Business & Management
EfD Hosts Policy Dialogue on Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions: Hoima Residents Call for Expanded Access to Clean Energy
Hoima, July 18, 2024 – Stakeholders from Hoima’s local government, private sector, and civil society organizations have urged the government to expand access to clean energy sources like electricity and LPGs to facilitate the country’s transition from biomass and achieve its green growth strategy. Despite Uganda’s capacity to generate and export electricity to neighboring countries, access and affordability remain significant challenges for rural areas and a large portion of the population.
During a policy dialogue hosted by the EfD-Mak Center in Hoima, themed “Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions in Uganda: Facts and Prospects,” stakeholders highlighted the necessity of addressing these challenges. The event, part of the EfD Annual Meeting, gathered district local government officials, both technical and political, as well as academia, youth, and members of the private and civil society organizations.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Johnny Mugisha, Deputy Director of the EfD-Mak Center, emphasized the importance of holding the dialogue in Hoima due to the region’s developments in energy. “The energy we are talking about includes firewood, charcoal, petroleum, electricity, and many others. We deliberately chose Hoima because of the energy developments here, and we are looking forward to petroleum-sourced energy,” Mugisha explained.
He noted the slow and long-term transition from biomass to cleaner energy sources, underscoring the need for discussions around biomass and clean energy. “Energy efficiency means how much you get from the energy you use to achieve a result, for example, how much electricity you use when cooking matooke,” he said. “This dialogue is a roundtable discussion for us all to give our input on what is causing what and how best to sustainably use the environment as we transition to clean energy sources.”
Prof. Mugisha stressed the university’s commitment to promoting such dialogues across the country. “Our intention is to get the root causes right from the grassroots communities so that together we can propose solutions to inform policymakers for decision-making and implementation,” he concluded.
Uganda’s Path to Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions: Key Insights from Dr. John Sseruyange
In his presentation Dr. John Sseruyange highlighted the critical role of energy efficiency and emission reduction in transforming Uganda from a peasant society to a modern, prosperous nation, as envisioned under Vision 2040.
“Energy acts as a catalyst that drives all other sectors,” stated Dr. Sseruyange. With agriculture contributing to 71.7% of employment, the mechanization of Uganda’s economy and the expanding transport sector are significantly increasing fossil fuel and biomass usage, leading to heightened carbon emissions and deforestation.
Dr. Sseruyange warned of the dangers of biomass reliance, noting that Uganda’s forest cover has decreased from 24% in 1990 to 9% in 2015 due to tree cutting for firewood and charcoal. “The rapid rate of forest depletion is alarming,” he said, emphasizing the health and environmental impacts of biomass fuels, including air pollution and associated diseases.
The presentation highlighted that women and children, especially girls, are disproportionately affected by biomass fuel collection, which hampers productive activities and schooling. “The burden of wood fuel collection falls heavily on women and children,” noted Dr. Sseruyange.
Dr. Sseruyange identified several barriers to energy transition in Uganda, including weak implementation capacity, cultural preferences, and limited accessibility to affordable and reliable clean energy. He pointed out that only 42% of the population had access to hydropower by 2021, and many clean energy systems, such as LPG, remain unaffordable for small businesses.
Addressing governance, Dr. Sseruyange explained the complex interplay of institutions involved in promoting efficient energy systems, ranging from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to international organizations like the World Bank. He stressed the importance of household and industrial capacity in adopting new technologies.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Sseruyange outlined several promising initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Vision 2040 focuses on upgrading industrial technologies to less energy-consuming alternatives. The National Development Plans aim to increase clean energy accessibility and promote efficient cooking technologies. The Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy emphasizes low carbon development and solar energy installation.
Additionally, Uganda’s hydropower capacity has increased from 1278.6 MW in 2019/20 to 1370.8 MW in 2021/22, demonstrating improved energy generation capacity. Solar energy expansion efforts have resulted in off-grid solar installations reaching 30,000 households, with several solar PV plants contributing over 65 MW. The Clean Cooking Supply Chain Expansion Project has sold 72,535 energy-saving stoves by 2020. Furthermore, the government is aiming to distribute 1 million subsidized LPG cylinders to promote cleaner cooking technologies.
Dr. Sseruyange also highlighted the establishment of Kiira Motors to produce electric vehicles and the development of highways and non-motorized transport systems to reduce urban traffic congestion and emissions. “The government is taking significant steps towards a sustainable energy future,” he concluded.
In closing, Dr. Sseruyange called for policy and regulatory reforms, public awareness campaigns, and rigorous assessments to promote energy transitions. “How can we, as a nation, collaboratively promote energy transitions?” he posed to the audience, urging collective action from government, NGOs, and the general public.
