Assessment of Waste to Energy Potential of Universities: A Case of Organic Waste at Makerere University Business School
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Date
2025-11-19
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Makerere University Business School
Abstract
The rapid growth of municipal solid waste poses significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges, particularly in urban centers of Sub-Saharan Africa where waste collection and management systems remain inadequate. University campuses, which generate substantial quantities of organic waste, present unique opportunities for waste-to-energy (WtE) solutions that align with circular economy principles and national renewable energy targets. This study assessed the organic waste-to-energy potential of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) by quantifying waste streams, estimating their energy yields, and evaluating the economic viability of biogas and briquette production. Using a mixed descriptive–experimental design, waste was collected and analyzed over five months at five high-output sites across the MUBS campus. Results showed that the university generates approximately 147.7 tonnes of organic waste annually, composed mainly of food waste (63%) and grass/leaves (37%). Energy potential analysis indicated an annual yield of 450,761 MJ, with grass waste offering higher calorific value. Laboratory conversion trials demonstrated annual outputs of 1,627.6 m³ of biogas from grass waste, 1,014.9 m³ of biogas from food waste, and 85.9 tonnes of briquettes from grass waste. Economic feasibility analysis revealed positive net present values of UGX 10.45 million for biogas from food waste, UGX 67.7 million for biogas from grass waste and UGX 41.08 million for briquettes, with internal rates of return exceeding 25%, and benefit–cost ratios of 1.2 for briquettes,1.4 for biogas from grass waste and 1.1 for biogas from food waste, confirming profitability. Sensitivity tests further underscored the importance of feedstock availability and energy yields in determining cost efficiency. The findings establish that campus organic waste can be harnessed to support energy diversification, reduce disposal costs, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, positioning universities as models for sustainable waste management. The study recommends investment in integrated WtE systems, prioritizing briquette production for cost efficiency while promoting biogas for energy diversification, thereby advancing Uganda’s renewable energy and climate resilience agenda.
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This is a master's thesis.
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Muyinda, B. M. (2025) Assessment of Waste to Energy Potential of Universities: A Case of Organic Waste at Makerere University Business School. (Unpublished master's dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.