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
Business & Management
Mak and ACCA Career Workshop: Students tipped on success, professionalism and the future of accountancy
On Tuesday 1st April 2025, over600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences convened at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium to participate in the Career workshop that provided an invaluable platform for students to engage with industry leaders, gain insights into career prospects and professional development within the accounting and finance sectors.
Organized by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University Department of Accounting and Finance, School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences, the Career workshop also presented a platform to celebrate the academic achievements of the ten (10) Bachelor of Commerce students who graduated with First Class degrees-Honours Division during the Makerere University 75th Graduation ceremony held in January 2025.
Prior to the workshop, the Dean, School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng in an interview with the College’s Communication Office, disclosed that celebrating the academic achievements of the students who obtained First Class degrees would inspire the current students to excel. In addition, Dr. Akileng noted that the presence of graduates who excelled at the Career workshop would lead to networking and peer mentorship possibilities with the current students.
During the Career workshop, speakers from Makerere University and ACCA Uganda re-affirmed their commitment to equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.
To understand the future of accountancy, students listened to presentations featuring the relevance of the accounting and finance in today’s job market by Dr. Eric Nzibonera; Insights on the collaboration with ACCA by Ms Charlotte Kukunda; Discussion of the global career opportunities in accounting and how ACCA supports professional development by Ms Jackie Mbabazi; and a keynote speech titled, An exploration of the skills and trends shaping the future of the accounting and finance industries in the 21st Century by Mr. Robert Busuulwa.
In his address, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Edward Bbaale acknowledged the School of Business for proritising career talks and mentorship sessions for students.
“To the students, the Career workshop presents you with a chance to envision your career, and what you want to be, or what you want to study,” he said.
The Principal underscored the critical importance of bridging the gap between the academia and industry. He highlighted the instrumental role of partnerships, particularly the collaboration between Makerere University and ACCA in equipping students with globally competitive skills and certifications.
Prof. Bbaale emphasized that in the 21st century, this interface isn’t merely an option but “a necessity,” echoing the sentiments of both the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, and ACCA partners.
He advised students to visualise themselves as “global candidates” and pursue their careers with diligence and passion, taking the lessons from the workshop seriously and seeking continuous professional development. Prof. Bbaale stressed the significance of “building oneself, moulding oneself” through education, training, and experience, advocating for a focus on human capital development over immediate financial gain.
He emphasized the importance of “volunteering to work” in orderto gain experience and build a professional network. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening collaborations to ensure graduates are academically competent and well-prepared to navigate the evolving job market.
Dr. Eric Nzibonera, the Head, Department of Accounting and Finance at the College of Business and Management Sciences highlighted the significance of career guidance events for University students. He explained that career workshops provide a valuable opportunity for students to “make a choice about a particular career,” a privilege he noted was not always available to students in the past. Dr. Nzibonera believed the workshop was a chance for students to learn from experienced professionals, guiding them towards informed decisions about their future careers.
Convinced that the workshop presented a golden opportunity to students to learn from experienced professionals, Dr. Nzibonera called upon students to leverage such moments to listen to the respective presenters, prepare to ask questions on professionalism, accreditation and career paths.
Focusing on the relevance of accounting and finance in today’s job market, Dr. Nzibonera reiterated that the accounting profession is very central in the day to day lives of individuals. “Inall realms of business, in whatever you do, you need some scheme or some kind of accounting that works,” he remarked. He noted that this underlines the universal applicability of financial literacy, whether pursuing careers directly related to the field.
The Country Manager, ACCA Uganda, Ms Charlotte Kukunda informed the students who turned up in big numbers, that the Career workshop was anchored in the programmes and activities that Makerere University and ACCA Uganda agreed to undertake when both entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2022.
Ms Kukunda affirmed that ACCA Uganda values its strategic partnership with Makerere University, which has been mutually beneficial and fruitful. To expound this argument, Ms Kukunda highlighted the achievements which included: 660 students enrolled for ACCA programme, curriculum reviews of Makerere University accounting programmes, re-accreditation of the Bachelor of Commerce Accounting in June 2022, annual recognition of best accounting students since 2022, tutor capacity building workshops conducted at the College, lecturers granted access to the Education Hub, and hosting of three student career workshops annually.
She outlined the areas of collaboration with Makerere University as follows: accreditation of accounting programmes, co-development of teaching programmes that align and support the University edge resources and professional insights, employability through supporting students’ career and skills development, access to ACCA member networks to support Makerere University guest lectures/panels/conference speakers, and faculty skills development support in their teaching, learning and assessment.
The Country Manager said the Career workshop is planned, deliberate and intentional because ACCA classifies Makerere University students as strategic business leaders who are being nurtured, trained and prepared to drive the economy. She clarified that the ACCA programme is not limited to only students studying accounting. According to Ms Kukunda, the ACCA programme embraces a broader range of disciplines and positions students for global competitiveness.
