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Makerere University Young Entrepreneurs urged to prioritize value addition to enhance their innovation

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Young entrepreneurs from Makerere University have been urged to focus on value addition, quality and branding if their innovations are to grow into sustainable businesses in the country.

The call was made by several speakers during the opening of the two-day Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo (16th to 17th October 2025) hosted by Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences, under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain.

The annual event serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation.

The entrepreneurship congress and expo features over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) showcasing more than 300 innovations, with a spotlight on the coffee sector. The expo is among the several initiatives that the University has launched to unlock the entrepreneurship potential of students and youth in Uganda.

Chief Guest – Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo

According to Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the move was motivated by the high levels of youth unemployment in the country, which currently stands at 16.1 percent for those aged 18 to 30 (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2024).

Addressing the participants during the Entrepreneurship Congress, the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, rallied students and youth to embrace entrepreneurship.

“Education can come from strange places. Everyone has gifts, talents, abilities and resources to utilize. In a country with many unmet needs, entrepreneurship is about what you change, he said.

Mr. Rwabwogo stressed the value of local innovation. “Not everything can be commercialised especially in a country that imports 90% of what it consumes. Identify needs that outsiders will never cater for-our language, culture, and food.  Those are unique strengths, he remarked.

Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.

“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises import. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking Ovocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University – Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Sarah Ssali noted that the expo comes at a time when youth unemployment stands at 16.1 percent, which informs the university’s move to challenge this growing reality.

“I am glad to note that Makerere University continues to champion innovations and turning graduates from job seekers into job creators, and champions of societal transformation. The expo is Makerere’s attempt to strategically locate itself in the conversation around coffee being the biggest export earner in the country,” she said.

Statistics indicate that Uganda exported 667,037 kilograms of coffee worth US$162.36 million, highlighting the sector’s importance to the economy and its role as a key foreign exchange earner. Despite this, most youth are excluded from high-value segments of the coffee value chain, such as processing, branding, and export, often remaining confined to low-income farm labor.

According to Professor Ssali, this disconnect represents both a critical risk and an unprecedented opportunity. The expo, therefore, serves as a national platform for youth, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and private sector leaders to unlock youth-driven innovation across the coffee value chain, from climate-smart farming and agri-tech to processing, branding, and global market access.

Professor Sarah N. Ssali represented the Vice Chancelllor

She believes that by moving beyond subsistence farming towards ownership, innovation, and high value enterprises, the youth in Uganda can secure a greater share of the global coffee market while catalyzing job creation and sustainable development.

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, said several of the innovations on display have the potential to be scaled into viable enterprises. She added that these new ventures would build on the success of over 150 companies that emerged from previous editions of the entrepreneurship expo.

Dr. Bimbona used the golden opportunity to highlight three requests for support. She appealed for support, noting that the Centre has spent nine years nurturing over 1,000 business ideas annually, yet the impact of these ideas remains difficult to measure due to lack of resources for tracer studies. Commending Mr. Rwabwogo for accepting to become the Patron of the Centre, Dr. Bimbona requested him to amplify the Centre’s reach and support for youth, women and broader economic development.

On opening opportunities, the Centre offers guidance to entrepreneurs free of charge and seeks partnerships to connect student ideas with the industry. “We have the expertise and experience. We just need that extra push to remain relevant in the business community,” she stated.

Dr. Bimbona reiterated the transformative power of mentorship that is provided through the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre.

The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said.  “Let the entrepreneurship congress awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”

Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings.  “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.

The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.

Associate Professor Akileng commended Dr. Sarah Bimbona, and the entire entrepreneurship team namely Dr. Cathy Mbidde, Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Hanifah Nantale, Dr. Marion Nanyanzi, and Mr. Luke Muhwezi for nurturing student entrepreneurs at Makerere University.

[L-R]Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Sarah Bimbona and Dr. Hanifah Nantale

The entrepreneurship congress featured a keynote address, and two panels focusing on: Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd, urged the government and private sector to establish an export fund to support young entrepreneurs in starting their businesses.

Mr. Nyabila explained that the fund would help young entrepreneurs launch simple start-ups that have the potential to grow into larger enterprises. The fund, he noted, would not only support production, but also empower entrepreneurs to handle basic packaging and export processes.  According to him, such an initiative represents a critical form of value addition.

Mr. Nyabila added that such initiatives would help challenge the current status quo, which prioritizes imports over exports. He used the expo as a platform to call on the government to shift the national mindset toward building Uganda’s presence in the global export market.

