Business & Management
EfD, MDAs & Private Sector Strategize on Scaling up the Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture in Uganda
Researchers, government officials and private sector actors convened in Kampala to draw a roadmap for accelerating the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) as Uganda struggles with rising climate shocks, stagnating agricultural productivity and worsening poverty levels.
The high-level annual workshop, held on December 4, 2025 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, was organised by the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre through its regional Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Programme. The initiative seeks to strengthen links between research and policy, improve knowledge uptake, and identify long-standing barriers limiting CSA adoption in Uganda.
The annual IGE transformation initiative requires public servants to demonstrate how they can translate training into practical solutions. This year’s focus is on advancing CSA as a vehicle for sustainable production, poverty reduction, gender inclusion and resilience across agricultural value chains.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from key ministries including Agriculture, Finance, and Water, Tourism along with researchers, academia, private sector suppliers of solar-powered irrigation technologies, civil society, farmers’ representatives and the media., with discussions focused on strategies to improve farmer uptake of CSA practices and to ensure the country’s agricultural sector remains a backbone for economic growth.
Uganda’s Agriculture at crossroads
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Emmanuel Odeng warned that Uganda’s agricultural sector, long considered the backbone of the economy, is now facing severe setbacks driven largely by climate change and weak investment in resilient food systems.
Odeng noted that agriculture still contributes significantly to Uganda’s development, accounting for 24% of GDP as of 2022/23, 35% of export earnings and employing over 80% of the population. “This sector remains the main pathway to poverty reduction; Uganda cannot develop without agriculture,” he said.
However, he observed that agricultural contribution to the economy has stagnated and, in some cases, declined sharply. GDP contribution has dropped from 34.1% in 2009 to 24% in 2022, a trend he said should alarm policymakers and CSA implementers.
“Yields are decreasing, water sources are reducing, heat waves are rising. Communities are becoming more vulnerable, and many households are slipping back into poverty,” Odeng said.
He cited recent statistics showing that while 8.4% of households moved out of poverty, 10.2% slipped back in, resulting in an additional 1.4 million Ugandans falling into poverty between 2019 and 2021.
Climate shocks worsening vulnerability
The keynote highlighted the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters including droughts, floods, landslides and the siltation of major water bodies such as Lake Kyoga as major threats to productivity and food security.
Uganda’s forest cover, wetlands and grazing lands are shrinking rapidly, with more than 6,000 gazetted wetlands facing severe encroachment. Odeng revealed that modelling conducted by the Ministry shows a consistent decline in natural resource size and quality over the last decade.
“There is a strong relationship between natural resource degradation, economic loss and poverty. This vicious cycle must be broken through science-based approaches,” he said.
The Ministry, he added, is working with development partners to deploy dredgers in key water bodies to restore aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, which have been heavily affected by sedimentation.
CSA Seen as the path to recovery
Odeng called for the urgent scaling-up of CSA approaches across crop, livestock and fisheries value chains, emphasising innovations in agroecology and soil rehabilitation, irrigation and water harvesting, mechanisation, climate-resilient seed systems, afforestation and agroforestry and post-harvest management and value addition.
MAAIF aims to increase production across value chains by 40%, anchored on resilient value chains and updated CSA compendiums being developed by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
He urged researchers to identify priority areas that can help farmers withstand climate shocks, boost household incomes and support Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda under the National Development Plan (NDP).
Odeng tasks stakeholders with three critical questions on boosting CSA adoption
Odeng left participants with three pressing questions that he said must guide Uganda’s CSA agenda. First, he challenged researchers to identify which research areas can practically help farmers build resilience and escape poverty, noting that many households continue to slide back into vulnerability due to climate shocks.
Odeng’s second question focused on productivity, calling on stakeholders to determine which Climate Smart Agriculture approaches are most relevant for raising farmers’ yieldsacrossthe country’s struggling value chains.
His third assignment centred on food security and market losses, urging experts to outline which CSA-related strategies can best improve post-harvest handling, an area he said continues to undermine farmers’ incomes despite increased production efforts.
The three questions, he emphasized, should frame the day’s discussions and guide future policy, research and investment priorities.
“We must ask ourselves: Which resilience-building approaches will help farmers move out of poverty? Which CSA options will sustainably increase productivity? These are the questions we must answer today,” he said.
EfD warns of rising climate risks, calls for stronger research–policy linkage
The Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre called for urgent, coordinated action to strengthen CSA as Uganda faces intensifying climate impacts and deteriorating natural resources. Delivering remarks on behalf of the EfD Director, Dr. John Sseruyange urged closer collaboration between researchers and policymakers to address the country’s growing vulnerabilities.
