Business & Management
The Women RISE Project: Building Resilience among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Artisanal Mining Communities through Transformative Research
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected vulnerable populations, with adolescent girls and young women in unplanned artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) settlements bearing the brunt of its impact. Already grappling with economic hardships and inadequate healthcare access, these communities faced intensified challenges during and after the crisis, further deepening the existing inequalities.
To address some of these pressing concerns, the Women RISE research Project was launched to explore the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 on adolescent girls and young women in unplanned mining communities, examining their coping mechanisms and resilience during and after the pandemic.
The Women RISE project titled, “Economic and Health Impact and the Resilience of Last Mile Populations in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Unplanned Settlements in Sub-Saharan Africa Before, During and After COVID-19,” focused on Ghana and Uganda as case studies.
The project team consists of the following researchers; Betty Kwagala, Makerere University (Principal Investigator), Lydia Kapiriri, McMaster University, Canada (Co-Principal Investigator), Lydia Osei, University of Ghana (Co- Investigator), Stephen Wandera, Makerere University (Co- Investigator), Fred Ngabirano, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda (Co- Investigator/Decision maker), Deborah Mensah, Northern Empowerment Agency- Ghana (Co- Investigator) and Miriam Mutabazi, Uganda Christian University (Co- Investigator)
The composition of the research team is testimony that the two-year collaborative project brought together leading institutions from Canada, Uganda, and Ghana to assess these challenges and develop targeted interventions to enhance future crisis preparedness, with support from the International Development Research Center (IDRC).
To share these critical findings and explore policy implications, an end of project dissemination workshop was convened on 13th March 2025 bringing on board stakeholders comprising distinguished researchers, government representatives, project participants and civil society leaders for an insightful discussion on translating research into action, ensuring that adolescent girls and young women in ASM communities are better equipped to withstand future crises. Representatives from the following Ministries actively participated in the dissemination workshop: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
Officiating at the dissemination workshop, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University, Prof. Edward Bbaale commended the project team for undertaking a study that highlights the pressing economic and health challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women in artisanal and small-scale mining communities in Uganda and Ghana before, during and after the CoVID-19 pandemic. He underscored the critical role of evidence-based research in shaping policies and programs that foster sustainable development.
“This collaborative project not only brings to the forefront the critical economic and health challenges faced by adolescent in the small scale mining sectors in both Uganda and Ghana, but also highlights their remarkable resilience before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic. The work you have undertaken transcends national boundaries, reinforcing the value of international partnerships in tackling shared challenges. It is my great honor and privilege, to officially open this important workshop,” the Principal said.
Prof. Bbaale explained that research projects such as the Women Rise project, Universities play a vital role in identifying gaps and generating knowledge to guide policy and programming. He emphasized that having government, civil society, and the private sector actively engaged in research efforts significantly enhances the chances of translating findings into meaningful action. He stressed that the results of this research would be practical, policy-relevant, and instrumental in opening up more opportunities for future collaboration
“I am pleased that this project contributes meaningfully to Makerere University‘s research-led agenda, where evidence-based inquiry drives policy formulation, program design, and sustainable development. As a university, we take pride in pioneering collaborations between academia, government, and civil society, ensuring that research findings translate into actionable solutions for our communities,” he stated.
Beyond being a platform for sharing research findings, Prof. Bbaale said that the dissemination workshop serves as a critical space for dialogue among stakeholders and exploring avenues for scaling up research insights into impactful interventions. He noted that such engagements are essential in ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as adolescent girls and young women in small-scale mining communities, receive the support they need to build resilience and improve their livelihoods.
The Women RISE project created awareness of the challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women in mining areas. Some of these included: dropping out of school, early pregnancies, exposure to sexual practices and intimacy at a very early age, contracting of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and gender based violence.
Focusing on the health risks/challenges in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), Dr. Stephen Wandera, an academic member of staff at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences stated that the rudimentary approaches to mining without protective gear expose adolescent girls and young women to mercury and dust, while men involved in the extraction are exposed to dangerous gases and dust.
“Nearly 97% of adolescent girls and young women engage in gold ore processing using mercury without personal protective gear, which exposes them, and sometimes their children to health hazards,” he said.
Dr. Wandera shared that 28% of the women reported mercury-related health issues, including fatigue, stress, headaches, muscle and joint pain, numbness, liver problems, tremors, skin rashes, respiratory illnesses like TB and, in some cases, the birth of children with congenital defects among ASM workers, with Central Uganda being a key area of concern.
“While there are policy guidelines in place, having a policy is one thing, but following and properly implementing those guidelines is another. Unfortunately, most workers operate without personal protective equipment, exposing themselves to serious health risks. The challenge is that, as humans, we often tend to overlook the dangers if the effects are not immediately visible, assuming that everything is fine. However, this lack of protection can have long-term, detrimental health effects,” Dr. Wandera said.