 During the panel discussions, contributors discussed several steps through which the young entrepreneurs can be equipped with skills that can help them to join the competitive market.

 Some of the panelists included: Bob Paul Lusembo-Head of Business Growth, BRAC Uganda Bank, Geoffrey Okidi-Financial Deepening Uganda, Nakabuye Flavia Bwire- Inclusion and Microfinance Specialist, and Sectrine Muganzi-Coffee Farmer and Youth Entrepreneur.

Other panelists included Jackline Arinda Akampwera-CEO Jada Coffee, Gordon Katwirenabo-Assistant Commissioner, Quality Assurance and Value Addition, MAAIF, Edwin Danze- Head of Marketing, Next Media Group, and Godwin Birungi- Founder, Rubungi Enterprises.

The panel discussing the coffee value chain.

The different Speakers acknowledged that while Uganda has no shortage of innovations, gaps in value addition and branding continue to undermine product competitiveness, reinforcing the stereotype that Ugandan products are of poor quality.

One of the panelists, Jackline Arinda Akampwera, CEO of Jada Coffee, noted that branding strongly influences perceptions of quality. In the same development, she argued that limited branding is also largely responsible for the misconception that Ugandan products are substandard.

“We have this perception that when we see a brand on a billboard, it must be of good quality. Branding is therefore central to entrepreneurship,” Arinda said. “In Uganda, there’s limited branding and value addition, which affects the marketability of our products,” she said

Arinda shared that before she joined the coffee business, she realized Uganda had no widely recognized coffee brands, despite being a top coffee producer. This inspired her to create a brand that would appeal even to non-coffee drinkers.

The congress was well attended.

“You don’t have to be a coffee consumer to know coffee brands—just like you don’t have to be a football fan to know who Ronaldo is,” she said. “That’s what branding does. Even if people don’t drink coffee, they should know that Jada Coffee exists. I came in to change the way the market operates.”

She added that this lack of branding also explains the low domestic consumption of coffee. To address this, Arinda began introducing coffee at social functions—events that traditionally only offered juices and sodas—as part of efforts to popularize local coffee consumption. 

One of the students contributes to the coffee discussion

Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner, QA and Value Addition, MAAIF agreed with Arinda. He stated that the government is very intentional in promoting value addition to the country’s produces.

“Value addition is very prominent in our policy framework. If you produce and get only money for production, then there is no value, and then you cannot achieve the economic importance and transformation that we need in our communities. So, through that were are very intentional in supporting value addition,” he said.

On his part, Godwin Birungi, Founder, Rubungi Enterprises noted that while branding is very important, branding alone is not enough if the products themselves lack quality. He argued that the two—branding and quality, must reinforce each other for a business to thrive.

“I realized that there is a need to be consistent in producing high quality products. The more you produce high quality, the more you lift your brand,” he said

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

Business & Management

CoBAMS Annual Report 2025

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Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Annual Report 2025. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The year 2025 marked a significant period of progress and consolidation for the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University. Through the collective commitment of staff, students, partners, and stakeholders, the College achieved important milestones in teaching and learning, research and innovation, community engagement, and policy influence.

Appreciation for Collective Effort

I sincerely thank staff across academic, research, administrative, and support units for their dedication and professionalism in advancing the College’s mission. I also extend appreciation to the College leadership, students, collaborators, partners, and friends of CoBAMS globally for their valuable contributions during the year under review.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

The College continued to demonstrate excellence in teaching and research. I congratulate staff who received Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards and Best Teacher Awards across various categories. These achievements reflect both individual distinction and institutional pride. I encourage continued momentum in this regard, confident that more staff will be recognised in future.

Research, Publications, and Scholarly Visibility

Research and scholarly output remained central to the College’s mandate. I commend staff who published in peer-reviewed journals and contributed book chapters, strengthening the College’s academic visibility and impact. I also recognise colleagues who secured competitive research grants at university, national, regional, and international levels, supported by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) and partners including the Gates Foundation, UN-PAGE, GGGI, the World Bank, and Erasmus+. These achievements reflect the growing global confidence in CoBAMS scholarship.

Partnerships and Academic Programme Development

The College strengthened partnerships and academic relevance through new and advanced Memoranda of Understanding with local and international partners. These collaborations support teaching, research, and policy engagement. Schools and Departments also developed and reviewed academic programmes to align with evolving economic, social, and community needs, ensuring continued responsiveness and relevance.

