Business & Management
Mak Environmental Economists Explore Uganda’s Albertine Oil Fields: Identifying Research and Collaboration Opportunities
A team of environmental economists from Makerere University recently visited the Albertine oil fields in Uganda to assess ongoing operations in terms of oil and gas exploration and uncover potential research and collaboration opportunities.
The field visit conducted from 17th-20th July 2024 by the EfD –Mak centre in the districts of Hoima, Buliisa and Kikuube aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications, focusing on the interaction between oil extraction activities and local communities, environmental management and sustainable development.
The centre has established two layers of policy engagement by registering key policy actors both at national and subnational levels. This year’s centre theme is “Energy Efficiency”. The theme was selected following the need for transformation from biomass dependence to cleaner energy sources at household level, but also the need for cleaner energies in manufacturing, transport among others.
The reliance on biomass is a key global challenge towards environmental protection and reversing climate change effects. In Uganda, over 85% and 13% of the population use firewood and charcoal for cooking respectively.
Established in 2018 and inaugurated at Makerere University in 2019, the EfD Mak centre strives to foster transdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer, and research-to-policy engagement and community interventions in environmental economics.
In view of the above, the centre organized a three day outreach in three districts and held her inaugural Annual General Meeting and launched a policy dialogue on 18th July 2024 at Glory Summit Hotel in Hoima which attracted over 60 people including district leadership, community based organisations, civil servants, private sector and academia.
For the last two days, the researchers led by the Centre Deputy Director Prof Johnny Mugisha visited the Uganda Petroleum Authority in Hoima, visited oil wells including the Central Processing Facility, King fisher, Tilenga Industrial Park, Kasemene site 1, the Luwero Industries Ltd Oil waste treatment plant and the Kabalega International Airport.
“The objective of visiting the oil and gas sites and companies is to enable our research fellows familiarize with activities and operations in Uganda’s oil and gas with a view of fostering researchable projects, constructive dialogue and policy developments on critical issues related to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, environmental risk management and responsible oil and gas operations in the sensitive ecosystem of Lake Albert and Murchison Falls National park”, team leader, Prof. Mugisha explained.
The centre’s areas of interest included the environmental impact assessment and monitoring, petroleum waste management practices, integration of biodiversity conservation, community engagement and socio economic impacts.
Other areas of interest were regulatory framework and compliance, water resource management and protection, climate change resilience and adaptation strategies, corporate social responsibility initiatives, long term environmental management plans and how Makerere University can collaborate effectively with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, CNOOC, UNOC and Total Uganda to enhance research and knowledge sharing on sustainable practices, environmental conservation and petroleum management.
EfD Researchers Gain Critical Insights from Oil and Gas Community Visits
Researchers concluded a three-day visit to oil and gas communities, gaining firsthand insights into the sector’s impact and future prospects. The visit emphasized the need for informed research and sustainable planning to maximize the benefits of Uganda’s oil and gas resources and prepare for future challenges.
Firsthand Observations Critical: Dr. Madina Mwagale Guloba, Senior Research Fellow at EfD Mak, emphasized the value of seeing conditions on the ground to counteract misinformation about oil and gas exploration. “Seeing is believing, and seeing also learning from a point of view is very critical,” she stated. Dr. Guloba dispelled what she termed “corridor talk,” noting that community members affected by oil projects appeared happier and saw more opportunities. She stressed the importance of sustainable planning, saying, “In the next 30 years, people would have gotten even more opportunities.”
Cross-Cutting Research Needed: Prof. Johnny Mugisha, Deputy Centre Director, emphasized the necessity of interdisciplinary research, noting the interdependence of the petroleum sector and farming communities. He underscored that Makerere University needs to boost its research and outreach efforts to aid policy development. “From interactions in Hoima, Bulisa, and with people in the oil sector, the lessons learned indicate that Makerere University has much more to contribute, especially in research, outreach, and grassroots stakeholder engagement. We often view the petroleum and gas sector as separate from farming communities, but our experiences show a significant relationship and interaction between them. Therefore, research should not be limited to one entity but should be cross-cutting,” stated Mugisha.