Dr. Wandera pointed out that miners in the Eastern region continue to use mercury, leading to the contamination of water sources. The health risks, he warned, extend beyond miners to entire communities, as contaminated water from mining sites drains into swamps where people cultivate rice and vegetables, posing a major public health threat.
“Mining runoff is contaminating both soils and water bodies. We visited a site where ore was being processed, and the wastewater was flowing directly into a swamp. Some of this water reached areas where people were growing rice and vegetables. As a result, these individuals will eventually consume crops contaminated by the runoff. This situation poses a significant disaster waiting to happen,” Dr. Wandera warned.
Dr. Wandera outlined key recommendations to mitigate risks in artisanal mining, including strengthening coordination with the Ministry of Health and integrating mental health support in affected areas. He stressed the importance of enforcing occupational health and safety regulations while working towards the sector’s formalization. Additionally, he advocated for establishing effective monitoring systems and conducting regular inspections to enhance mining safety. He also recommended equipping miners with resources on safer techniques and alternative technologies, implementing education and training programs on the dangers of mercury, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration at national and local levels to address environmental, occupational, and public health concerns.
Dr. Miriam Mutabazi, Co- Investigator from Uganda Christian University presented critical findings on the health and well-being of young women in Uganda’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. She stressed the urgent need to address sexual and reproductive health challenges in these communities, emphasizing that economic vulnerability often compels young women to engage in high-risk behaviors, exposing them to significant health risks.
She noted that the study revealed a troubling trend where adolescent girls and young women engage in risky sexual practices, often in exchange for work opportunities, cash, or gold. “We realized that transactional sex and the temporal nature of relationships lead to multiple sexual partnerships, and this is very common in the mining settings. We also found that although the reports on sexual violence were low, interaction with the different participants revealed that there was actually a lot of gender-based violence, including sexual violence,” Dr. Mutabazi explained.
The findings indicated that 28% of the young women who had ever had sex had multiple sexual partners in the past year. These behaviors, she said, compounded by widespread substance abuse, have led to alarming rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with 40% of respondents reporting STI transmission.
She highlighted that the most vulnerable young women for instance those with lower wages, limited economic opportunities, and histories of sexual violence—were at the highest risk of negative reproductive health outcomes. Despite the relatively high use of modern contraceptives at 69%, adherence remained a major challenge, with inadequate access to family planning counseling and education.
In response to these findings, Dr. Mutabazi called for urgent action to protect and empower young women in the mining sector. She emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, NGOs, and local leaders to strengthen health services and education in mining communities. Among the key recommendations was the prioritization of artisanal miners as a high-risk population for STIs and HIV.
Dr. Mutabazi proposed a holistic intervention strategy that includes raising awareness on behavioral change, promoting alternative income sources to reduce transactional sex, preventing sexual violence, and advocating for safer sexual practices and committed relationships. She emphasized the need to expand access to youth-friendly reproductive health services, particularly through mobile clinics that reach young women directly at their workplaces. Additionally, she called for increased investment in family planning services, enhanced health education on the dangers of mercury exposure in mining areas, and the revitalization of a multi-sectoral approach that actively involves mining host communities.
Expounding on the health hazards, Prof. Betty Kwagala, an academic member of staff at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences informed the participants that most women in the mining areas carry their children to work, which also exposes the children to health and occupational risks.
Prof. Kwagala who is the Principal Investigator-Women RISE project noted that although the adolescent girls and young women faced health challenges, the most driver into this unfortunate scenario, were the economic factors.
She explained that when the adolescent girls and young women were trained and financially empowered through seed funding, the majority stopped going to the mining areas. “The adolescent girls and young women formed saving groups, became entrepreneurs, some went back to school, while others created alternative sources of income,” she said. In addition, the financially empowered adolescent girls and young women were able to transform their lives and children, uplift their families, friends and communities in general.
Presenting the gender dynamics in Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), as well as piloted interventions and their outcomes, Prof. Kwagala revealed that artisanal mining serves as an economic lifeline for many families across Uganda. She highlighted that these communities present significant challenges, particularly for young women and adolescent girls, who face gender-based disparities and reproductive health risks.
Despite their significant contributions, Prof. Kwagala said that women in artisanal mining remain marginalized. “Women are often relegated to low-paying and labour-intensive roles, such as panning and carrying ores, while men dominate the more lucrative aspects of mining. This limits women’s economic advancement and reinforces a cycle of poverty and dependence,” she said.
The findings revealed that, beyond economic marginalization, women in mining communities face an increased risk of gender-based violence. Their vulnerability is further aggravated by the absence of formal labor protections and legal recourse, highlighting the urgent need for policymakers and community leaders to take proactive measures to address these challenges.
