Agriculture & Environment
EfD Uganda Graduates Third Cohort of IGE Fellows, Focuses on Clean Cooking Solutions
EfD Uganda has celebrated the graduation of its third cohort of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Capacity Building Program. The event, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, also included a discussion on promoting clean cooking in rural areas of Uganda. The function brought together IGE Fellows, representatives from various ministries and agencies, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, and charcoal traders.
The ceremony held on August 7, 2024 was graced by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Hakansson, Minister of State for Energy Hon. Okaasai Opolot Sidronius, and Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice Program is a capacity development initiative for senior civil servants and policymakers in Eastern Africa. It aims to increase the knowledge and use of economic policy instruments to achieve a just green transition. The program, financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD) at the University of Gothenburg, collaborates closely with EfD centers and partners in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda at Makerere University. Since its inception, 25 senior policymakers, including some at the director level, have been trained.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, the IGE Country Lead Uganda and Director of EfD Uganda, explained that the program includes several activities aimed at creating impacts at various levels including high-level dialogues, professional in-service training, Training of Trainers programs, co-creation of solutions for IGE Transformation Initiatives, cross-country learning workshops, initiation and promotion of an IGE community of practice, and the development and maintenance of a digital learning platform.
At the event, six IGE Fellows graduated from the program, including Eng. Ssekitoleko Simon Peter, Assistant Commissioner, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Tony Joshua Mwesigwa, Economist, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Mr. Kandwanaho Jonan, Senior Planner, Chemical Industry, National Planning Authority; Kebirungi Elizabeth, Planner, Natural Resources and Environment, National Planning Authority; Mr. Paul Byamugisha, Senior Climate Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development; and Ms. Flavia Namagembe, Climate Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. The support team included Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani, and Dr. Peter Babyenda.
“The program will continue until 2027, having received a renewal for five years starting in 2023. For 2024, we will still focus on energy, specifically looking at energy efficiency and emissions reduction, concentrating on promoting the uptake of electric vehicles in Uganda’s transport sector,” Prof. Bbaale reported.
The 2024 IGE Fellows were also introduced. They will undergo a one-year training course, engaging in various activities including both physical and online lectures co-delivered with policymakers and university faculty. They include Lucy Atek, Economist, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development; Charles Ocen, Engineer, Ministry of Water and Environment; Doreen Ankunda, Climate Finance Officer, Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development; Lucky Nabwire, Economist, Kampala Capital City Authority; and Vincent Operimo, Manager, Strategic Planning, National Planning Authority.
“The current group we are celebrating today focused on increasing the uptake of clean cooking in rural areas as their Transformation Initiative. The objectives were to create awareness about transitioning from biomass dependence to cleaner energy sources and to establish factors that can increase the uptake of cleaner energy sources such as LPG, electricity, and biogas,” Prof. Bbaale said.
This initiative included dialogues, a national stakeholders’ workshop, policy briefs, focus group discussions, and awareness-raising campaigns through social media, print media, and TV. It also contributed to developing the National Climate Finance Strategy 2023/24 – 2029/30, guidelines to mainstream climate change in Uganda’s financial sector, the fiscal framework for carbon markets, national green taxonomy, and a just transition framework.
Prof. Bbaale highlighted key lessons from cross-country learning, such as the importance of developing local solutions for local problems, making alternative fuels more accessible, and conducting effective awareness campaigns. He emphasized the need for targeted training programs to empower rural residents with knowledge and skills related to clean energy adoption.
Energy Minister Calls on Makerere University to Lead in Localizing Energy Technology and Human Resource Development
In his opening remarks, Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Okaasai Opolot Sidronius, urged Makerere University to collaborate in localizing and developing technology, laboratories, and human resources for energy systems.
Hon. Opolot expressed his frustration with Uganda’s dependence on foreign consultancies and emphasized the importance of building local capacity. He shared his experiences from visiting advanced energy labs in the United States, highlighting the need for Uganda to develop similar facilities and expertise. “We need to stop relying on foreign experts and start developing our own technologies and human resources. If the Americans can do it, why can’t we?” he said.
The Minister outlined Uganda’s efforts in developing its nuclear energy capacity, including signing multiple MoUs with countries like Russia, China, and Korea, and identifying potential sites for nuclear plants and training centers. He stressed the necessity of developing human resources locally, stating, “We must focus on building our own capacity to train thousands of scientists and technicians. Sending them abroad is not sustainable.”
