Business & Management

EfD Launches $30,000 Carnegie CECAP-funded Research Project on Household and SME Energy Efficiency in Uganda

Published

11 months ago

May 15, 2025

Participants in group photo after the inception workshop. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Participants in group photo after the inception workshop.

Kampala, Uganda – May 15, 2025
The Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University has launched a two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The project, supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, officially kicked off with an inception workshop held at the EfD Mak conference room on Wednesday.

Dr. Peter Babyenda, a postdoctoral researcher and lead investigator on the project, said the study will focus on identifying the key drivers of energy consumption at the household and SME level, particularly within the manufacturing sector. “We are investigating what factors determine energy use—whether it’s charcoal, LPG, or electricity—and how that use can be made more efficient,” he said.

The research is being conducted under the mentorship of Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of EfD-Mak, and is part of a larger initiative under the Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training led by Principal Investigator Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who also serves as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

Dr. Peter Babyenda, Post Doc Researcher. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Peter Babyenda, Post Doc Researcher.***

The project aims to provide evidence-based policy and awareness messages to improve energy efficiency in Uganda, amid rising electricity costs and population growth. “The only sustainable way to address rising energy costs is through improved efficiency,” Dr. Babyenda emphasized.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, energy engineers, economists, and researchers from institutions such as the Economic Policy Research Centre. Their input is expected to help refine the study tools and shape data collection strategies.

Dr. Babyenda noted that the team will now revise its research instruments based on feedback from the workshop, and submit the tools for ethical review by the CoBAMS Research Ethics Committee. Field data collection is slated to begin in early June.

Participants gathered in the EfD Conference room. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Participants gathered in the EfD Conference room.***

The study, selected through a highly competitive process that saw only 25 projects funded, is expected to culminate in two peer-reviewed publications and a comprehensive report. Dissemination efforts will target both policymakers and end users, including the Ministry of Energy and relevant community stakeholders.

“This project is a milestone for us at EfD-Mak. We are excited to contribute research that has the potential to influence national energy policy,” Dr. Babyenda said.

Dean Calls for Deeper Stakeholder Engagement and Practical Insight

The Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu, called for greater alignment between academic research and practical stakeholder perspectives in energy studies.

Congratulating Dr. Peter Babyenda and his team for securing the $30,000 research grant, Prof. Ibrahim praised the initiative as a reflection of both academic rigor and practical relevance.

Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu officially opening the workshop. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu officially opening the workshop.***

“My understanding of inception workshops is that they are meant to test whether your conceptualization aligns with stakeholder perspectives,” he said. “The quality of feedback you receive depends on the quality of stakeholders you engage.”

Prof. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of engaging engineers in the electricity sector, arguing that understanding operational mechanisms is essential for any discussion on energy efficiency. “Efficiency is not just an economic concept—it’s grounded in how energy systems work, and that’s an engineering issue,” he noted.

He encouraged the research team to use the stakeholder feedback to refine their research tools and conceptual framework. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted how a paper he published in the Policy Review Journal originated directly from stakeholder insights gained during a previous inception workshop.

A section of participants. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***A section of participants.***

The Dean also stressed the need for inclusive dissemination strategies. “For any research to have real impact, it must involve the end users not just at the point of output but from inception through to delivery,” he said. “If you don’t speak to the people who use the energy, you lose the entire purpose of the research.”

Prof. Ibrahim closed by extending gratitude to all participants and reaffirming the School of Economics’ support for the EfD center. “What we’ve earned today are not just discussions, but deep mental insights that will shape this project going forward,” he concluded.

Participants Urge Deeper Energy Awareness and Policy Integration

Key stakeholders from government and academia called for enhanced public awareness and integrated energy policies

Esther Fiona Atek, an Energy Officer from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, underscored the ministry’s interest in the project findings. “While we know how much residences consume, we’re particularly interested in how that breaks down between rural and urban areas, and within specific uses like cooking and lighting,” Atek said. “The research will inform future policies to promote energy-efficient technologies both in households and SMEs.”

Atek emphasized the study’s potential to support the ministry’s mandate to drive energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors. She highlighted the need for disaggregated data that can guide technology promotion and tailor interventions to actual consumption patterns.

Dr. Abubaker Matovu and other participants during the meeting. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Abubaker Matovu and other participants during the meeting.***

Meanwhile, Dr. Abubaker Matovu Wasswa, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Makerere University, called for broader public education on energy types and uses. “People often limit solar energy to lighting, yet it can do so much more. We must understand the different forms of energy—biomass, petroleum, LPG, solar—and how each can be used efficiently,” he said.

