Business & Management
EfD Takes Research findings to Parliament: Advocates for Regulatory and Policy Framework to Support Transition to Clean Energy for Households
A team of researchers from Makerere University Centre for Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Center) on Friday 3rd May 2024 went to Parliament to share study findings on Uganda’s heavy reliance on fuel wood and charcoal to guide the country and, in particular Members of Parliament in their policy formulation.
Research fellows Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Peter Babyenda, Dr. John Sseruyange, and Dr. Nick Kilimani undertook a study titled, “Promoting Inclusive Clean Energy Transition in Uganda: Evidence, Challenges and Policy Options”.
The team studied people’s perceptions of cooking energy systems in Uganda, through a document review and Focused Group Discussions, their level of knowledge about the possible effects of using energy systems, the challenges they face when using various energy systems, and their suggestions for promoting the use of clean energy.
Findings indicated an over-reliance on biomass across the country with charcoal being the major energy source in the low-income suburbs of Kampala. Evidence also points to the inherent fear of electricity and liquid petroleum gas, weak awareness, and poor regulatory systems to be the leading obstacles to an energy transition process.
The team, led by the Centre Director, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who is also Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University interfaced with the Members of Parliament on the Committee of Environment and Natural Resources. Bbaale presented on, “Biomass Dependence and Green Transitions: Implications for Policy”.
“Parliament is a very important arm of government, responsible making laws, performing oversight role and therefore our research findings must be shared with them so that they use the information that we have generated through research for them to do their legislative function better.
“Makerere is a research intensive University but at the same time, the main objective of the current strategic plan is to generate as much research as possible. But number two, is to package this research and market it and share it with the rest of the country so that it can be useful and cause a policy and behavior change”, Prof. Bbaale justified the meeting.
Sharing the issue of green transitions, especially in the area of energy transitions in different sectors, as critical, Bbaale told MPs that over 3 billion people globally depend on biomass for energy which exacerbates climate change, forest loss, water scarcity and land degradation.
With a projection of the rise in the Global population from 8.1 to 9.8 billion by 2050, Bbaale decried that more than 700 million people survive on less than $2.15 daily which leads to increased reliance on biomass.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the professor said over 900 million people use biomass for cooking while Uganda has high reliance on biomass with 85% of the households using firewood, 13% using charcoal .
Charcoal burning and firewood collection according to Bbaale is partly responsible for Uganda’s rapid declining forests cover. Uganda’s Forest cover dropped from 20.4% in 1990 to 9% in 2015, driven by energy needs. Currently forest cover stands at 13.3%. Other factors like logging, farming and development also contribute to forest loss.
Bbaale also informed parliamentarians that heavy dependence on biomass energy poses health risks particularly to women and children. Household Air Pollution, according to Bbaale affects over 20 million Ugandans, causing 13,000 deaths annually, with women and children bearing the brunt.
“…firewood and charcoal are dirty sources of energy. Respiratory diseases, eye diseases, and others can be attributed to the household air pollution, but as a result of cooking, we also contribute to the bigger greenhouse gas emissions, then we see climate change manifest in extreme weather conditions like prolonged drought spells, floods and very heavy rainfall beyond the normal, and this has far-reaching effects on our economy and environment”, He explained.
Bbaale informed the committee about the social economic implications of high dependence on biomass. He said, wood fuel collection distresses child schooling in rural areas as children lose time collecting wood fuel, affecting their education.
Economically, Bbaale told Members of Parliament that dependence on biomass as an energy source impedes on female labor force participation. Ugandan rural women Bbaale reported spend 9.1 hours per week on fuelwood collection, compared to 2.5 hours for men, hence reduces womens’ time for employment and education and this perpetuates gender inequalities in the labor market
In addition to increasing Green House Gas emissions, Bbaale explained that heavy reliance on Biomass increases Uganda’s vulnerability to climate shocks. Uganda is highly vulnerable to climate shocks and ranks 13th position out of 192 countries in terms of vulnerability with low capacity to deal with climate change effects ̶ 160th/192.