Minister Opolot called on Makerere University to lead these efforts by establishing energy laboratories and training programs. “Makerere University should be at the forefront of localizing technology, establishing laboratories, and training personnel in energy systems,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of research and collaboration with other universities to transform Uganda’s energy sector.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe Pledges Makerere University‘s Support to Government Initiatives
In his opening and welcome remarks, Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed gratitude to the Minister for making time to attend the event, indicating the Minister’s appreciation of the university’s collaborative efforts with the government. Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that Makerere University, being a large institution with substantial resources, is underutilized by the government. He pointed out that the government spends significant funds on foreign consultancy for tasks that could be efficiently handled by the university’s lecturers and students.
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere University‘s commitment to supporting government programs, stating, “We are here for you. We are a government institution, and the people of Uganda have invested heavily in Makerere University, so we must reap from that investment.” He assured the Minister that the university is available to support government initiatives and emphasized that the funds provided for research and innovations should be used to address the government’s development challenges.
He specifically mentioned the university’s capability to conduct mineral testing, which could prevent the need to send samples abroad, thereby saving costs. Prof. Nawangwe expressed excitement about the invitation to collaborate and pledged Makerere University‘s full support for government programs. He also congratulated the Ministry of Energy on its successes, particularly the commissioning of the West Nile plant, which he described as a game-changer for the country’s energy sector.
Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the importance of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Capacity Building Program, highlighting that the issues addressed by the fellows are crucial for Uganda’s future. He recounted his childhood experience of passing through a green forest while studying in his village home , contrasting it with the current state of deforestation and urban slums. He stressed the urgency of addressing environmental issues as the population continues to grow, predicting severe consequences if action is not taken.
He commended the government for its active involvement in the IGE program and its collaboration with Makerere University through various initiatives, such as the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIC). Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the graduating fellows for their year-long engagement and encouraged incoming participants to take the training seriously, emphasizing that it would empower them and enhance their professional capabilities.
Swedish Ambassador Emphasizes the Importance of Universal Access to Sustainable Energy
Closing the event, Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, highlighted the critical role of universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed that energy is essential for economic growth and the provision of social and public services.
Ambassador Håkansson noted Sweden’s ambitious goal to become the world’s first fossil-free welfare state by 2045, aiming for net zero emissions. “We strongly believe this is important for us to keep the planet and life safe,” she said. This transformation requires a profound shift in systems and technology to ensure cleaner air, better urban environments, and safer energy supplies. Sweden has successfully decoupled carbon dioxide emissions from GDP growth since 1997, thanks to a significant reliance on renewable energy, without compromising public welfare or prosperity.
Sweden’s partnership with Uganda in promoting energy access and efficiency is strong. In 2019, the ambassador said, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Ugandan government for energy sector cooperation, which has been extended. Various capacity-building programs have trained energy sector staff in renewable energy and energy efficiency. A partnership with SNV, Makerere University, and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, supported by Sweden with USD 8.8 million, aims to engage the private sector in designing impactful energy efficiency solutions.
Sweden also reported that supports the Power Africa initiative to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa and collaborates with UEGCL and Swedfund on a feasibility study for floating solar panels on water reservoirs. This project aims to enhance the electricity generation capacity of Ugandan hydro power dams.
Additionally, Sweden’s support for the UNCDF Renewable Energy Challenge Fund has resulted in the avoidance of approximately 1,514,787 tons of carbon dioxide emissions through clean cooking initiatives. “The use of effective and clean cooking solutions has clear positive impacts on the daily lives of not least women and children by reducing indoor air pollution and easing the workload of collecting firewood,” Håkansson explained. “At the same time, it reduces deforestation and soil degradation.”
The Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) in Practice program, funded by the Swedish Development Cooperation and conducted in collaboration with Makerere University, focuses on sustainable energy transitions, particularly promoting clean cooking solutions. These solutions according to the ambassador have significant positive impacts, such as reducing indoor air pollution, easing the workload of collecting firewood, and mitigating deforestation and soil degradation.
Ambassador Håkansson concluded by commending the IGE Fellows for their efforts to raise awareness and increase the uptake of cleaner energy sources, congratulating them on their graduation from the program. “Let me conclude by commending the IGE Fellows for their work to raise awareness and increase the uptake of cleaner energy sources as well as congratulate them as they today graduate from the program,” she said.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Agriculture & Environment
Launch of the MUJAES Online Submission System & Call for Manuscripts for Volume 15 (Issue 1)
Makerere University students have once again demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to environmental conservation after emerging as the overall winners in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Tertiary Institutions Conservation Competitions held during the national celebrations to mark the World Wildlife Day.
On 25th February, a team of eight students, including members of the Makerere University Tourism Association (MUTA), proudly represented the university at the competitions organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event took place at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the country to showcase knowledge and innovation in wildlife conservation.
The competitions formed part of the activities marking World Wildlife Day and were held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The theme highlighted the importance of protecting plant biodiversity, particularly species that support traditional medicine, cultural heritage, and sustainable livelihoods.