Ms. Kukunda encouraged students to explore the information resources on the ACCA website to tap into the opportunities that will enhance their financial acumen. She urged students to perceive themselves as global citizens. “When you perceive yourself as that, you are the right candidate for pursuing these globally accredited qualifications,” she said. She reinforced the value of connections and valuable networks with industry professionals, assuring students that their future is filled with potential and opportunities.
Feeding into Ms Kukunda’s presentation, Ms Jackie Mbabazi, the Business Relationship Manager at ACCA Uganda highlighted the significance of the ACCA qualification in shaping future leaders. She affirmed that ACCA is “a forward-thinking qualification” connected to vital sectors and stakeholders globally.
Ms. Mbabazi emphasized the global reach of the ACCA. “We are present in 180 countries. As you plan your professional journey, consider the ACCA qualification that is going to make you professional. Technology has enabled us to work beyond borders. Having globally recognized qualifications such as ACCA positions you to work globally,” she elaborated.
Ms. Mbabazi further pointed out the “forward-thinking qualification” attributes of ACCA. These include: Empowering individuals to be digitally relevant, creating ethical and trusted professionals, global recognition, professionals who add value, access to the most up to date syllabus on the market, and continuous learning for trainees as well as access to the global employability platform.
She also discussed the importance of adapting to technological advancements, stating, “You need to adapt and make sure technology is at the heart of what you are doing.”
Ms. Mbabazi articulated that ethics is at the centre of the ACCA programme. “ACCA programmes uphold ethics in building professionals. I urge you to avoid any form of fraud,” she emphasized.
The captivating presentations from the College of Business and Management Sciences and ACCA Uganda set the pace for the students to listen to a powerful keynote speech. Dr. Martin Bakundana introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, the founder and Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars in Uganda with over 30 years of tested and proven experience.
Mr. Robert Busuulwa’s keynote speech embodied words of wisdom and lived experiences that require an individual to be responsible for his or her destiny.
He guided the students that being successful is a personal choice and commitment. “If you want to be successful, dedicate time and study success,” he advised.
“When you plan to do something, focus and concentrate. Pursue your ambitions and career aspirations with determination and confidence,” he added.
He castigated the popular phrase where individuals believe that it is the government responsible for their success and development. That statements calling upon the government to “assist” individuals should be discarded. “True liberation is about understanding who you are, your strengths and weakness, and what you can do as an individual to leverage your strength,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of acquiring relevant skills, urging students to consider what they needed to demonstrate to future employers, particularly in light of evolving trends such as AI, robotics, and big data. “What are the skills that you are expected to demonstrate?” he asked, reflecting on the broadening scope of skills in the field.
Using lively examples, the keynote speaker informed the audience that he had to create time to be at Makerere University on 1st April 2025 to speak to the students. He reported that he manages a very tight schedule, but if you want and value something, you work towards it, and ensure it is a possibility.
“I am here because I created time and convinced myself that I should join you today. I love mentorship and interacting with people. I love being here. I have to return to society, what it has given me through qualifications, life and experiences. Through this career workshop, I am exactly doing that,” he said.
Mr. Busuulwa shared anecdotes from his academic journey and connecting with young minds poised for the future. He reinforced the notion that the landscape of accounting has changed dramatically, moving from traditional number-crunching to roles involving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, financial crime, and IT consulting.
Mr. Busuulwa mentioned that with the trends in the accounting profession, students and practitioners are presented with diverse career paths.
Mr. Busuulwa encouraged students to understand and appreciate their potential. “Every one of you here has the potential. I urge you to believe in your capabilities,” he said. He cautioned students and young people in general against limiting beliefs. Citing the power of thinking and its effects on the choices that individuals make, he stated, “If you think you can’t do it, you will not.”
He inspired students to actively shape their careers, stressing the need for adaptability and continuous learning. He appealed to the students to always empower their minds and souls with positive statements such as “Whatever it is, I am going to be successful,” he remarked.
The Career workshop moderated by Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer at the College of Business and Management Sciences assisted by Mr. Jonathan Basalirwa, a third year student, ended on a high note with presentation of awards of excellence to the best ten (10) First Class Honours Division graduates, and a networking session involving the respective speakers and students.
The Principal thanked the Dean, School of Business- Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Mr. John Ogema, the Makerere University Accountancy Bureau, and the team from ACCA Uganda for organizing the Career workshop 2025.
The discussions involving Makerere University staff namely Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, ACCA Uganda-Ms Charlotte Kukunda and Ms Jackie Mbabazi, and the Keynote Speaker Mr. Robert Busuulwa emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between academic training and real-world skills.
On Monday 24th March 2025, Makerere University received a donation of an interactive smart board worth USD 10,000 from NAECHSTENLIEBE a German Charity Organisation, to facilitate teaching, learning and research.