On-the-Ground Engagement: Dr. Alex Tatwangire, Research Fellow and Lecturer, emphasized the value of direct stakeholder interaction, noting effective environmental mitigation plans and agricultural integration in restoring livelihoods for project-affected persons. He called for continued research to address policy gaps. The visit highlighted the importance of informed research and sustainable planning in maximizing the benefits of Uganda’s oil and gas resources while preparing for future opportunities.
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Tatwangire remarked, “This engagement with stakeholders on the policy of energy utilization in Hoima has been incredibly useful. We’ve had the chance to observe the oil extraction process firsthand. Reading about it and hearing about it is one thing, but going on the ground and interacting with everyone involved provides a much richer understanding.”
He continued, “Seeing the wells, well pads, regulations, infrastructure, and the oil pipeline being laid, and being assured that oil will flow within a year, has been enlightening. We’ve learned a lot about the connections between the environment and how plans are in place to mitigate environmental damage. We also saw how agriculture is integrated into livelihood restoration for project-affected persons, with strategies to strengthen these livelihoods through training, seeds, and advanced technologies.”
Dr. Tatwangire concluded, “I return with a great appreciation for the progress being made. As researchers, our role is to identify gaps, explore research questions, and provide the evidence policymakers need to improve policy planning. I am grateful to EfD, our financiers, and Makerere University for these opportunities, and I hope for more such engagements to enhance our relevance in policy debates and development.”
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
More photos from the Field Visit
Business & Management
Thirty Public Officers Certified in Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis
Thirty public officers from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have successfully completed a two-week intensive training in Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis (IRCBA), culminating in the award of certificates at a closing ceremony held on 27th February 2026 at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel in Jinja.
The training was jointly organized by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence at Makerere University and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in collaboration with the Infrastructure and Social Services Department (ISSD) and the National Planning Authority (NPA). It focused on operationalizing the Revised Guidelines for the Issuance of Certificates of Financial Implication (CFIs), which came into effect on 1st July 2025.
A Strategic Reform for Fiscal Credibility
In closing remarks delivered on by Commissioner Paul Patrick Mwanja behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, participants were commended for undertaking the training during a demanding budget cycle, when many MDAs are simultaneously preparing the FY 2026/27 Budget, executing the FY 2025/26 Budget, and implementing the National Development Plan IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
The PS/ST emphasized that the revised Guidelines mark a significant shift toward a more transparent, data-driven, consultative, and analytically rigorous approach to evaluating policy and legislative proposals. Participants were equipped to assess fiscal implications, evaluate economic and socio-economic impacts, analyze distributional effects, and address uncertainty using structured analytical tools.
They were reminded that training alone is not sufficient, the real test lies in consistent application. As members of the third cohort, they were challenged to serve as reform ambassadors, championing evidence-based policymaking and strengthening analytical standards across government.
Bridging Academia and Public Service
Delivering the official closing remarks, the Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Edward Bbaale, commended participants for their active engagement and unwavering commitment throughout the training.
He described the programme as both timely and strategic, designed to equip officers with practical tools to prepare robust Statements of Financial Implication (SFIs) that support credible issuance of CFIs. He noted that strong financial analysis enhances fiscal discipline, policy coherence, and the overall quality of legislation and public policy in Uganda.
Prof. Bbaale underscored the longstanding partnership between Makerere University and the Ministry of Finance, highlighting how it continues to bridge academia and public service by combining analytical rigor with practical policy experience. He emphasized that the collaborative model — bringing together faculty from the College of Business and Management Sciences and practitioners from Government, reflects the core vision of the PIM Centre of Excellence: strengthening national systems through evidence-based policymaking.
