of Water and Environment to disseminate information on lessons learnt from Nepal’s community forest management.
The workshop hosted by the ministry’s headquarters in Luzira, was attended by over 30 forestry officials from government ministries, departments and agencies including the National forest Authority, Uganda world life Authority and National Environmental Management Authority.
While officially opening the workshop on behalf of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water and Environment, The Commissioner, Environment Sector Support Services Stephen Mugabi hailed the EfD Mak center for the continued partnership that was initiated with the ministry.
Noting that the mandate of managing the environment lies within the ministry, Mugabi said it was the right decision that the centre decided to link up with the ministry.
“When you generate information and you don’t share it, and archive it, it will not be useful. Once information is disseminated and gets to the stakeholders, they get knowledge that is then transformed into action. And the moment knowledge is transformed into action, then we see the knowledge changing livelihoods of communities”, He explained adding that:
“Today you have been recruited as ambassadors of the EfD-Mak Centre. You are receiving information how people in Nepal manage their forests and we expect you to disseminate it further to the people whom you live with.” Mugabi emphasised
Mugabi expressed the need for participants to understand the definitions of a community forest away from the standard definition of a forest on grounds that the way the community understands the forest is far different and has many values attached.
The Director EfD-Mak centre who is also Director, Directorate of Makerere University Graduate Research and Training Prof. Edward Bbaale appreciated the EfD Global hub funded by Sida, for sponsoring the Peer Learning Project for Community Forestry for policy makers and researchers, with a visit to Nepal.
“Today marks a significant moment as our colleagues share insights from their visit to Nepal’s community forest model, a success story empowering communities to manage nearby forests sustainably.
Nepal’s model granting legal rights to use and manage forest resources, stand as an exemplary solution against deforestation – a lesson we find particularly relevant given Uganda’s challenges”, Bbaale said.
Prof. Bbaale also noted that with 70% of the total forest cover under private land and the prevalent use of firewood and charcoal, Uganda faces alarming rates of forest losses.
“The presentation today is timely source of inspiration for policy makers and researchers, demonstrating the positive impact of involving local communities in decision making and forest management, addressing both environmental concerns and social inequalities,” Bbaale stressed.
He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Water and Environment for hosting the engagement at their headquarters and commended the enduring collaboration between EfD-Mak Centre and the Ministry.
Bbale also extended appreciation to the ministry and government for supporting the Inclusive Green Economy program for senior public servants. The Director, Stephen Mugabi represents the Ministry on the EfD-Mak Advisory Committee. The ministry appointed Commissioner Moreen Anino on the first cohort of the IGE fellows.
Uganda’s Inclusive Green Economy Engagement Specialist and research fellow Dr. Peter Babyenda said, in 2023, the team went for a study tour in Nepal to learn on the successful community forest management practices that Nepal had employed to increase their forest cover 29% in 1990 to 45% in 2013.
Contrary, Uganda’s forestry cover has decreased from 24% in 1990 to now 13% and, in 2010, the forest cover had further decreased to 9%.
He said, it was deemed appropriate to share the study findings with the ministry’s agencies who hold the country’s natural resources in trust of the people of Uganda.
“We learnt that that once you organise the people, tell them what to do and the importance and gains from the forest, they will take care of the forest, and if you do something detrimental to the forest, you are punished as a community member.
Communities that stay near forests have records of everyone including their photos and they will get to know who does what. They have a well organised inclusive leadership comprising 50% men and female, very transparent with books of accounts that are audited.
We even visited the university that trains leaders so they do capacity building of their leaders together with the department of forestry and wild life and ministry of forestry”, Babyenda explained.
Nepal has about 22,000 community forest user groups benefiting about 2.9million households. The community manages about 2.2million hectares of forest.
Babyenda reported that the community forest management model in Nepal has contributed to forest restoration and made it easy to mobilize the community to ensure that degraded forests are restored. This , he added was evidenced by the increase in the forest cover from 29% in 1992 to the current 45%.
The model according to Babyenda, has contributed to community infrastructure and livelihood benefits because CFUGs are used as a vehicle to community development evidenced by several community development projects seen.
Further, Babyenda explained that not only does Nepal’s model contribute to ecosystem functioning and protection, it has contributed to mitigation and adaptation to climate change largely, due to the maintenance of forests that absorb carbon but also regulates temperature.