Acknowledging that NAECHSTENLIEBE had donated a smart board to Makerere University in October 2023, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi in a speech read by Prof. Edward Bbaale appreciated the Director of NAECHSTENLIEBE for once again, extending further support by donating the second smart board.
Inspired by the positive outcomes from the valuable networks of our member of staff in the negotiations leading to the donation of the smart boards, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) acknowledged the resource mobilization efforts of Dr. John Bosco Nnyanzi, an Associate Professor at Makerere University. “Prof. Nnyanzi, thank you for prioritizing Makerere University in the negotiations with NAECHSTENLIEBE. The University Management appreciates your contribution,” he stated.
Speaking in his capacity as the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Bbaale underscored that as Makerere University continues to implement strategies and programmes in line with its research agenda, facilities such as smart boards are crucial to facilitate real-time interactions involving researchers from different parts of the world. He urged staff and students in the School of Economics and the School of Business to effectively utilize the state-of-the-art smart boards to facilitate blended learning and teaching as well as graduate training at Makerere University.
In appreciation of this kind gesture, the Principal requested Associate Professor Nnyanzi to convey the messages of gratitude from Makerere University Management and the College of Business and Management Sciences to NAECHSTENLIEBE.
Associate Professor Nnyanzi stated that the smart boards are beneficial to both staff and students because they provide a medium for enhancing teaching, learning and supervision. He committed to continue mobilizing resources to create a positive difference in the teaching and learning environment at Makerere University. In the same spirit, Associate Professor Nnyanzi called upon fellow staff members to tap into their networks to mobilise resources for Makerere University.
The Dean, School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng thanked NAECHSTENLIEBE and Associate Professor Nnyanzi for the donation, which will spur interactive learning and assessment of feedback. Noting that smart boards facilitate supervision and interaction with graduate students, Dr. Akileng used the same opportunity to commend the University Council for approving the PhD by coursework as proposed by the College of Business and Management Sciences. He affirmed that staff, researchers and PhD students would optimally utilize the smart boards.
Business & Management
Makerere Researchers Advocate for Efficient Use of Water and Environmental Resources at 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week
At the 8th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK 2025), held from March 17 to 21 at the Ministry of Water and Environment’s headquarters. Makerere University researchers called for more efficient management of water and environmental resources. The event, organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Water Resources Institute brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss challenges and solutions related to water, environmental sustainability, and climate change.
The theme of UWEWK 2025, “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods,” focused on promoting sustainable use of natural resources to enhance resilience and improve livelihoods. The week-long event also commemorated International Forest Day, World Water Day, and World Meteorological Day.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre, delivered a keynote address on “Equitable and Sustainable Use of Water and Environmental Resources for Improved Incomes and Livelihoods.” Participating via Zoom from an Inclusive Green Economy workshop in Ethiopia, Bbaale emphasized the critical role of water in economic development, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and industrialization.
“Water is fundamental to the success of many sectors. It influences health, education, agriculture, and energy, all of which are integral to economic growth,” Prof. Bbaale stated. He noted that water is vital for manufacturing, services, and industrialization, and is a primary energy source in Uganda, where the country heavily relies on hydroelectric power. Globally, agriculture accounts for about 70% of freshwater use, and water is also crucial for transportation and the health of ecosystems.
However, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement continue to threaten water availability and access. Prof. Bbaale referenced global data showing that 40-70% of developing countries face a lack of access to safe drinking water, exacerbating inequality and sparking conflicts. He also highlighted the economic implications of water scarcity, citing the example of India, where over-extraction of groundwater could lead to a 6% GDP loss by 2030.
In Africa, despite possessing some of the world’s largest freshwater systems, over 400 million people lack access to safe drinking water. Prof. Bbaale pointed to the shrinking of Lake Chad and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile, emphasizing the need for cooperative water management. In Uganda, water bodies like Lake Victoria face pollution from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, threatening the livelihoods of millions dependent on the lake.
Prof. Bbaale also shared success stories of sustainable water management, highlighting Singapore’s water self-sufficiency model, Israel’s efficient use of recycled water for agriculture, and the Netherlands’ world-class flood management systems. He urged African nations, including Uganda, to adopt similar strategies to ensure the sustainability of water resources.
“Water scarcity, if not addressed, could lead to social unrest and significant economic losses. However, with proper management, water resources can drive industrialization, trade, and job creation,” Prof. Bbaale concluded, calling for continued investment in sustainable water practices, such as expanding irrigation coverage and promoting clean energy.