Green Transitions
The Director proposed an economy free from fossil fuels, sustainable consumption of natural resources, less biomass energy dependence and low-carbon solutions as stipulated in Uganda’s Vision 2040 and NDP III and the Nationally Determined Contributions – a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
Within Energy, Bbaale expressed the need to increase the use of renewable energy, improve efficiency of biomass production and use, encourage industrial fuel switching, increased energy access for households and promote cleaner cooking technologies.
Noting that Uganda’s Gross National Income per capita is $930 and close to World Bank’s Lower Middle-Income Status ($1,086), Bbaale said the energy ladder indicates a delayed transition towards clean energy.
With 85% households relying on firewood, 13% depending on charcoal and only 2% using clean energy sources like gas or electricity, Bbaale attributed the delayed transition to challenges mainly availability, affordability, reliability, efficiency, and cultural considerations.
In terms of availability, the Professor told the committee that about half of Uganda’s population has access to any form of electricity largely due to the rural electrification program with a number of households not connected to the grid due to high costs and selective distribution of electricity lines.
Bbaale also reported that whereas the National LPG Supply Infrastructure Development and Promotion targets improving the LPG supply, storage and demand the main gaps include high initial costs, limited refilling centers especially in rural areas, high refilling costs and counterfeits.
In terms of reliability, Parliamentarians heard that only 24% of Ugandans have access to more than 4 hours of electricity per day with inadequate voltage in some areas and limited LPG refill centers.
Policy recommendations
Prof. Bbaale tabled recommendations on infrastructure development, financial incentives, sensitisation and awareness raising, capacity building and technical assistance as well as regulatory and policy framework.
On infrastructure development, Bbaale implored government to invest in expanding electricity grids to reach remote rural areas, establish even distribution LPG refilling centers, develop energy storage infrastructure for reliable power supply from renewable sources and, address rural electrification challenges such as connection costs and distribution issues.
Speaking on financial incentives, the professor asked government to provide subsidies and grants to reduce initial and refilling costs, offer low-interest loans for affordable clean energy technologies, implement tax incentives to encourage clean energy investments especially by the private sector and also provide flexible payment plans or pay-as-you-go schemes for clean energy systems to improve accessibility for financially constrained rural populations.
“We must go green and if we must green our economy, a very big part of it is energy transitions. And the question is, what are the alternative sources that are cleaner? It is electricity, it is LPG. And then will the households afford?
“And as a result we are saying, legislators play an oversight function, they come up with the rules and regulations that govern our country. What can be done, for example, to make clean energy sources affordable? Let Members of Parliament think about some financial incentives, maybe some very cheap loans, advocate for subsidies from government, can be to increase their availability by encouraging the private sector by reducing taxes that overburden them to do business” Bbaale explained.
He also recommended sensitization of the public to raise awareness about subsidies (cooking tariff for electricity in Uganda) and clean energy alternatives, like Tanzania’s national cooking conference and to encourage mindset change towards LPG and biogas, led by Parliamentarians.
“For people that use electricity for cooking, very few households, including those that are around Kampala, know about electricity subsidy. And the Minister of Energy is of the view that electricity is the cheapest source of power these days. Even households that are well-educated, are not aware of what government has done in promoting the clean cooking”
“And being opinion leaders from their different constituencies, Members of Parliament can also act as champions of mindset change wherever they are. Maybe they can be in their constituency, act as a center to demonstrate some of the clean energy sources. How is it working? How is it possible?” Bbaale said.
Government according to Bbaale should offer training programs to rural communities on clean energy technologies and maintenance, provide technical support for installing and maintaining clean energy systems and facilitate knowledge-sharing platforms for rural communities to learn from successful projects.
Bbaale also proposed regulatory and policy frameworks in regard to standardization. He stressed the need for a law and policy in regard to prices and standards with Uganda National Bureau of Standards to rule out counterfeits.
Parliament pledges to support policies on clean energy transition and engage line ministries to collaborate with EfD as a research arm
The Chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Otala who is also Member of Parliament for West Budama South Constituency, Tororo District commended the university dons for sharing the research findings to guide policy formulation.
