Makerere University Environment for Development Initiative (EfD- Mak Centre) has graduated five senior government officials under the 2025 Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Fellowship Programme, equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills to champion climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and sustainable development in Uganda.

The fellows graduated during a ceremony held on Thursday June 25, 2026 at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK), where university leaders, government representatives, development partners, researchers and policymakers gathered to celebrate the completion of the year-long training programme.

The graduates included Eng. Thomas Epeet from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Ms. Getrude Basiima, a Commissioner in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Mr. Nicholas Magara from the Ministry of Water and Environment; Ms. Irene Kemigisha from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; and Mr. Boaz Tumusiime Mboijana from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Wamala congratulated the fellows for successfully completing what he described as a rigorous and impactful programme that lasted one year.

“Today’s graduation is more than a celebration of academic achievement. It is a testament to our collective commitment to building the knowledge, skills and partnerships required to address one of the defining challenges of our time — climate change and its effects on agriculture, livelihoods and sustainable development,” Wamala said.

He noted that the 2025 cohort undertook training under the theme, “Accelerating the Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture,” which aligns closely with Makerere University‘s research agenda on agricultural transformation, food security and livelihoods.

According to Wamala, climate variability and environmental degradation continue to threaten agricultural production, food security and rural livelihoods, making the need for innovative, evidence-based and scalable solutions increasingly urgent.

Through the fellowship, participants gained practical exposure to climate-smart irrigation technologies, resilient farming systems, soil and water conservation practices, and other innovations aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience.

“The experiences have equipped our fellows not only with technical competencies but also with the capacity to translate knowledge into practical solutions for communities and institutions,” he said.

The programme is implemented by the Environment for Development (EfD) Initiative through the EfD-Makerere Centre and is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It seeks to strengthen evidence-based policymaking by bridging the gap between research and policy while promoting the use of economic policy instruments to support a just green transition.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Makerere Centre and Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences(CoBAMS), said the fellowship targets senior civil servants and policymakers from Eastern Africa to strengthen their capacity to formulate and implement green economy policies.

“The goal is to promote the use of economic policy instruments to achieve a just green transition. The programme bridges gaps between research and policy and between researchers and policymakers to strengthen evidence-based decision-making,” Bbaale said.

Since its inception, the programme has trained 30 senior policymakers drawn from ministries, departments and agencies across the region.

Bbaale said, one of the programme’s unique features is its regional approach, which enables fellows from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Africa to share experiences and learn from one another’s policy interventions.

“We are able to learn from what other governments are doing in these Eastern African countries, compare with our policy environment and identify solutions that can work back home,” he said.

The 2025 cohort focused on accelerating climate-smart agriculture adoption, a priority area as governments seek to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production and rural livelihoods.

Bbaale announced that the next cohort, to be recruited later this year, will focus on forestry and water management. The programme intends to recruit five additional senior government officials from institutions including the Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Finance.

Host institution MUARIK also used the occasion to highlight its contribution to agricultural research and innovation.

Welcoming guests to the institute, MUARIK Director Dr. Peter Ebanyat described the facility as a leading centre for agricultural research, training and innovation whose history dates back to 1953.

He noted that the institute has played a significant role in developing agricultural technologies that have had national impact, including the development of soybean varieties grown across Uganda.

“Our vision is to be a thought leader in sustainable agricultural and environmental innovations. Our mission is to generate and disseminate knowledge, innovations and technologies through research, training and community engagement for improved agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods,” Ebanyat said.

He said hosting the graduation was particularly significant because MUARIK serves as a living laboratory where researchers, students, policymakers and development practitioners interact to generate solutions to challenges facing the agricultural sector.

The graduation ceremony underscored the growing importance of partnerships among universities, governments and development agencies in addressing climate change, promoting food security and advancing inclusive green growth across Uganda and the wider East African region.

As the fellows return to their respective institutions, university leaders challenged them to become ambassadors of climate-smart agriculture and champions of sustainable development, using the knowledge acquired through the programme to influence policies, strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods in their sectors.

The Inclusive Green Economy Fellowship Programme will continue until 2027 under Sida funding, with Makerere University remaining one of the key regional centres driving research, policy engagement and capacity building for sustainable development.

Graduating Fellows Call for Stronger Climate-Smart Agriculture Policies

Senior government officials who completed Makerere University‘s IGE Fellowship Programme called for stronger policy interventions, increased investment and wider public awareness to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agriculture in Uganda.

The  senior civil servants highlighted climate change as a growing threat to agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods.

Speaking on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, Makerere University‘s Policy Engagement Specialist and coordinator of the programme, Dr. Peter Babyenda, said the 2025 cohort focused on developing policy instruments that can accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across the country.

