By Elizabeth Mukisa
The business community has been advised to think outside the charcoal business and focus on alternative energy sources as the country mitigates the negative impacts of Climate Change to save the Environment.
Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Acting Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), says although the vast majority of the public rely on charcoal as their main source of fuel, they should rethink their actions to embrace alternative sources of energy to address climate change impacts.
“Climate Change is here with us, and our communities have suffered devastating effects from our actions to destroy the environment. Temperatures have increased in sub-Saharan Africa, and we need environmental protection measures to reverse these Climate change impacts on our Society. Consequently, to save Mother Nature for posterity, we must rethink our actions on the environment and address Climate change impacts by adopting alternative energy sources that do not directly affect our ecosystems, Muhwezi said.
According to the Ministry of Energy, 90% of the population relies on wood fuel and charcoal as their primary sources of energy, despite deforestation of the environment.
He made the revelation on the sidelines of MUB’s second annual Women in Climate Change Conference held at Nakawa under the theme:Accelerating Progress on Equality and Empowerment through Innovation.
The conference was held to sensitize the public and private sectors on climate change mitigation measures and seek stakeholder collaborations on joint climate change mitigation advocacy work.
The conference and exhibition event were sponsored by Giz, the Global Green Growth Institute, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and Makerere University Business School.
Young people receive energy awards at the alternative energy meeting
Muhwezi pledged to carry on the mantle of climate change advocacy through MUBS business forums and education programs to impact society.
Several Climate Change activists, the private sector, and legislators were recognized with special awards and certificates for their contributions to climate change in society.
State Minister for Water and Environment Beatrice Anywar bagged the Climate Policy Advocacy Leadership Award; Rose Twine, Founder of Eco Stoves Limited, took home the Women in Technology Award; Isaac Kutesa of Zero Waste Amazing Projects Foundation won the Outstanding Male Champion in Climate Action Award; Akello Immaculate received the Youth Innovation Award; Juliet Grace Luwedde received the Climate Activist of the Year Award; and Ann Grace Akiteng, Founder of Creative Initiative for Enterprise Development based in Kaberamaido, received the Outstanding Female in Climate Action at the grassroot level Award.