Let us work together to attain a world of inclusive growth and environmental sustainability

Dr. Ruth Atuhaire and Dr. Peter Babyenda

There is an urgent need for action to work towards achieving low-carbon economies amidst ambitions to achieve high levels of economic growth. The focus on green financing is regarded as key in the wake to addressing such challenges.

The Academia from Makerere University and Makerere University Business School are advocating for the use of organic and human waste in the cities to produce bio-gas which is clean energy, organic fertilizers to fight climate change. They explained that bio gas is used for heating, cooking, fueling and that organic fertilizers are got from organic resources while inorganic fertilizers are formed by chemical and physical processes which are a danger to the environment This was during the policy dialogue on green financing in Uganda held at Makerere University Business School on January 30, 2024. It was organized by the Environment for Development Initiative Makerere University Centre (EfDMak Centre) in collaboration with the MUBS Energy Centre, Department of Energy Science, Department of Finance and the MUBS Economics Forum. The Policy Engagement Coordinator at EfD-Mak-Centre Dr. Peter Babyenda, said that there is a lot of organic waste from markets such Owino Market, Nakawa Market, Nakasero market among others, where human waste can be harvested to make organic fertilizers which reduce carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere and bio-gas that can be used for cooking. Dr. Babyenda cited an example of Kisumu county in Kenya where they are harvesting human waste to make organic fertilizers and they are also producing vegetables from organic fertilizers.

And that in May 2023, Kisumu County’s waste to bio-gas project was the winner in Africa during a pitching contest during the cities and climate change technical workshop that took place in Kenya. The Director of the EfD-Mak Centre Prof Edward Bbaale noted that energy transition requires adequate funding. He said it requires sourcing for green grants since the Government has limited opportunities to raise revenue through taxes. Prof. Bbale has called up institutions to work together towards achieving an inclusive growth and environmental sustainability by conducting policy research and trainings. Meanwhile the Dean Faculty of Energy, Economics and Management Science Dr. Ronnet Atukunda noted that initiative for training in green financing is extremely important to widen knowledge and build capacity in the area of green energy especially the practical aspects. Dr. Ruth Atuhaire, Head of Department, Energy Science and Technology noted that when leaders and company managers understand the green concept, they can include it in polices, work plans and budget for it.

Human waste  can be used to produce  briquettes which some institutions and companies are already using. These briquettes are treated before use and do not smell, do not produce smoke, they are cheaper and they last longer compared to charcoal and firewood.