Policy Engagement and Societal Impact

Policy engagement remained a defining feature of the College. Staff actively contributed to policy dialogues through workshops, conferences, and seminars as well as to Publications including “Advancing Population and Development in Uganda and Beyond” in honour of Dr. Jotham Musinguzi.

Research Development and CoBAMS Working Paper Series

I congratulate the faculty whose work featured in the CoBAMS Working Paper Series, which serves as a pipeline for peer-reviewed publications and future academic journals. During FY 2025/26, the College also disbursed internal research grants, and I encourage all staff to aim for at least one research output within the financial year.

Staff Welfare, Cohesion, and Shared Prosperity

The College invested in staff welfare and cohesion through initiatives such as the CoBAMS Physical Fitness Programme and the establishment of the Mak-CoBAMS SACCO. I commend the Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala, and the Interim Committee for their leadership and encourage full staff participation.

Infrastructure Development and Strategic Investment

Government allocated resources to commence the CoBAMS Infrastructure Expansion Project, with the University Council approving two strategically located land parcels for implementation. The University has begun procurement for a design consultant, and the College will remain engaged to ensure the infrastructure supports teaching, research, innovation, and policy engagement.

Solidarity and Shared Humanity

While celebrating achievements, we also recognise life’s challenges. I congratulate colleagues who achieved success during the year and extend heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones in 2025. May they find comfort, strength, and renewed hope.

Edward Bbaale, PhD
Professor & Principal

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Uganda Launches Policy Briefs on Natural Capital Accounts to position Nature at the Centre of Economic Planning

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Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar (Left), Uganda's Minister of State for Environment, unveils the CEACM policy briefs at Makerere University as Prof. Edward Bbaale, CEACM Director, looks on. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Uganda has launched five policy briefs on Natural Capital Accounts aimed at integrating the value of the country’s forests, wetlands, water resources, land, energy systems and ecosystems into national economic planning and decision making.

The Policy Briefs, developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) under the College of Business and Management Sciences, were launched on Wednesday 15th July 2026 at Makerere University.

The initiative brings together government, academia and development partners to promote climate-informed economic policies as Uganda pursues sustainable development and its economic transformation targets.

The five policy briefs address Uganda’s energy transition, declining wood stocks, natural capital integration into development planning, sustainable land use, and national water accounting amid climate change.

The five policy briefs include:

  • Uganda’s Wood Stock on a Declining Pathway to Extinction: A Call for Policy Review and Action
  • Uganda’s Energy System at a Crossroads: The Unsustainable Reliance on Biomass and the Need for Energy Transition
  • Integrating Natural Capital into Development Planning in Uganda: Insights from the Ecosystem Service and Asset Accounts (1990-2015)
  • Leveraging Land Natural Capital to Drive Uganda’s Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
  • National Water Accounts Development: Tracking Uganda’s Progress amidst Climate Change.

Link to the Policy Briefs: https://bams.mak.ac.ug/policy-briefs/

Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, addressing participants at the launch. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, addressing participants at the launch.

Speaking at the Launch of the policy briefs, the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar who represented the Minister of Water and Environment, said natural capital accounting provides Uganda with a new approach to valuing its environmental resources.

“Today, we are launching a new way of seeing, planning and managing Uganda’s development,” Hon. Anywar said.

She noted that for years, Uganda’s economic progress has largely been measured through indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which do not capture the decline or improvement of natural resources.

“But GDP does not tell us if our forests, water sources and wetlands are shrinking. It does not tell us if our forests can still hold our waters or whether our soils will still feed the next generation,” she said.

Hon. Anywar said Uganda’s natural capital, including forests, wetlands, water resources, biodiversity, minerals and fertile soils, supports livelihoods, tourism, energy generation and climate resilience. “This natural capital supports over 70 percent of our population and powers our hydropower. It feeds into tourism and buffers us against droughts and threatening floods,” she said.

She warned that degradation of these resources represents a loss of national wealth. “When natural capital is degraded, we are not just losing trees, wetlands, water or soils. We are losing wealth. We are losing jobs for our children and future generations,” she said.

The Minister said natural capital accounting allows Uganda to place nature on its economic balance sheet. “This is what natural capital accounting does. It puts nature on the balance sheet. I studied basic accounting, but I never imagined that natural resources could also be reflected on a balance sheet. Today, that is becoming a reality,” she said.

She challenged all stakeholders to ensure that every future development decision considers its impact on Uganda’s natural capital, stressing that informed choices today will secure sustainable prosperity for generations to come.

Hon. Anywar also called for recognition of the role communities play in protecting natural resources, saying traditional knowledge must complement modern science.

