Business & Management
Swedish Ambassador Calls on Uganda to Lead Africa’s E-Mobility Revolution
Published
10 months agoon
By
Jane Anyango
By Monica Meeme and Jane Anyango
Kampala, July 2, 2025
The 4th Cohort of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Fellows 2024–2025 has graduated with certificates at a colorful ceremony held at the Kampala Kolping Hotel. The new IGE cohort 2025–2026 was also introduced during the event. The fellows—senior public servants from five key government institutions—completed a year-long training on green economic transformation, focusing on reducing emissions in Uganda’s transport sector. The participating institutions included the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (specifically the new Climate Finance Unit), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Planning Authority, and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
The IGE Fellowship, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), is a capacity-building initiative coordinated by the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with Uganda’s Makerere University. This year’s program brought together senior officials from Uganda’s public sector to address policy and practical challenges in promoting e-mobility and reducing transport emissions.
The graduation ceremony attracted over 120 participants from Uganda’s ministries and agencies in water, minerals, and energy, as well as private sector players, academia, and civil society organizations. Dignitaries from Makerere University, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, several deans, and commissioners were present. Also in attendance were representatives from Kira Motors, UETCL, and other stakeholders in Uganda’s emerging e-mobility sector. The event was presided over by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Maria Håkansson, as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero; the Vice-Chancellor’s representative, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (also Academic Registrar and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs); and the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who also leads the Uganda IGE program.
Sweden’s Call to Action
H.E. Maria Håkansson commended Uganda’s efforts to transition to a green economy and urged the country to lead Africa’s e-mobility revolution. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Håkansson emphasized the importance of clean transport solutions for achieving climate goals and driving national development.

“It is a pleasure and honor to celebrate a cohort of professionals now better equipped to shape Uganda’s green economy,” she said. “This year’s focus on e-mobility is not just timely—it’s essential.”
She stressed that transitioning to electric mobility is more than a technological shift—it’s a paradigm change with broad social, economic, and environmental implications.
“Uganda, with its abundant renewable energy resources—solar, hydro, and bioenergy—is uniquely positioned to lead this transition,” she noted. “Clean energy must power clean transport.”
Drawing on Sweden’s experience, Håkansson said Swedish companies have set global benchmarks in electric vehicle technologies and infrastructure. She reaffirmed Sweden’s readiness to support Uganda in building a sustainable e-mobility ecosystem.

“Investment in charging infrastructure, incentives for EV production and use, and public awareness campaigns are essential to making this work,” she said.
She also called for a whole-of-society approach, urging collaboration between government, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
“It’s inspiring to see multi-sectoral representation here. This is exactly what’s needed to move from policy to impact,” she added.
A Message to the Graduates: Be the Pioneers
Addressing the 2024 IGE Fellows directly, Ambassador Håkansson described them as pioneers of Uganda’s green transformation.
“You have the knowledge, the skills, and the platform to influence policy, drive innovation, and lead by example,” she said. “Embrace that responsibility with passion and determination. Uganda’s future is in your hands.”

She concluded by congratulating the fellows and reaffirming Sweden’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s green economy agenda.
“Your achievements are not just personal milestones; they are part of a broader mission to ensure a better, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all.”
Minister Musenero Urges Integration of STI and Economic Policy
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, called for urgent alignment of science, technology, and innovation (STI) with economic policy to transition Uganda into a sustainable green economy.
She emphasized the role of public sector leadership in combating climate change through e-mobility, energy efficiency, and adaptive economic strategies.
“This cohort has shown what’s possible when we equip our civil service with tools and knowledge beyond traditional silos,” she said. “STI alone cannot transform our economy. Without the right incentives and economic policies, even the best innovations may not scale.”

E-mobility was central to the fellows’ training. From motorcycles to buses, Uganda’s electric vehicle transition was presented as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Kira Motors Corporation was highlighted as a standout example that has inspired regional interest.
“Our transport sector is a major emitter,” said one program coordinator. “But through e-mobility and better planning, we can make real progress. That’s why we brought together not only policymakers but also private sector players, utility providers, and boda-boda operators.”
The IGE Program operates in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. It combines technical training, peer learning, and national policy engagement.