“The model contributes to household income generation through the sale of forest products in a sustainable way. The households are aware of the consequences of mismanaging forests and thus utilize them in a sustainable way.
This is commendable and other countries like ours need to take lessons”. Babyenda noted and commended Nepal for the inclusive leadership with at least half of the leadership of the user groups being female.
Key Lessons from Nepal’s Community Forest Management Model for Uganda
The existence of a legal body, (FECOFUN- Federation for Community Forestry Users, Nepal) has enabled voicing the rights of community adjacent groups. The CSO has played a very important advocacy role on the rights of women, elders, and marginalized groups. It has also played an important role of influencing forest related polices in Nepal.
UNETCOFA a CSO was established in Uganda in 2006, to unite CFMs but lacked legal barking and has not done much work in relation to CFM networks. The lesson learnt is to involve the Ministry of Water and Environment to revive UNETCOFA.
FECOFUN has created a strong network with the CFUGs, and this enables the groups implement their roles and responsibilities which has minimized non-compliance to the operational plans of the community forests. Commitment by the CFUGs households to protect, restore and conserve forests has largely been informed by previous calamities like earthquakes and floods which is not the case for Uganda.
Value addition on forest products like timber, fodder and herbs has increased the income and created some jobs for the CFUGs.
Community Forestry in Nepal has thrived on many different models for instance knowledge production and knowledge use in forestry and the presence of homogenous society. Improving livelihoods where forest conservation meets the demands of local communities provides an overall incentive for sustainable conservation including safeguarding essential ecosystem services.
Having a dynamic, diverse, and respected leadership within community groups increases chances of success as is the case for some CFUGs in Nepal. Involvement of women in use of forest resources recognizes the importance of having women represented in decision- making and giving women a voice has allowed them to actively participate in conservation activities.
Benefit sharing through wealth ranking to target the poor for support is very key and can minimize elite capture. In addition, sharing of benefits/ income accrued from sale of forest products in percentages for instance 25% is invested in forest management was a key lesson to learn.
CFUGs coordination with local government to put up infrastructural development like schools or road construction from the income attained from the sale of forest resources was a key lesson learnt.
Community Forestry has contributed to ecosystem functioning through provision of fresh water supply to the households and for agricultural purposes. Most forest adjacent communities in Nepal access piped water from the forest for both domestic uses including watering animals and irrigation of crops. This has enabled conservation of water sources and regulation of waste discharge.
Alternative energy/ biomass source in Nepal is at 60%. People are increasingly using LPGs, electricity, petroleum gas etc. This has decreased fuelwood usage in Nepal. The lesson is that GoU need to reduce costs of gas and electricity to enable less dependency on fuelwood from forests.
Activities implemented during the study tour
Babyenda reported that, activities implemented during the Nepal study tour involved meeting the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal (FECOFUN) executive members during which it was noted that FECOFUN was founded and legally recognized in July 1995 as a social movement organized which later became a civil society organization. It was formed after the legal recognition of Community Forestry in Nepal in 1992 and realization for the urgency to advocate for the rights of the people. It is established in all the 77 districts in the country with over 22,000 Community Forest User Groups are affiliated to FECOFUN and managing 2.2m ha that is; 25% of the forest cover which is contributed under community forestry of the overall forest cover of 45% with 2.9million H/Hs benefiting from community forestry.
The team also held a meeting with the departments of Forests and Soil Conservation-Nepal and Department of National Parks and Wildlife conservation. The forest management model indicated that Community Forests are part of the National Forests handed over to the traditional users for its conservation, utilization, and management guided by the Forest Act, 2076(2019AD), Forest Regulation 2079 (2023AD) and community guideline 2071.
The department guides the CFUG in facilitation done through formation of forest user groups and implementing biological diversity, conservation and climate change adaptation related activities and Legal support through identifying, developing, and managing potential forest areas in accordance with the prevailing laws, rules and policies, Community Forest user group registration and Community Forest handover.
Babyenda said the team made field visits to Kalapani community forest and in Shiba Community Forest and the CFUG members. The Community members mainly utilize forest resources like firewood, fodder, grass, timber, and medicinal plants and performs various roles.
In a meeting at the Institute of Forestry- Nepal with the Dean of forestry and the college staff. Babyenda explained that they shared information on Community forestry on how Community forestry has contributed to forest restoration, community infrastructure and livelihood benefits and ecosystem functioning among others.