“Our ancestors protected the environment without maps, technology or scientific reports. They knew which areas were sacred, where water sources were protected and where forests should not be disturbed,” she said. “When communities understand that protecting a wetland or forest protects their own livelihoods, we will not need constant enforcement. People themselves will become protectors of nature,” she added.

Research Must Drive Policy Decisions

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, delivers the opening remarks during the event. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, delivers the opening remarks during the event.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted the event as a significant milestone in strengthening climate-sensitive economic planning.

He noted that the theme of the launch and dissemination workshop, “Advancing Climate-Informed Economic Policy for Sustainable Development in Africa,” aligns with the research-led agenda of Makerere University.

Prof. Nawangwe said the launch demonstrates the role of universities in generating evidence to support national development.  “Today’s event demonstrates the power of collaboration between academia, government and development partners in generating knowledge that informs public policy and advances Uganda’s sustainable development agenda,” he said.

Prof. Nawangwe said the policy briefs provide evidence needed for integrating natural capital into national planning, budgeting and investment decisions. He said the University will continue strengthening research capacity to support Uganda and Africa.

Emphasizing the urgency of informed decision-making, he observed that Africa remains one of the regions most affected by climate change while experiencing rapid population growth, placing increasing pressure on natural resources. He stressed that research-driven policies are essential for achieving climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.

The Vice Chancellor commended the Government of Uganda, particularly the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on the country’s historic appointment as the first Co-Chair of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.

He recognised the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM) for advancing interdisciplinary research and strengthening Uganda’s position as a regional leader in climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling and evidence-informed policymaking.

“The Centre continues to build the capacity of African researchers and policymakers while fostering partnerships with government institutions, development partners, regional organisations, and the private sector,” he said.

Strengthening Africa’s Climate Policy Research Agenda

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of CEACM and Principal CoBAMS, delivering his keynote remarks. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of CEACM and Principal CoBAMS, delivering his keynote remarks.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Director of CEACM and the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), reported on Makerere University’s investment in establishing specialised centres that address critical policy challenges facing Uganda and the African continent.

He stated that CEACM was established to respond to growing global demands for climate considerations to become part of national planning, budgeting and macroeconomic decision-making.

“The Centre is committed to producing high-quality policy-oriented research while strengthening the capacity of policymakers and practitioners to respond effectively to climate and economic challenges,” he said.

He explained that CEACM was established because climate change can no longer be separated from economic planning. “It is very important that national planning, budgeting, macroeconomic frameworks and fiscal policies are not oblivious to climate change, but instead fully integrate climate-related considerations,” he said.

He stated that CEACM’s work aligns with emerging global and continental initiatives, including the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and the Pan-African Forum of Finance Ministers on Climate Action, underscoring the increasing role of finance ministries in integrating climate priorities into economic planning and fiscal decision-making.

Prof. Bbaale added that Makerere University had positioned itself as a partner to government through research, evidence generation and capacity building. “We could not stand aside. We have to be part of this global effort and contribute the much-needed evidence, research and capacity building to support the Ministry of Finance in executing this important responsibility,” he said.

He noted that Uganda’s role as the first African country to co-chair the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action had created an opportunity for local institutions to strengthen climate-sensitive economic modelling.

Uganda’s Progress in Integrating Natural Capital into Economic Planning

Mr. Arthur Ssebbugga-Kimeze, Climate Finance Manager, representing the GGGI Country Representative, addresses participants. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Arthur Ssebbugga-Kimeze, Climate Finance Manager, representing the GGGI Country Representative, addresses participants.

Representing the GGGI Country Representative, the Manager of Climate Finance, Mr. Arthur Ssebbugga-Kimeze commended Uganda’s efforts to integrate natural capital accounting into national economic planning. “This is a critical step towards climate-resilient and sustainable development,” he acknowledged.

The Manager of Climate Finance applauded the collaboration between Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and development partners in generating evidence that supports informed policymaking.

He also recognised the Government of Denmark for its continued support in advancing climate-smart economic policies through the Denmark-EGP partnership.

Emphasizing the significance of natural capital as a key pillar of economic prosperity, Mr. Ssebbugga-Kimeze called for sustained investment in protecting these assets. “Uganda’s experience is increasingly informing climate finance and policy discussions across Africa through the Pan-African Finance Ministers’ Forum on Climate Action,” he added.

He called for strong partnerships among government, academia, and development partners to ensure that research continues to drive evidence-based policymaking and sustainable economic growth, reaffirming GGGI’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s green growth agenda.