A Robust Natural Resource Accounting Required to Support Sustainable Development in Uganda – Dr. John Sseruyange
In a parallel session, Senior Research Fellow Dr. John Sseruyange participated in a policy dialogue on Natural Capital Accounting for Nature Positive Economic Planning, discussing the efforts of the EfD-Mak Centre at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Dr. Sseruyange emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to natural resource accounting in Uganda, noting that while natural capital—such as forests, wetlands, and water—is crucial to the nation’s economy, its evaluation has often been too narrow. Resources like land, fisheries, and marine assets are frequently overlooked in discussions.
“Natural capital is often misunderstood and narrowly defined,” Dr. Sseruyange explained, stressing that a broader approach is necessary to understand Uganda’s true natural wealth. He pointed out the historical undervaluation of natural resources by policymakers, highlighting that while depreciation of physical capital is considered in the country’s net national product (NNP), the degradation of natural resources such as land, water, and ecosystems is not factored in. This imbalance limits Uganda’s ability to fully account for its wealth and economic potential.
Dr. Sseruyange also discussed the role of the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, which conducts collaborative research with government agencies and local stakeholders to ensure that findings are grounded in real-world issues and relevant to policy development. The center’s Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program trains senior civil servants on critical environmental topics like forestry, biodiversity, and energy efficiency, particularly in Uganda’s transport sector.
The EfD-Mak Centre’s research has also focused on energy efficiency and emission reduction in Uganda’s transport sector. Research teams have worked with stakeholders, including border-border operators and taxi drivers, to gather data and refine policies that can impact Uganda’s environmental and economic future.
“We don’t just write papers; we take our findings to local governments and communities to gather feedback and integrate it into our work,” Dr. Sseruyange stated, emphasizing the practical application of research to inform policymaking at all levels. He also stressed the importance of making technical research accessible to policymakers and the public, ensuring that it can be acted upon.
The session concluded with a call for continued collaboration between researchers, government agencies, and local communities to improve Uganda’s natural capital accounting. Such efforts are essential to enhancing environmental resilience and advancing sustainable economic growth.
Call for Urgent Adaptation Measures to Safeguard Uganda’s Agricultural Sector from Climate Variability
Dr. Peter Babyenda, the IGE Engagement Specialist, presented a paper during the side event under the theme Sub-theme 2: Water and Environment for Climate Action. His paper, titled “Adaptation to Climate Variability Safeguards Welfare Loss in Uganda,” focuses on the critical need for effective climate adaptation strategies to protect the welfare of Uganda’s rural farming households.
Presenting via Zoom from an Inclusive Green Economy workshop in Ethiopia , Babyenda stressed that Uganda is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability, with about 68% of households relying on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. According to Babyenda, this dependency makes Ugandan farmers particularly susceptible to extreme climate events, including floods, droughts, altered rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. These changes, Babyenda explained, not only threaten food security but also exacerbate poverty.
“Climate variability is no longer a future threat – it is a present reality for millions of Ugandans,” said Dr. Babyenda. “Effective adaptation measures can mitigate these impacts and significantly improve the welfare of farming households.”
In his presentation, Dr. Babyenda used data from six waves of Uganda National Panel Surveys (2009-2019) and historical climate data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, spanning the years 1979-2013, to assess the impact of climate variability on household welfare. He also applied the Endogenous Switching Regression model to evaluate the effect of adaptation decisions made by farming households.
The study revealed that households that adopted climate adaptation strategies saw a measurable increase in their welfare, with an average gain of 4,054 Uganda shillings (approximately $1.2) per adult equivalent. However, Dr. Babyenda highlighted that while some adaptation measures proved beneficial, not all were immediately advantageous. The initial costs of adaptation can result in short-term losses, but over time, the benefits outweigh these challenges.
“Farmers who adapt to climate variability generally experience less damage to their livelihoods compared to those who do not,” Babyenda noted. “However, the key to success lies in identifying the most effective and affordable adaptation measures.”
Dr. Babyenda’s findings stress the need for strategic policy interventions to foster widespread adaptation among Uganda’s farmers. His recommendations included educating farmers about the long-term benefits of adaptation, subsidizing adaptation measures to make them more accessible, and improving the efficiency of extension services to better support farmers.
“Policymakers must ensure that farmers are not only informed but equipped with the tools to adapt,” Babyenda emphasized. “This means enhancing extension services, targeting farmers with specific educational programs, and subsidizing key resources to make adaptation more feasible.”
Dr. Babyenda concluded by urging a coordinated effort to build resilience within Uganda’s agricultural sector. He emphasized that these strategies are vital to ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture, which is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.
“Climate change is a clear and present danger, but through careful adaptation, we can secure the future of Uganda’s agriculture and the welfare of its farmers,” Babyenda said.
The findings of the research are expected to serve as a crucial baseline for future climate adaptation policies and actions in Uganda, aiming to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farming households affected by climate variability. The paper was authored by Peter Babyenda, Makerere University Uganda; Prof. Jane Kabubo-Mariara, Executive Director, Partnership for Economic Policy and Sule Odhiambo from University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
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