Young women and adolescent girls in mining areas frequently encounter significant reproductive health risks. Limited access to healthcare services and inadequate sexual health education contribute to high rates of early pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Additionally, sexual exploitation is prevalent, with many women subjected to coercion and harassment in exchange for economic survival.
As a result, Prof. Kwagala emphasized the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and awareness campaigns to promote safe reproductive health practices. Strengthening access to contraception, maternal healthcare, and counseling services would be a pivotal step in addressing these challenges.
Another critical issue affecting young women in mining communities is the lack of educational opportunities. Prof. Kwagala disclosed that many adolescent girls drop out of school due to financial hardships, early pregnancies, or the need to contribute to household incomes. Without proper education and vocational training, they remain trapped in exploitative labour conditions with little hope for economic mobility.
To break this cycle, Prof. Kwagala called for community-driven initiatives that provide skills training, scholarships, and mentorship programs. Equipping young women with alternative income-generating skills can empower them to seek better economic opportunities beyond the mining sector.
Prof. Kwagala called for urgent action from the government, civil society, and private stakeholders to improve conditions for young women in artisanal mining. She recommended strengthening labor laws to ensure gender equity and protect women from exploitation, establishing mobile clinics and reproductive health education programs, and creating financial literacy and entrepreneurship initiatives to help women diversify their income. Additionally, she emphasized the need for gender sensitization programs to challenge harmful cultural norms and reduce gender-based violence. She also underscored the importance of advocating for increased resource allocation to adolescent and youth programs at all levels, supporting collaborative efforts to regulate excessive alcohol and drug abuse, establishing rehabilitation centers where feasible, and implementing interventions that engage male miners in promoting sexual behavior change and responsible parenthood.
Testimonies from adolescent girls and women empowered by the Women RISE project:
This being the end of the project dissemination, the participants listened to powerful testimonies from some of the adolescent girls and young women whose life was positively transformed through the Women RISE project. The transformation has had multiplier effects extending to uplifting the livelihoods of children, families and communities, where these girls and women conduct their work.
“We were monitored, trained in financial literacy and saving, entrepreneurship and equipped with life skills. We have created alternative sources of income. We have been transformed and empowered to lead better lives,” testified some of the adolescent girls and young women amidst applause from the stakeholders.
One participant emphasized that the support from partners and stakeholders is crucial for sustaining this momentum. It was disclosed that plans are already in place to expand the reach of the project, to integrate community health and education systems, and address new challenges that may arise in these rapidly growing districts.
Courtesy of the Women RISE project, the young people speak with confidence. They are in position to speak publicly and advocate for the needs of their peers. Many are making informed decisions about their lives, choosing to abstain from unprotected sex, using family planning methods, and making more assertive decisions about relationships. One participant mentioned, “I have learned that protecting my life is essential. I don’t go with anyone. I ask myself, ‘Who am I going with? What is his health status?”
Another young person shared, “This program changed my life. I was tested for HIV, and I am now confident in my decision not to engage with any man before knowing his status. Abstinence is my choice.”
What does this say about resilience? These young people have demonstrated remarkable growth and are now capable of standing resiliently in case of future crises. They have learned how to manage businesses, with many having multiple income streams. One notable success story is a young person who, after dropping out of school due to teenage pregnancy, financed her child’s delivery using proceeds from her business and she testified that she went back to school to complete her studies.
Peer mentorship has contributed to both personal and community resilience. Through these programs, young people have built self-esteem and empathy while advocating for others. One peer mentor said, “I have made many new friends. Even older people trust me, and I am able to help them, even escorting them to health facilities when necessary.”
Initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development:
Addressing the stakeholders, Mr. Fred Ngabirano, Commissioner for Youth and Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted the power of grassroots transformation in fostering economic and social development.
He emphasized the commitment of the Government of Uganda to addressing social challenges and creating sustainable opportunities for young people and women in vulnerable sectors. He said that among the various initiatives under the Ministry’s mandate is the Juakali Center, which plays a crucial role in identifying and supporting women and young people in their economic journeys. “Once we organize groups of young people, we collaborate with Juakali to provide them with opportunities,” he explained.
As the project beneficiaries shared their transformational experiences, Mr. Ngabirano highlighted key lessons drawn from their testimonies. He emphasized that transformation is not solely reliant on financial aid, but rather on effective strategic planning, capacity development and resource management.
“Some individuals have received venture capital funds such as Youth Livelihood Programme, but have not made significant progress. This raises an important question—what is the key to success? The answer lies in effective financial planning and passion-driven work; it is about how well you plan and utilize what you have,” he remarked.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of passion in professional and entrepreneurial success, saying, “If someone lacks passion for what they do, no amount of facilitation will drive success.” He thus lauded the young entrepreneurs who have followed their passion—whether in hairdressing, the grocery business, or other trades—and have, as a result, seen remarkable progress in their endeavors.
