Eng. Dr. Emmanuel Menya

Senior Lecturer


Eng. Dr. Emmanuel Menya is a Senior Lecturer of Biosystems Engineering with research interests in the valorization of waste biomass into biofuels and other bio-based products. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Makerere University in Uganda. He has since completed two postdoctoral fellowships, with funding from the Volkswagen Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York and is a recipient of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship Seal of Excellence awarded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe for a highly ranked proposal. He is currently a Full Editorial Board Member of Chemical Engineering Research and Design (Elsevier), Discover Sustainability (Springer Nature) and the Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences (UJAS). He is a Corporate Member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) and a Registered Engineer with the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) Uganda.

Qualifications

Institution Period Degree obtained
Makerere University Nov 2015-Nov/2019 PhD in Mechanical Engineering
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden Aug 2008-Sept 2012 MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering with a major in Mechanical Engineering
Makerere University 2003-2007 BSc in Agricultural Engineering

 

Research Interests

-Biomass characterization

-Thermochemical conversion

-Biochemical conversion

-Biorefinery

-Bio-based materials

-Waste management

Publications

Menya, E., Okello, C., Storz, H., Wakatuntu, J., Turyasingura, M., & Okot, D. K. (2025) . (2026) . A review of progress on torrefaction , pyrolysis and briquetting of banana plant wastes for biofuels. , pp. 13227–13269
Kasima, J. S., Mugonola, B., Menya, E., Ndaula, S. and Ndyomugyenyi, E. K. (2025). . (2025) . Black soldier flies as a latent driver to attaining selected SDGs in a developing country context- the case of Uganda . An international journal of environmental health and sustainability, 11(1)
Eling, J., Menya, E., Atim, M.R. et al. (2025) . (2025) . Optimisation of torrefaction conditions of groundnut shell and maize stalk , pp. 19207–19238
Eling, J., Menya, E., Atim, M.R. et al. (2025) . (2025) . Effect of torrefaction on combustion kinetic parameters of groundnut shell and maize stalk , pp. 18311–18329
Olupot, W. P., Ruhweza, G. C., Kavuma, M. E., Bongole, M., Wakatuntu, J., Jjagwe, J., & Menya, E. (2025) . (2025) . Optimization of Phosphates , Nitrates and Turbidity Removal from Handwashing Wastewater Using Char Byproducts from Sponge Iron Production. , pp. 1557–1577
Jimmy Eling, David K. Okot, Emmanuel Menya, Michael R. Atim . (2024) . Densification of raw and torrefied biomass: A review . Biomass and Bioenergy, 184
Oriangi, G., Mukwaya, P. I., Luwa, J. K., Emmanuel, M., Maxwell, M. G., & Bamutaze, Y. (2024). . (2024) . Variability and Changes in Climate in Northern Uganda . Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 3(1), pp. 81-97
Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Joel Wakatuntu, Medard Turyasingura, Joseph Jjagwe, Emmanuel Menya, Mackay Okure . (2024) . Optimization of heavy metal removal by activated carbon obtained as a co-product from fast pyrolysis of rice husks
Castellani, P., Ferronato, N., Barbieri, J., Menya, E., Marco, C. M., & Torretta, V. (2024) . (2024) . Solid Waste Management in Ugandan developing cities: Material Flow Analysis and Sustainable Practices for Reducing the Global Warming Potential , pp. 1099-1111
Joseph Atidi, Hillary Kasedde, Emmanuel Menya, Peter Wilberforce Olupot . (2023) . Optimization of physical and mechanical properties of porcelain tiles from coffee parchment husk ash . Journal of Engineering Research
Emmanuel Menya, Henning Storz, Peter Wilberforce Olupot . (2023) . Special issue on extended application of biomass-based activated carbon in water and wastewater treatment . Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 194, pp. 242-244
Emmanuel Menya, Joseph Jjagwe, Herbert Mpagi Kalibbala, Henning Storz, Peter Wilberforce Olupot . (2023) . Progress in deployment of biomass-based activated carbon in point-of-use filters for removal of emerging contaminants from water . Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 192, pp. 412-440
Isaac Rubagumya, Allan J. Komakech, Emmanuel Menya, Simon Kizito, Ahamada Zziwa, Isa Kabenge . (2023) . Postharvest Losses of Fruits and Vegetables Along Their Urban Supply Chain in Eastern Africa: a Case Study of Uganda Towards Sustainable Management . Journal of Biosystems Engineering, 48, pp. 105-114
Joel Wakatuntu, Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Joseph Jjagwe, Emmanuel Menya, Mackay Okure . (2023) . Optimization of pyrolysis conditions for production of rice husk-based bio-oil as an energy carrier
V. A. Yiga, M. Lubwama, J. Opio, E. Menya, D. Nono & H. N. Lubwama (2023) . (2023) . Production and Characterization of Paper from Banana Stem Fiber: Optimization Using Box-behnken Design (BBD) . Journal of Natural Fibers, 20(1)
Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Emmanuel Menya, Festo Lubwama, Lawrence Ssekaluvu, Betty Nabuuma, Joel Wakatuntu . (2022) . Effects of sawdust and adhesive type on the properties of rice husk particleboards . Results in Engineering, 16
Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Emmanuel Menya, Joseph Jjagwe, Joel Wakatuntu, Franz Román, Oliver Hensel . (2022) . Optimization of roughing filtration unit for a handwashing wastewater recirculation point-of-use system , pp. 2528-2544
Joseph Jjagwe, Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Emmanuel Menya, Herbert Mpagi Kalibbala . (2021) . Synthesis and Application of Granular Activated Carbon from Biomass Waste Materials for Water Treatment . Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 6(4), pp. 292-322
Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Emmanuel Menya, Joseph Jjagwe, Joel Wakatuntu, Tonny Kavuma, Andrew Wabwire, Steven Kavuma, Samuel Okodi Mcmondo, Betty Nabuuma, Herbert Mpagi Kalibbala . (2021) . Development and appraisal of handwash-wastewater treatment system for water recycling as a resilient response to COVID-19 . Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(5)
G. Ogwang, P.W. Olupot, H. Kasedde, E. Menya, H. Storz, Y. Kiros . (2021) . Experimental evaluation of rice husk ash for applications in geopolymer mortars . Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 6(2), pp. 160-167
E. Menya, P. W. Olupot, H. Storz, M. Lubwama, Y. Kiros . (2020) . Synthesis and evaluation of activated carbon from rice husks for removal of humic acid from water . Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 12, pp. 3229-3248
E. Menya, P. W. Olupot, H. Storz, M. Lubwama, Y. Kiros & M. J. John . (2019) . Effect of alkaline pretreatment on the thermal behavior and chemical properties of rice husk varieties in relation to activated carbon production . Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 139, pp. 1681-1691
E. Menya, P. W. Olupot, H. Storz, M. Lubwama, Y. Kiros, M. J. John . (2019) . Optimization of pyrolysis conditions for char production from rice husks and its characterization as a precursor for production of activated carbon . Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 10, pp. 57-72
E. Menya, P.W. Olupot, H. Storz, M. Lubwama, Y. Kiros . (2018) . Characterization and alkaline pretreatment of rice husk varieties in Uganda for potential utilization as precursors in the production of activated carbon and other value-added products . Waste Management, 81, pp. 104-116
E. Menya, P.W. Olupot, H. Storz, M. Lubwama, Y. Kiros . (2018) . Production and performance of activated carbon from rice husks for removal of natural organic matter from water , pp. 271-296
P. W. Olupot, A. Candia, E. Menya & R. Walozi (2016). . (2016) . Characterization of rice husk varieties in Uganda for biofuels and their techno-economic feasibility in gasification . Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 107, pp. 63–72
Menya E., Olwa J., Hagstrom P., Okure M (2014) . (2014) . Assessment of pollution levels resulting from biomass gasification , pp. 1228–1235
Menya, E., Y. Alokore, and B. O. Ebangu. (2013) . (2013) . Biogas as an alternative to fuelwood for a household in Uleppi sub-county in Uganda , pp. 50-58

Projects

Cascading Use of Agricultural, Agro-Industrial and Urban Organic Wastes (green-COW)
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Cooperation partner
Torrefaction of Banana Value Chain-Based Wastes Available in Uganda for Fuel,” under the Consolidating Early Career Academic Programme (CECAP)
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Principal Investigator
Renewable Energies for Africa: Effective Valorization of Agri-food Wastes (REFFECT Africa)
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Co-Investigator
Pyrolysis of Sewage Sludge for Bioenergy, Soil Amendment, and Wastewater Treatment (PYROL Project)
    Dr. Jimmy Byakatonda(PI), Dr. Alfred Obia(Co-PI), Dr. Emmanuel Menya(Co-PI), Dr. Collins Okello(Co-PI),
Optimization of Recirculating Water Treatment Process for a Smart Communal Hand Washing System.
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Co-Investigator
Development of a recyclable-water hand-washing facility (ECO-WASH)
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Co-Investigator
Technology for application of activated carbons from rice husks in water treatment
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Co-Investigator
Development of a technology for optimal use of bioactive carbons from rice husks in Uganda for water purification
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Co-Investigator
Enhancing biogas production through optimal removal of lignocellulosic fractions and cyanide in cassava peels for co-digestion with cowdung and pigdung
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Principal Investigator
Investigating the effect of co-digestion of cassava peels with cow dung and pig dung on biogas production
    Dr. Emmanuel Menya - Principal Investigator