Sseruyange described the workshop’s focus on CSA as “very timely,” noting that climate change has moved from an abstract debate to a lived reality affecting farmers, households and entire ecosystems. “Climate change is no longer something distant. It is happening today, and as a country that depends heavily on agriculture, we must direct our knowledge and skills to climate smart solutions,” he said.
Sseruyange explained that EfD’s annual workshops are purposely designed to reduce the long-standing disconnect between academic research and policy implementation. When researchers work in isolation, he warned, their findings risk remaining unused.
“When you do research without involving stakeholders, your work may remain on the shelves,” he cautioned. “But when policymakers tell you what they want, they own the final product and it informs real decisions.”
He urged government ministries, district officials, academic institutions and other actors present to actively guide researchers on emerging CSA priorities.
Climate change already deepening Uganda’s vulnerabilities
According to Dr. Sseruyange, climate change is already manifesting through declining agricultural productivity, degraded soil and water resources, and weakened resilience across farming communities. These impacts, he said, continue to slow Uganda’s development and threaten progress in poverty reduction.
Sseruyange noted that despite agriculture being the backbone of the economy and the largest employer, its performance remains unstable and highly sensitive to weather variability. He warned that shrinking water bodies, degraded wetlands and reduced forest cover are undermining rural livelihoods and stressing agricultural systems.
“Ecosystems are degrading fast. Many of our gazetted wetlands and forest reserves are shrinking, and water sources are getting more strained,” he said. “These challenges directly affect agricultural output and household income.”
Need for targeted research and CSA interventions
Sseruyange emphasized that Uganda cannot advance CSA without research that responds to actual field challenges, especially in the context of increasing droughts, erratic rainfall and soil depletion. He urged researchers to prioritize practical, scalable innovations that strengthen resilience and sustain production.
He also highlighted the importance of improving post-harvest handling, mechanization, soil health and climate-resilient farming techniques, saying these areas should guide future research and policy support.
Concluding his remarks, Sseruyange tasked participants with three questions that he said should shape Uganda’s future CSA agenda and guide the work of researchers and policymakers alike:
- Which research areas can help farmers become more resilient and overcome poverty?
- Which CSA approaches are most relevant for boosting farmers’ productivity?
- Which climate-smart strategies can improve post-harvest handling and reduce losses?
He said these questions will help determine the direction of upcoming EfD research and strengthen the evidence base needed for effective climate-resilient agriculture.
Sseruyange thanked participants for their engagement and reaffirmed EfD’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s transition to sustainable, climate-smart farming systems.
Low CSA uptake threatens Uganda’s food security, livelihoods and long-term growth – Dr. Peter Babyenda
Policy Engagement Specialist Dr. Peter Babyenda sounded the alarm over Uganda’s slow adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), warning that the country risks missing its food security and development targets unless farmers, policymakers and extension workers urgently scale up climate-responsive farming practices.
Babyenda said Uganda cannot afford to delay implementing CSA strategies, given the rising threats of drought, floods, erratic rainfall and pest outbreaks that continue to devastate farms across the country.
“CSA offers triple wins – increased productivity, greater climate resilience and potential climate mitigation,” Babyenda said. “But despite these clear benefits, adoption among farmers remains very low.”
Babyenda cited EfD studies and stakeholder interviews showing that farmers face major constraints, including logistical barriers, limited affordability of CSA technologies, inadequate extension services, and low awareness or motivation to adopt climate-resilient practices.
“We need to invest in CSA-focused extension services, support farmer training, raise awareness, and design policies that deliberately include women and youth,” he emphasized.
According to Babyenda, agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy contributing 23.8% of GDP and employing 68% of the working population. It is also central to the country’s value-addition agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan.
But the sector is undergoing strain from climate change.
“Over 96 percent of farming households rely on rain-fed agriculture, making farmers extremely vulnerable to climate variability,” he said, citing rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, landslides and increasing pest and disease outbreaks.
He warned that these climatic pressures threaten food security and Uganda’s long-term economic ambitions, including the country’s “tenfold growth” aspiration by 2040.
Rising population adds pressure
Uganda’s rapidly growing population projected by the UN to potentially double in coming decades has intensified demand for food even as climate impacts reduce agricultural productivity.
“Farmers face a dual challenge: feeding a growing population while adapting to worsening climate shocks,” Babyenda noted.
He added that agriculture itself contributes to climate change through unsustainable farming practices, creating a “complex cycle” that demands urgent policy and behavioural reforms.
