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Business and financial experts to build a powerful network to end illicit financial flows in Uganda

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Experts in business and financial transactions have appreciated the need to build a powerful network of stakeholders committed to substantially reduce Illicit Financial flows in Uganda. This was during a Public Discourse organised by FIDA Uganda and the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe to discuss the Illicit Financial Flows and their impact on Africa’s economic development. Held on 4th June 2018, the Public Discourse was organised under a theme: “Illicit Financial flow exploring conceptual and practical challenges in Uganda”.

During the intensive discussion, participants from government, civil societies, Non-governmental Organisations, private sector and media said that developing countries and financial centres must collaborate to adopt and enforce policies that promote good governance, tackle corruption and implement transparent tax systems.

Participants also suggested that countries must have the right laws in place with the capacity to implement them. A system for exchanging tax information on preventing tax evaders and money launderers should be initiated and countries should ensure that cross-border financial flows use formal financial systems.

Illicit Financial Flows are cross-border capital movements purposed for concealing illegal activities and evading taxes. (Marc Herkenrath, 2014). It involves money that is illegally earned, illegally transferred, or illegally utilized. According to the President of Global Financial Integrity, Washington DC Dr. Raymond Baker, Illicit money comes in three forms; the proceeds of bribery and theft, the proceeds of criminal activities including drugs, racketeering, and terrorist financing that combined slosh around the globe and the proceeds of tax evasion and laundered commercial transactions.

In a keynote address on Democratic-Capitalism at risk imperilling the 21st Century, Dr. Raymond Baker said that democratic capitalist system has undergone an unrecognisable change over the past half of the 21st Century. To him, today Capitalists have a second hidden motive of facilitating their shadow financial system.

“The primary threat to the democratic capitalist system does not come from corrupt governments or terrorists, but from us and our failure to operate the capitalist system legally and ethically. It is an uphill effort to do this entirely on moral and ethical grounds. To combat illicit financial flows and tax havens, we have to strengthen the laws that regulate the market,” he said.

Illicit financial flows are an increasing concern of resource drainage from Africa. They reduce domestic resources and tax revenue needed to fund poverty-reducing programs and infrastructure in developing countries. They pose a huge challenge to political and economic security. Funds for public priorities are diverted by harmful practices, such as corruption, organized crime, illegal exploitation of natural resources, fraud in international trade and tax evasion.

According to Dr. Raymond Baker, for years, African countries have been severely hit by illicit financial flows. The global financial report released in 2015 clearly indicated that Africa is estimated to be losing more than $50 billion per year in illicit financial flows and Uganda loses an average of $509 million in illicit financial outflows annually.

“This challenge has left behind a very big income gap among individuals and countries, drained hard the currency reserves, heightened inflation, reduced tax collection, worsened income gaps and undermined trade. It has shortened lives for millions of people and deprived existences for billions more. Within the economic realm, as distinguishable from political affairs or environmental constraints, nothing else approaches the harmful effects of massive outflows of illicit money from poor countries to rich countries,” he said.

He noted that there is need for a whole-of-government approach in which all agencies collaborate and share information. “Governments should indicate the beneficial ownership of stolen funds, effectively use the legislation and develop better monitoring systems. There is need for countries to draw attention to their money, provide Entity Identifier Numbers and understand the power of signature,” he stated.

During the Public Discourse held on 4th June 2018, the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda H.E Mogens Pedersen mentioned that the rate at which Uganda mobilises revenue currently stands at only 13% of the GDP. Therefore there is need for the country to close its revenue leakages given their negative effects to the economic growth.

“In order to facilitate identification of a remedy to this problem, the Danish Embassy has commissioned a study to help us get a better understanding of the nature and extent of Illicit financial flows in Uganda. We hope that this study which will be completed in 3 months will guide both government and development partners to design specific and targeted interventions to fight illicit financial flows. On behalf of Denmark, I want to assure you of our unwavering commitment to engage with the key stakeholders and to support efforts to curb illicit financial flows in Uganda,” the Ambassador said.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Dr. Eria Hisali said, “When talking about the rampant illicit financial flows in Uganda, it’s either the systems such as Human Resource and legal frameworks that are compromised or it has to do with the outright corruption the custodians of our systems.”

He thanked the Danish Embassy to Uganda for sponsoring a study that is geared towards finding the causes and implications of illicit financial flows in Uganda. In the same spirit Dr. Hisali appreciated the keynote speaker Dr. Raymond Baker for his knowledgeable and informative presentation.

He applauded FIDA Uganda and Makerere University for organising the long awaited dialogue and acknowledged the Danish Embassy for the support to ensure its success.