Supervision

  1. Eling Jimmy, No.: 2022/PhD/032/PS. PhD candidate, Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Uganda. Topic: Effect of Torrefaction on the Characteristics of Briquettes Produced from Groundnut Shell and Soybean Stalk for Energy Generation. The PhD Thesis examination has been completed and is currently awaiting scheduling of the public defense.
  2. Peter Bol Kuol Kiir, No.: 22/X/1975/MBE/PS. MSc student, Gulu University, Uganda. Topic: Effect of Anaerobic Co-digestion of Cow Dung and Maize Stubble on Biogas Production. MSc dissertation defense scheduled for March 18, 2026.
  3. Ndyamuhaki Milton, No. 2023/MSc/062/PS. MSc in Physics. Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. Topic: Optimization of Pyrolysis Conditions for Production of Coffee Husk-based Bio-oil. Graduated in October 2025.
  4. Okot Christopher, No.: 21/U/2495/MBE/PS. MSc student Gulu University, Uganda. Topic: Optimizing Torrefaction Process Conditions for Biocoal Production from Banana Plant Residues. Graduated in Jan 2025.
  5. Ajuma Richard Edema, No.: 2021/MSc/002/PS. MSc in Physics. Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda. Topic: Torrefaction of Banana Peels. Graduated in Jan 2024.
  6. Wanniala Benedictor, No.: 22/U/1372/MSE/PS. MSc in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management. Gulu University. Topic: Determination of Wastage along the Charcoal Value Chain in Masindi District, Uganda. Graduated in Jan 2025.

More Information

SELECTED SHORT COURSES ATTENDED

1.  Essentials for Project Management for Engineers. An initial professional development (IPD) course organized by the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) held on June 27th, 2025.

  1. Competence Based Education (CBE)-The Basics, organized within the framework of Capacity Building in the Field of Higher Education Strand 3 (ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE-STRAND-3) under the project “Agricultural Competence Based Education (AgrCBE).” February 10-28th 2025.
  2. Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning delivered by Makerere University School of Public Health and Resilient Africa Network in collaboration with the Makerere University Institute of Open, Distance Education and E-Learning. July 29 to August 02, 2024.
  3. Capacity building on Public Policy and Policy Organized by Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Consolidating Early-Career Academics Program at Makerere University and Partner Public Universities (CECAP) 2022-2024. Apr 29 to May 3, 2024.
  4. Minigrid System Design Course, facilitated by Global Sustainable Energy Solutions (GSES), India, with funding support from Cornerstone of Rural Electrification, Alliance for Rural Electrification, Transforming Energy Access Learning Partnership (TEA-LP), and University of Cape Town (UCT). 21st to 23rd March, 2023.
  5. Designing Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems. Held online on November 3rd, 2022. Facilitated by Kafue Gorge Regional Training Center (KGRTC) in conjunction with International Labour Organisation (ILO) with funding from the Government of Sweden under the Skills for Energy in Southern Africa (SESA) Project.
  6. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Teacher Training 2021, 5 ECTS (1 ECT=27 hours): 135 hours of work, theories and assignments. Following were covered in the course i) theoretical principles of PBL, ii) use PBL as teaching and learning approach to produce work-life relevant learning outcomes to students, iii) PBL course planning and evaluation, and iv) the role of a PBL mentor.
  7. Development of a Multi-disciplinary Masters’ Degree Curriculum for the Energy Access Sector (Addis Ababa, Feb 2020)
  8. Scholarly Writing and Communication Skills held on the 20th-23rd March, 2018, organized by the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University, Uganda
  9. Research Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative methods) and Data analysis using SAS held on the 12th- 23rd June, 2017, organized by the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University, Uganda
  10. Research Management held on the 30th-2nd June, 2016, organized by the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University, Uganda
  11. Philosophy of Methods held on the 18th-29th April, 2016, organized by the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, Makerere University, Uganda
  12. East African Regional Writeshop to Support Developing Country Publications on Transitions to Modern Energy Systems organized and facilitated by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) held on the 11-15 August 2014 in Nairobi
  13.  Economics of Climate-Resilient Development held on the 8-30 September, 2014, organized by the World Bank Group Climate Change Vice Presidency