Mr. Ngabirano called for prioritizing human resource development as a means to transform people. He elaborated that investing in developing human potential should be a key focus. As the government continues to collaborate with academic institutions and grassroots organizations, Mr. Ngabirano stated that the future of youth and women empowerment remains promising.
Strategies being undertaken by the Ministry of Health:
Dr. Allan Kasozi from the Division of Adolescent Health at the Ministry of Health highlighted the pressing health challenges faced by young people, particularly those engaged in artisanal mining. He stressed the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable youth working in hazardous conditions. Dr. Kasozi revealed that the Ministry of Health is finalizing the Adolescent Health Hosted Implementation Plan, a comprehensive strategic document that will guide adolescent health policies and interventions for the next five years. He underscored the importance of targeted service delivery, ensuring that healthcare efforts effectively reach both remote areas and the most at-risk populations.
Dr. Kasozi expressed his deep appreciation for the resilience and hard work of all stakeholders involved in the Women RISE project research, acknowledging the critical insights it has provided. He emphasized that while policymakers may not always have the opportunity to closely observe the daily realities of young miners, this research has shed light on crucial issues that demand immediate attention.
“The findings from this study, alongside the voices of young people, have been incredibly enlightening. These insights will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategies at the Ministry of Health to effectively tackle the challenges faced by adolescent populations, particularly those in vulnerable sectors like artisanal mining,” he stated.
He credited the project research team for their invaluable contributions, noting that their work provides vital evidence to inform better health planning for Uganda’s youth. “This research presents an opportunity for us to lead with informed solutions. It reinforces the need for a multi-faceted approach to adolescent health, ensuring that young people, regardless of their circumstances, receive the care and support they need.”
Contribution from the Ministry of Local Government:
Mr. Rashid Biruma from the Ministry of Local Government who represented the Commissioner for Local Council Development, Mr. Swizin Mugyema stated the critical role of research in addressing national challenges. He acknowledged the existence of numerous problems facing the country and highlighted that the identification of specific issues through research is crucial in finding solutions. He noted that the workshop had provided valuable insights into the scale of the challenges, which extend beyond the specific areas being discussed.
One major issue raised during the workshop was the problem of child labour in mines. Mr. Biruma referred to this as a significant concern, particularly due to its association with crimes and children in conflict with the law. He praised the Ministry of Labour, Gender, and Social Development for its efforts in rehabilitating children involved in such activities, particularly through diversion programs aimed at reintegrating them into society.
“Child labour is associated to various related issues, including crime and children in conflict with the law. This is a critical issue that requires urgent attention, and we must explore ways to address and redress it. We are grateful for the support from the Ministry, which is assisting us, particularly through diversion programs aimed at rehabilitating children involved in criminal activities,” he said.
In addition to tackling child labour, Mr. Biruma highlighted the importance of leadership, particularly at the local government level. He reiterated that the Ministry of Local Government would continue ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and enforcement of rights.
Education, both formal and civic, was another point of emphasis. He encouraged the use of established community structures to promote civic education, stressing that awareness and community engagement are crucial to the success of these initiatives. He also urged the dissemination of information to local government officials to ensure compliance with community engagement strategies.
Presentation of findings on sexual behaviours of young male artisanal miners in Kassanda District:
In a study conducted by Ms. Patience Natwijuka, a Master of Science student funded by the project and her team at Makerere University, critical insights have been revealed regarding the sexual behaviors and factors influencing consistent condom use among adolescent and young male artisanal miners in Kassanda District, Central Uganda. The research, which focused on mining sites in Kagaba and Kayonza, sheds light on the health risks faced by this vulnerable population and highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.
The study, which involved a survey of 304 male participants aged 15 to 24 years, sought to assess sexual activity, multiple sexual partnerships, transactional sex, and socioeconomic determinants affecting condom use. The findings paint a stark picture of the realities young miners face, emphasizing the intersection of economic vulnerability, risky behaviors, and health outcomes.
One of the most alarming findings was that the median age of first sexual intercourse among these young miners was 16 years. On average, they reported having 16 lifetime sexual partners, with around 8 sexual partners in the last 12 months alone. Such patterns of sexual activity significantly heighten the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, raising concerns about the well-being of these young workers.
The study revealed that 24% of respondents had contracted an STI in the past year, while 55% engaged in multiple sexual partnerships. Additionally, 11% reported involvement in transactional sex, where economic hardships often push them into high-risk relationships. Compounding the risks, 56% of the adolescents reported alcohol use, a factor known to impair judgment and contribute to risky sexual behaviors.