“This cohort has been looking at accelerating the adoption of climate-smart agriculture because agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy and one of the sectors most affected by climate change,” Babyenda said.

He explained that the year-long fellowship trains senior civil servants and policymakers to design economic and policy incentives that promote environmentally sustainable development.

According to Babyenda, previous cohorts focused on issues such as clean cooking energy, biomass reduction and electric mobility, while the latest group examined how government can encourage farmers to adopt climate-smart technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices.

“We have trained them on how to design policy packages and interventions that encourage adoption of climate-smart agriculture and improve resilience among farming communities,” he said.

The graduation brought the number of fellows trained under the Sida-funded programme to 30 since its inception. The initiative is implemented by Makerere University‘s Environment for Development (EfD) Centre in partnership with the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

Babyenda revealed that the next cohort, expected to be recruited later this year, will focus on forestry and water management as part of efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen climate resilience.

He also disclosed that Makerere University is considering upgrading the fellowship into an academic programme offering diploma and master’s qualifications in green economy studies.

“We are already developing a curriculum. The idea is to transform this capacity-building programme into an academic award programme that could eventually offer both diploma and master’s degrees in green economy,” he said.

Representing the graduating fellows, Engineer Thomas Epeet from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries said climate-smart agriculture is critical to safeguarding Uganda’s agricultural sector against the effects of climate variability.

“Agriculture contributes significantly to employment, rural livelihoods and the country’s GDP. However, prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns are threatening production, making climate-smart agriculture more important than ever,” Epeet said.

The fellows identified weak extension services, limited awareness, counterfeit agricultural inputs and inadequate access to modern technologies as some of the major barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture.

Epeet said the cohort’s research found that women farmers face particular challenges, including limited access to land ownership and agricultural resources, which affects their ability to adopt climate-smart practices.

He called for stronger involvement of the private sector in supplying quality agricultural technologies and inputs needed to support sustainable farming.

“The private sector has a critical role in providing irrigation equipment, improved seeds and other technologies that farmers need. Without a strong private sector, government interventions alone may not achieve the desired impact,” he said.

Nicholas Magara, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Water and Environment, said the training had equipped him with practical knowledge on how economic incentives can be used to address climate-related challenges.

He noted that environmental degradation, including forest and wetland destruction, continues to affect rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity.

“As policymakers, we must encourage farmers not to depend solely on natural weather patterns. Technologies such as irrigation, mulching and minimum tillage are becoming increasingly important in ensuring year-round production,” Magara said.

He recommended expanding the programme to accommodate more participants and upgrading it from a certificate programme to a diploma-level qualification.

“The content is extensive and highly professional. It deserves a higher academic recognition,” he added.

Irene Kemigisha, an economist from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the need to strengthen land tenure security, particularly for women, to improve access to credit and increase investment in climate-smart agriculture.

She said many women are unable to access agricultural financing because they lack land ownership documents that financial institutions require as collateral.

“We need to ensure that women have secure land rights and access to affordable agricultural credit if we are serious about increasing adoption of climate-smart agriculture,” Kemigisha said.

She also called for stronger agricultural extension services and improved market access for farmers to ensure that increased productivity translates into higher incomes.

Meanwhile, Boaz Tumusiime from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said the programme had highlighted the strong links between climate change, agriculture and tourism.

He said participants discovered that many climate-smart solutions already exist, but limited dissemination of information continues to slow adoption.

“Our transformative initiative focused on improving access to information and climate-smart solutions because the biggest challenge is often the gap between researchers, policymakers and the public,” Tumusiime said.

He praised the programme’s regional approach, which allows participants from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia to share experiences and learn from successful policies implemented across East Africa.

The fellows urged government, development partners and academic institutions to expand climate-smart agriculture training beyond senior civil servants to include private sector actors and grassroots agricultural practitioners.

They argued that broader participation would help accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices needed to strengthen food security, improve rural livelihoods and support Uganda’s climate adaptation efforts.

Panelists Call for Climate-Smart Agriculture Integration

The graduation ceremony was also marked by a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale.and focused on how Uganda can integrate climate-smart agriculture into its national development agenda. The dialogue brought together leading academics, policymakers and development practitioners to explore strategies for sustainable agricultural transformation.

Key discussants included Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University; Michael Ahimbisibwe from the National Planning Authority (NPA), representing Dr. Ronald Kaggwa; Victor Olejje from SunCulture Uganda; Wilson Asiimwe from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representing Dr. Sam Koojo; and Robert Turyakira from AGHNET.