Detailed report on study findings is attached.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
EfD Researchers and Transport Sector Players Strategize on Promoting E-Mobility in Uganda
Kampala, December 4, 2024
Over 30 Stakeholders from Uganda’s transport and energy sectors convened at the Kolping Hotel, Kampala, for a workshop aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric mobility (e-mobility) as a strategy for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. Organized by the Environment for Development (EfD)-Mak Centre, the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, transport operators and users, as well as private sector players to address challenges and opportunities in Uganda’s e-mobility transition.
Promoting Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
The workshop, led by Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist at EfD-Mak, centered on the theme “Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions in Uganda’s Transport Sector.” Dr. Babyenda highlighted the environmental and economic importance of transitioning to e-mobility, stating, “Transforming Uganda into a modern society as envisioned under Vision 2040 demands that we address the environmental challenges in the transport sector, a major carbon emitter.”
The agenda included discussions on the status of energy efficiency, the role of women in e-mobility, and strategies to promote the adoption of electric motorcycles and buses.
Rising Numbers and the E-Mobility Transition
According to survey findings by the EfD researchers, Uganda’s transport sector has seen an unprecedented rise in vehicle and motorcycle usage. The number of vehicles in the country has more than doubled, increasing from 739,036 in 2012 to 1,355,090 in 2018. Motorcycles have seen an even sharper increase, growing from 354,000 in 2010 to over one million by 2018. This growth has intensified emissions and air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Kampala, which was ranked the world’s fifth most polluted city in 2020.
Electric mobility is emerging as a viable solution. Over 400 electric motorcycles, introduced by private sector players such as Zembo, GOGO, and Spiro, are already on Uganda’s roads. These e-motorbikes offer cost savings on fuel and maintenance, zero emissions, and enhanced security. Dr. Babyenda described them as a step forward in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint, though he acknowledged the challenges of limited charging stations, counterfeit batteries, and insufficient awareness.
Government Policy and Infrastructure Development
Eng. David Birimumaso, Principal Energy Officer at the Ministry of Energy, detailed the government’s efforts to support e-mobility. These include developing charging infrastructure, establishing policies for electric vehicle adoption, and training technicians and operators.
“Transport contributes 16% of energy-related emissions,” said Eng. Birimumaso. “Through partnerships with private players like Zembo and Kiira Motors, we are promoting e-mobility by building charging stations and offering capacity-building programs for stakeholders. By 2030, we aim to ensure 100% electricity access, making e-mobility viable for all Ugandans.”
So far, the Ministry has piloted electric vehicle charging at Amber House in Kampala and supported the establishment of four charging stations along the Masaka Road corridor. These efforts are part of the broader energy policy, which emphasizes the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources.
Economic and Gender Inclusion in E-Mobility
The workshop also highlighted the importance of economic and gender inclusion in e-mobility. Dr. Babyenda noted that while women are increasingly involved, barriers such as cultural stigmas, inappropriate vehicle designs, and limited training opportunities persist.
“Encouraging women to take up roles as drivers and technicians in the e-mobility sector is essential for a holistic transition,” Dr. Babyenda remarked. Participants recommended vehicle redesigns to accommodate women and initiatives to encourage female participation in the sector.
Key Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the promise of e-mobility, several barriers hinder its widespread adoption in Uganda. One major challenge is the limited availability of charging stations and battery-swapping points, which restricts the operational range and convenience of electric vehicles. The prevalence of counterfeit batteries further undermines reliability, discouraging potential users. Additionally, the high upfront costs of electric vehicles and motorcycles present a significant financial barrier for many Ugandans. Insufficient public awareness and persistent misconceptions about e-mobility also contribute to slow adoption, highlighting the need for targeted education and sensitization campaigns.
To address these challenges, participants recommended expanding charging networks, introducing subsidies for electric vehicles, enforcing quality standards for batteries, and conducting nationwide sensitization campaigns. Hybrid vehicles were also suggested as a transitional solution to address range anxiety.
Workshop’s Relevance to National Goals
This workshop was part of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program, a regional initiative funded by Sida through the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Since its inception in 2020, the program has trained over 25 fellows across East Africa, focusing on green transitions and evidence-based policymaking.
The 2024 workshop theme aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, which prioritize energy efficiency and emission reductions in the transport sector.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism about Uganda’s e-mobility potential. Dr. Babyenda emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Achieving energy efficiency requires collective effort. We must involve everyone, from boda boda riders to policymakers, to ensure a successful transition to clean, efficient transport.”