A deeper analysis of the factors affecting consistent condom use revealed that marital status and parental survival played significant roles. Married or cohabiting young miners were less likely to use condoms consistently compared to their single counterparts. The findings highlighted the need for strategies to ensure that all young people irrespective of survival status of parents, receive guidance on safer sex.
Given these findings, Ms. Natwijuka and her research team strongly recommend the implementation of comprehensive health education programs in mining areas. These programs should focus on raising awareness about HIV, STIs, and the importance of condom use among young artisanal miners. Her study serves as a wake-up call to all stakeholders, urging collaborative efforts to safeguard the well-being of young artisanal miners and mitigate the rising health crisis in Uganda’s mining communities.
Way Forward:
Prof. Kwagala shared that education remains a key pillar in the discussions, with a strong focus on empowering adolescent girls and boys in mining districts. Notably, districts such as Kassanda have made significant strides by offering vocational training opportunities, equipping young people with practical skills for a sustainable future. These initiatives have enabled many, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to return to school or enroll in vocational institutions, providing them with viable alternatives beyond the mining industry and fostering long-term economic empowerment.
While the challenges remain, the commitment from district leaders to continue building on the project’s successes is clear. One participant emphasized that the support from partners and stakeholders is crucial for sustaining this momentum. Plans are already in place to expand the reach of the project, to further integrate community health and education systems, and address new challenges that may arise in these rapidly growing districts.
In Kassanda, for example, district leaders are focused on ensuring that more adolescent girls and boys have access to the resources they need to succeed. With the involvement of more partners and stakeholders, including local schools, health facilities, and NGOs, there is confidence that the district will continue to make progress in addressing the needs of its young people.
Prof. Kwagala emphasized that an integrated, community-driven approach is key to addressing mining community challenges. She noted that peer mentorship and education are empowering youth to advocate for safer practices and healthier lifestyles. While challenges remain, she highlighted the collective effort of local leaders, project partners, and youth as a model for lasting change. With continued commitment, the project aims to create a lasting impact, fostering healthier and more resilient generations.
She noted that outreach efforts to schools are underway to address the alarming dropout rates among girls, many of whom face early pregnancies, mining work, or repeated pregnancies. Prof. Kwagala highlighted that some girls become pregnant as early as 12 years old, stressing the urgency of interventions to create better opportunities for them.
Prof. Kwagala explained that several initiatives are in place to keep girls in school. For instance, peer mentors in Kassanda have reached out to 720 pupils. These provide age-appropriate education on menstrual hygiene, abstinence, and other essential health topics. The impact on schools has been ignificant, with peer educators playing a key role in engaging parents as well and in guiding children to health facilities for necessary services.
Prof. Kwagala highlighted the vital role of private-public partnerships in the program’s success, where partnership with an NGO and public health facility providers in partnership with trained peer mentors, through outreach or mobile clinics facilitated delivery of services like counseling, PEP, contraceptives, STI testing, HIV testing, and ARVs. This has led to increased service utilization and referrals among young people, fostering trust in these resources. She also emphasized the importance of mobile clinics in reaching remote communities with limited access to healthcare. These clinics have successfully built trust and confidence, offering a more accessible and reliable healthcare option.
Makerere University Environment for Development Initiative (EfD- Mak Centre) has graduated five senior government officials under the 2025 Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Fellowship Programme, equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills to champion climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and sustainable development in Uganda.
The fellows graduated during a ceremony held on Thursday June 25, 2026 at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK), where university leaders, government representatives, development partners, researchers and policymakers gathered to celebrate the completion of the year-long training programme.
The graduates included Eng. Thomas Epeet from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Ms. Getrude Basiima, a Commissioner in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Mr. Nicholas Magara from the Ministry of Water and Environment; Ms. Irene Kemigisha from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; and Mr. Boaz Tumusiime Mboijana from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Wamala congratulated the fellows for successfully completing what he described as a rigorous and impactful programme that lasted one year.
“Today’s graduation is more than a celebration of academic achievement. It is a testament to our collective commitment to building the knowledge, skills and partnerships required to address one of the defining challenges of our time — climate change and its effects on agriculture, livelihoods and sustainable development,” Wamala said.
He noted that the 2025 cohort undertook training under the theme, “Accelerating the Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture,” which aligns closely with Makerere University‘s research agenda on agricultural transformation, food security and livelihoods.
According to Wamala, climate variability and environmental degradation continue to threaten agricultural production, food security and rural livelihoods, making the need for innovative, evidence-based and scalable solutions increasingly urgent.
Through the fellowship, participants gained practical exposure to climate-smart irrigation technologies, resilient farming systems, soil and water conservation practices, and other innovations aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience.
“The experiences have equipped our fellows not only with technical competencies but also with the capacity to translate knowledge into practical solutions for communities and institutions,” he said.