“And I must say that they are spot on in that their research findings are pointing the country to protection of our environment. And as they concluded by saying that yes, God always forgives, human beings sometimes forgive, but nature will never forgive if we do something. I think that was a fundamental statement, really,” Dr. Otala recalled.
Citing recent and occurring disasters that have ravaged the country due unsustainable use of the environment, Dr. Otala emphasized the need to balance development with environmental conservation.
“Most of our people still use firewood, biomass for cooking. And this is not the right way to go. We must look at renewable sources of energy and how to conserve our forests and that is how they bring in the issue of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Unfortunately, government already made an attempt, but at a very small scale. And so, we need to scale up this project of substituting the use of biomass for cooking with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas and even use biogas from homes.” Dr. Otala noted.
Otala pledged total commitment to working with the EfD-Mak center and line ministries to support policies to a green transition.
“What the EfD is doing is in keeping with the current global initiative of trying to address climate change, of conserving the environment, and the turning away from the use of fossil fuels to use of renewable energy for cooking. And we think that as policy makers, most of the policies they recommended are very good and we are going to take them up”. He said.
Dr. Otala also pledged to share the research findings with the Minister of Water and Environment and his team, discuss the proposed policies and interventions and interest the ministry to utilize EfD as a research arm.
“The use of evidence-based policy is critical, and I can’t explain it more. So we shall definitely bring it to the attention of the Minister that in Makerere there is this initiative.
…we shall definitely help you to highlight the need for collaboration in terms of research, but also translating research findings into actual activities on the ground for the benefit of our people based on research”. Otala affirmed.
Members of Parliament speak out
Shadow Minister for Environment and Energy who is also Woman Member of Parliament representing Kiboga District, Christine Kaaya Nakimwero requested the EfD Researchers to research on the census tools and fossil fuels that the country is looking up to.
“One, we have not looked at the census tools for the census that is going to begin on 10th May this month, we would request you to look at the tool urgently and see if ownership of energy tools in households, for us to know what households really use.” Kaaya submitted
Kaaya also requested researchers to appreciate that Uganda is set to make money from fossil fuels and to research into emissions resulting from different energy sources and initiatives like afforestation.
“How much emissions come from production of one liter of fossil fuel? And what do we need to do to offset emission from one liter of fossil fuel? That is the exact message we’re supposed to share with our people. People need to know, if I plant five trees, does it help?” She pondered.
Kaaya also decried the issue of counterfeits in the energy sector calling on the committee members to discuss more on how the Uganda National Bureau of Standards can be supported to check counterfeits. She observed that affordability and culture are some of the factors hindering the adoption of clean cooking energy.
“There is a gender aspect in making people run away from use of biomass. I’m supposed to cook. Without food, there is no marriage. So, when we are phasing out biomass, we must have that at the back of the mind. I’m in Kampala, you have refused people to bring charcoal. I’m here in Kampala, I’m married, I’m supposed to cook, I don’t have LPG, I cannot afford electricity.
“And how long are we going to wait to resolve this matter? You cannot just stop charcoal vehicles in Kiboga, please don’t proceed to Kampala. How do you expect us to make our husbands eat and the entire family? If you cannot answer that, then let’s go slow. We need to advise the President very appropriately.” Kaaya said.
Recently, the President of Uganda banned the commercial making, transportation and selling of charcoal to safeguard the environment.
The other cultural barrier to adoption of clean cooking energy according to Kaaya is the method of food preparation. In Buganda and other cultures that eat bananas, one is not a wife if she cannot prepare bananas, squeeze and leave them on fire in banana leaves for long hours until it is soft before serving.
“It is that cultural practice which is becoming very difficult. The electric cooker cannot accommodate banana leaves. After squeezing bananas, you are supposed to leave it on fire. It becomes very soft, such that even somebody who will come at midnight, finds it soft and hot. That is what we are battling with in our cultural settings. With this new gadget, you can’t have it. And then, in other words, you are not a good wife.” The MP said.
Hon. Orone Derrick Member of Parliament from Gogonyo county encouraged researchers to put more effort on the media awareness to the public.
