Uganda's Dr. Patience Tugume secures $50k grant for sustainable energy project

Dr. Tugume is among the 28 distinguished women scientists across the developing world to receive this prestigious fellowship, aimed at bolstering research capabilities and fostering international collaboration.

Funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the fellowship is designed to support female scientists in leading research projects that adhere to international standards. The initiative enables them to form research groups at their home institutions across 16 countries, enhancing the global scientific community's ability to tackle pressing challenges.

Over the course of three years, Dr. Tugume and her fellow awardees will undergo specialized training to enhance their leadership, management, and communication skills. This program not only aims to convert research into practical, marketable solutions but also seeks to broaden the impact of their work through partnerships with both public and private sectors.

Dr. Tugume's project, focusing on the utilization of bio-wastes from households and urban centers in Uganda, is a beacon of innovation and sustainability. By converting these wastes into biogas, bio-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides, her research promises to address critical issues such as energy supply, agricultural productivity, and deforestation.

The project plans to construct anaerobic bio-digester tanks to process bio-waste, thereby providing a renewable energy source and creating eco-friendly agricultural products.

Moreover, this initiative will empower communities by training women and youth in the production and use of biogas, transforming waste management practices and promoting environmental sustainability.

Dr. Tugume's work exemplifies the power of scientific research in making tangible impacts on society and the environment, marking a significant step forward for Uganda and the global community in the pursuit of sustainable development.