The programme is implemented by the Environment for Development (EfD) Initiative through the EfD-Makerere Centre and is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It seeks to strengthen evidence-based policymaking by bridging the gap between research and policy while promoting the use of economic policy instruments to support a just green transition.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Makerere Centre and Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences(CoBAMS), said the fellowship targets senior civil servants and policymakers from Eastern Africa to strengthen their capacity to formulate and implement green economy policies.
“The goal is to promote the use of economic policy instruments to achieve a just green transition. The programme bridges gaps between research and policy and between researchers and policymakers to strengthen evidence-based decision-making,” Bbaale said.
Since its inception, the programme has trained 30 senior policymakers drawn from ministries, departments and agencies across the region.
Bbaale said, one of the programme’s unique features is its regional approach, which enables fellows from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Africa to share experiences and learn from one another’s policy interventions.
“We are able to learn from what other governments are doing in these Eastern African countries, compare with our policy environment and identify solutions that can work back home,” he said.
The 2025 cohort focused on accelerating climate-smart agriculture adoption, a priority area as governments seek to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production and rural livelihoods.
Bbaale announced that the next cohort, to be recruited later this year, will focus on forestry and water management. The programme intends to recruit five additional senior government officials from institutions including the Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Finance.
Host institution MUARIK also used the occasion to highlight its contribution to agricultural research and innovation.
Welcoming guests to the institute, MUARIK Director Dr. Peter Ebanyat described the facility as a leading centre for agricultural research, training and innovation whose history dates back to 1953.
He noted that the institute has played a significant role in developing agricultural technologies that have had national impact, including the development of soybean varieties grown across Uganda.
“Our vision is to be a thought leader in sustainable agricultural and environmental innovations. Our mission is to generate and disseminate knowledge, innovations and technologies through research, training and community engagement for improved agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods,” Ebanyat said.
He said hosting the graduation was particularly significant because MUARIK serves as a living laboratory where researchers, students, policymakers and development practitioners interact to generate solutions to challenges facing the agricultural sector.
The graduation ceremony underscored the growing importance of partnerships among universities, governments and development agencies in addressing climate change, promoting food security and advancing inclusive green growth across Uganda and the wider East African region.
As the fellows return to their respective institutions, university leaders challenged them to become ambassadors of climate-smart agriculture and champions of sustainable development, using the knowledge acquired through the programme to influence policies, strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods in their sectors.
The Inclusive Green Economy Fellowship Programme will continue until 2027 under Sida funding, with Makerere University remaining one of the key regional centres driving research, policy engagement and capacity building for sustainable development.
Graduating Fellows Call for Stronger Climate-Smart Agriculture Policies
Senior government officials who completed Makerere University‘s IGE Fellowship Programme called for stronger policy interventions, increased investment and wider public awareness to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agriculture in Uganda.
The senior civil servants highlighted climate change as a growing threat to agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods.
Speaking on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, Makerere University‘s Policy Engagement Specialist and coordinator of the programme, Dr. Peter Babyenda, said the 2025 cohort focused on developing policy instruments that can accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across the country.
“This cohort has been looking at accelerating the adoption of climate-smart agriculture because agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy and one of the sectors most affected by climate change,” Babyenda said.
He explained that the year-long fellowship trains senior civil servants and policymakers to design economic and policy incentives that promote environmentally sustainable development.
According to Babyenda, previous cohorts focused on issues such as clean cooking energy, biomass reduction and electric mobility, while the latest group examined how government can encourage farmers to adopt climate-smart technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems and sustainable farming practices.
“We have trained them on how to design policy packages and interventions that encourage adoption of climate-smart agriculture and improve resilience among farming communities,” he said.
The graduation brought the number of fellows trained under the Sida-funded programme to 30 since its inception. The initiative is implemented by Makerere University‘s Environment for Development (EfD) Centre in partnership with the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
Babyenda revealed that the next cohort, expected to be recruited later this year, will focus on forestry and water management as part of efforts to reduce emissions and strengthen climate resilience.
He also disclosed that Makerere University is considering upgrading the fellowship into an academic programme offering diploma and master’s qualifications in green economy studies.
“We are already developing a curriculum. The idea is to transform this capacity-building programme into an academic award programme that could eventually offer both diploma and master’s degrees in green economy,” he said.
Representing the graduating fellows, Engineer Thomas Epeet from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries said climate-smart agriculture is critical to safeguarding Uganda’s agricultural sector against the effects of climate variability.
“Agriculture contributes significantly to employment, rural livelihoods and the country’s GDP. However, prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns are threatening production, making climate-smart agriculture more important than ever,” Epeet said.
The fellows identified weak extension services, limited awareness, counterfeit agricultural inputs and inadequate access to modern technologies as some of the major barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture.