“We as policy makers, we shall really support you but put more awareness of the media to the public that’s the only encouragement. I want to thank the chair for organizing these researchers to come and tell us, educate us, sensitizing us about the clean energy”. Orone said.
Hon. Apollo Yeri of Tororo Municipality implored the university to look into cheaper clean energy technologies like the use of biogas from animal and human waste.
“There are some people who have started to manufacture biogas themselves locally using cow dung and pit latrine. It is a bit cheap to produce. So if you encourage them to manufacture their own biogas, and maybe teach them how to store – because they don’t store anything, just use and sometimes they overuse. If they can store, they can even sell excess and more people would be encouraged”, Yeri suggested
Hon. Clare Mugumya, the District Woman Representative of Isingiro was hopeful that Uganda’s oil wells from Kirenga would provide cheap gas for the population. She noted that other clean energy sources and gadgets are costly for ordinary Ugandans.
“Otherwise, behavior change alone will not be possible, even if we sensitize, unless the issue of affordability is seriously addressed by government”. she said.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, has today, November 17, 2025, officially opened a two-week specialized training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The training, fully funded by KCCA, is taking place in Jinja and aims to strengthen the institution’s internal capacity to prepare, analyse, and manage high-quality public investment projects.
The workshop was opened by Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence and Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who commended KCCA for prioritising continuous professional development in public investment management.
Strengthening Capacity for Better Public Investments
In his opening remarks, Prof. Bbaale expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) for its generous financial support to the PIM Centre of Excellence. He further acknowledged the Ministry’s strategic partnership with Makerere University, which has enabled the Centre to grow into a credible national hub for training, research, and policy dialogue in Public Investment Management.
“This particular cohort is unique and significant,” Prof. Bbaale said. “For the second time, KCCA has fully sponsored its officials to undertake this training, demonstrating strong dedication to improving the quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of public investments in the city.”
He thanked Makerere University management, faculty members from Makerere, MoFPED, and the National Planning Authority for their continued dedication to knowledge sharing and national capacity development.
From Theory to Hands-On Project Appraisal
Earlier, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, welcomed participants and outlined the structure and importance of the training programme. He emphasized that governments worldwide increasingly require rigorous financial, economic, and risk appraisal of projects before implementation; a standard that Uganda is actively embracing.
Dr. Sseruyange noted that the training is designed to build practical skills in:
- Preparation of project concepts and profiles
- Financial appraisal and modelling
- Economic appraisal and stakeholder analysis
- Integration of climate change, environmental, and social considerations
- Risk analysis using modern tools and techniques
“Our approach blends theory with hands-on practical sessions,” he said. “By the time you complete this course, you will have acquired skills that you can apply to multiple projects beyond the one you analyse here. The goal is to ensure that you become competent project appraisal professionals capable of supporting your institution and the wider public sector.”
He also highlighted upcoming government requirements starting July 2025, which will extend appraisal to policies, bills, and programmes; skills that participants can also support once trained.
Toward a Stronger Public Investment System
Prof. Bbaale encouraged participants to fully engage in the sessions and take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their technical competencies. He also invited them to return for the Economic Appraisal module in the near future, after which they will earn a dual certificate issued jointly by Makerere University and MoFPED.
Beyond training, he highlighted the Centre’s recent achievements, including:
- Revision of the Development Committee Guidelines
- Assessment of project performance since NDPI
- Hosting the inaugural Public Investment Management Conferences in 2024 and 2025
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to contributing to Uganda’s public investment reform agenda,” he said. “We look forward to partnering with you in research, outreach, and capacity-building initiatives.”
Looking Ahead
The two-week KCCA training marks another milestone in the Centre’s mission to enhance Uganda’s public investment ecosystem. Over the coming days, participants will engage with real-world projects from sectors such as health, roads, education, electricity, water, and energy; equipping them with practical skills essential for driving development in the city and the country. The opening ceremony concluded with a call for collaboration, professionalism, and a shared commitment to improving public investment outcomes for national development.
Business & Management
Uganda National Academy of Science inducts Professor Edward Bbaale as Distinguished Fellow
On Friday 31st October 2025, Professor Edward Bbaale, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, at Makerere University, was inducted into the prestigious fellowship of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
With this induction into UNAS, Professor Bbaale adds to his numerous national and international awards, the title- Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS).