The discussions highlighted Makerere University‘s commitment to research translation and intellectual property protection, the National Planning Authority’s emphasis on climate-smart agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, and the Ministry of Finance’s focus on integrated financing and market alignment. The panel also underscored the importance of ensuring that climate-smart interventions are properly costed, financed and implemented.

Responding to a question on how Makerere University is strengthening the translation of research into climate-smart solutions, Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University, explained that the institution coordinates research across its nine colleges under strategic themes, including agricultural transformation. He noted that Makerere has established an Innovation and Technology Support Centre to help researchers protect intellectual property, build industry partnerships, and commercialize innovations.

“We are developing a Research Impact Framework so that every project considers its long-term effect on policy and community livelihoods right from the design stage,” Prof. Wamala said.

He added, “An idea is not truly yours until it is protected,” emphasizing the importance of patents and copyrights in transforming research into sustainable livelihoods.

Addressing the role of climate-smart agriculture in advancing Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, Michael Ahimbisibwe, representing the National Planning Authority, emphasized that climate-smart agriculture is central to both the strategy and Uganda’s Vision 2040. He outlined its contribution to ensuring sustainable raw material supplies, building resilience to climate change, enhancing export competitiveness, supporting inclusive livelihoods and unlocking access to green financing.

“By embedding these approaches, agriculture becomes the backbone of our growth strategy,” Ahimbisibwe said, pointing to drought-tolerant crop varieties, water harvesting technologies, and compliance with international trade standards as critical interventions.

Responding to a question on how public investment and financing mechanisms can support climate-smart agriculture, Wilson Asiimwe from the Ministry of Finance argued that climate-smart agriculture must be approached holistically, with policies integrated across sectors. He explained that government investments, such as valley dams for livestock production, should be aligned with existing development programmes, while additional financing can be mobilized through carbon credit schemes, climate funds, and international grants.

“Productivity must be matched with markets; otherwise, we risk food mountains with no buyers,” Asiimwe cautioned.

He further noted that emerging export regulations, such as the European Union’s deforestation requirements, make climate-smart agricultural practices essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for maintaining trade competitiveness.

Explaining how planning processes ensure that interventions are properly costed and implemented, Ahimbisibwe further noted that planning serves as the bridge between policy and financing. Under Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, the government employs a programme-based approach, with agro-industrialization identified as a key programme. Each programme includes costed interventions that are monitored annually through compliance assessment mechanisms.

“This way, climate-smart agriculture is not just a policy idea but a funded and monitored reality,” he said, stressing that planning ensures government allocations, releases, and expenditures remain aligned with national development priorities.

The panel underscored a shared vision in which Makerere University drives research translation and intellectual property protection, the National Planning Authority positions climate-smart agriculture as a pillar of economic growth, the Ministry of Finance ensures integrated financing and market alignment, and planning frameworks guarantee effective implementation of costed interventions. Together, these efforts aim to embed climate-smart agriculture at the heart of Uganda’s long-term development strategy.

Compiled and written by Jane Anyango, Communication Officer

Photo Credits: Peninah Nalubega
(Fourth-Year Journalism and Communication Student)

Makerere University‘s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), has commenced the fourth cohort of the Capacity Enhancement and Hands-on Training on the Guidelines for Financial Clearance and the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis.

The two-week training, held in Jinja, brings together economists, policy analysts, and technical officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen their capacity in conducting financial and economic assessments of government policies and legislation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assistant Commissioner Mohammed Kabaale, who represented the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) emphasized the critical role of the Certificate of Financial Implications in promoting sound fiscal governance and evidence-based policymaking.

“The Certificate of Financial Implications is not merely a procedural requirement. It is a critical safeguard within our public finance management framework,” Mr. Kabaale noted. “It ensures that all policy and legislative proposals submitted to Cabinet or Parliament are fiscally sustainable, consistent with Government’s macroeconomic objectives, and aligned with our national development priorities.”

Mr Kabaale explained that the revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance, which became effective at the start of the current financial year, provide a strengthened institutional and analytical framework for assessing policy proposals. The guidelines require Regulatory Impact Assessments, Statements of Financial Implications from respective MDAs, evidence of stakeholder consultations, and Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis conducted by the Ministry of Finance.

According to the PSST, these requirements are intended to strengthen inter-agency coordination, improve the quality of the financial clearance process, and ensure that public resources are allocated in a manner that delivers maximum value for money to citizens.

The training is being delivered in partnership with Makerere University‘s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, established in 2023 to build national capacity in public investment management and policy analysis.

Representing Makerere University, the Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, commended the Ministry of Finance for its foresight in establishing the PIM Centre of Excellence and investing in capacity development for public servants.

