The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) on Friday, April 10, 2026, held a dissemination workshop for a Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF)–supported project titled ‘Carbon Offsetting Measures for Traditional Fired Clay Brick and Mudbrick Production in Uganda’.
The study was carried out by a research team led by Dr. Nathan Kibwami as Principal Investigator and Dr. Musa Manga as Co-Investigator. The team comprised Joan Nabawenda, OlivaNyangoma,Denis Rukidi, Claire Ruhweza, and SherlyAnkunda, who collectively contributed to the project’s success.
The study’s objective was to quantify emissions and develop measures to reduce and offset those associated with the traditional fired brick industry, which relies on clamp kilnslocally referred to as Tanulu. Researchers examined the types of emissions produced, the factors influencing them, and their connection to the production process. In addition, it proposed practical strategies for reducing and offsetting emissions, with the broader goal of promoting sustainable brick production in Uganda.
The dissemination event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the findings, exchange ideas, and identify practical approaches to implementing carbon offsetting measures in Uganda’s construction industry, thereby advancing sustainable development.
The discussions also focused on stakeholders’ responsibility in shaping the future of sustainable brick production highlighted several critical factors. These included air quality monitoring, health and sanitation, the role of manufacturers, design professionals and contractors, environmental supervision and management processes, as well as development permissions, building control procedures, building regulations, and urban planning. Together, these elements were emphasized as essential for integrating sustainable practices into the construction industry.
Participants also explored the proposed measures for reducing and offsetting emissions from brick kilns. They included the development of low-cost improved kiln designs, training on efficient fuel utilization, and periodic emission monitoring, steps aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint of brick production while supporting Uganda’s sustainable development goals.
Speaking on behalf of Prof. Fred MusaaziMasagazi, Chairperson of the Grants Management Committee at MakRIF, Ms. Evelyn Nyachwo noted that the unit has been managing the research grant for seven years. “We need local solutions for our local problems,” she emphasized, adding that the main objective of the grants is to increase the local generation of translatable research and innovations that can improve the livelihoods of Ugandans.
She highlighted that despite the limited number of projects supported, CEDAT has producedsome of the best innovations at the university. Over the years, MakRIF has funded projects across seven thematic areas, namely ICT, education, health, agriculture, socio-economics, security, and tourism. To date, more than 1,400 projects have benefited, including support for PhD research. For this particular project, masters and bachelor’s students were also supported as a way of building capacity and extending mentorship to young researchers.
Addressing the project directly, Ms. Nyachwo commended the team for persevering despite challenges and producing strong results, including a policy brief. She noted that the subject of the study is of great concern to many and urged the team to conduct a follow-up study based on stakeholder recommendations. “I encourage you to take it beyond policy recommendations to actual implementation of the findings, so that communities can benefit,” she concluded.
In his remarks, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) called for collective responsibility in safeguarding the planet, warning that poor management of the earth could threaten human survival. He emphasized that while global concerns about climate change are pressing, individual countries must also take action through research and innovation. Prof. Musinguzi called for stronger partnerships between universities, industry, government, and the private sector to address climate challenges. Speaking about the study that focused on construction materials and the environment, he highlighted the promotion of local materials as key to sustainable development, balancing present needs with future demands while considering community and other environmental costs. He commended the research team for their efforts, noting that their work contributes directly to advancing sustainability goals.
Assoc. Prof. Anthony Gidudu, Dean of the School of the Built Environment commended the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) for supporting a study until its completion at the dissemination stage. He congratulated the research team, noting that students involved in the project excelled and graduated with their Master’s degrees on time, a testament to the quality and academic value of the work. Prof. Gidudu emphasized that the next step was to present the findings to stakeholders, stressing that “we are all users of bricks.” He said stakeholder involvement offered an opportunity to share ideas, learn, and provide guidance on advancing the research toward building a prosperous Uganda.
The PI, Dr. Nathan Kibwami, who is also Head of the Construction Economics Management Department emphasized teaching and research as the department’s core functions, while highlighting its growing collaboration with industry to address societal challenges.Speaking on the department’s strategic direction, Dr. Kibwami said industry engagement is central to ensuring that academic research produces practical solutions. “Getting funding for such projects requires demonstrating that the solutions are workable,” he explained, noting the reason why industry stakeholders are actively involved in disseminating findings and providing input.
He emphasized that knowledge generated through these initiatives will inform the design of new academic programs, aligning education with evolving professional demands. Strategic partnerships, he added, remain a priority for the department as it seeks to strengthen its impact.
On research and innovation, Dr. Kibwami revealed that the department is pursuing several focus areas, including sustainable construction with emphasis on materials and methods, transporteconomics, and the use of artificial intelligence in valuation. These projects, he said, reflect the department’s commitment to advancing both academic excellence and practical innovation.