Business & Management
EfD-Uganda Stakeholders Co-Creation Workshop Discusses Clean Energy Solutions for Small Holder Farmers
Members of the academia and EfD research fellows on 25th April, 2024 held a co-creation workshop with representatives from government ministries, civil society organization and the private sector to generate a context-relevant Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs)-led model for supporting the transition to low-carbon ag-tech by smallholder farmers.
The EfD in collaboration with Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) embarked on the study titled, “Clean Energy For Development: A Call For Action (CEDCA): Renewable Energy MSMEs operating to modernize agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia: Barriers, opportunities, and implications for an inclusive low carbon transition”
The project funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is being implemented in four countries namely; Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda, and Vietnam.
The EfD-Uganda project team is composed of Prof. Edward Bbaale, who is also centre Director, Dr. Aisha Nanyiti Lecturer, School of Economics, Dr. Florence Lwiza, Lecturer, School of Agricultural Sciences and Gyaviira Ssewankambo, Junior Research Fellow.
The objectives of the study were to establish the barriers and opportunities for the emergence of a vibrant MSME sector to support the use of modern energy technologies in agriculture for inclusion of women and youth in the ag-tech MSMEs value chains and to undertake rigorous tests of context-relevant models to support the transition to low-carbon agricultural technologies.
The study undertook a three phased approach namely the Diagnostic, Design and Test phases.
The Diagnostic phase whose findings were presented by Dr. Lwiza Florence sought to understand the state of affairs on the supply side and the demand side of the renewable ag-tech industry in Uganda. Among other things, the diagnostic phase sought to establish the type of ag-technologies supplied by the renewable ag-tech industry, the scale of supply-side players, State of women, youth, and other groups involvement on the ag-tech supply side, the type of ag-technologies demanded and needed by the farmers, the state of women, youth, and other groups involvement on the ag-tech demand side, barriers to up-take of low-carbon ag-techs and opportunities for supporting the emergence of a dynamic MSME-led transition to the use of low-carbon ag-techs.
The Test phase will involve rigorous impact evaluation of an MSME-led model.
In the Design phase, a Co-creation workshop with MSMEs and Stakeholders had a plenary session to generate a context-relevant MSMEs-led model for supporting the transition to low-carbon ag-tech by smallholder farmers.
Participants joined in a discussion on renewable energy projects in their organizations and their experiences with low-carbon ag-techs like solar or hybrid water pumps, batteries, generators, driers, fridges, and millers.
The research team also sought the stakeholders’ opinion about the effectiveness of sensitization programs in advancing the uptake of modern ag-technologies, their opinion of a fairly feasible MSMEs-led model for enhancing smallholder farmers, women, and youth uptake of modern ag-technologies plus any feedback or questions to the research team.
The workshop was officially opened and closed by the Director Directorate of Graduate Research and Training Prof. Edward Bbaale who is also Director EfD-Uganda. Bbaale emphasized the contribution of stakeholders a key to the project success.
“If we must do research that will change our society, then it is you, colleagues, that must work with us. If you don’t agree to work with us, then we shall be developing solutions and developing policy recommendations that will not actually serve the purpose.
And because of that, then we count on you continuously to work together, to craft together, to co-create together so that we can be on the point. We need to work together so that the results that we get and the recommendations can be usable by you, can be acceptable by you, and then in so doing we shall change our society and experience the true socio-economic transformation,” Bbaale stressed that in trying to understand many of the intricate aspects of the society and economy, the centres key focus is to work with stakeholders in government, the private sector and other non-public entities.
He stated that the issue of green transitions is a global question being approached from different aspects where energy and low carbon solutions occupy a very important space. Commending Government of Uganda for different initiatives promoting use of clean energy, Bbaale expressed the need for agriculturalists and those in the value chain to use renewable energy for production, processing, value addition and marketing.
“So if we are to transit, we must get a solution in terms of energy. We must get a solution for the energy at home, in the workplaces, in the industries and we must get a solution for the energy in the transport sector” he added and appreciated participants for the exchange of ideas especially the number of ideas on what other people are doing as far as SME energy solutions are concerned. He assured participants that in doing research, the center and university are open to ideas, and so was the reason for this workshop.
