Approval for Re-vitalisation of Environmental Law Centre

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) at the SoL, Makerere University has been granted interim approval by University management for re-establishment and operationalisation, marking a significant step towards strengthening the University’s contribution to environmental law, climate change governance as well as sustainable development in the region and beyond.

The approval, communicated in a letter from the Vice Chancellor, authorises the Centre to operate for an initial period of one calendar year. The interim arrangement will enable the Centre to respond to emerging research and funding opportunities, formalise strategic partnerships and commence activities as the processes for its full establishment are completed.

The decision recognises the Centre’s institutional history and contributions, including its role as a Regional Centre of Excellence on Water Law and Policy for Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Member States and its membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Academy of Environmental Law.

The approval also highlights opportunities for international research collaboration, particularly the Centre’s engagement with the Centre for Global Law (CPDG) at FGV Rio Law School in Brazil. This collaboration includes the research project “Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change in Tropical Regions: Implementation of International and Transnational Instruments in Brazil and Africa,” which seeks to advance research on climate change responses across the two regions. The Centre will be key in leading on pertinent environmental issues in the country such as wetland and forest degradation, pollution, oil and gas development and climate change

Under the interim approval, the Centre is required to comply with Makerere University’s Policy on the Establishment of Research Entities and Institutions, 2021, the Grants Management and Administration Policy, and other relevant University regulations. The SoL is also expected to expedite the preparation and submission of a comprehensive proposal for the Centre’s permanent establishment through the prescribed University approval channels.

As the Centre begins this interim phase, the approval provides an important foundation for revitalising its research activities, building strategic partnerships and expanding its contribution to addressing pressing environmental and climate challenges through research, policy engagement and collaboration.