Fellows visited institutions in Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia to exchange experiences and showcase Uganda’s successes—particularly the Kira EV initiative, which has become a regional benchmark.
Dr. Musenero emphasized Uganda’s commitment to using STI to meet its climate goals but cautioned against fragmented efforts.
“Africa may contribute less than 4% of global emissions, but we suffer disproportionately,” she said. “This is our moment to lead—not just through innovation, but by creating the right environment for innovation to flourish.”
Musenero Warns Against Passive Technology Adoption
Dr. Musenero urged African nations to stop passively receiving technology and instead harness it for economic sovereignty and relevance.

She argued that unless African countries take control of their role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they risk falling into cycles of dependency.
“We now have enough PhDs, institutions, and qualified leaders,” she said. “So it’s unacceptable that Africa receives this revolution as it did the last—awed by foreign inventions but unable to replicate them.”
While e-mobility is often framed as a climate solution, she urged fellows to focus on wealth creation, job generation, and manufacturing.
“Thriving means growing despite challenges. Harnessing is using innovation as a launchpad for prosperity. That’s the mindset we need.”

She warned that Uganda’s green transition must go beyond emissions reduction to address economic transformation.
Dr. Musenero offered a historical account of how past industrial revolutions left Africa behind—not due to lack of technology, but due to lack of understanding.
“The first industrial revolution didn’t start with a master plan—it started small and grew. But countries that embraced it changed forever. Africa, meanwhile, was herding cattle,” she said.
Now, with digital technology, AI, biotechnology, and green energy, Africa must act decisively.

“We were unprepared then. But now we have the tools, the minds, and the responsibility.”
She concluded with a call for internships and deeper policy engagement, suggesting that all IGE Fellows be seconded to her ministry.
“We need you to think—not just about policies, but about the why. Why e-mobility? Why now? What does it mean beyond emissions?”
Makerere University Urges Fellows to Champion Uganda’s Green Future
Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, representing the Vice-Chancellor, urged the graduates to become ambassadors of the green economy, leading transformative change.
He praised the year-long training as timely and vital for addressing regional environmental and economic challenges.

“Technology never solves problems without creating others,” he said. “As we develop, we must manage the disruptions that come with it.”
The program, supported by Sida and hosted by Makerere University, equips senior government officials with tools for green policy-making. This year’s fellows came from finance, energy, environment, and planning sectors—central to Uganda’s development.
Prof. Buyinza highlighted the inclusion of climate finance officers, planners, and engineers, noting that cross-sector collaboration is key.

“This is how we build a green industrial economy,” he said. “Green skills, green jobs—that’s the call of the time.”
He celebrated the program’s regional scope, involving fellows from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, and stressed knowledge-sharing across borders.
“This transition from diesel to electric vehicles offers real opportunities to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and modernize transport.”
He concluded by reminding graduates of their duty:

“You are our ambassadors. We count on you to deliver transformative, scalable programs that shape Uganda’s future.”
Prof. Edward Bbaale: “Seeds of Transformation”
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the IGE Programme, described the initiative as a model of interdisciplinary excellence.
“You are seeds of transformation,” he said. “You’ve not just completed a course—you’re now champions of Uganda’s green transition.”
Fellows were drawn from five key institutions and focused on reducing transport emissions through energy efficiency and e-mobility.

Prof. Bbaale emphasized the need for cross-sector dialogue and noted that e-mobility is not just about technology—it’s also about infrastructure, incentives, and economics.
“Scientific breakthroughs must be matched by sound economic policy,” he said. “Without the right tools—taxes, subsidies, regulation—green initiatives may stall.”
He pointed out that Africa, though contributing less than 4% of global emissions, suffers disproportionately, demanding urgent and pragmatic responses.
He lauded the regional scope of the program and Uganda’s leadership, particularly the Kira EV model, which has drawn admiration across East Africa.