Makerere University, as an institution, Bbaale explained, is focused to becoming a research-led and innovation-driven institution. And because of that, he added Makerere is looking at research that interrogates into the different technologies and research that lead to new innovations.
“And I want to say that the type of work that we are doing in this research is about the energy solutions as they exist in the small and medium enterprises. And as a result, we are right in connection with you, stakeholders, in an attempt to address the problems that our society faces.”
It is now well known that the world is transiting, but now through the transition to low carbon solutions, research is at the core of what we are, what we must do and where we must go. The country is relying on us”, the professor said.
The approach to research he added is building with colleagues, through collaborations, making sure that the policy actors, the researchers from Makerere, people from government ministries SMEs, civil society, the private sector and others come together to craft a solution that is workable in the real world today.
Presenting the study overview Dr. Aisha Nanyiti explained that Climate change poses significant risks to farming households around the world but the risk is higher for SSA with about 600 million people living in severe energy poverty.
Households, according to Nanyiti, have limited potential to cope with climate risks. While not among the big emitters, Uganda’s climate action contributes to global climate efforts, and reduces the country’s vulnerability to spatial climate change effects, given the limited coping potential.
“Uganda’s agricultural sector contributes highest to its emissions and accounts for 53.3% of the GHG emissions. Low-carbon agricultural energy technologies are hence an indispensable fragment of Uganda’s energy transition.
However, the uptake of these technologies is low. Lack of access, affordability, knowledge of alternatives, and financing are cited as the key barriers to uptake”, Nanyiti said.
Dr. Nanyiti further explained that MSMEs can play a central role in driving the uptake of low-carbon ag – technologies. The highest proportion of Uganda’s MSMEs she reported are engaged in the agricultural sector with high potential for involvement of women and youth, potential adopters of ag-tech, and distribution of ag-tech, through innovative business models.
Participants appreciate the project, ready for further engagements
Key outputs from the stakeholders engagement included agitation for sensitization, relating the project to government initiatives and existing legal framework, scaling up the project, learning from other countries what they have done, the need for heavy polluters to pay more, use of carbon credits as incentives to SMEs using clean energy, targeting real users of clean energy and standardization of products to eliminate counterfeits.
Representing the Assistant commissioner Ministry of Water and Environment Nathan Mununuzi also Senior Environmental Officer, appreciated the project and expressed the need to look at government initiatives in regard to promoting clean energy to safe guard the environment and increasing agriculture productivity.
“I really appreciate so far what has been presented. These are real facts on the ground, and we look forward to further engagements. So far you’ve engaged the MSMEs, but you’ve not had the story of what initiatives government is putting in place in regard to that subject”.
He highlighted some of the government projects including the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer that is supporting farmers with irrigation technologies and promoting solar powered irrigation schemes. Another one is the wetland restoration project engaging and encouraging farmers to voluntarily leave the wetlands, but give alternatives to grow high-value crops and fish ponds on the fringes of the wetlands and a green fund which can support some of those initiatives.
Representing the Commissioner Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Micheal Ahimbisibwe a Senior Energy Officer, hailed the project team and implored them to consider numbers and percentages.
“I’m happy with the study myself and I would be very glad to read the detailed report. This was a summary and the summary usually doesn’t give a lot”.
Most of your observations were in terms of, more people agreeing to this, less people agreeing to this. It would do more in terms of percentages and numbers, so that it gives a very good comparison. Because more can be 70, can be 100. And then I think you also concentrated on a few technologies, mainly solar. There are many more technologies out there which are very helpful to agriculture sector than solar itself. Of course, everybody, when we talk about renewable, many people understand solar quickly because that’s what has been flushed into everybody’s mind.
Then there’s also the issue of the life cycle analysis. When we are deploying renewable energy it would be actually also important in value addition. When you are harvesting, you may need energy for harvesting. And I want to see you touching on that part”.