Dr. Wasswa stressed that energy sustainability requires a cultural shift in how Ugandans perceive and utilize various energy sources. “If we don’t educate users on energy efficiency across all forms, we risk wasting valuable resources and missing out on long-term sustainability,” he warned.

Kironde a secretary for defense at Kalerwe market submits the need for the university to engage with Local Councils. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Kironde a secretary for defense at Kalerwe market submits the need for the university to engage with Local Councils.***

The EfD-led research project aims to provide actionable data and recommendations to improve energy efficiency across Uganda. Fieldwork is expected to begin in June 2025, with findings set to influence national policy discussions and promote smarter energy use in households and manufacturing enterprises.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda

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Business & Management

Call For Applications: Student Mobility – University of Padova, Italy (Oct 2026-Jan 2027)

Published

21 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Mak Editor

Group Photo of the trainers and trainees that took part in the workshop on multivariate statistics and time series analysis, held 11th-20th June 2024 between the School of Statistics and Planning, CoBAMS and University of Padova, Italy. Makerere University School of Statistics and Planning-University of Padova, Italy dynamic workshop on multivariate statistics and time series analysis, 11th to 20th June 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Arising from an existing Memorandum of Understanding (until September 2028) between University of Padova, Italy (UniPd) and Makerere University (Mak), the two institutions partnered and will jointly implement the Bilateral Agreement for the mobility for students between 2026 and 2027. At Mak, the Departmental Flow Coordinator is Symon Peter Wandiembe (PhD) and the project Principal Investigator and Contact Person is Saint Kizito Omala (PhD), both of Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science (DSMAS).

In this regard, the Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science wishes to announce opportunities for student mobility to the Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy for the Winter Semester, October 2026 – January 2027.

The selection process shall entail five-steps:

Step 1: Submission of documents by candidates for nomination, with an internal deadline of April 20^th, 2026, 05.00 p.m. (EAT) to allow for time to process nomination applications;
Step 2: Meeting of the Nomination Committee to review documents received from applicants;
Step 3: Submitting the list of nominated candidates, by April 30^th, 2026, to the International Projects and Mobility Office of the University of Padua, Italy;
Step 4: Eligibility check and communication to successful candidates by the International Projects and Mobility Office of the University of Padua, Italy; and
Step 5: Application for the Mobility opportunity by successful candidates.

Please see download for detailed call.

Inquiry

S.K. Omala via +256 772 491545 before April 20^th, 2026.

Advert Bilateral UniPd_Mak_Agreement_for Student Mobility Download

Business & Management

Mak CoBAMS Hosts UNISA’s Dr. Sizile Makola

Published

6 days ago

April 8, 2026

Ritah Namisango

L-R: Dr. Zaina Nakabuye, Dr. Jude Mugarura, Dr. Agnes Sansa, Dr. Sizile Makola, Prof Edward Bbaale and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana at the 8th April 2026 meeting in the Office of the Principal. Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale welcomes Dr. Sizile Makola, a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management from the University of South Africa (UNISA), to the College and Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, 8th April 2026.

On Wednesday 8^th April 2026 the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale received and welcomed, Dr. Sizile Makola, a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management from the University of South Africa (UNISA), to the College and Makerere University.

The interaction meeting held in the Office of the Principal brought onboard the following members of staff from the Department of Marketing and Management, School of Business: Dr. Jude Mugarura, Dr. Zaina Nakabuye, Dr. Agnes Sansa, and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana.

Dr.Sizile Makola is visiting Makerere University for two (2) weeks to cement the MoU between Makerere University and UNISA and to finalise her comparative studies with staff from the department of marketing and management on behalf of Makerere University for the Ugandan context.

Dr. Makola is scheduled to deliver an interactive guest lecture to undergraduate and postgraduate human resource management students on Friday 10^th April 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in the School of Business, Conference Hall.

