Makerere University celebrated the outstanding contributions of the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD) Uganda node during a ceremony presided over by the Vice Chancellor, represented by Robert Wamala, Director of Graduate Studies. The event recognized leaders and researchers for their exceptional achievements in securing research grants and advancing environmental sustainability.
Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre, received the prestigious Research and Leadership Excellence Award. Robert Wamala praised Bbaale's transformative contributions to research and his visionary leadership, stating, “Your groundbreaking research has advanced the frontiers of knowledge and collaboration. Your leadership has inspired and empowered others to achieve new heights of excellence.”
Under Bbaale’s leadership, EfD Uganda has secured over USD 1.5 million in research funding over the past five years. Notable initiatives include Improving Bill Payments for Water and Sanitation in Uganda, Policy Options for Clean Cooking, and Clean Energy for Development: A Call for Action (CEDCA). His efforts have fostered innovation and collaboration, positioning EfD Uganda as a model for impactful environmental research.
Deputy Center Director, Johnny Mugisha, was honored with the Exemplary Leadership Award for his dedication and guidance. Robert Wamala highlighted his contributions, particularly his supervision of several Ph.D. students, which has significantly shaped the center’s success. “Your passion for growth and tireless efforts to inspire those around you have set a remarkable standard for leadership,” Robert Wamala remarked.
Three EfD researchers were awarded
The event also recognized three researchers with Research Excellence Awards for their transformative contributions. Nicholas Kilimani was celebrated for securing grants for projects such as Solar-powered Irrigation Systems and Resilience to Climate Change and Unmasking the Mystery of Electrification Benefits in Uganda.
Florence Lwiza was awarded for her groundbreaking research on Empowering Households for Clean Energy: The Impact of Women Empowerment on Usage of Cleaner Fuels in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Aisha Nanyiti was honored for her work on Adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cooking Technology Among Fast Food Vendors in Uganda and Electric Cooking in the Energy Transition: How Much Subsidization is Needed?
“These awards celebrate your remarkable ingenuity, dedication, and the profound impact of your research on the EfD-Mak center and the academic community,” said Robert Wamala.
Plays vital role in environmental research
Robert Wamala emphasized the center’s vital role in addressing global and local environmental challenges. He noted its achievements in cross-cutting research, mentoring young researchers, and securing significant funding.
“We celebrate your achievements tonight and reflect on the critical challenges ahead. Let us strengthen collaborations, enhance capacity building, focus on policy impact, and pursue innovation to address emerging environmental issues,” he remarked.
He also expressed gratitude to the families and loved ones of researchers, acknowledging their invaluable support. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for enabling us to contribute meaningfully to this field,” he added.
Showed tangible policy impact
Edward Bbaale outlined the center’s achievements, including policy dialogues and training sessions for policymakers and researchers. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in energy transitions and highlighted the impact of interventions such as Uganda’s carbon tax on emissions reduction.
“Our collective efforts have yielded over 20 publications and advanced the use of bioeconomics in fisheries management in Lake Victoria,” he noted, showcasing examples of tangible outcomes of the center’s research initiatives.
The end-of-year get-together event concluded with a call for continued dedication to innovative and impactful research. EfD Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its influence and addressing critical environmental challenges in the years ahead.
By Jane Anyango
Communication Officer