During the two weeks, participants gained hands-on experience in applying cost-benefit analysis across four critical dimensions: budgetary analysis, socio-economic analysis, distributive impacts, and risk assessment. Prof. Bbaale encouraged them to return to their institutions as agents of transformation, improving evaluation frameworks, strengthening regulatory decisions, and ensuring that public interventions deliver value for money and long-term development impact.
He also reaffirmed the Centre’s broader mandate beyond training, noting its recent support to the revision of Development Committee Guidelines, assessment of public investment performance since NDP I, and hosting of the Second Public Investment Management Conference in August 2025.”
Building from “Zero Kilometre”
Earlier, the Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence highlighted the practical approach adopted during the training. Participants began with blank Excel sheets and built analytical models from scratch, likened to the engineering concept of starting at “zero kilometre,” where construction begins from the very starting point and progresses step by step.
The interactive sessions enabled participants from diverse disciplines, including policy analysts, planners and statisticians, to interrogate assumptions, refine costing approaches, and debate implementation and enforcement frameworks. Their sector-specific insights enriched the learning process and strengthened the analytical models developed.
The Manager noted that excellence is not about knowing everything, but about bringing together the right expertise. Facilitators from MoFPED, NPA, the Office of the President, and Makerere University ensured that theory remained grounded in practical government realities.
Participants Applaud Practical and Engaging Sessions
Speaking on behalf of the cohort, a participant described the training as highly engaging and transformative. The combination of theory and practical application, coupled with patient facilitation, allowed officers from varied professional backgrounds to learn from one another.
The participant highlighted the final day’s discussions as the most impactful, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would enhance policy analysis and improve the quality of programmes and projects across MDAs.
Certificates Awarded
The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates to all 30 participants in recognition of their successful completion of the IRCBA training. The certification marks another milestone in Government’s effort to build a critical mass of experts capable of institutionalizing rigorous financial and economic analysis in public policy processes.
As the workshop was formally declared closed, participants were encouraged to apply their newly acquired skills consistently, mentor colleagues, and contribute to strengthening fiscal governance across Government.
The PIM Centre of Excellence reaffirmed its commitment to continuous research, policy advisory support, and capacity building as Uganda advances toward more credible, transparent, and sustainable public decision-making.
Business & Management
Botswana Delegation Visits Makerere’s Public Investment Management Centre to Study Sustainable Training Model
26th February 2026-During the 76th Graduation Ceremony (24th to 27th February 2026), Makerere University invoked its tradition of recognizing outstanding performance and excellence in academics, research, teaching, knowledge transfer, publication and authorship.
The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) presented students for graduation on the third day of the 76th graduation ceremony. Consequently, on 26th February 2026, entities within the University namely the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University Press, the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, Directorate of Graduate Training, and partners including the Economic Policy and Research Centre (EPRC), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA Uganda), Prudential Uganda, lined up awards, to celebrate achievements and excellence.
The award ceremony brought onboard invited guests from public and private sectors, the business community, Makerere University officials, faculty members, alumni, industry partners and graduating students. The awards were presented during the Makerere University Convocation Graduation Luncheon.
The ceremony provided a platform for celebrating academic excellence, strengthening alumni engagement, and reinforcing collaboration between the University and its professional and industry partners.
2026 Research Excellence Awards
The Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards were presented to college members whose research output and scholarly contributions have significantly advanced knowledge and strengthened the College’s academic profile.
At CoBAMS, the recipients of the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards in the various categories included the following:
- Associate Professor Faisal Buyinza, Overall top research award
- Associate Professor Faisal Buyinza, Senior-Career Research award
- Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, Mid-Career Research award
- Ruth Mpirirwe and Richard Ssempala, Early-Career Research award
The awardees were honored for their exceptional research productivity, impactful publications, and contribution to building a vibrant research culture.
The awards underscore Makerere University’s emphasis on high-quality research that addresses national and global development challenges.
Recognition of Book Author
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, a renowned economist, administrator, former Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, and the pioneer Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, was honoured for his contribution to scholarship and knowledge transfer through authorship.