Epeet said the cohort’s research found that women farmers face particular challenges, including limited access to land ownership and agricultural resources, which affects their ability to adopt climate-smart practices.
He called for stronger involvement of the private sector in supplying quality agricultural technologies and inputs needed to support sustainable farming.
“The private sector has a critical role in providing irrigation equipment, improved seeds and other technologies that farmers need. Without a strong private sector, government interventions alone may not achieve the desired impact,” he said.
Nicholas Magara, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Water and Environment, said the training had equipped him with practical knowledge on how economic incentives can be used to address climate-related challenges.
He noted that environmental degradation, including forest and wetland destruction, continues to affect rainfall patterns and agricultural productivity.
“As policymakers, we must encourage farmers not to depend solely on natural weather patterns. Technologies such as irrigation, mulching and minimum tillage are becoming increasingly important in ensuring year-round production,” Magara said.
He recommended expanding the programme to accommodate more participants and upgrading it from a certificate programme to a diploma-level qualification.
“The content is extensive and highly professional. It deserves a higher academic recognition,” he added.
Irene Kemigisha, an economist from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the need to strengthen land tenure security, particularly for women, to improve access to credit and increase investment in climate-smart agriculture.
She said many women are unable to access agricultural financing because they lack land ownership documents that financial institutions require as collateral.
“We need to ensure that women have secure land rights and access to affordable agricultural credit if we are serious about increasing adoption of climate-smart agriculture,” Kemigisha said.
She also called for stronger agricultural extension services and improved market access for farmers to ensure that increased productivity translates into higher incomes.
Meanwhile, Boaz Tumusiime from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said the programme had highlighted the strong links between climate change, agriculture and tourism.
He said participants discovered that many climate-smart solutions already exist, but limited dissemination of information continues to slow adoption.
“Our transformative initiative focused on improving access to information and climate-smart solutions because the biggest challenge is often the gap between researchers, policymakers and the public,” Tumusiime said.
He praised the programme’s regional approach, which allows participants from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia to share experiences and learn from successful policies implemented across East Africa.
The fellows urged government, development partners and academic institutions to expand climate-smart agriculture training beyond senior civil servants to include private sector actors and grassroots agricultural practitioners.
They argued that broader participation would help accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices needed to strengthen food security, improve rural livelihoods and support Uganda’s climate adaptation efforts.
Panelists Call for Climate-Smart Agriculture Integration
The graduation ceremony was also marked by a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale.and focused on how Uganda can integrate climate-smart agriculture into its national development agenda. The dialogue brought together leading academics, policymakers and development practitioners to explore strategies for sustainable agricultural transformation.
Key discussants included Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University; Michael Ahimbisibwe from the National Planning Authority (NPA), representing Dr. Ronald Kaggwa; Victor Olejje from SunCulture Uganda; Wilson Asiimwe from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representing Dr. Sam Koojo; and Robert Turyakira from AGHNET.
The discussions highlighted Makerere University‘s commitment to research translation and intellectual property protection, the National Planning Authority’s emphasis on climate-smart agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, and the Ministry of Finance’s focus on integrated financing and market alignment. The panel also underscored the importance of ensuring that climate-smart interventions are properly costed, financed and implemented.
Responding to a question on how Makerere University is strengthening the translation of research into climate-smart solutions, Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University, explained that the institution coordinates research across its nine colleges under strategic themes, including agricultural transformation. He noted that Makerere has established an Innovation and Technology Support Centre to help researchers protect intellectual property, build industry partnerships, and commercialize innovations.
“We are developing a Research Impact Framework so that every project considers its long-term effect on policy and community livelihoods right from the design stage,” Prof. Wamala said.
He added, “An idea is not truly yours until it is protected,” emphasizing the importance of patents and copyrights in transforming research into sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing the role of climate-smart agriculture in advancing Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, Michael Ahimbisibwe, representing the National Planning Authority, emphasized that climate-smart agriculture is central to both the strategy and Uganda’s Vision 2040. He outlined its contribution to ensuring sustainable raw material supplies, building resilience to climate change, enhancing export competitiveness, supporting inclusive livelihoods and unlocking access to green financing.
“By embedding these approaches, agriculture becomes the backbone of our growth strategy,” Ahimbisibwe said, pointing to drought-tolerant crop varieties, water harvesting technologies, and compliance with international trade standards as critical interventions.
Responding to a question on how public investment and financing mechanisms can support climate-smart agriculture, Wilson Asiimwe from the Ministry of Finance argued that climate-smart agriculture must be approached holistically, with policies integrated across sectors. He explained that government investments, such as valley dams for livestock production, should be aligned with existing development programmes, while additional financing can be mobilized through carbon credit schemes, climate funds, and international grants.