Professor Bbaale’s induction as a distinguished Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences reflects his outstanding scholarly achievements and leadership in advancing research, policy, mentorship and academic development.
The 2025 Induction Ceremony of Fellows symbolizes UNAS’ continued commitment to recognizing and harnessing local intellectual excellence in driving the nation’s path toward self-reliance and sustainable growth.
The induction ceremony provided a platform to celebrate academic excellence, scientific innovation, and national contribution as 27 distinguished scholars were formally received into the prestigious fellowship of the Academy — 9 female and 18 male inductees representing four key disciplines namely: Medical Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Some of the scholars and researchers from Makerere University who were inducted as Fellows include: Professor Edward Bbaale, Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Professor Rev. Sr. Dominica Dipio, Associate Professor Egeru Anthony, Professor Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye, Associate Professor Arthur Tugume, Associate Professor Jackie Bonabana and Associate Professor Frank Mugagga.
According to the UNAS Vice President, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the process leading to the fellowship is strictly merit-based, stressing that individuals do not apply for fellowship themselves, specifying that they are nominated in recognition of their exceptional contributions to science and society. She disclosed that when the call is publicized, existing members/fellows propose qualified candidates who meet the set criteria. Highlighting UNAS’s commitment to quality assurance, she revealed that the vetting process is meticulous and time-intensive. “When the vetting is completed, a report is submitted to another committee for further scrutiny before final approval by the UNAS Council,” she explained.
Nomination of Professor Edward Bbaale as Fellow of UNAS:
For induction into the UNAS fellowship, Professor Edward Bbaale was nominated by Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, an Associate Professor and Dean at the School of Economics at Makerere University. The nomination was seconded by Professor Ronald Bisaso, the Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University. Their endorsement highlighted Professor Bbaale’s distinguished academic record, strategic leadership, and impactful contribution to research and economic policy, which have significantly shaped higher education and national development discourse.
Presentation of Professor Edward Bbaale for Induction:
Professor Ronald Bisaso said: “I have the honour to present to you-Professor Edward Bbaale for Induction.”
Edward Bbaale is a Professor of Economics, with research focusing on development microeconomics, holding a PhD in Economics from Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria, and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Economics from Makerere University. Professor Bbaale, the Principal of CoBAMS, has previously served as Director of Research and Graduate Training, Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, and currently leads the Environment for Development Center, the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence, and coordinates the Inclusive Green Economy Program. He also serves as Council Member and Chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences Committee of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), and as Council Member of Makerere University Business School (MUBS).
“His research focuses on development microeconomics, with over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has undertaken numerous research projects in collaboration with government and international agencies and has made significant contributions to resource mobilization through competitive grant writing, research support, training, and policy engagement initiatives that advance science and development in Uganda and beyond.
Professor Bbaale commits to advancing research, innovation, scholarship and mentorship:
Following his induction, Professor Edward Bbaale expressed profound gratitude for the honor of being admitted as a UNAS Fellow. He described the recognition as both humbling and deeply inspiring, thanking his nominator, seconder, and the entire UNAS leadership for the confidence and trust they had bestowed upon him. Professor Bbaale noted that being named a Fellow was not merely a personal achievement, but a reaffirmation of his lifelong commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge through research, innovation, and mentorship.
Professor Bbaale reflected on the significance of the honor as a renewed responsibility to contribute even more meaningfully to Uganda’s scientific and socio-economic transformation. He emphasized that the role of scientists extends beyond academia, underscoring the need to apply research and evidence-based insights to address real societal challenges and inform national policy.
Professor Bbaale pledged to continue fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and excellence among emerging scholars, particularly those in the fields of economics, development, and public policy. He thus dedicated his induction to the next generation of scientists, affirming his commitment to guide and empower them to use science and knowledge as powerful tools for national progress and sustainable development.
“I am greatly humbled for this honor. To me, this confidence and trust is a unique call to contribute more in science and research, and also to nurture and build up the next generation of scientists,” stated Professor Bbaale.