Published by Makerere University Press, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s book titled, The Journey: Beginnings, Trials and Triumphs of Centenary Bank, highlights the evolution, resilience, and growth of Centenary Bank and reflects his continued contribution to academic literature and thought leadership in the fields of economics and financial development.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s recognition reflects the University’s appreciation of distinguished scholars whose published works contribute to intellectual discourse, policy engagement, and the advancement ofscholarship.
Reputable partners recognize excelling graduates
ACCA Uganda- Best Accounting Student
Prudential Uganda-Actuarial Science Award
Celebrating academic excellence, Prudential Uganda recognized the fourth cohort of outstanding actuarial science graduates under the Prudential Actuarial Science Support Scheme (PASS). The initiative reflects Prudential’s long-term commitment to building local actuarial expertise and strengthening Uganda’s financial services sector for generations to come.
The top five graduates of Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science who received the PASS awards included: Drake Kabuye, Edgar Allan Kalyango, Kuteesa Kikubira James, Tumutendereze Joseph, and Bashir Hijoma. These were honored for their outstanding academic performance and commitment to actuarial career. Through PASS, Prudential Uganda provides high-potential graduates with mentorship, internship opportunities, and guidance toward globally recognized actuarial qualifications.
Commenting on the milestone, Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO of Prudential Uganda, said that investing in actuarial talent is critical to building a resilient and sustainable financial services industry. He noted that actuaries play a central role in risk management, pricing, product development, and long-term financial planning, making their contribution vital to the growth of Uganda’s insurance sector.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences, applauded Prudential Uganda for its ongoing support, highlighting that programmes such as PASS inspire students to excel academically while preparing them for the realities and demands of the actuarial profession.
EPRC Young Professional Award
Recognizing excellence, EPRC presented the Young Professional award to Emmanuel Menya, the best Master of Arts in Economics graduate. The award includes a two-year employment contract. Ibrahim Kasirye, the Director of Research at EPRC presented the award on behalf of Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, the Executive Director.
The EPRC Young Professional Award, recognizes and celebrates exemplary performance. The award underscores the importance of nurturing young professionals who exhibit excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to national development.
Significance of the Award ceremony
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), underscored the significance of the ceremony, noting that it served three key purposes: to recognize academic excellence among students, to honor faculty members excelling in teaching, research, and service, and to celebrate Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, former Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, for his continued contribution to scholarship through authorship.
Prof. Bbaale described Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s ongoing scholarly work as inspirational, stating that it demonstrates a steadfast commitment to knowledge creation beyond leadership roles. He commended both students and staff for their hard work and discipline, emphasizing that university success is a shared achievement.
Collaboration, Responsibility, and Excellence
Congratulating the awardees, the Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Prof. Moses Muhwezi, reminded graduates that being a product of Makerere University is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Uphold the university’s internationally respected brand, defend it, and take pride in it, while maintaining unity and avoiding internal conflicts that could harm its reputation,” he urged. The Principal of MUBS encouraged graduates to remain committed, diligent, and focused in their pursuit of excellence.
Highlights about Makerere University Convocation
CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba, Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation, informed the audience, that the Convocation is a legally established and influential platform for alumni and staff.
Rallying alumni and staff to join Makerere University Convocation, CPA Turyamureeba outlined the achievements and ongoing activities. He reported that during his tenure, the Convocation Executive, had expanded and beautified the permanent home for the Convocation. Some of the ongoing activities include: strengthening alumni engagement, introduction of a cross-generational mentorship program, and the formation of a cooperative society (SACCO) aimed at providing affordable loans and potentially establishing a bank.
He tipped the fresh graduates on resilience, continuous self-improvement, and lifelong learning, stressing the importance of staying connected to their alma mater and the Makerere University Convocation community.
He cautioned the graduates on emerging fraud risks, including digital scams, and fraudulent job offers. He urged them to safeguard their personal information, uphold integrity, and avoid becoming either victims or perpetrators of fraud.
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