Policy Briefs Must Move from Shelves to Decisions

Ms. Nina Guldbæk van Leeuwen, representing the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda, sharing his remarks. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Nina Guldbæk van Leeuwen, representing the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda, sharing his remarks.

Representing the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda, Ms. Nina Guldbæk van Leeuwen, Counsellor and Team Leader for Politics, Regional Affairs and Refugee Support, said natural capital accounting is critical for building climate-resilient economies.

She commended Uganda’s leadership as co-chair of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action. “These policy briefs are crucial in enhancing the role of economic, fiscal and financial policies in addressing climate change in Uganda and Africa as a whole,” she said.

Ms. Van Leeuwen said reliable natural capital accounts enable finance ministries to integrate climate considerations into economic planning. “Ministries of Finance require these accounts to support macroeconomic modelling, which can only be developed through a strengthened and collaborative national statistical system,” she said.

She urged stakeholders to ensure the research informs actual decisions. “Let us ensure that these policy briefs do not remain on institutional shelves but are actively used to inform decisions and policies going forward,” she said.

Natural Capital Data will improve Economic Decision

Mr. Davis Vuningoma, Acting Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policy at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, addressing participants. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Davis Vuningoma, Acting Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policy at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, addressing participants.

The Acting Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policy at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Davis Vuningoma, called for climate change to be treated as a macroeconomic and fiscal challenge rather than solely an environmental issue.

“Climate risks pose significant threats to agricultural productivity, energy generation, infrastructure, government revenues, and fiscal stability,” he noted.

Mr. Vuningoma said natural capital accounting will strengthen Uganda’s ability to make informed economic decisions.

He warned that climate change poses economic risks that could affect Uganda’s fiscal space. “If we do not address these challenges, our fiscal space could shrink, and our ability to provide public services could be affected,” Mr. Vuningoma said.

He said Uganda’s natural resources have historically not been fully reflected in traditional economic measurements. “Uganda is richly endowed with natural capital, including forests, wetlands and water resources. However, traditional measures of economic performance have often failed to fully capture the value of these assets,” he said.

Mr. Vuningoma said the policy briefs provide practical options for government as Uganda seeks to expand its economy. “This is particularly important at a time when Uganda is pursuing ambitious economic transformation targets, including the goal of growing the economy tenfold and achieving a USD 500 billion economy,” he said.

Key Findings Highlight Pressure on Uganda’s Natural Resources

Dr. Peter Babyenda, Coordinator of CEACM, presenting the key findings of the policy briefs during the dissemination event. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Coordinator of CEACM, presenting the key findings of the policy briefs during the dissemination event.

Presenting the highlights, Dr. Peter Babyenda, the Coordinator of CEACM, disclosed that the policy briefs highlight growing pressure on Uganda’s natural resources.

The Energy System at Crossroads brief found that traditional biomass accounts for about 87 percent of Uganda’s final energy consumption, highlighting continued dependence on firewood and charcoal.

The Wood Stock Declining Pathway brief found that Uganda’s national wood resources declined by 45 percent between 1990 and 2015, with projections warning of possible exhaustion of available wood supply between 2032 and 2040 under current trends.

The Land Natural Capital brief identified unsustainable agricultural expansion, deforestation and urbanisation as major drivers of land degradation.

The Ecosystem Services and Asset Accounts brief noted that although the monetary value of ecosystem assets increased between 1990 and 2015, natural capital value per person declined by 17.7 percent due to population growth.

The National Water Accounts brief highlighted agriculture as the largest water user, accounting for 55.4 percent of total water abstraction in 2024, while warning of increasing climate risks.

Panel Discussion: Advancing Climate-Informed Economic Policy for Sustainable Development in Africa

L-R: Prof. Edward Bbaale-Moderator, Dr. Ronald Kaggwa-National Planning Authority, Mr. Nathan Mununuzi-Ministry of Water and Environment, Mr. Wilson Asiimwe-Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Godwin Kamugisha-National Environment Management Authority, Dr. Peter Babyenda, Coordinator of CEACM. Launch of Policy Briefs developed by the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 15th July 2026, Senior Common Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
L-R: Prof. Edward Bbaale-Moderator, Dr. Ronald Kaggwa-National Planning Authority, Mr. Nathan Mununuzi-Ministry of Water and Environment, Mr. Wilson Asiimwe-Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Godwin Kamugisha-National Environment Management Authority, and Dr. Peter Babyenda, Coordinator of CEACM.