The Chairperson of FIDA Uganda Dr. Damalie E. Naggita-Musoke said that it is high time Ugandans understand the implications of illicit financial flows to the economic development of the country. “We have come to realise that issues that affect societies, women and children have a certain extent of illicit financial flows and resource utilization. Therefore there is a need for us to learn about illicit financial flows not only in the academic sense but also the implication of illicit financial flow generally,” she said.

The Public discourse involved an interactive panel discussion on “Illicit Financial flow exploring conceptual and practical challenges in Uganda”. Moderated by Mr. Charles Odongotho, the panellists included; Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida- the Executive Director of FIDA Uganda, Mr. Ezra Francis Munyambonera- Head of the Macroeconomics Department at Economic Policy Research Centre, Ms. Stella Nyapendi- Assistant Commissioner Board Affairs, Policy and Rulings at Uganda Revenue Authority, Ms. Jane Seruwagi Nalunga-Country Director at SEATINI Uganda and Dr. Robert Mugabe from Makerere University Business School.

Article by Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office.

Elias Tuhereze

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2025 K-POP Festival: Online Auditions

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2025 K-POP Festival, 8th November 2025, Yusuf Lule Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Uganda is organizing the 2025 K-POP Festival in Uganda. K-POP stands for Korean Popular Music and this festival will include a K-POP singing or dancing contest open to both individuals and groups. There will be online auditions and a grand festival open to the public.

1. Eligibility

  • The contest is open to all Ugandans
  • Participation is as an individual or in a group

2. How to apply

Record a video of yourself of about 3 minutes of dancing or singing to a K-POP song. Upload the video on your Social Media or YouTube with the hashtag #2025KPOPUG and copy and paste the link to the video in the application form at https://han.gl/kE1xN. The application deadline is 17th October 2025.

The GRAND K-POP FESTIVAL will be held on 8th November 2025 starting 1:00PM at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University.

There will also be a K-POP Random Play Dance Event and everyone is invited to participate and watch.

Mak Editor

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Makerere University Council and Top Management Convene Strategic Planning Retreat

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Members of the University Council together with Management in a group photo at consultative meeting towards the formulation of the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026–2029/2030.

The Makerere University Council and Top Management have today convened at Speke Resort Munyonyo to deliberate on the University’s Strategic Plan 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. The retreat seeks to align Makerere’s priorities with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and ensure that all key stakeholders contribute to shaping the institution’s next five years.

Opening the discussions, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the centrality of planning in the University’s growth trajectory. He called on members of management to actively participate in the drafting of the new strategic plan. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere’s progress in recent years, noting that the University has drawn a roadmap to becoming a research-led institution, with publications rising from 700 five years ago to 2,000 currently.

He further pointed out the revision of research policies to align with the University’s research agenda, as well as the establishment of innovation hubs that support product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property management. Commending staff for their resilience and success, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them on winning significant individual grants, some of which now surpass institutional grants. “NDP IV is intended to grow the country tenfold, and I am confident Makerere will make a huge contribution,” he remarked.

Mrs. Lorna Magara

In her keynote remarks, the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, described the retreat as a defining moment for Makerere’s role in Uganda’s transformation. She urged the University to move beyond traditional teaching and research, positioning itself as a central driver of national development.

“Our mandate extends beyond academia. The knowledge we generate, the leaders we shape, and the innovations we deliver must directly fuel Uganda’s growth,” Mrs. Magara stated.

She outlined priority national development areas— agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral-based development, and advances in science and technology—where Makerere’s expertise can make a decisive impact. Emphasising the urgency of challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, food insecurity, and fragile health systems, she noted that within these lie opportunities for Makerere to lead in testing and scaling solutions.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

“This retreat is about discipline and focus. Our strategy cannot be a wish list; it must be a blueprint for measurable national impact,” she said, challenging participants to critically reflect on how Makerere can anchor Uganda’s food security, nurture digital innovators, strengthen health resilience, and raise transformative leaders.

She concluded with a call for boldness and clarity in execution: “The next five years are decisive. Makerere must shift from being a participant in national development to being its strongest driver. What we agree here must position Makerere not only as Uganda’s premier university but also as a trusted national partner and a beacon of Africa’s transformation.”

Participants in a group discussion

The retreat involved detailed discussions and contributions from University leaders, aimed at developing a practical and impact-driven strategic plan that cements Makerere’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Makerere University signs Memorandum of Understanding with International Rescue Committee to Advance Research, Innovation and Partnerships

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Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Left), Principal of MakCEES exchanging the MoU with Mr. Elijah Okuyo, Country Director, IRC

Makerere University has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Rescue Committee to formalize undertakings in research, innovation & partnerships.