Ahimbisibwe clarified that the ministry designed a project that is supposed help the farmers and the companies have access to affordable financing, which will help them to deploy further and wider. The financing is structured in a way that the company which is dealing in renewable products can access the financing to expand their product line as well as the market range.
With established office countrywide this financing enables famers and SMES, get the renewable energy equipment that they would wish to have and pay back in small installments.
The other drawback was the research concentration in Kampala area, Wakiso and Entebbe which he argued do not have a lot of agricultural hinterland and therefore the agricultural inputs for which these companies are targeting to give out may not be so big. If the research team went out beyond this area, Ahimbisibwe reasoned, there’s more agriculture taking place there which can help the companies to sell much.
Ahimbisibwe reported that recently, government launched a free connections policy and got funding from World Bank to actualize that connection to anybody who is near an electricity pole and has never been connected but is willing.
“You can go and ask in your neighboring office to be connected, or even tell your friends and neighbors because the funding is available. What we are looking for are the people to be connected. But you must get your house wired properly for a connection to take place. But it is a free connection. If you are near a pole or you need one pole to your house, you can use that opportunity.”
And since this is an agricultural symposium, Ahimbisibwe explained it is linked to energy with a component of clean cooking. Uganda according to Ahimbisibwe is highly dependent on biomass for cooking and the Ministry is trying to advocate for alternatives to biomass by making sure that biomass is used sustainably, but also deploying other alternatives into the market such as LPG, ethanol and electricity for cooking.
Assistant Commissioner for Agribusiness in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries Yusuf Ogwang said the use of clean energy is a worldwide initiative which is also being emphasized by government ministries, agencies and departments covering the whole value chain from production to marketing.
Ogwang noted because most of the technologies come from the National Research Organisation, the ministry was encouraging the private sector to produce some of these technologies, that are user-friendly by the farmers, and also that are clean energy.
The ministry he said implemented the agricultural transit development project, in production, encouraging farmers in many irrigation sites on the use of solar, renewable energy.
The ministry he added has zoned our agriculture and within each zone there is a center for demonstration picking up and most of the people are using solar for irrigation.
“And also in value addition, we discourage our farmers to use generators. Internationally it is not allowed. So we encourage them to use hydro power and also solar, clean energies. And this has picked up. This project supported so many farmers engaging in production, value addition and packaging”
He reported that government has a big project which is related to this one- the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project covering about 70 districts all over the country. He called on the EfD researchers to join hands.
“… we should work together because there are so many things that you are doing here that we can borrow from you, and there are so many things that we are doing that you can borrow from us. Because this project is covering the whole value chain, animal, crops, animal stock, livestock, crops, and fisheries. Discovering all those value chains”.
The commissioner added that the ministry is now employing officers that have techniques in soil and land management. The project he said developed climate smart practices in coffee, plantations, and has five enterprises namely rice, beans, coffee, maize, and then cassava discouraging environmental degradation, in the whole value chain, from production up to marketing.
“In addition, the project is going to cover the whole areas of livestock, fisheries, and crop. So I think you are spot on. The only thing I want to emphasize is let’s work together. I think there’s a missing link. There are so many things we can do together so that we develop our farmers.”
Ogwang also appreciated the project presentations.
“I really like the presentation from my sister, Florence. Dr. Florence, you really put everything on the ground. Well put all those challenges, those are the real issues that are affecting our farmers. And then the recommendations, I was very happy with it”
Presentation on the Project overview and Diagnostic phase findings attached.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Kampala, Uganda – December 19, 2025 — The Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda Centre at Makerere University has taken stock of its 2025 achievements and outlined its strategic direction for 2025–2029, with a strong focus on energy transition, climate change, and sustainable natural resource management.
The reflections were shared during the Centre’s annual end-of-year celebration, which brought together members of the EfD Steering Committee, deans from the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences, government officials, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, and students.