“Uganda faces a triple challenge of scale, scarcity and speed,” Prof. Okumu said. “As our population grows, financing becomes more constrained, and citizens demand faster service delivery, every shilling must deliver greater value. Cost-Benefit Analysis and Financial Implications assessments help government make decisions that are beneficial, affordable and resilient under real fiscal constraints.”

Prof. Okumu noted that while Cost-Benefit Analysis helps determine whether a policy or project is worthwhile, integrating Financial Implications assessments ensures that proposed interventions are fiscally sustainable and implementable.

He challenged participants to apply the skills acquired during the training at project, portfolio and policy levels by improving project selection, prioritizing investments that generate the highest economic returns, and institutionalizing evidence-based decision-making across government.

“Analysis must translate into transformation,” he said. “The ultimate measure of success will be the decisions that change because of your work, the value you unlock for Uganda, and the lives that are transformed because you asked the right questions.”

The Dean further observed that integrated financial and economic analysis is increasingly important globally as countries seek to mobilize resources for climate action, digital transformation and sustainable development. He described the participants as part of a growing community of professionals capable of strengthening investor confidence and enhancing public trust through credible policy analysis.

Both speakers underscored the importance of professional integrity, continuous learning and institutional collaboration in advancing Uganda’s public finance reform agenda.

The PSST encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the training and to champion the implementation of the revised guidelines within their respective institutions. The Ministry, he added, will continue investing in systems automation, capacity development and stakeholder engagement to strengthen evidence-based financial clearance processes across government.

The training marks another milestone in the partnership between Makerere University and the Ministry of Finance aimed at building a critical mass of public sector professionals equipped to support fiscally responsible, socially inclusive and economically sound policy decisions. The fourth cohort follows the successful completion of three earlier cohorts conducted during the current financial year and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management and policy formulation systems.

17^th June 2026: Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in partnership with Rounding Up The Edges (ROUTE) International and SLS Solutions Limited held a productive engagement meeting aimed at equipping students with Soft Skills and Professional Competencies.

The trainings and capacity building programmes will enhance access to student opportunities, and equally empower them in the aspects of Career readiness, Creativity and Innovation.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Associate Prof. James Wokadala-the Deputy Principal of the College, Prof. Yawe B. Lule-Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at Makerere University, Dr. Jane Kengeya Kayondo-the founder ROUTE International, Stellah Atizuyo-CEO ROUTE International, Kadde Patience Patricia and Hannah Arinaitwe representing SLS Solutions Limited, and Ritah Namisango-Public Relations and Communications Specialist at Makerere University.

Formalizing the Collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding

Welcoming the participants, the Deputy Principal, Associate Prof. James Wokadala stated that the meeting was building up on earlier discussions aimed at translating shared ideas into concrete actions.

He acknowledged Prof. Yawe Bruno Lule for bringing the parties together. Prof. Yawe has played a significant role in mobilizing students from Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (MakCoBAMS) to participate in the online training sessions organized by SLS solutions and ROUTE International.

The Deputy Principal highlighted the importance of formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noting that a structured agreement would provide a clear framework for implementation while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.

He clarified that while the MoU would provide the broad framework for cooperation, individual projects and activities could be implemented through separate contracts or activity-specific agreements.

He called upon stakeholders to identify practical areas for collaboration and explore opportunities for scaling up joint initiatives that would create meaningful impact for students and the university community.

Expanding Industry Engagement through a Business Consortium

During the discussion, Prof. Yawe Bruno Lule, proposed establishing a formal collaboration, with discussions centered on expanding the initiative beyond SLS Solutions into a wider business community consortium where companies can support student development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.

“The model would enable companies to collectively support programmes that prepare graduates for the realities of the workplace,” he added.

Empower UG Mentorship Series

In line with its Corporate Social Responsiblity (CSR), SLS Solutions Limited in partnership with ROUTE International is scheduled to host the upcoming Empower UG Mentorship Series on 30th  June 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. The online training will focus on Personal Branding for Career Growth and Leadership.

The parties rallied the MakCoBAMS leadership and staff to publicise the series, and also mobilise the student community to participate in the online mentorship series.

Way Forward

During the meeting, the participants agreed to focus initially on student transformation through training in soft skills, employability, workplace readiness, interview techniques, mindset development, and purpose-driven leadership. They also highlighted the success of the Empower UG Mentorship Series in connecting students with industry professionals and creating opportunities for career growth.

The partners agreed to  prioritize the documentation processes and submit the required information for legal review.

The engagement marked a significant milestone in a growing relationship that seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.

Monica Meeme contributed to this story as a Guest Writer. Monica Meeme is a student pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.

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