Moderated by Prof. Edward Bbaale, the session featured the following panellists: Dr. Ronald Kaggwa-National Planning Authority, Mr. Wilson Asiimwe-Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Nathan Mununuzi-Ministry of Water and Environment, Mr. Godwin Kamugisha-National Environment Management Authority, and Dr. Peter Babyenda-CEACM Coordinator and member of faculty at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (MakCoBAMS).

The Panelists argued that assigning monetary value to forests, wetlands, water resources, and other ecosystems would enable evidence-based budgeting, investment decisions, and environmental protection while capturing costs ignored by traditional GDP measures.

They stressed the need for stronger institutions, increased funding, enhanced research and capacity building, and closer collaboration between government, academia, and development partners.

The event, organized by CEACM, brought on board distinguished stakeholders including the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar who represented the Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Kahinda Otafiire, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), and Director CEACM, Prof. Edward Bbaale and  representatives from different Ministries and Agencies such as, the Embassy of Denmark in Uganda, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI),  Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and among others.

CEACM is a research and policy centre that supports African countries in integrating climate change and natural capital into economic planning through research, capacity building, and evidence-based policymaking. CEACM is one of the centres within the School of Economics at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University.

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PIM Centre to Benefit from PIM-Plus Grant

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PIM CoE Leadership poses for a group photo with the PIM-Plus delegation on 9th July 2026. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University hosts PIM-Plus Project delegation from Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) who assessed readiness to receive approximately USD 8 million to support the construction of a modern teaching and residential facility, 9th July 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University is set to benefit from a grant under the World Bank-supported PIM-Plus Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening Public Investment Management Systems and enhancing the capacity for effective project planning, appraisal, implementation, and monitoring in Uganda.

Through the project, the Centre is expected to receive funding of approximately USD 8 million to support the construction of a modern teaching and residential facility. The proposed infrastructure is intended to enhance the Centre’s capacity to deliver high-quality training, research and technical advisory services in Public Investment Management (PIM) to government institutions and other stakeholders across the region and beyond.

The meeting in session. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University hosts PIM-Plus Project delegation from Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) who assessed readiness to receive approximately USD 8 million to support the construction of a modern teaching and residential facility, 9th July 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

The project’s construction activities are anticipated to commence in the next financial year following the completion of the necessary preparatory processes, including feasibility studies and project design.

As part of the ongoing project preparation activities, the PIM CoE today hosted a delegation of officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), who visited the Centre to assess progress made towards the implementation of the PIM-Plus Project. The visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry team to review the Centre’s readiness, discuss key project milestones, and identify areas requiring further attention to ensure timely project execution.

The Ministry delegation was led by Ms. Esther Ayebare, Ag. Assistant Commissioner, Public Investments and Project Analysis Department who commended the Centre for the progress registered thus far. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the project preparation timelines and urged the PIM CoE team to expedite the completion of the feasibility studies and other prerequisite activities necessary for project approval and commencement.

Ms. Esther Ayebare (2nd R) addresses the meeting. Ms. Esther Ayebare. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University hosts PIM-Plus Project delegation from Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) who assessed readiness to receive approximately USD 8 million to support the construction of a modern teaching and residential facility, 9th July 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Esther Ayebare (2nd R) addresses the meeting.

Ms. Ayebare noted that the successful implementation of the project will significantly strengthen the Centre’s role as a national and regional hub for capacity building, research and knowledge dissemination in Public Investment Management. She further underscored the Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of public investments and contribute to improved service delivery and sustainable economic development.

The Director of the PIM Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to ensuring that all project preparation requirements are completed within the stipulated timelines. He noted that the planned facility will provide a conducive environment for training, accommodation and collaborative learning thereby strengthening the Centre’s ability to support the Country in developing and managing high-quality investment projects.

Prof. Edward Bbaale. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University hosts PIM-Plus Project delegation from Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) who assessed readiness to receive approximately USD 8 million to support the construction of a modern teaching and residential facility, 9th July 2026, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale.

Dr. John Sseruyange, the Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence emphasized that the Centre remains committed to delivering high-quality, demand-driven training courses that respond to the evolving needs of Public Investment Management practitioners and contribute to the successful implementation of Uganda’s Public Investment Management reform agenda. He further noted that the project will enable the Centre to effectively fulfil its mandate and contribute more meaningfully to addressing PIM capacity constraints in the region. The PIM-Plus Project forms part of broader efforts by the Government of Uganda and its development partners to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of public investments, ensuring that public resources are directed towards projects that deliver maximum socio-economic benefits for citizens.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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