UNAS Fellows tasked to be agents of national and community development:
The President of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS), Professor Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, congratulated the newly inducted Fellows and officially welcomed them to the Academy, urging them to remain active and committed to advancing science and service to society. She commended the new Fellows for their remarkable achievement, noting that induction into UNAS is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Having accepted and signed our book of records, I officially congratulate and welcome you as new Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences . May you always remember this occasion and strive to live up to the aims and ideals of this Academy in all your professional and personal endeavors,” said Prof. Bantebya Kyomuhendo.
Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo reminded the new fellows that the honor of induction carries the enduring responsibility to use their knowledge and influence to serve the country and uplift their communities, “After being inducted as members of UNAS, please remain in touch and active. As UNAS, we want to use science to serve our country and our communities. We must give back to society,” she urged.
UNAS President highlights the importance of trust, core responsibilities and obligations:
Reflecting on the UNAS Annual Scientific conference theme, “Renewal from Our Roots: Uganda’s Path to Self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency,” Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo encouraged participants to draw strength from Uganda’s cultural and intellectual heritage, noting that the nation already possesses within itself the foundation for growth through its culture, heritage, and shared history, which she said form the roots from which self-reliance and self-sufficiency can be nurtured.
She underscored the importance of trust as a cornerstone for development and progress. “The concept of trust has come up a lot — trust at individual, family, community, and national levels. As we move forward, we must build and strengthen trust, for it is through trust that we can harness the potential within us and the resources around us,” she said.
Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo outlined to the newly inducted fellows the core responsibilities and obligations that come with being a Fellow of the Academy. She highlighted that fellowship is both an honor and a responsibility, requiring dedication to scientific excellence, ethical leadership, and service to the nation. She emphasized that Fellows must uphold the UNAS Constitution, contribute to the Academy’s mission, vision and objectives. She urged them to remain active in their fields, participate in Academy activities, maintain high standards of conduct, and foster positive relationships within the scientific community and the public.
UNAS Vice President elaborates the quality assurance measures for selection of Fellows:
Speaking about the induction process, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the UNAS Vice President articulated the thorough and transparent procedure followed in identifying and approving new Fellows. She explained that the Fellows and Membership Committee, guided by the UNAS Constitution, works closely with the Secretariat to open a window for nominations, during which existing members propose qualified candidates who meet the set criteria. She noted that each nomination is supported by a nominator and a seconder and accompanied by detailed documentation demonstrating the nominee’s qualifications and contributions.
“When we advertise, members of UNAS nominate those who are eligible to become inductees. We have a nomination form that outlines all the criteria and requirements for one to be considered. This form is filled by the nominee, with the assistance of the nominator, and it is usually supported by a seconder. Once the documentation is complete, it is submitted to us,” the Vice President explained.
She extended her appreciation to the Secretariat and organizing team for their dedication in ensuring the success of the UNAS Annual Scientific conference and induction ceremony. She lauded the excellent panels, engaging discussions, and the spirit of collaboration that characterized the event, emphasizing that it was through collective effort that the meeting had been successful.
Business & Management
Brewing Innovation: 9th Annual Youth Expo showcases enterprises in Uganda’s coffee value chain
By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme
On 17th October 2025, the Makerere University Freedom Square was a beehive of activity as over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) participated in the 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo.
Organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, the 2025 Innovation and Youth Expo, focused on Uganda’s most strategic Agricultural sector – COFFEE.
Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations including youth coffee brands, brewing demonstrations, agri-tech prototypes, live cupping sessions, among others.
The Youth Expo focused on amplifying youth-led innovations across the entire coffee value chain—from farm to cup, providing a hands-on, interactive platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, prototypes, and business ideas, while engaging directly with industry stakeholders.
By placing the youth at the center of the value chain, the Youth Expo demonstrated the untapped potential of innovation, creativity, and enterprise among Uganda’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Student innovations for real-world impact:
The Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, urged students to view their innovations not just as academic projects, but as the starting point for real-world impact.
“These innovations should not just end here or be seen as projects for marks. Continue nurturing those dreams, take them further, and make them a reality,” she advised.