Participants React
During the plenary discussions, several interventions were proposed to enhance the transition to green technologies. Highlighting the negative environmental impacts of high school dropout rates.
Participants noted that many youths turn to activities like bricklaying, charcoal burning, and sand mining for survival, which harms the environment. They called for public education and awareness programs to address fears and cultural biases against new energy technologies. “Education on the benefits of using these technologies is crucial,” said Harriet the district natural resources officer.
Affordability of new energy sources was another major concern, with high initial costs and refilling expenses for LPGs making them inaccessible for many rural poor.
Participants also highlighted the problem of low-quality counterfeits sabotaging payment schemes for acquiring new technologies, calling for regulation to address quality standards.
Cultural perceptions that clean cooking energies are for the rich and lazy further hinder the transition, underscoring the need for continuous public sensitization, which they stressed should be physical.
Limited budgets for local governments and weak enforcement mechanisms were also cited as barriers to implementing clean energy programs. Participants proposed subsidies for manufacturers and consumers of clean energy sources, expanding access to electricity and LPGs in rural areas, and ensuring widespread availability and awareness of green technologies.
Hoima District Leadership Decries Effects of Indoor Pollution
The Vice Chairperson of Hoima District, Hellen Namulumba, raised concerns about the severe effects of indoor pollution on the community’s health.
Closing the policy dialogue, Namulumba appreciated the organizers for addressing these critical issues, noting that many lives have been lost due to ignorance about the dangers of indoor pollution.
“There is no single woman in the village who would wish to continue cooking on firewood but they are incapacitated. They can adopt to other energy sources like electric and gas cockers”, she stressed
Namulumba highlighted the increasing cases of cancer, associating the disease to the use of biomass. “It is my prayer that we conduct many of these engagements at the grassroots level, bringing on board sub-county political leaders,” she said.
She called for government intervention to reduce indoor pollution by extending power coverage to rural areas beyond 50%, reducing power unit costs for domestic users, and ensuring consistent power supply. “If government can intervene, indoor pollution can reduce. If government can extend power coverage to rural areas beyond 50% and reduce the cost of power units for domestic users and ensure there is consistency in power supply, I think our people can enjoy this country,” Namulumba stated.
She also emphasized the need to support small-scale innovators, such as those manufacturing briquettes and improved cooking stoves, to reduce indoor pollution. Additionally, she called for strengthened policies for emission control systems in automobiles to reduce cancer and other disease rates.
“If at all government can boost small-scale innovators like assisting briquette manufacturers in marketing their products through sensitization, boost those making improved cooking stoves, we can reduce indoor pollution,” she said. “And if government can strengthen policies for emission control systems in automobiles that can greatly make an impact in reducing the rate of people dying of cancers and other diseases.” she proposed.
Namulumba thanked the participants for their attendance and pledged the district’s commitment to support them in these initiatives, appealing to them to come up with budgets to support those engaged in making alternative energy sources.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, successfully concluded the training of its 4th cohort of public officers on November 15, 2024. This capacity-building program focused on the User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, a critical process mandated by Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015.
Under the PFMA, every bill presented to Parliament must include a Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). The preparation of the Statement of Financial Implications (SFI), which forms the basis for the CFI, is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This statement provides detailed revenue and expenditure estimates and projected savings over a minimum of two years’ post-enactment.
Empowering MDAs with Essential Skills
The training sessions, which began last week and will continue into the following week, aim to equip MDAs with the skills required to prepare robust SFIs. These competencies are essential for MoFPED Budget Analysts to review and draft CFIs or Letters of Financial Clearance effectively.
The 4th cohort comprised officers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda Land Commission, Ministry of Local Government, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and the Ministry of Kampala, among others.
A Step Toward Transparent and Accountable Governance
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Moses Sonko, Principal Economist at MoFPED, commended the initiative and acknowledged the value it brings to Uganda’s public policy and legislative processes. Representing the Permanent Secretary of MoFPED, Mr. Sonko highlighted the importance of the training in strengthening governance frameworks.
“This training was developed to equip us with tools and knowledge essential for our roles in ensuring that Uganda’s policy and legislative proposals are financially sound, transparent, and align with national priorities,” Mr. Sonko remarked. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance policy preparation and implementation.
He also emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the training, which enables officers to identify the financial, social, environmental, and economic impacts of proposed bills and policies.
Participant Feedback
Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. Mr. Davis Kwizera from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) shared his positive experience, stating: “This training has offered a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of policy processes. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare relevant policy documents. If you’ve taken the courses on Financial and Risk Analysis as well as Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis, this program completes the package.”