Interdisciplinary Foundation Strengthens Impact
Addressing stakeholders, EfD Uganda Director, Professor Edward Bbaale, highlighted the Centre’s progress in institutional development, research, policy engagement, and capacity building. While acknowledging challenges encountered during the year, he noted that these provided valuable lessons as the Centre transitions into a new strategic phase under the EfD Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
Prof. Bbaale underscored the Centre’s unique positioning within Makerere University, noting that it is jointly anchored in the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences. This interdisciplinary foundation, he said, enables EfD Uganda to address complex development challenges such as energy transition, climate change, water resources, forestry, biodiversity, and agriculture from a holistic perspective.
“This approach aligns with Makerere University’s policy on research institutes and reflects global trends that increasingly demand cross-disciplinary collaboration,” he said.
He further highlighted existing academic synergies, with PhD students in Economics and Agricultural Economics sharing coursework, and announced the launch of a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resource Economics, recently approved by the National Council for Higher Education. The programme, jointly developed by faculty from both schools, is expected to strengthen training in environmental economics and natural resource management.
Strategic Direction for 2025–2029
Prof. Bbaale unveiled the Centre’s strategic plan for 2025–2029, anchored on six thematic areas: energy transition; climate change adaptation and mitigation; climate-smart agriculture; water resources management; forestry and biodiversity; and environmental quality.
He noted that climate change remains a cross-cutting issue across all themes, adding that EfD Uganda will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure its research informs national policy and practical interventions.
Over the next five years, the Centre’s research will focus on land use and biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and energy transition-areas expected to generate evidence-based solutions for Uganda and the wider region.
Key stakeholders identified for collaboration include the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Climate Finance Unit), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and district local governments.
Major Achievements in 2025
Prof. Bbaale reported that the Centre concentrated its efforts on the three pillars of Makerere University: research, policy engagement, and training.
Policy Engagement
The Centre organised two high-level dialogues on climate-smart agriculture and a policy dialogue on e-mobility under the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) programme.
“We chose e-mobility because it is a green mode of transport,” Prof. Bbaale said. “Through the IGE programme, we worked with senior civil servants and policymakers to explore how Uganda can transition to a greener economy.”
The programme also facilitated cross-country peer learning among Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. He cited Rwanda’s rapid electrification of motorcycles through taxation and subsidies, and Tanzania’s success in universal rural electrification, as key lessons.
Capacity Building
The Centre conducted more than ten training sessions for fellows, researchers, policymakers, and graduate students. It also recruited a funded postdoctoral fellow Dr. Gemeda Olani Akuma. from Ethiopia, to work on natural capital issues.
“Postdoctoral fellows are critical to knowledge generation,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “If Makerere strengthens its postdoctoral programme, our research output will more than triple.”
He referenced benchmarking visits to South African universities with strong postdoctoral systems, noting that Makerere is steadily moving toward becoming a research-led institution.
New Projects and Institutional Growth
EfD Uganda launched five new projects and expanded its institutional partnerships during the year. These included Sida-funded initiatives, a consultancy with GIZ, the Centre’s first MakRIF-funded project, and grants from the Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation.
In institutional development, the Centre inaugurated 13 new advisory board members, strengthening governance and oversight. Prof. Bbaale also introduced the Centre’s core staff, praising their dedication and commitment to capacity building, including the mentorship of interns and teaching assistants some of whom have since joined institutions such as the Bank of Uganda.
Strengthening National and International Engagement
The Centre deepened collaboration with national institutions, including the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Among ongoing initiatives is a study aimed at improving bill payments at the utility to unlock new investments and service improvements.
EfD Uganda is also working with district local governments to build capacity in environmental valuation and natural capital accounting, supported by MakRIF funding from the Government of Uganda.. Trainings were conducted for districts in central Uganda and in Fort Portal.
At the international level, the Centre hosted visiting scholars, including Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa from the University of Cape Town, who trained government officials on community-based conservation, and Prof. Mark Purdon from the University of Montreal, who launched a book on carbon markets.
