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New Uganda Network Launched

By Eve de la Mothe Karoubi and Hugo Garcia Gamez

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network Uganda was officially launched on April 21st during a virtual event. Representatives from Ugandan stakeholders gathered to welcome the new network under the theme, “Unlocking the potential of Universities and other non-state actors to foster achievement of SDGs.” Hosted by the Makerere University, SDSN Uganda aims to mobilize universities, research centers, civil society, private sector, and students.

The virtual launched was opened by Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) who welcomed the participants to the launch and presented the role of the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) in promoting SDGs. SDSN Vice President Maria Cortes Puch and Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi, Coordinator of the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations, respectively presented the global SDSN networks programs and the vision for the national network. These opening presentations were followed by a high-level panel featuring the Senior Technical Advisor for SDGs from the Office of the Prime Minister - Uganda, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, and the Country Director Cities Alliance - Uganda Samuel Mabala.

SDSN President Prof. Jeffrey Sachs delivered a keynote address in which he identified key sustainable development challenges facing the country including universal access to education, digital services, mass electrification, and ecosystems protection. He also raised pointed questions about the sustainability of the country’s oil production strategy.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, made closing remarks for the official ceremony during which he emphasized that the University’s new strategic plan (2020-2030) places the SDGs at the core of all their work. Prof. Nawangwe praised the team leading the SDSN efforts in the University and pledged that they will rise up to the challenge and take the leadership in ensuring the attainment of the SDGs.

Following the formal launch, the final segment was a very productive brainstorming session with member institutions which introduced the following seven thematic focus groups of the new network:

  • Agriculture and food systems (presented by Dr. Christine Oryem Onen, Gulu University)
  • Improved Health (presented by Emmanuel Ebbu, Mbarara University of Science and Technology)
  • Natural resources and ecosystem health (presented by Dr. Bernard Barasa, Kyambogo University)
  • Sustainable cities (presented by Francis Cajo, Ndejje University)
  • Climate compatible development (presented by Catherine Mulinde, Makerere University)
  • SDSN Youth (presented by Timothy Kintu)

For a comprehensive summary of the event and all the presentations, please visit http://caes.mak.ac.ug/news/sdsn-uganda-network-launched-at-makerere-university/

The full webinar recording is also available at https://youtu.be/FBy1PmHa3fY