General
Top Economists call for more local investments
The Deputy Governor Bank of Uganda, Dr. Louis Kasekende has called for strengthening of the private sector to fill the gaps in Uganda’s economy and witness higher economic growth. Dr. Kasekende was giving a key note address at a high level policy dialogue on Uganda’s economy at Makerere University on 3rd Nov. 2015. The highly interactive dialogue was organized by the School of Economics (College of Business and Management Sciences), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and United Nations Development Programme. It drew participants from the industry, academia, policy makers and the international community.
Dr. Kasekende appreciated the private sector for the aggressiveness in investing but noted that it is high time investments by the private sector were rechanneled to more pressing areas of the economy. “Most private investment is in shopping malls and residential homes not employment industries. We need to invest in goods too,” he advised.
He noted that current account and trade deficits have widened over the last decade, with the trade deficit close to $3 billion for the financial year 2014/15. He pointed out that exports of goods and services stagnated in the last 2 years. To reduce trade deficits, Dr. Kasekende argued that a substantial share of output growth over the medium term must comprise of traded goods, exports and import substitutes. He castigated the long held dream that Uganda’s oil will be a magic solution to all the country’s pressing financial needs. “Uganda cannot rely on oil alone to close its trade deficits, because export revenues are highly uncertain. Uganda must expand non oil export industries to ensure a sustainable balance of payments over the long term,” he asserted.
The call for enhanced investments was shared by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Executive Director Uganda Planning Authority, who observed that the country is doomed if it does not prioritize strategic investments. The Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Keith Muhakanizi, observed that Uganda’s per capita income has not increased despite an increase in economic growth, thus the need for major structural changes in face of the depreciating shilling.
Almaz Gebru, the Country Director, United Nations Development Programme, argued that holistic strategies ought to be adopted in addressing the question on improving Uganda’s economy. “We should embark on strategies for full integration of the academia and its visibility beyond teaching, into institutions we can rely on for best policy research and advocacy. UNDP is committed to scaling up partnership with academia and institutions engaged in private and public policy issues, such as governance, economic management, and human development,” she said.
“At the macroeconomic level, we need to ask ourselves how we can enhance macroeconomic and financial stability in the face of the weakening shilling and the likely decline in investor confidence. How can we support growth in ways that complement achievement on all other dimensions of sustainable development? Yes, the economy has been growing, but we need to put a human face to this growth. How can we make it equitable to ensure that prosperity is shared?” she wondered.
Gebru called for strategies to widen the tax base, significantly reduce tax evasion and tackle resource leakages. She added that those entrusted with managing resources ought to do so transparently and account to the taxpayers through better service delivery.
According to the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, Uganda is reported to be among the fastest growing economies in the world having registered an average GDP growth rate of 7% over the course of the past two decades. “This is quite impressive. However, there is still need for broader understanding of the macro-economic dynamics and socio-economic factors shaping Uganda’s development agenda, which remains critical. As the nation struggles to achieve the desired Vision 2040, there is urgency in the need and demand for evidence-based research that informs formulation of pro-poor policies. This is the kind of research that will promote sustainable human development in Uganda, he asserted.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal- College of Business and Management Sciences – CoBAMS, observed that all citizenry, have a role in shaping the country’s future. “We have noted that, as a country, we need to make careful fiscal choices, and we also need to follow up our plans with real action in terms of implementation,” he said.
The Dean School of Economics, Dr. Edward Bbaale, observed that the dialogue was timely in discussing Uganda’s situation. "There couldn’t have been any other time than now to discuss direction, prospects and challenges from the perspective of the overarching strategic direction of the country; the National Development Plan II," he said.
The proceedings of this high level policy dialogue will be compiled into a report and shared by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University.
Article by Marion Alina
General
Makerere University Leaders Call for Excellence in Research and Supervision as Academic Staff and PhD Students Receive Certificates
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, 15 December 2025 — Makerere University on Monday held a reflective and inspiring Certificate Award Ceremony at the CTF 2 Auditorium , Yusuf Lule to award academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course and PhD Students who successfully undertook the University’s compulsory cross-cutting doctoral courses. The event was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali.
The ceremony honored the efforts and achievements of 58 academic staff members, 39 men and 19 women from various colleges including CEDAT, CAES, CEES, COVAB and COBAMS, who completed a rigorous three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship programme.
Additionally, PhD students were recognized for completing cross-cutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Scholarly Writing and Communication, and Advanced Research Methods.
In her keynote remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Academic Affairs, delivered a message of encouragement and renewed commitment to research excellence at Makerere University.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to celebrate a significant academic milestone, the completion of the PhD Cross-Cutting Courses by our students and the award of Supervision Certificates to our academic staff.”
“Your completion of this course is not just a personal achievement, but a critical contribution to strengthening the research and mentoring capacity of Makerere University.”
To the PhD students, Prof. Ssali offered warm congratulations and encouragement. “These courses have equipped you with essential tools to conduct high-quality, ethical research and to engage with complex academic questions. This achievement reflects your hard work, intellectual growth, and commitment to excellence.”
She reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to research advancement. “As a University, we remain deeply committed to fostering a culture of research excellence. We will continue to invest in both our students and our staff, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards in research and academic supervision.”
The Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma, challenged the PhD students to approach research with urgency, intentionality, and a clear sense of purpose.
“Completing the crosscutting courses in Philosophy of Methods, Advanced Research Methods, and Scholarly Writing and Communication has not been an easy task. However, the certificate alone is not the end goal. Don’t simply compile these certificates. Make them meaningful.”
Prof. Kikooma emphasized that the value of the courses lies in applying the knowledge gained. “These certificates give you the foundation knowledge. The question now is: Can we see the application of that knowledge in your different fields?”
He further urged doctoral students to begin producing serious academic work now, not at the end of their studies. “If you are becoming someone to be listened to, start now. It means the course is becoming useful. Write about issues that speak to societal challenges. Produce thinking pieces. Produce better outputs. “Look for low-lying fruits that can make your PhD journey more exciting and impactful.”
Prof. Kikooma also reminded students that while the PhD journey is shared by the academic community, its weight is uniquely felt by the candidates. “Your PhD journey is ours as a group. But you feel the heat. Speak to us so we understand your challenges. “You cannot be here for more than three years. Why are some of you still here? Is the journey heavy? How can we support you to complete it?” He asked.
He encouraged students to build thought leadership through the PhD Forum, adding that the forum is a strong voice for the students. A PhD is automatic leadership in the knowledge domain. Why doesn’t the PhD Forum come up with periodic writings that reflect what communities are experiencing? Start now so that by the time you finish the course, you hit the ground running.”
The Ag. Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Support (CTLS), Dr. Dorothy Ssebowa Kyagaba, gave a message to the academic staff who completed the Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course, speaking with admiration for their dedication and high level of engagement.
“I congratulate all the academic staff who have completed the three-week Graduate Supervision and Mentorship Course. Your commitment, hard work, and enthusiasm have been evident throughout the training.”
She described the course as a cornerstone of Makerere’s commitment to strengthening graduate supervision. “This course is a key component in Makerere University’s drive to strengthen the quality of graduate training, research supervision, innovation, and strategic partnerships.”
She highlighted the thematic richness of the training; covering Knowledge Production Perspectives, Supervisory styles, Supervisory meetings and conversation skills, Research Ethics, Intercultural supervision and diversity, Scholarly writing and feedback as well as Examination processes and Doctoral Viva. She expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Graduate Training led by Prof. Kikooma, and to Prof. Ssali for providing leadership that advances graduate training across Makerere University.
General
Makerere University Hosts EU Delegation to Review Institutional Engagement in EU Cooperation Programmes
Makerere University today hosted a delegation of members from the European Union (EU) for a high-level engagement aimed at reviewing the University’s involvement in EU cooperation programmes. The meeting focused on the linkages between the Erasmus+ Programme, Makerere University’s internationalization strategy, and the related institutional management and coordination structures.
The delegation was received by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Sarah Ssali, provided an overview of how EU cooperation programmes are coordinated across different offices within the University. She highlighted Makerere’s integrated institutional approach to managing EU-funded initiatives, emphasizing collaboration among academic units, administrative offices, and support departments to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of projects.
Prof. Sylivia Antonia Nakimera Nanyonga-Tamusuza presented an overview of how grants are handled at Makerere University, with particular emphasis on the role of the Grants Management and Support (GAMSU) Office. She explained that the office provides end-to-end support for externally funded projects, including proposal development, grant negotiation, compliance, financial accountability, reporting, and capacity building for project teams. The GAMSU Office plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and compliance with donor requirements, including those of the European Union.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, addressed the meeting and outlined how the University’s resources are managed to support academic programmes and international cooperation initiatives. He further explained the role of the Office of the University Secretary in supporting students, including policy oversight, governance, student welfare, administrative coordination, and ensuring that institutional systems effectively support teaching, research, and international partnerships.
Ms. Betty Nabisubi from the International Relations Office (IRO) provided a comprehensive overview of how Erasmus+ programmes are coordinated within her office. She explained that the IRO supports Erasmus students and staff from the time they arrive at Makerere University until their departure. This includes orientation, immigration support, accommodation guidance, academic coordination, cultural integration, and continuous student support. She also highlighted additional services offered by the office, such as partnership development, mobility coordination, and facilitation of international collaborations.
Following the institutional presentations, project representatives were allocated 30 minutes for structured discussions with EU project contact persons. The session began with short presentations focusing on project results, impact, and sustainability, followed by an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session. The representatives presented their projects clearly and confidently, demonstrating strong outcomes and long-term impact aligned with both Makerere University and EU cooperation objectives.
Overall, the engagement was highly productive and fruitful, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, reflection on best practices, and strengthening collaboration between Makerere University and the European Union. The discussions reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to effective internationalization, accountable project management, and sustained partnerships under EU cooperation programmes.
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