After a highly competitive contest that tested participants’ knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, Makerere University emerged as the overall winner. The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College finished as the first runner-up, while Nkumba University secured the second runner-up position.
The team’s achievement was officially recognized during the national World Wildlife Day celebrations held on 3rd March at the Entebbe Works Grounds. During the ceremony, the students were awarded a trophy in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The award was presented by Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, alongside the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra. The leaders commended the students for their remarkable achievement and emphasized the critical role young people play in promoting conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.
The winning team comprised students from diverse academic disciplines as follows:
- Iradikunda Jemimah – Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Nankabirwa Edith Mirembe – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Agenrwoth Brenda – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Joel Kibirango – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Elvis Mujuni Kamara – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Kamyuka Ben – Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Botany/Zoology)
- Karisa Geofrey – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Nyangoma Caroline – Bachelor of Science in Forestry
According to Prof. Jim Ayorekire, Head, Department of Tourism at Makerere University, the win not only highlights Makerere University’s continued leadership in conservation education but also underscores the importance of empowering young people to take an active role in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
Agriculture & Environment
From Campus to Community: Universities Lead Teso in Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By John Omoding
When Immaculate Acom inhaled smoke from traditional firewood stoves, it was a daily struggle. Her eyes watered, her lungs ached, and cooking became a source of illness rather than nourishment.
Today, Acom’s home in Aten Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub-county, Soroti District, has transformed into a living laboratory for green energy solutions, a hub where university researchers, students, and local farmers collaborate on practical strategies to combat climate change.
“I used to cough every time I cooked. Now, with a biogas digester built by my husband, I can cook and light our home safely,” she says, pointing to the small green dome beside her house. “This is a relief for all the mothers in the community.”
Bringing Academia to the Grassroots
Acom’s story is part of the TORCH Project, a multi-university initiative involving Makerere University, Busitema University, Kabale University, and the University of Juba. The project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices at the community level.
Unlike conventional environmental campaigns, the TORCH Project emphasizes direct engagement with local communities. Role models within villages are identified and trained in modern agricultural practices, clean energy use, and environmentally friendly living standards.
Dr. Jolly Akullo Oder, TORCH Project Coordinator at Busitema University, explains:
“Our mandate is to go to the community, share knowledge, listen to their challenges, and co-create solutions. This is not about lecturing – it’s about learning together.”
The project’s operational area spans a ten-square-kilometer zone around Busitema University’s Arapai campus, where researchers, students, and community members meet regularly to exchange ideas and implement practical solutions.
A Living Lab for Green Growth
The initiative, branded as a living lab, aims to achieve green growth, rural carbon credits, and the adoption of affordable green technologies.
Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Principal Investigator from Makerere University, emphasizes the community-centric approach: “We are here to sit at the table with the community, discuss the challenges of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and chart a path forward together. Awareness is the first step to action.”
The project focuses on tangible interventions, including biogas digesters, sustainable tree planting, and energy-efficient farming methods, to reduce carbon emissions at the household and community level.
Community Voices: From Awareness to Action
For local farmers like John Michael Elebu, the university outreach is both eye-opening and practical. “I’ve never seen academics come to the community and engage with us so openly. I hope they can provide free improved tree seedlings to support our farming and fight climate change,” Elebu said.
Acom urges men in the community to take an active role in adopting clean energy technologies. Her husband, David Okwi, is among those championing the integration of green technologies into everyday agricultural practices.
“Promoting renewable energy and sustainable farming isn’t just about protecting the environment,” Okwi says. “It also improves health, saves money, and strengthens the resilience of our families.”
Universities as Catalysts for Environmental Change
The TORCH Project represents a unique model of academic-community collaboration, where research and practical application intersect.
Universities provide expertise, training, and access to modern technologies.
Community members contribute local knowledge, labor, and willingness to adopt change.
Together, they tackle climate change, energy poverty, and environmental degradation at the grassroots.
Dr. Akullo notes that the initiative will expand its activities continuously, monitoring outcomes, adapting approaches, and scaling up best practices across Teso and neighboring regions.
Way forward
By turning households into living laboratories, the TORCH Project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action.
For residents like Acom and Okwi, the benefits are immediate: cleaner air, reduced health risks, and practical solutions for everyday life. For Teso, the project could serve as a blueprint for climate-smart rural development across East Africa.
“Change begins at home,” Dr. Musinguzi says. “When communities understand the challenges of green gas emissions and know how to respond, the impact spreads far beyond one village or household.” In Aten Village, the hum of a biogas stove and the sight of thriving tree seedlings offer a glimpse of what is possible when universities partner with communities, creating hope for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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