Energy is essential for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction. The national drive to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires trained manpower to handle energy development projects. Energy is the lifeblood of our being, society and economy. Energy is required both in the Public and Private sectors, and is considered to be the engine of social economic development of any Country.
Since 2013, MUBS has spearheaded the efforts to develop energy economics and governance education in Uganda. Consequently, graduate programmes (Master of Energy Economics and Governance and Ph.D. in Energy Economics and Governance) are now offered, whereas Bachelor of Energy Economics and Governance and Bachelor of Sustainable Energy Management are awaiting approval by Makerere University Senate. One of the objectives of our energy programs is to prepare professionals that develop policies and strategies that ensure Uganda’s energy transition is both socially, economically viable and environmentally sustainable, aligning with global and national energy transitions policies and sustainable development goals.
At a time when global markets are increasingly focused on transitioning to green energy, Uganda finds itself at a critical juncture, having recently discovered significant oil reserves. This presents both opportunities and dilemmas on how to harness the economic benefits of oil while pursuing a sustainable energy future. Our students in Energy related disciplines are uniquely positioned to address this dual challenge, map and identify other energy resources, handle the political, property rights, justice and gender issues in energy projects. Furthermore, the knowledge acquired enables the graduates start potential energy business projects and help managers understand energy management, frameworks, investments, specifically of reliability, efficiency and sustainably.
Department Projects
The Green Energy Research Unit (GERU) at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is hosted under the Department of Energy Science and Technology led by researchers Dr. Nicholas Mukisa and Paul Nduhuura. GERU was established within the framework of a two-year TWAS-BMBF funded project titled “Solar-biogas hybrid energy system for energy transformation.” GERU provides an environment in which staff and students can research and collaborate to support efficient energy use and promote green energy for transformation and sustainable development. Current research and training topics cover different aspects ranging from solar and biogas systems to energy management, energy transition, gender and energy, and sustainable energy governance.
GERU is currently supporting research activities of three Master of Energy Economics and Governance (MEEG) students. Of the three students, one (Ms. Nashua Kimuli) has successfully defended her master’s thesis titled, “Economic Viability of Biogas Energy Systems in Uganda: A Case of Solar Backed Systems for Households” Another student (Mr. David Nankunda) who is working on the thesis titled, “Energy Business Models for Widespread Adoption of Biogas Energy Systems” is currently at the level of data analysis, while the third student (Mr. David Wamananu) whose topic is “Applicability and Feasibility of Locally Available Biogas Purification Options” is currently undertaking experimental analysis aiming to assess the effectiveness of different materials for biogas purification. Other MEEG and PEEG students supported by GERU researchers are working on topics such as Waste Management, Energy Access, Energy Transition, Clean Cooking, and Electric Mobility among others.
GERU has also established a strong collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP). Through this collaboration, GERU researchers are taking a leading role in facilitating the link between academia, policymakers and other stakeholders in the energy space. Specific on-going activities include the organization of the Renewable Energy Conference 2024 and Expo (REC24 & EXPO) from 31st October – 02nd November 2024. Apart from supporting the conference organization, GERU researchers will be actively involved in the REC24 & EXPO as session chairs and panelists while students (MEEG and PEEG) were offered free conference fees and also have been given an opportunity to showcase their research outputs through a dedicated session. MUBS has been advertised as part of the sponsors for the conference. This is creating awareness for the offered Energy programs which will help in getting applicants for our programs. We further hope for mutual consultancies in the near future with the Ministry.