Guest Lecture on Re-Imagining Human Resource Management in Africa, Topic: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Practice, Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sizile Makola. Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management from the University of South Africa (UNISA), 10th April 2026, 2:00-4:00PM, The Conference Room, Level 2, Block B, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***The Guest Lecture Poster.***

Business & Management

Mak CoBAMS holds strategic partnership engagement with World Bank

Published

2 weeks ago

April 2, 2026

Ritah Namisango

L-R: Cyril Desponts, Hassan Zamani, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, Liz Mukasa Samula, and Assoc. Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu. Strategic partnership engagement with delegation from the World Bank ahead of the African Meeting of the Econometric Society scheduled to take place in June 2027 preceded by the Econometric Society Summer School, 1st April 2026, Office of the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On 1^st April 2026, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University, Professor Edward Bbaale hosted a delegation from the World Bank for a strategic partnership engagement ahead of the African Meeting of the Econometric Society scheduled to take place in June 2027. The International engagement will be preceded by the Econometric Society Summer School.

Focusing on macroeconomic stability, productivity, climate resilience, and youth employment, the African Meeting is expected to attract over 400 national and international participants. The Meeting has been deemed critical in advancing research and policy dialogue as well as planning and development across the continent.

The World Bank delegation consisted of Hassan Zaman-Regional Director for East Africa, Cyril Desponts-Country Senior Economist, and Liz Mukasa Samula-Country Economist. During the introduction, Liz Mukasa Samula stated that she is a proud alumnus of Makerere University, specifically, the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).

At the College level, the meeting brought onboard, Professor Edward Bbaale, Associate Professor Eria Hisali, Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, and Ritah Namisango.

Presentation by Mak CoBAMS

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Bbaale presented the College of Business and Management Sciences as a centre of excellence in teaching and learning, research, policy engagement, knowledge transfer, and entrepreneurship. Prof. Bbaale informed the delegation about the great works under the School of Economics, School of Business, and the School of Statistics and Planning.

Highlighting the purpose of Mak CoBAMS in line with the strategic meeting, Prof. Bbaale explained that the World Bank is a leader in applied research, policy design, and capacity building, and therefore, as partner, they would enrich the discussions aimed at hosting a successful and impact-driven African Meeting of the Econometric Society. In addition, the partnership would present an opportunity to shape policy dialogue and engage Africa’s next generation of economists.

He added that at the national level, the Bank of Uganda, National Planning Authority, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development had agreed to be partners.

Acknowledging that scholars, researchers and participants in general, would be delighted to engage with an authority in the discipline, Prof. Bbaale proposed a Policy Round Table moderated by the World Bank.

Building on Prof. Bbaale’s remarks, the Dean of the School of Economics, and a Member of the Global Organizing Committee, Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, highlighted that partnership with the World Bank would strengthen the research-policy interface at scale.

At the strategic level, the Dean of the School of Economics, articulated that the partnership would establish a lasting platform to strengthen the role of economic research in development policy across Africa. He noted that some of topics, papers and research, would focus on African economics and development. He pointed out that the international engagement with participants from across the globe provides an opportunity to inform policy briefs on a wide range of topics

Contributing to the discussion, Associate Professor Eria Hisali, submitted that the Journal Publications under the World Bank would provide possible outlets for the dissemination of information and knowledge generated during the African Meeting of the Econometric Society.

Presentation by the delegation from the World Bank

The Regional Director for East Africa, Hassan Zaman, was pleased to visit Makerere University, an institution that has significantly contributed to knowledge creation and transfer as well as development.

Responding to the presentation from the College of Business and Management Sciences, Zaman welcomed the idea of potential collaboration. “Based on our knowledge bank perspective, it is of interest to engage.”

Specific to Africa, Zaman emphasized the need for topics on econometrics to be presented by experts from the continent. He welcomed the proposals on a Policy Round Table, Impact-driven Policy briefs, participating in the summer school, and representation of the World Bank on the Global Organising Committee.

Presentation on the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence

During the Strategic Partnership Meeting, the delegation expressed interest in collaborating with the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence based at Makerere University. “The World Bank will undertake a public investment review. Does the PIM Centre at Makerere University undertake analytical work?”

In response, the College team expressed readiness for collaboration with the World Bank. Consequently, the Principal of CoBAMS and his team, briefed the delegation on the PIM Centre of Excellence:

Its main focus is capacity building through training of government officials along the entire project cycle.
PIM Centre kicked off with seed funding from the World Bank. When the grant came to an end, Bank of Uganda came onboard to support.
The Centre undertakes capacity building, research, and policy engagements.
Every year in the month of August, Makerere University, College of Business and Management Sciences, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), and the National Planning Authority (NPA), hold a PIM Conference.
Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu and Associate Professor Eria Hisali shared some of the ongoing research in the area of public investment management.

The Strategic Meeting concluded on a high note, with both parties not only acknowledging but receptive of the various prospects future collaboration and partnership presents.