She recognized the critical role of faculty and mentors, specifically appreciating them for their tireless support in guiding students through their innovation undertakings.
Dr. Bimbona emphasized the importance of linking academic learning with practical enterprise, highlighting that student-led innovations have the potential to create meaningful economic and social change.
Students encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship:
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said. “Let the entrepreneurship Expo awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”
Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings. “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.
The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.
BRAC Uganda participates in the Expo:
The Communications Officer of BRAC Uganda, Ms. Barbra Ampaire, stressed that BRAC aims to equip youth with the tools and knowledge to discover and maximize their potential.
“We have supported thousands of youth through tailored programs in areas such as tailoring, livestock farming, agribusiness, financial literacy, and value addition. These initiatives are supported not just with training, but also with seed capital, equipment, and ongoing mentorship,” she said.
Ms. Ampaire noted that Makerere University, being a hub for students and young innovators, aligns perfectly with BRAC’s focus on empowering youth while they are still developing their ideas and ambitions.
A case for domestic consumption and local processing:
One of the participants from the BRAC Scholar Transition Fund, Mr. Godwin Birungi, emphasized the need for domestic consumption and local processing, highlighting that exporting raw coffee reduces employment opportunities and stunts economic growth.
“When we consume and process our coffee locally, we not only improve public health, but also create jobs and stimulate our economy.”
He encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace patience, maintain consistency in their efforts, and stay focused on their goals, emphasizing that building a successful and sustainable business is a gradual process that requires dedication and resilience.
“Building a sustainable business takes time. Many successful entrepreneurs spent over a decade before making a profit. Find your passion, refine your strategy, and stay the course.” he said.
Student entrepreneurs speak out:
The Marketing Manager of Victory Cakes students’ enterprise, Ms. Keziah Nasenga, explained that the team offers two main product variations including coffee cupcakes with icing and those without, catering to different customer preferences.
She noted that the cupcakes are crafted using brewed coffee mixed with hot water, then blended with traditional baking ingredients such as flour, vanilla, and other flavor-enhancing components.
A student from the Ring Hair Stimulator group, Ms. Martha Alwe, said their product is a premium hair care solution designed to promote healthy hair growth, prevent breakage and hair loss in women, and enhance beard growth in men through a specialized beard oil.
“The full product line includes beard growth oil, hair shock treatment, hair spray, leave-in conditioner, and hair growth shampoo each carefully developed to address a wide range of hair care needs with quality and effectiveness,” she said.
The Marketing Manager of the team of Coffee Cupcake, Ms. Catherine Nasaazi, explained that the shampoo is enriched with sodium benzoate, tea tree oil, and other ingredients.
Precursor to the Youth Expo:
The 3rd Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress held on 16th October 2025 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, provided a perfect transition into the 9th Annual Makerere University Youth Expo held on 17th October 2025 at the Freedom Square.
During the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress, students listened to lived experiences and case presentations from young, mid-level and senior entrepreneurs. The panelists who discussed topics on Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future, enlightened the students and upcoming entrepreneurs to creating impact, access to markets and capital, and breaking the barriers in a competitive world.
The students gained valuable knowledge from the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, and the Keynote Speaker- Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd.
Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.
“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises imports over exports. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking avocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”
Partners of the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo: Makerere University (Mak), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), National Coffee Research Initiative (NaCORI), BRAC Uganda, Tooke, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Vision Group, Mountain Harvest, Pepsi, Rainforest Alliance, Sumz, and the Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre.
Writers: Ritah Namisango, Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University & Monica Meeme, a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.
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Research1 week agoMakerere University and Ministry of Public Service Study Reveals Impact of Salary Enhancement on Teacher Performance in Uganda
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General2 weeks agoCall For Applications: Mak-BSSR Postdoc, PhD, Master’s Fellowship-level Training
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General6 days agoMakerere University officially commences implementation of its Mentorship Policy
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Education1 week agoReal life project: Makerere University Vice Chancellor hands over constructed Wall Fence to Makerere College School
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Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoSFTNB-MIIC Partnership Nurtures Entrepreneurial Learners & Change Agents