Prof. Bbaale credited Sida, the University of Gothenburg, Makerere leadership, and Dr. Musenero for bridging the gap between science and economics.
“Be the voice of change. Let your work reduce emissions, create jobs, and improve lives,” he urged the graduates.
The Journey of the 2024 IGE Fellows
When the 2024 IGE Cohort began in April, few anticipated the scale of transformation—both professionally and personally.
One fellow, Charles Ochen from the Ministry of Water and Environment, described it as “a lived experience in real policy transformation.”
Fellows engaged in immersive workshops, field visits, and practical sessions grounded in Uganda’s development context. A solar-powered facility visit early in the program emphasized the feasibility of renewables.
The cohort’s focus—“Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions in Uganda’s Transport Sector”—was timely. They studied everything from electric motorcycles to EV infrastructure.

Doreen Ankunda identified key barriers:
- Unpredictable tax exemptions
- Lack of standards for charging infrastructure
- Limited fiscal incentives
- Low public awareness
Their policy proposal included:
- National charging infrastructure guidelines
- Stable EV-related tax policies
- Incentives for local assembly
- Public education campaigns
Fellows also participated in peer learning across the region. Uganda’s Kira Motors was praised, while insights from Kenya and Rwanda enriched their understanding.
Charles Ochen emphasized: “You can’t bring policy without bringing stakeholders.”
Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks
Panelists highlighted both opportunities and challenges in Uganda’s e-mobility sector.
Kira Motors, Uganda’s flagship EV manufacturer, reported progress: nine electric buses in operation, over 300 operators trained, and expansion plans underway.

However, challenges persist:
- Low rural awareness and misinformation
- Shortage of trained EV technicians
- Limited charging infrastructure
- High EV costs for ordinary users
Policy gaps also remain. Drafts on EV standards and battery recycling await approval.
Commissioner Dr. Brian Isabirye stressed institutional alignment: “If Parliament can fund fuel cars, why not electric buses?”
Sweden’s ambassadorial team praised the IGE platform for uniting voices across sectors.
“Too often, we work in silos. This forum proves that dialogue leads to action.”
Monica Meeme is an Internee and Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
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Business & Management
Driving Sustainable Growth: Eco-Efficiency and Cleaner Production are vital in shaping the future of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Published
6 days agoon
April 20, 2026
By Ritah Namisango and Christopher Kaahwa
On Wednesday, 15th April 2026, the School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University hosted a project dissemination workshop that brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and faculty members.
The workshop focused on the presentation of findings and policy recommendations from the research project titled: Promoting Eco-Efficiency (EE) and Cleaner Production (CP) for sustainable development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda.
Opening the workshop, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, the Dean, School of Business represented by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, the Head, Department of Marketing and Management welcomed participants and highlighted the role of research in connecting Makerere University to the wider community.
He noted that MSMEs form the backbone of Uganda’s economy making up the largest share of businesses across sectors and because of this, any meaningful research must speak directly to their realities.

The Dean of the School of Business commended the project team namely Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, Dr. Kasim Sendawula, and Associate Professor Peter K. Turyakira, for positively contributing to the university’s goal of being a research-led institution.
He explained that Eco-Efficiency (EE) is about using available resources wisely not just for today, but for tomorrow and generations to come. “In a country where most businesses operate on a small scale, understanding how to produce more with less is essential,” he said.
Dr. Tibaingana acknowledged the government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) for funding the research project titled, Promoting Eco-Efficiency (EE) and Cleaner Production (CP) for sustainable development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda. He recognized Professor Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Chairperson of the Mak RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) and thanked him, for gracing the dissemination workshop with his personal presence.
Achieving sustainable growth through eco-efficiency and cleaner production
The main presentation led by Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, the Principal Investigator (P.I.) unpacked the research project in a detailed and practical way. At its core, the study explored how MSMEs, particularly in the Food and Beverage (F&B) Service sector in Uganda can achieve sustainable growth by balancing three key areas: economic performance, environmental responsibility and social contribution.
From a social perspective, Dr. Nanyanzi stated that businesses were found to be playing an important role in creating jobs, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to community activities. She added that the study was also focused on reducing environmental harmful practices such as reliance on charcoal and firewood and adopting cleaner energy sources that would economically yield increased profits for enterprises.

