NEMA, Busitema University sign MOU to boost Environmental Research and Training

Ugandans in the highlands are set to benefit from a groundbreaking technology developed by Busitema University, predicting landslides. Over the past two years, a team of scientists, including professors and students, has crafted this technology to not only save lives but also enable real-time implementation of mitigation measures to prevent landslides.

Prof Paul Waako, the Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, said that the technology is currently undergoing a pilot phase in the Elgon Region. He disclosed that they worked in collaboration with the government in building this vital technology.

“We have developed systems to predict landslides in the Elgon region, and these will help us not only to save lives but also to ensure that mitigation measures are put in place in adequate time to avert any possible disasters,” said the Vice Chancellor.

Prof Waako led a team to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) at their offices in Kampala.

Akankwasah Barirega (PhD), the Executive Director of NEMA, noted the agency’s successful collaboration with institutions of higher learning, such as Makerere University, IUEA, and now Busitema, while plans to collaborate with Gulu University are in the offing.

The MOU with Busitema aims to enhance collaboration in research, training, and sustainable management of natural resources. Barirega explained that the university’s programs and research initiatives align with NEMA’s goals, providing essential human resources for environmental management.

NEMA will offer internship and apprenticeship opportunities to Busitema University staff, while Busitema will host NEMA staff for knowledge updates in natural resource management. The ED also expressed the need for the university’s assistance in developing mercury-free gold extraction technologies.

“Our mandate is very broad and we achieve this through working with lead agencies and partners. Because there is no way one institution called NEMA can deliver the environment, because it is everything that exists and everything we do, from natural, physical, bio-physical, social economic and other aspects of life. It is not achievable without collaborating with partners like respective institutions that deal with issues of the environment,” said Barirega.

Prof Waako revealed that the project would be implemented by the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment Science in Namasagali, working in collaboration with other faculties across the university’s seven campuses. These faculties include Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, Agriculture and Animal Sciences, and Management Sciences.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as a pilot study supported by the science technology and innovation secretariat in Office of the President on reinforcing roads with plastics. Additionally, the university’s mining department has developed mercury-free gold extraction methods, demonstrating promising yields.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to mobilize resources to advance these innovations and potentially implement them nationwide to protect our environment,” added Prof Waako.

Prof James Okot-Okumu, the NEMA Board Chairperson, reiterated the call for partnerships, stating that collaborative efforts enhance funding and amplify the impact of natural resource management across the country.