Signed in September 2025 by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Country Director, International Rescue Committee,  Mr. Elijah Okeyo, the MoU provides a framework to implement research intensive programmes, promote innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, and contribute to societal transformation.

According to Mr. Okeyo, the MoU re-affirms Makerere University as the academic partner of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). “This MoU formalizes IRC’s working relationship with Makerere University. This framework empowers both institutions to tap into opportunities together. We believe in equal partnership. Makerere University commits to being our partner in research to contribute to evidence based humanitarian undertakings,” he said.

Under this collaboration, Makerere University and IRC will work on developing child-centered learning resources, innovative curricula, and policy-relevant research to enhance the quality of education in crisis-affected regions.

At Makerere University, the MoU brings on board, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Research Centre.

To concretize the MoU, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga convened a partnership meeting on Friday 12th September 2025  involving a delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Dr. David Kabugo, the Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER),  and Ms. Ritah Namisango, the Principal Communication Officer.

Mak CEES and IRC partnership meeting in progress

The delegation from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consisted of the following: Mr. Elijah Okeyo-Country Director, Mr. Vincent Wanyama-Senior Program Development and Quality Coordinator,  Mr. Richard Omasete-Policy and Advocacy PlayMatters, and Ms. Janet Nambuya-Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.

The MoU focuses on the following areas of interest: Early Childhood Development, joint research and capacity building in education, the plight of refugees and the host communities, humanitarian aid, as well as, evidence based research to inform the education policy.

In line with its mandate, IRC brings onboard, its unmatched expertise in helping children in crisis-affected areas. The MoU therefore positions both institutions to undertake a leading role in the protection of children and families through evidence based research, access to education, and humanitarian undertakings.

Dr. Kabugo, the Deputy Director MITER, noted that the MoU opens new opportunities for joint efforts in research, training, and policy. He said: “We are committed to co-designing practitioner research, engaging in professional development, and generating evidence to guide the education policy in Uganda and beyond.” Dr. Kabugo explained that this partnership builds on years of cooperation between CEES and IRC, especially in child-centered methods such as play-based learning.

Prof. Mugagga described the MOU as a practical framework that connects Makerere University’s research with IRC’s field experiences. He stated that the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) conducts programmes focused on the future of the young people through training and empowering students/teachers. He articulated that the College significantly impacts on the education sector through delivery of quality academic programmes and research under the School of Education, School of  Distance and Lifelong Learning, and the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development.

“Our strongest synergy is education and early child-focused care,” Prof. Mugagga emphasized. He revealed that the collaboration presents CEES with a strong and reliable partner (IRC), which stands for protection and the well-being of children and families. “Through this MoU, both CEES and IRC, will significantly contribute to improving education for children, families, and communities impacted by conflict and crisis.”

Prof. Mugagga commended IRC for the earlier support and expertise extended to the College in the development of the early childhood centre, and working together to provide valuable input during the Ministry of Education and Sports’ consultative process that led to the Early Childhood development policy.

Reflecting on the increasing number of refugees enrolling for studies at Makerere University, Prof. Mugagga  said: “ IRC has come at the right time. The College will tap into the IRC expertise to teach our staff and learners components in refugee education. They will equip our students and teachers with knowledge and skills in refugee education. Some of our students will cooperate with IRC to undertake research in refugee settlement and host communities.”

[L-R] Dr. David Kabugo, Deputy Director (MITER), Mr. Vincent Wanyama (IRC), Prof. Anthony Mugagga (Principal, MakCEES), Mr. Elijah Okeyo( Country Director-IRC), Ms. Janet Nambuya (IRC), Mr. Richard Omasette (IRC) and Ms. Ritah Namisango, PCO (MakCEES)

Prof. Mugagga implored both MITER and IRC to undertake research and develop modules on refugee education, parenting, re-tooling street children, integration of a health component into the curriculum, and management of truamatised students/learners who come from areas affected by war, conflict and crisis.

On the issue of play materials, Prof. Mugagga stressed that already made play materials derial creativing. “Both CEES and IRC should work towards a context that empowers children and learners to ignite their creative potential by developing home-made play materials,” he submitted.

About IRC

Stating a brief profile history about IRC, Mr. Okeyo explained that IRC is a global non-profit organisation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC has been active in Uganda since 1998, originally assisting displaced populations in Northern Uganda and later expanding its efforts to refugee settlements and urban areas.. Currently, IRC operates more than 35 health facilities in refugee settlements and runs a variety of programs in health, education, protection, and economic recovery. IRC also undertakes projects focusing on early childhood development, prevention of gender-based violence, and protection of refugees and families.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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