The study revealed that while these enterprises significantly contribute to employment and government revenue, they face serious constraints pointing out that high operational costs especially electricity remain a major challenge. “ So, many businesses are forced to turn to cheaper alternatives that are harmful to both health and environment creating a difficult balance between survival and sustainability,” she said.
Amidst these challenges, the study highlighted the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs. It was found out that many business owners have developed coping strategies to remain operational with some of them adjusting production depending on customer flow especially in areas such as Kampala where demand fluctuates with academic calendars. Dr. Nanyanzi noted that other entrepreneurs have found ways to manage resources more carefully for instance through switching on refrigerators at night when electricity tariffs are lower or re-using water to reduce costs.
Makerere University Guest House highlights its cleaner production strategy
Adding a practical perspective to the study, Mr. Patrick Ojiambo Lwande, the manager of Makerere University Guest House shared how cleaner production is being implemented by the facility in its everyday operations. He mentioned that the facility undertakes waste segregation, recycling and proper waste management as key practices. “Organic waste is separated and repurposed, recyclable materials are re-used and hazardous waste is carefully handled to avoid environmental pollution,” he stated.

Appreciation of eco-efficiency and cleaner production measures
These practices reflect an emerging understanding of eco-efficiency by business owners who are beginning to recognize that reducing waste and conserving resources can directly improve their production line.
The study also found out that many enterprises are making efforts towards cleaner production. Hygiene standards are being improved, waste is better managed and emissions are controlled through simple measures such as chimneys and ventilation system. In some cases, food waste is used as animal feed while other organic materials are re-used in farming. However, the progress to transition towards more sustainable practices is slowed down by various obstacles including limited financial capacity, lack of technical skills and low awareness among business owners.
Key recommendations
To address these gaps, the project team proposed the following practical recommendations:
- Increasing access to affordable financing by government and financial institutions through introducing subsidies, grants, or low-interest green financing schemes to support investment in cleaner production technologies,
- Promoting public-private partnerships to lower the cost of eco-efficient equipment and infrastructure,
- Undertaking capacity building and training programmes, awareness and sensitization campaigns,
- Strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks, research and innovation support,
- Providing support for small and informal businesses by designing tailored interventions for micro and small enterprises, and
- Encouraging business clustering and cooperative models to enable shared access to eco-efficient technologies and resources.
MakRIF supports research that addresses national priorities
Professor Fred Masagazi Masaazi, Chairperson of Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) emphasized the importance of research that addresses national priorities, noting that government support for research is meant to generate practical solutions.

Professor Masagazi Masaazi highlighted the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda’s economy, describing the research presented as both timely and relevant. “This is exactly the kind of research Uganda needs — research that directly impacts society and supports economic transformation,” he said.
He encouraged researchers to explore collaborations across disciplines. “Bringing together expertise from different fields can lead to stronger and more impact-oriented solutions that respond to the country’s development needs,” he added. He also called for greater engagement with policymakers and industry players during dissemination.
Research and Industry pathways
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng urged researchers, faculty and participants at the dissemination workshop to rethink how research translates into real economic value, emphasizing stronger research to industry pathways at Makerere University and beyond.

Promoting environmental compliance
Mr. Peter Ssekajja, Senior Environmental Officer (Cleaner Production), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) informed participants about the ongoing efforts to promote environmental compliance, referencing the establishment of a Compliance Assistance Unit and the introduction of the National Environment Sustainability Awards as some of the supporting measures.
He stated that these initiatives aim to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices while recognizing those that are leading the way. “Environment is no longer just about enforcement, but also about guidance, innovation and collaboration,” he emphasized.

Mr. Ssekajja reflected on the changing nature of environmental challenges as populations grow and resources becoming more strained. He appealed for efficient and responsible use of resources by business owners. He implored the business owners to consider sustainability not as a burden, but as an opportunity.
Participants enlightened on eco-efficiency and cleaner production
Dr. Jude Mugarura, the Head, Department of Marketing and Management, appreciated the dissemination workshop which presented them with an opportunity to listen to both the research project team and two practitioners namely Makerere University Guest House, and the National Management Environment Authority (NEMA). “We are therefore able to bridge the academia and the field of practice,” said Dr. Mugarura.