Government moving, but gaps remain
Dr. Babyenda acknowledged that government ministries particularly Agriculture, Water and Environment, Energy, and Finance are already promoting CSA to improve productivity, resilience and emissions reduction.
CSA practices such as conservation agriculture, improved seed varieties, water-conserving irrigation, agroforestry and integrated pest management offer Uganda a path to more resilient food systems.
However, he stressed that these interventions must be scaled up and better aligned with local realities.
“We need localized, context-specific partnerships that make CSA accessible and practical for farmers, especially smallholders,” he said.
Dr. Babyenda said the workshop was crucial for ensuring that Uganda’s agriculture sector can withstand climate shocks while supporting economic transformation.
“Scaling up CSA is not just desirable—it is essential for Uganda’s economic and environmental stability,” he concluded.
Transformation Initiative to tackle adoption barriers for smallholder farmers– IGE Fellow
In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change, Opeet Thomas, an IGE fellow presented the Transformation Initiative (TI) aimed at accelerating CSA adoption among smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Opeet highlighted that agriculture, which employs over 70% of Uganda’s population, remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks, including erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, livestock heat stress, floods, and droughts.
“The challenges are not hypothetical; they are very real for our farmers,” Opeet said, citing a 2019-2020 survey indicating drought as a major contributor to agricultural shocks. “Even this year, planting seasons have been disrupted by unpredictable rains and extreme heat, making it very difficult for farmers to sustain production.”
The Transformation Initiative, a research-based activity developed by IGE fellows, aims to identify solutions to critical issues affecting CSA adoption. Opeet explained that limited uptake of CSA is partly due to low farmer awareness, inadequate extension services, high input costs, and the incapacity of extension workers themselves to disseminate knowledge effectively.
“Extension workers play a pivotal role in bridging the knowledge gap, yet many lack the skills, transport, and institutional support to reach farmers,” he noted, adding that policy and institutional frameworks often fail to prioritize CSA innovations, leaving essential initiatives underfunded or poorly implemented.
Opeet outlined a framework for technology adoption, emphasizing the interaction between technology providers, supportive policies, extension workers, and farmers. He stressed that even when technologies such as irrigation systems, composting, and the use of beneficial insects like the black soldier fly exist, adoption remains limited due to resource constraints, lack of awareness, and low capacity among implementers.
Highlighting the benefits of CSA, Opeet emphasized the “triple win” it offers: higher production and productivity, increased resilience to climate shocks, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. He cited examples such as small-scale irrigation and innovative insect-based feed for livestock and fish as practices with high potential, provided they are scaled up effectively.
Despite these opportunities, Opeet warned that challenges persist, including the high cost of inputs, limited water access, land constraints, and a general disinterest in farming among youth. He called for increased research, policy support, and education to bridge these gaps and make CSA accessible to all farmers.
“The goal of the Transformation Initiative is to generate evidence that informs policy and practical interventions so farmers can adopt CSA effectively,” he said. “If implemented, CSA can improve yields, strengthen resilience against climate shocks, and contribute to environmental sustainability.”
Workshop Takeaways: Strengthening Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for National Impact
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to identify practical solutions for scaling CSA across Uganda. Participants emphasized the need for stronger policy engagement, improved extension support, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration to accelerate nationwide adoption of CSA practices.
Experts highlighted the importance of innovation, policy alignment, and farmer engagement as essential drivers of productivity and climate resilience. They noted that meaningful partnerships between researchers and practitioners are critical for translating technical knowledge into actionable interventions on the ground.
Discussions underscored the urgency of integrating CSA into existing national policies to safeguard food security and strengthen rural livelihoods. Stakeholders also pointed to the value of innovative practices such as irrigation technologies and the use of beneficial insects like the black soldier flies in boosting both productivity and resilience.
Participants identified three priority areas for advancing CSA: Research to enhance farmer resilience and reduce poverty; CSA approaches that sustainably improve agricultural productivity and Strategies to strengthen post-harvest handling and reduce losses.
The workshop further highlighted the need to invest in farmer-to-farmer extension models, community-based facilitators, and improved profiling of extension workers to ensure knowledge reaches even remote communities. Participants stressed that CSA solutions must remain affordable and practical, avoiding undue burdens on farmers or the national treasury.
The meeting closed with a strong spirit of collaboration, as stakeholders committed to refining CSA strategies and ensuring that research, policy, and practice continue to move in tandem to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
Business & Management
Government Strengthens Public Investment Management Capacity Through Intensive Training at Makerere University
Makerere University’s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence has commenced a three-day Essential Public Investment Management Training Programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of government officials in project preparation, appraisal, and implementation.