EfD’s Natural Capital Accounting Model Adopted by Government
A major highlight was the development of a natural capital accounting model, supported by GIZ and now adopted by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The Excel-based MoneyCap model, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, UBOS, and the National Planning Authority, supports policy assessment by comparing investment scenarios in natural capital.
“This places us at another level,” Prof. Bbaale said, noting that the model aligns with global climate finance discourse and Africa’s emerging coalition of finance ministers for climate action.
Prof. Bbaale warned that Uganda’s agriculture sector must urgently adapt to climate realities, citing erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. He stressed that climate-smart agriculture is critical to safeguarding livelihoods and food security.
The Centre also celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of Inclusive Green Economy Fellows, supported by Sida, and announced five new grants, including a Carnegie-funded project on household and SME energy efficiency and a grant for climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling and the Makerere Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) from the Government of Uganda
Commitment to Policy-Relevant Research
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Bbaale reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s mission to generate research that delivers practical solutions for policymakers and communities.
“Our work asks a fundamental question: how much natural capital are we depleting in the pursuit of growth?” he said. “That is the frontier we are working on.”
He thanked the Centre’s team for their dedication and contributions throughout the year.
Centre Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist, reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s commitment to collaboration with policymakers, academia, civil society, and the media.
“Policy engagement includes working with the media,” Dr. Babyenda said. “We remain open to partnerships and invite stakeholders to engage with us.”
He thanked participants for attending the annual reflection event and encouraged continued networking.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
December 18, 2025 – Coming after the successful completion of the examination season, and as the year comes to an end, the afternoon, evening and night hours of 18th December 2025, presented the best opportunity, to staff to reflect on the 2025 College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) achievements in a relaxed environment.
The ever-green Makerere University Guest House gardens provided comfort as staff continued to enjoy this lovely space situated on the Makerere University Main Campus.
The event brought together the Principal, Deputy Principal, Deans of the respective Schools, Heads of Department, academic, administrative, technical and support staff, as well as guests, in a mix of celebration, networking, and recognition.
The end of year staff get-together provided a platform to strengthen collegial relationships, and reflect on the College’s future direction. In the true sense of networking, the event also featured dance competitions amongst staff.
Recognition of CoBAMS staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards 2025
A key highlight of the event featured recognition of the ten (10) members of staff from CoBAMS who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award 2025. These included: Early Career Scholar Category-Namugenyi Christabellah and Dr. Richard Ssempala, Mid-Career Scholar Category-Dr. Peter Kisaakye, Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Dr. John A. Mushomi, and Dr. Kasimu Ssendawula, Senior Career Scholar Category-Dr. Stephen O. Wandera, and the Best Teachers Category-Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Faisal Buyinza and Mr. Fred Kasalirwe.
Presenting the CoBAMS Awards amidst applause from members of staff, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof.Sarah Ssali flanked by the Deputy Principal of the College, Associate Professor James Wokadala read a special message: “Your dedication elevates the standards of the College of Business and Management Sciences and brings distinction to Makerere University.”
Collective Achievements and Strategic Priorities
Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, in his end-of-year message, acknowledged the dedication of all staff and their contributions to the college’s success. “I sincerely thank all colleagues across our academic, research, administrative, and support units for your relentless dedication to advancing the mandate of the College. Your collective efforts remain the backbone of our success and institutional resilience,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale highlighted notable achievements in research and publications, congratulating staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards and Best Teacher Awards. “These achievements reflect individual distinction and collective pride for our College. I encourage you to sustain this excellent performance,” he said. He further recognised faculty who secured research grants from Mak-RIF, international development partners including the Gates Foundation, UN-PAGE, GGGI, the World Bank, and Erasmus+, noting that such successes reflect growing global trust in CoBAMS scholarship.
The Principal underscored the college’s role in fostering institutional growth and partnerships. “I appreciate colleagues who have initiated and advanced Memoranda of Understanding with domestic and international partners. These platforms strengthen relevant academic training, impactful research, and policy engagement,” he said.
He highlighted new academic programs responsive to Uganda’s economic and societal needs, emphasising the college’s forward-looking and development-oriented approach.