“Productivity must be matched with markets; otherwise, we risk food mountains with no buyers,” Asiimwe cautioned.
He further noted that emerging export regulations, such as the European Union’s deforestation requirements, make climate-smart agricultural practices essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for maintaining trade competitiveness.
Explaining how planning processes ensure that interventions are properly costed and implemented, Ahimbisibwe further noted that planning serves as the bridge between policy and financing. Under Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, the government employs a programme-based approach, with agro-industrialization identified as a key programme. Each programme includes costed interventions that are monitored annually through compliance assessment mechanisms.
“This way, climate-smart agriculture is not just a policy idea but a funded and monitored reality,” he said, stressing that planning ensures government allocations, releases, and expenditures remain aligned with national development priorities.
The panel underscored a shared vision in which Makerere University drives research translation and intellectual property protection, the National Planning Authority positions climate-smart agriculture as a pillar of economic growth, the Ministry of Finance ensures integrated financing and market alignment, and planning frameworks guarantee effective implementation of costed interventions. Together, these efforts aim to embed climate-smart agriculture at the heart of Uganda’s long-term development strategy.
Compiled and written by Jane Anyango, Communication Officer
Photo Credits: Peninah Nalubega
(Fourth-Year Journalism and Communication Student)
Business & Management
PIM Centre of Excellence, Ministry of Finance Launch 4th Cohort Training on Certificate of Financial Implications
Makerere University‘s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), has commenced the fourth cohort of the Capacity Enhancement and Hands-on Training on the Guidelines for Financial Clearance and the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis.
The two-week training, held in Jinja, brings together economists, policy analysts, and technical officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen their capacity in conducting financial and economic assessments of government policies and legislation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Assistant Commissioner Mohammed Kabaale, who represented the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) emphasized the critical role of the Certificate of Financial Implications in promoting sound fiscal governance and evidence-based policymaking.
“The Certificate of Financial Implications is not merely a procedural requirement. It is a critical safeguard within our public finance management framework,” Mr. Kabaale noted. “It ensures that all policy and legislative proposals submitted to Cabinet or Parliament are fiscally sustainable, consistent with Government’s macroeconomic objectives, and aligned with our national development priorities.”
Mr Kabaale explained that the revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance, which became effective at the start of the current financial year, provide a strengthened institutional and analytical framework for assessing policy proposals. The guidelines require Regulatory Impact Assessments, Statements of Financial Implications from respective MDAs, evidence of stakeholder consultations, and Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis conducted by the Ministry of Finance.
According to the PSST, these requirements are intended to strengthen inter-agency coordination, improve the quality of the financial clearance process, and ensure that public resources are allocated in a manner that delivers maximum value for money to citizens.
The training is being delivered in partnership with Makerere University‘s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, established in 2023 to build national capacity in public investment management and policy analysis.
Representing Makerere University, the Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, commended the Ministry of Finance for its foresight in establishing the PIM Centre of Excellence and investing in capacity development for public servants.
“Uganda faces a triple challenge of scale, scarcity and speed,” Prof. Okumu said. “As our population grows, financing becomes more constrained, and citizens demand faster service delivery, every shilling must deliver greater value. Cost-Benefit Analysis and Financial Implications assessments help government make decisions that are beneficial, affordable and resilient under real fiscal constraints.”
Prof. Okumu noted that while Cost-Benefit Analysis helps determine whether a policy or project is worthwhile, integrating Financial Implications assessments ensures that proposed interventions are fiscally sustainable and implementable.
He challenged participants to apply the skills acquired during the training at project, portfolio and policy levels by improving project selection, prioritizing investments that generate the highest economic returns, and institutionalizing evidence-based decision-making across government.
“Analysis must translate into transformation,” he said. “The ultimate measure of success will be the decisions that change because of your work, the value you unlock for Uganda, and the lives that are transformed because you asked the right questions.”
The Dean further observed that integrated financial and economic analysis is increasingly important globally as countries seek to mobilize resources for climate action, digital transformation and sustainable development. He described the participants as part of a growing community of professionals capable of strengthening investor confidence and enhancing public trust through credible policy analysis.
Both speakers underscored the importance of professional integrity, continuous learning and institutional collaboration in advancing Uganda’s public finance reform agenda.
The PSST encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the training and to champion the implementation of the revised guidelines within their respective institutions. The Ministry, he added, will continue investing in systems automation, capacity development and stakeholder engagement to strengthen evidence-based financial clearance processes across government.
The training marks another milestone in the partnership between Makerere University and the Ministry of Finance aimed at building a critical mass of public sector professionals equipped to support fiscally responsible, socially inclusive and economically sound policy decisions. The fourth cohort follows the successful completion of three earlier cohorts conducted during the current financial year and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management and policy formulation systems.
Business & Management
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