Dr. Seperia Bwadene Wanyama, from the School of Business, thanked Mr. Peter Ssekajja from NEMA for his presentation on cleaner production and eco-efficiency, which demonstrated to the participants some of the day-to-day wasteful practices with respect to resources, that they were engaged in, without knowing the implications. A key highlight focused on the usage of water in toilets which indicates the button to press after a short call, and the one to press after a long call, which would greatly save water consumption. “Learning is a continuous process. I have learned from the presentations of the findings by the research project team, as well as, Mr. Peter Ssekajja, who provided an informative presentation on real life practices on eco-efficiency and cleaner production.”
Conclusion: Toward a Clean and Resilient Economy
The workshop concluded with a strong call for collective action to support MSMEs in adopting eco-efficient practices. With the right support, small businesses can become engines of sustainable development. “This study provides practical insights that, if implemented, can transform MSMEs into drivers of sustainable development,” Dr. Sendawula emphasized.

Overall, the research outlines a clear pathway toward a greener, more resilient Ugandan economy—where MSMEs thrive while contributing to environmental sustainability and social well-being.
Business & Management
Academia Urged to Probe Donor Behaviour as Aid Cuts Threaten Service Delivery
Published
6 days agoon
April 20, 2026By
Jane Anyango
Academics, researchers and students at Makerere University have been urged to deepen research into whether international donors cooperate or compete in the provision of aid, amid growing concerns that shifts by major funders could significantly affect service delivery in developing countries.
The call was made during a public lecture delivered on April 16, 2026, by French economist Nathalie Ferriere, titled “Donor Cooperation or Competition: What Do We Know from Economics Research and What Should We Investigate.” The lecture, part of the Environment for Development Initiative seminar series, attracted faculty, researchers and students .

Ferriere, an Associate Professor at Sciences Po Aix affiliated with the Aix-Marseille School of Economics, is in Uganda for a two-week research engagement involving consultations with government institutions including the Ministries of Finance and Health as well as local governments.
Study Donor Reactions to Aid Withdrawals
Ferriere said her research focuses on how donors respond when a major funder withdraws support particularly in sensitive sectors such as family planning.
“My research here is about the interaction between family planning providers’ aid. I look at how the withdrawal of US aid in given years affects the spending of other donors,” she explained.
She noted that her findings show a delayed but concerning pattern.

“Once the US stops giving family planning aid, other donors at the beginning do not react for one or two years but after, they also start to reduce funding,” she said.
Ferriere warned that such trends could have direct implications for countries like Uganda, where a significant portion of health services relies on foreign aid.

“If you have a decrease in this aid, you will have a decrease in family planning provision,” she said adding that governments must anticipate such shifts.
“If you want to keep the same level of services, the government should increase its own expenditure. My next research will be to understand how governments respond in such situations,” she added.

Lecture Opens New Research Frontiers
College Principal and EfD centre Director Edward Bbaale described the lecture as timely and aligned with the university’s strategic direction to strengthen research and international collaboration.
“The topic speaks a lot to me because it opens up research frontiers. What should we really take on as researchers? How else can we look at cooperation or competition in terms of aid?” Bbaale said.

He commended Ferriere for partnering with Makerere researchers on aid-related studies, noting that such collaborations are critical for building a research-driven institution.
“We are excited that of all universities in Africa, you chose to work with researchers from Makerere University,” he said.

Bbaale emphasized that the university is positioning itself as a research-led institution, with internationalization and partnerships at its core.
“A research university is not only about teaching. It is about meetings like this to exchange ideas, to understand where we are and where we are going,” he added.
Donor Behaviour Key to Development Outcomes
Lecturer John Bosco Oryema said the lecture underscored the importance of understanding donor dynamics for countries dependent on external funding.

“When a big donor behaves in a specific way, other donors will follow in the same way,” Oryema noted.
“For developing countries that depend on aid, we need to study the behaviour of our donors. When one reduces, others may also reduce, and our development interventions may fail,” he warned.

Researcher Alice Nalwera highlighted the tendency of donors to align their decisions based on actions taken by leading funders.
“Most donors tend to cooperate and follow what others are doing. There is an aspect of information sharing,” she said.