Prof. Bbaale praised initiatives promoting staff welfare and cohesion, including the CoBAMS Physical Fitness Programme and the Mak-CoBAMS SACCO.
On infrastructure development, the Principal noted, “Government has allocated resources to commence the CoBAMS Infrastructure Expansion Project, and the University Council has approved two strategically located plots of land for its implementation. We shall actively engage the design consultant to ensure the buildings meet our teaching, research, innovation, and policy-engagement needs.”
He concluded his remarks by acknowledging life’s challenges alongside successes, extending condolences to staff who lost loved ones in 2025 and seasonal greetings: “As we step into 2026, I wish you and your families a year filled with God’s abundant blessings, good health, professional fulfilment, and personal joy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.”
DVC Academic Affairs praises Research, Innovation, and Integrity
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Sarah Ssali, praised CoBAMS for its contribution to Makerere University’s strategic goals.
She extended warm greetings from the university management, including the Vice Chancellor, and underscored the importance of every staff member’s role. “Whatever role you play, you are adding a brick to this institution, just as those before us did,” she said.
Prof. Ssali highlighted the college’s research-led initiatives, emphasizing the importance of postgraduate and doctoral programs as a pipeline for academic excellence. “I commend CoBAMS for taking this seriously. Your work reflects the university’s strategic direction and internationalisation,” she said.
She noted the recent launch of the CoBAMS Working Paper Series and encouraged its development into four journals in economics, business, statistics, and planning in the near future. “This will allow graduate students to actively contribute, mentoring the next generation of scholars while strengthening Africa’s knowledge production and decolonising knowledge,” she explained.
The DVC Academic Affairs acknowledged CoBAMS for innovative approaches to research and value addition. “During the Entrepreneurship Expo, your work with coffee demonstrated how one thematic area can generate multiple products—from coffee oil to bath scrubs—showing creativity and value addition. Similarly, demography and population studies contribute crucial expertise, from census data to electoral processes,” she said.
Prof. Ssali encouraged the college to document and develop indigenous knowledge systems. “Your role as a college is to study local economic models, explore African-informed business and economic practices, and produce scholarship that reflects local realities,” she said.
She congratulated faculty members who secured research grants, published in peer-reviewed journals, or served as editors, noting that these achievements reflect both individual excellence and the academic culture of CoBAMS.
Reflecting on the Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile Centre of Excellence at Makerere University and the research promoted by the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, Prof. Ssali called for rigorous development of the initiative. “While research chairs focus on individual scholarship, Centres of Excellence build pipelines of knowledge for future generations, preserving the legacy of scholars namely Dr Mutebile in monetary policy, finance, and banking,” she said.
Networking and Teamwork
In his address, Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized the importance of networking and teamwork. “Today is a day for networking. This is a time to connect socially, celebrate, and reaffirm our commitment to serve Makerere University and, specifically, our College.”
He applauded staff for supporting the college’s teaching, learning, research, and student mentorship activities. He highlighted CoBAMS’ innovative initiatives, including the CoBAMS SACCO and the CoBAMS fitness club, which promote teamwork, wellness, and collegiality.
He thanked the event organisers for their efforts and acknowledged those who have supported administrative processes, such as fast-tracking promotion applications. He called upon staff to continue collaborating to serve Makerere University, the nation, and humanity.
Staff Appreciate the get-together moments
Charmed by the spirit of celebration, dance competitions amongst staff, and the choice of trending music, a significant number of staff stayed at the venue until the party came to a complete stop at 10:00p.m.
The following day (19th December 2025), the rejuvenated staff took to the College WhatsApp platform, and wrote messages, acknowledging being refreshed, feeling nice and young again. They requested the College leadership to plan for more of such engagements that promote teamwork, collegiality and good health.
Business & Management
Makerere University Launches CoBAMS Working Paper Series, Marking a major Leap in Research Excellence
On 4th December 2025, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali launched the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Working Paper Series, a research product aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Uganda’s 10-fold National Economic Growth Strategy (ATMS), and the Makerere University Strategic Plan.