The new guidelines for the clearance of financial implications will officially take effect in July 2025. PIMCoE remains committed to building the capacity of public officers to ensure that Uganda’s legislative and policy frameworks are underpinned by sound financial and risk analyses, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable development.
For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.
In a pivotal workshop held at Makerere University on November 12, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM). This transformative model, conceptualized by Prof. Ezra Suruma, aims to tackle some of Uganda’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.
Prof. Suruma, the architect of PDM, underscored the crucial role of researchers in creating wealth-empowering strategies for Ugandans. “The PDM is designed to eradicate poverty, promote economic inclusion, improve service delivery, and modernize agriculture,” Prof. Suruma stated. He highlighted that the model not only provides a pathway for Uganda’s rural households to participate in the economy but also aims to address the underlying issues that leave many citizens unable to afford basic needs.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended Prof. Suruma’s visionary leadership and the significant impact PDM is expected to have on communities across Uganda. “The PDM stands as one of the largest government interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting communities,” he remarked. Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized Makerere University’s commitment to supporting PDM through the PDM Lab hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which serves as a hub for real-time data analysis to guide the implementation of PDM activities across the country.
The PDM Lab at CoBAMS, led by Prof. Eria Hisali and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that can shape PDM policies at the grassroots level. During the workshop, Dr. Suruma extended his appreciation to UNDP for their support and acknowledged the researchers for their efforts in generating valuable insights into the effectiveness of PDM.
Despite Uganda’s notable economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, are high, limiting economic opportunities for the country’s largest demographic. Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is another critical issue, with many Ugandans unable to afford or reach essential medical services. These challenges underscore the need for initiatives like the PDM that are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and ensure equitable access to services.
“PDM seeks to empower households to create wealth, ultimately reducing dependence on subsistence farming and encouraging local economic development,” Prof. Suruma emphasized. He believes that the model’s holistic approach will foster greater self-sufficiency among Uganda’s communities by addressing poverty from multiple angles, including agricultural modernization, financial literacy, and service accessibility.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about PDM’s potential to drive sustainable change. Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere University’s dedication to supporting this national initiative, affirming that the PDM Lab will continue to play a key role in assessing and enhancing the model’s effectiveness.
The Parish Development Model offers a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans striving for a better quality of life, aligning with Uganda’s broader aspirations for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.
Business & Management
Study Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors
On November 11, 2024 the School of Business held a research dissemination workshop led by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, a lecturer and researcher whose study focused on “Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector.” The event also featured research by his student, Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, who presented findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.”
Both studies, which delve into the role of PPPs in two crucial sectors—tourism and health—aim to provide insights into how strategic partnerships between public and private entities can address pressing service delivery challenges in Uganda. Dr. Mugarura’s study in the tourism sector emphasized the importance of a stable operating environment for PPPs, highlighting the need for clear policies, regulatory support, and sustainable practices that allow both public and private stakeholders to thrive. His research suggests that a conducive PPP environment is essential for Uganda’s tourism sector to achieve sustainability, attract international visitors, and create job opportunities, while preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
Kyomuhendo’s research, titled “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector,” explored how PPPs can improve value for money (VFM) in healthcare delivery by encouraging local content utilization. His findings revealed a positive correlation between PPP adoption and VFM in healthcare, suggesting that well-structured partnerships can enhance efficiency and service quality. However, he noted that while PPPs support infrastructure development and resource allocation, local content utilization does not always have a strong moderating effect on VFM, indicating potential areas for policy improvement to ensure meaningful local engagement.
Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, lauded the researchers for their dedication to tackling critical issues in Uganda’s development sectors. “These studies bring much-needed evidence to the table, demonstrating the potential of PPPs to transform our tourism and health sectors,” Prof. Akileng remarked. He emphasized that such research is pivotal to Makerere University’s commitment to producing actionable knowledge that aligns with Uganda’s national development goals.
Prof. Akileng extended his gratitude to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for supporting these projects, acknowledging that their funding was instrumental in advancing impactful research. “The generosity of our donor has enabled us to conduct thorough research and share insights that will inform policy and guide sustainable development efforts in Uganda,” he added.
The workshop encouraged discussion among participants, including policymakers, private sector representatives, and university staff, on the importance of PPPs in creating a resilient service delivery model. Dr. Mugarura highlighted the need for continual assessment of the PPP framework to adapt to evolving economic and social demands. He recommended that the government prioritize regulatory improvements and capacity building for local firms to enhance their role in PPP projects.
The dissemination workshop concluded with a collective call for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. Both researchers emphasized that strategic partnerships hold the key to addressing Uganda’s service delivery challenges and achieving sustainable growth in tourism and healthcare.
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