Makerere University researchers have begun a two-year study to analyse energy use in Ugandan households and small businesses, aiming to cut costs and improve efficiency.
The Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere launched the project on Wednesday with a Sh111 million grant (US$30,000) from the Carnegie Corporation. Researchers will examine why families and manufacturers choose charcoal, LPG, or electricity, and how they can use energy better.
“The only sustainable way to address rising energy costs is through improved efficiency,” said lead researcher Dr Peter Babyenda.
The study, mentored by Prof Edward Bbaale of EfD-Mak, will help shape national energy policies as Uganda grapples with high power bills and a growing population.
At the launch workshop, energy ministry officials, engineers, and economists reviewed the research plan. Data collection starts in June after ethics approval.
“This project can influence national policy,” said Dr Babyenda. The team will publish two papers and share findings with policymakers and communities.
Makerere’s School of Economics Dean, Assoc Prof Mike Ibrahim Okumu, urged researchers to work closely with engineers.
“Efficiency isn’t just economic—it’s about how energy systems work,” he said. He praised the team for winning the highly competitive grant, which only 25 projects secured globally.
Prof Ibrahim stressed that stakeholder feedback, like that from the workshop, often leads to stronger research. He cited his own past work as an example where such input directly shaped policy recommendations.
The study falls under Makerere’s Directorate of Research, overseen by Prof Buyinza Mukadasi, also Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