The Series consists of over 60 research papers, many of which have already been accepted in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. The publications cover a broad spectrum of national priorities, including unemployment, climate change, population dynamics, taxation, entrepreneurship, public investment, corruption, refugee livelihoods, and the green economy.
A landmark moment for Makerere University
Addressing the participants comprising invited guests, staff, students and the media, who convened at the CoBAMS Conference Hall to witness the launch, Prof. Ssali commended the College leadership and staff for championing Makerere’s research vision. “Today is a landmark moment in the life of Makerere University,” she declared. She emphasized that Makerere’s move toward a research-intensive identity was deliberate. “A few years ago, we made a bold and historic decision to reorient the University toward research and innovation. Today’s launch is evidence that this decision has taken root—especially within CoBAMS.”
Prof. Ssali praised the College for providing a modest annual research grant to faculty members, an initiative that produced more than 60 working papers in the 2024/2025 financial year.
She urged the College to transition the Working Paper Series into homegrown journals, adding: “If you can produce 60 papers this year and 80 next year, you have enough content for at least three journals. Journals raise our visibility, raise our H-index, and ensure that anyone researching Uganda finds homegrown scholarship.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) highlighted pressing national issues requiring academic inquiry. “Uganda’s economy grows, but unemployment remains high. When we celebrate entrepreneurship, we are often celebrating survival. These are questions this Series must help confront.”
She also pointed to the importance of research in shaping national discourse: “If people are hungry and unemployed, they will go to the streets. We cannot sit here speaking English and pretend these issues will disappear.”
We are proud of this collective achievement
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the Series as a major achievement rooted in collective effort and consistent commitment to research excellence. “What we are celebrating today is the result of your collective effort,” he told faculty. “This Working Paper Series is a nursery bed for journal articles, book chapters, and future scholarly outputs.”
He revealed that for the upcoming(2026) paper series, the College has funded over 90 research concepts and expects to produce more than 80 working papers in the 2025/2026 cycle.
Prof. Bbaale emphasised that the College’s four research centres—in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Statistics and Demography, Public Investment Management, and the Environment for Development Initiative—form a strong foundation for sustained knowledge production. “These centres anchor high-level research, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They are the backbone of our research ecosystem.”
This journey started with a modest grant
Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal, traced the origins of the Series to a small but impactful College research grant introduced in November 2024. “This afternoon is a very important day for us. This Series is the product of our internal efforts and internal resources,” he said. “By May this year, the working papers had already been finalised by the various principal investigators.”
He noted that each paper went through school-level presentations, editorial checks, and harmonisation before being accepted into the Series. “Today, we are launching 60 of those papers, with many more to follow.”
CoBAMS is a powerhouse of knowledge production
Dr. William Tayeebwa, Chief Managing Editor of Makerere University Press, praised the College’s output and pledged the Press’s support in transforming the papers into high-quality books and journal articles. “The topics and issues contained in the Working Paper Series confirm that CoBAMS is truly a powerhouse of knowledge production.”
He committed to working closely with the College: “We can convert these working papers into journal articles, special issues, and thematic book volumes within six months. Makerere University Press stands ready to support you.”
Dr. Tayeebwa highlighted the broad range of topics covered—refugees, Myooga, malaria, tax compliance, corruption, and more—describing the Series as “a rich intellectual nursery bed.”
PhD Forum: Building the next generation of researchers
Speaking on behalf of postgraduate students, Ms. Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer and Vice President of the CoBAMS PhD Students Forum, emphasised the importance of peer support in research training. “The PhD journey can be lonely,” she said. “This Forum brings students from the three Schools together to network, share knowledge, organise seminars, and hold mock defences.”
A milestone for Makerere’s research future
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s commitment: “As Makerere University positions itself among leading research institutions globally, initiatives such as the CoBAMS Working Paper Series give concrete meaning to our strategic vision.”
She officially launched the Series with a call for sustained excellence: “May it grow, mature, and inspire a new generation of researchers. May it elevate Makerere University’s intellectual footprint.”
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