With over 400 electric motorcycles on Uganda’s roads and a growing network of charging stations, the country is making strides in its journey toward sustainable mobility. However, much work remains to achieve widespread adoption and integration of e-mobility solutions. The workshop served as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation in this critical sector.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer at EfD Uganda
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, successfully concluded the training of its 4th cohort of public officers on November 15, 2024. This capacity-building program focused on the User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, a critical process mandated by Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015.
Under the PFMA, every bill presented to Parliament must include a Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). The preparation of the Statement of Financial Implications (SFI), which forms the basis for the CFI, is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This statement provides detailed revenue and expenditure estimates and projected savings over a minimum of two years’ post-enactment.
Empowering MDAs with Essential Skills
The training sessions, which began last week and will continue into the following week, aim to equip MDAs with the skills required to prepare robust SFIs. These competencies are essential for MoFPED Budget Analysts to review and draft CFIs or Letters of Financial Clearance effectively.
The 4th cohort comprised officers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda Land Commission, Ministry of Local Government, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and the Ministry of Kampala, among others.
A Step Toward Transparent and Accountable Governance
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Moses Sonko, Principal Economist at MoFPED, commended the initiative and acknowledged the value it brings to Uganda’s public policy and legislative processes. Representing the Permanent Secretary of MoFPED, Mr. Sonko highlighted the importance of the training in strengthening governance frameworks.
“This training was developed to equip us with tools and knowledge essential for our roles in ensuring that Uganda’s policy and legislative proposals are financially sound, transparent, and align with national priorities,” Mr. Sonko remarked. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance policy preparation and implementation.
He also emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the training, which enables officers to identify the financial, social, environmental, and economic impacts of proposed bills and policies.
Participant Feedback
Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. Mr. Davis Kwizera from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) shared his positive experience, stating: “This training has offered a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of policy processes. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare relevant policy documents. If you’ve taken the courses on Financial and Risk Analysis as well as Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis, this program completes the package.”
The new guidelines for the clearance of financial implications will officially take effect in July 2025. PIMCoE remains committed to building the capacity of public officers to ensure that Uganda’s legislative and policy frameworks are underpinned by sound financial and risk analyses, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable development.
For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.
In a pivotal workshop held at Makerere University on November 12, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM). This transformative model, conceptualized by Prof. Ezra Suruma, aims to tackle some of Uganda’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.
Prof. Suruma, the architect of PDM, underscored the crucial role of researchers in creating wealth-empowering strategies for Ugandans. “The PDM is designed to eradicate poverty, promote economic inclusion, improve service delivery, and modernize agriculture,” Prof. Suruma stated. He highlighted that the model not only provides a pathway for Uganda’s rural households to participate in the economy but also aims to address the underlying issues that leave many citizens unable to afford basic needs.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended Prof. Suruma’s visionary leadership and the significant impact PDM is expected to have on communities across Uganda. “The PDM stands as one of the largest government interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting communities,” he remarked. Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized Makerere University’s commitment to supporting PDM through the PDM Lab hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which serves as a hub for real-time data analysis to guide the implementation of PDM activities across the country.
The PDM Lab at CoBAMS, led by Prof. Eria Hisali and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that can shape PDM policies at the grassroots level. During the workshop, Dr. Suruma extended his appreciation to UNDP for their support and acknowledged the researchers for their efforts in generating valuable insights into the effectiveness of PDM.
Despite Uganda’s notable economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, are high, limiting economic opportunities for the country’s largest demographic. Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is another critical issue, with many Ugandans unable to afford or reach essential medical services. These challenges underscore the need for initiatives like the PDM that are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and ensure equitable access to services.
“PDM seeks to empower households to create wealth, ultimately reducing dependence on subsistence farming and encouraging local economic development,” Prof. Suruma emphasized. He believes that the model’s holistic approach will foster greater self-sufficiency among Uganda’s communities by addressing poverty from multiple angles, including agricultural modernization, financial literacy, and service accessibility.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about PDM’s potential to drive sustainable change. Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere University’s dedication to supporting this national initiative, affirming that the PDM Lab will continue to play a key role in assessing and enhancing the model’s effectiveness.
The Parish Development Model offers a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans striving for a better quality of life, aligning with Uganda’s broader aspirations for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.
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