“What the US is doing will greatly influence what other donors do in terms of disbursement,” she added..
Evelyn Nizame, a third-year economics student said cooperation among donors is essential.

“It is very important for donors to cooperate on key projects to deliver quality services to the people,” she said.
Another student, Nabakoza Joan, emphasized the risks of fragmented aid. “When there is a lot of competition, there is fragmentation of funds. But if donors cooperate under one policy, it leads to better outcomes for developing countries,” she explained.

Business & Management
EfD Uganda sends off internee Ruth Asiimwe to African Development Bank, prides in strong mentorship
Published
6 days agoon
April 20, 2026By
Jane Anyango
Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at Makerere University on 16th April 2026 bid farewell to its third intern, Ruth Asiimwe, who has secured a position with the African Development Bank in Juba South Sudan, with staff and alumni hailing the programme’s growing record of nurturing top talent.
Asiimwe’s departure adds to a list of successful transitions by EfD interns into key national and international institutions. The centre’s first intern, Alice Nalweera, joined the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) before becoming an assistant lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Economics, while the second, Lean Ankunda, was recruited by the Bank of Uganda.
Speaking at the farewell, Policy Engagement Specialist Peter Babyenda said Asiimwe’s achievement reflects the strength of EfD’s mentorship model.

“In the same way we bid farewell to Alice and Lean as they moved on to EPRC and Bank of Uganda respectively, today we are here again because of the mentorship we are providing,” Babyenda said. “Ruth is now joining the African Development Bank in Juba, and we are proud of her.”
Babyenda also credited the EfD leadership and partners, noting that the Sida-funded centre, established in 2019, has consistently invested in building research capacity among young scholars.

“We started this mentorship programme to help students learn from what we are doing and become researchers. Wherever you go, please represent us well,” he added.
“A nursery bed for young professionals”
The Director of the EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the centre as a “nursery bed” for young professionals, emphasizing its role in shaping future leaders.
“EfD is a place where we nurture seedlings and later transplant them into the main garden. Ruth has been very diligent and professional, and I have no doubt she will represent us well,” Bbaale said.

He added that Asiimwe’s move extends the centre’s influence beyond Uganda. “She is not leaving the EfD network; rather, our footprint is expanding to the African Development Bank and to another country. This makes collaboration easier and strengthens our presence.”
Centre Manager and Supervisor Gyaviira Ssewankambo said the internship programme was introduced to strengthen internal capacity and has since evolved into a critical talent pipeline.

“Ruth has made us proud. She set a high benchmark, and we expect those coming in to build on that,” Ssewankambo said.
Research Fellow Dr. Nicholas Kilimani highlighted the importance of targeted mentorship and talent identification in building a strong team.

“We are dealing with highly specialised talent. The approach of identifying and nurturing dedicated young professionals has paid off, and Ruth is a clear example,” he said.
Staff members also praised Asiimwe’s character, describing her as humble, disciplined, and professional. Data Manager Fred Kasalirwe noted that beyond academic excellence, her soft skills set her apart.

“You may be academically strong, but without soft skills it is difficult to thrive. Ruth is extremely humble and will blend well in any environment,” he said.
Administrative Officer Hilda Makune echoed similar sentiments, saying Asiimwe’s positive attitude and interpersonal skills made her stand out.

“We will miss her. Her humility and teamwork have been exceptional, and we are confident she will represent us well,” Makune said.
Alice Nalwera, the pioneer intern, urged Asiimwe to uphold the centre’s reputation and inspire others.

“Wherever we go, we carry EfD with us. Talk good about the centre and inspire other young women to follow this path,” Nalwera said.
In her remarks, Asiimwe credited EfD for shaping her professional journey, emphasizing the importance of a supportive work environment.

“I have learned that working in a good environment with supportive leadership motivates you to do better. EfD has given me that foundation,” she said.
She also thanked her supervisors and colleagues for mentorship and guidance, noting that the experience had prepared her for the demands of her new role.

Asiimwe’s departure coincided with the introduction of a new intern, Kevin Apolot, who takes over as the centre continues its mentorship programme aimed at producing the next generation of researchers and policy professionals.

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