The training, supported by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, brings together participants from Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Local Governments to enhance skills in designing and managing high-impact public investments that align with Uganda’s national development priorities.
Opening the programme on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Gertrude Basiima, Commissioner for Public Investment and Assets Management (PAP) at the Ministry of Finance, reflected on the evolution of Uganda’s Public Investment Management system and the establishment of the PIM Centre of Excellence.
She noted that the Centre is one of the key institutional innovations that emerged from the creation of the Public Investment Management Department in 2016.
“I was encouraged to learn that the PIM Centre of Excellence, which we started several years ago, is one of the products that emerged from the establishment of the Public Investment Management Department. We established the Centre to bridge the gap between practitioners and academia,” she said.
Ms. Basiima emphasized that effective public investment management requires a blend of practical experience and academic expertise, noting that many facilitators in the programme are active practitioners who also serve as trainers.
She expressed appreciation for returning to Makerere University, describing it as a place of personal significance and transformation, having once been a student at the institution.
Strengthening project discipline and accountability
Addressing participants, Ms. Basiima underscored the critical role of project preparation committees in ensuring quality public investments.
She urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training to improve the quality of projects reviewed within their institutions.
“As members of Project Preparation Committees, your role is central in ensuring that only well-prepared projects progress to Development Committees. I will be disappointed if I later encounter poorly prepared projects from officers who have undergone this training,” she cautioned.
She further emphasized that public investment management lies at the heart of Uganda’s development agenda, distinguishing between recurrent expenditure and development expenditure.
Recurrent expenditure, she explained, covers routine operational costs such as utilities, fuel, and supplies, while public investment focuses on long-term development interventions such as roads, hospitals, energy systems, irrigation schemes, and water infrastructure.
“Without adequate infrastructure and reliable energy, Uganda cannot industrialize or deliver quality services. Public investment is therefore central to our development transformation,” she said.
Emphasis on evolving systems and policy reforms
Ms. Basiima highlighted key reforms in Uganda’s Public Investment Management framework, including the integration of the concept note and project profile into a single streamlined stage, followed by pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
She also pointed participants to the updated Development Committee Guidelines (2025) and the National Public Investment Management Policy (2025), both accessible through the Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP).
She noted that the IBP now serves as the central platform for project registration, management, and monitoring, and continues to evolve in line with national reform priorities.
The Commissioner encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, emphasizing its practical and participatory nature.
“This is not a traditional classroom. You will be asked questions, engage in discussions, and work through real-life scenarios. Active participation is essential,” she said.
She further encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning, including the ability to unlearn outdated practices and adopt improved approaches to public investment management.
Makerere’s role in national capacity building
Representing the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences and Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, emphasized the centrality of the public sector in driving Uganda’s development agenda.
He noted that public investment management is fundamental to achieving economic growth, productivity, and job creation.
“The public sector is the enabler of development. Whether in health, education, or local government, every public officer contributes to national transformation through the quality of their decisions and investments,” Prof. Okumu said.
He warned that weak project preparation undermines access to government financing, even for well-conceived ideas, stressing the importance of technical capacity in project design and appraisal.
Prof. Okumu encouraged participants to view the training as the beginning of a broader professional journey in public investment management, adding that successful participants could eventually contribute as trainers and experts within the system.
Building a pipeline of skilled practitioners
In his remarks, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, emphasized the importance of proper project conceptualization, noting that not all development challenges require new standalone projects.
“One of the key lessons is distinguishing between problems that require new projects and those that can be addressed through existing interventions or additional funding mechanisms,” he said.
He explained that the training forms part of a structured learning pathway that includes project preparation, financial appraisal, risk analysis, and economic appraisal.
Dr. Sseruyange also highlighted the Government’s integrated investment appraisal framework, which requires all projects to undergo rigorous assessment before approval for funding.
He encouraged participants to engage fully in both theoretical and practical sessions, noting that the programme includes group-based “lab sessions” where participants will develop real project concepts.
Toward stronger public investment outcomes
Across all speeches, a common message emerged: strengthening Uganda’s development outcomes depends on improving the quality of public investments through better skills, systems, and institutional coordination.
The PIM Centre of Excellence reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building, research, and policy advisory services aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public investment management in Uganda.
Participants were urged to translate the knowledge gained into improved performance within their respective institutions, ensuring that public resources are directed toward high-impact, well-prepared, and sustainable development projects. The training is expected to contribute to a growing cadre of skilled public investment professionals who will support Uganda’s long-term development transformation.
Business & Management
Driving Sustainable Growth: Eco-Efficiency and Cleaner Production are vital in shaping the future of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
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.
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.
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