The School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) comprises three departments: Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences; Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism; and Environmental Management. In addition to its academic departments, the School hosts several prominent research hubs, including the Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI), the National Biodiversity Data Bank (NBDB) – Uganda, the Uganda Forestry Resources and Institutions Centre (UFRIC), the Centre for Mountain Resources and Disaster Management, the Centre for Environment and Development, and the Makerere University Urban Action Lab.
The School is dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and practical solutions to some of today’s most urgent environmental and development challenges. With a strong legacy of academic excellence, SFEGS continues to produce graduates and researchers who are not only well-versed in theory but also capable of driving sustainable development, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting responsible natural resource management.
We place a high value on interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and innovation. Our programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of Uganda, Africa, and the global community—covering areas such as forestry, biodiversity conservation, geospatial sciences, environmental management, and climate change adaptation. Each program is crafted to equip students with the skills they need to lead, innovate, and effectively tackle environmental and development challenges at local and global scales.
We are proud of our strong partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and local communities. These collaborations significantly enhance the reach and relevance of our teaching and research. Notably, in 2024, the School entered into new collaborations with several development partners, as detailed in this annual report—further strengthening our capacity to deliver high-quality education and research and to produce competitive, globally relevant graduates.
The year 2024 marked significant achievements in our four key areas: teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. During the year, the School offered five undergraduate and ten graduate programs, including one PhD program. A total of 526 students were enrolled, with improved gender balance across most disciplines. At Makerere University’s 74th Graduation Ceremony, held on February 2, 2024, the School presented 252 graduates, including 194 undergraduates, 55 masters, and 3 postgraduate diploma recipients.
Research and innovation continue to be at the heart of our mission. Our graduate and doctoral research projects address critical issues such as biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Recent PhD research, for example, has examined the variation in wood properties of Eucalyptus grandis and the resilience of agro-pastoral communities to drought in Uganda’s cattle corridor—both topics of considerable ecological and socio-economic importance.