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

Published

8 years ago

June 4, 2017

President of Global Financial Integrity, Washington DC Dr. Raymond Baker delivering the presentation.

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 4^th 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 21^st Century, Dr. Raymond Baker said that democratic capitalist system has undergone an unrecognisable change over the past half of the 21^st 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 4^th 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.

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First-Year Student’s Joining Instructions 2025/26

Published

2 days ago

September 4, 2025

Mak Editor

Dear Students; Class of 2025/2026
I am very delighted to welcome you to Makerere University. You are joining a Premier University and I hope you all are excited to start your new academic journey. We would like to first congratulate all of you for successfully overcoming the many challenges you have all faced, from completing high school to choosing a university and a study program and the extensive delays in the admission process you experienced.

As you are about to begin one of the most exciting times in your life, you should acknowledge and appreciate your efforts and achievements so far. I am aware that as a fresher, you are filled with hope and ambition, and I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the road that has brought you here. I know that you have worked hard and overcome many obstacles
to reach this point. So, take a moment to savor this achievement and be proud of yourselves.

Now, as you step into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you that this is a time of growth and exploration. You will face new challenges, make new friends, and gain experiences that will shape you into the person you will become. This is the time to embrace new opportunities, learn from your mistakes, and never stop growing.

Freshers-joining-Instructions-2025-2026 Download

I also want to emphasise the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. These are the qualities that will help you overcome any obstacle and succeed in your endeavors. Remember to keep your focus on your goals and work towards them with determination.
I encourage you to approach your studies with a growth mindset. This means that you believe that your abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Remember that failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow.

Professor Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
Academic Registrar

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Transform Ivory Tower into Impact Tower – First-ever CEOs’ Summit

Published

4 days ago

September 2, 2025

Eve Nakyanzi

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga (4th Right), Hon. Balaam Barugahara (4th Left), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Rear: 3rd Left), and Mr. George Turyamureeba (3rd Right) with Members of Management and stakeholders at the First Ever Alumni CEOs Summit on 2nd September 2025. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2^nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.

The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.

Government Endorsement and Call to Action

The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3^rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.

She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga.***

She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.

Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:

“Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
“Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
“Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
“Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
“Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”

Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Current and Former Guild Leaders including Mr. Wilbrod Owor (CEO, Uganda Bankers Association) pose for a group photo with dignitaries.***

She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:

From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.

She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.

The Minister’s Reflection

Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Hon. Balaam Barugahara gestures.***

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.

He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.

Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined

Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential

Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.

He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.***

Convocation’s Strategic Role

MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.

CPA George Turyamureeba. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***CPA George Turyamureeba.***

Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.

CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***CPA George Turyamureeba (Right) and Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto (2nd Right) and members of the Convocation Team.***

Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began

In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.

He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:

The past to the future,
Business and industry to academia, and
Learning to market needs.

Dr. Peter Kimbowa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Peter Kimbowa.***

He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation

Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — Members of Management from Left to Right: Mr. Paul Agaba-Procurement and Disposal Unit, Mr. Simon Kizito-Deputy University Secretary, Prof. Robert Wamala-Director Research Innovations and Partnerships, and Prof. Ruth Nalumaga-University Librarian.

Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework

The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.

Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.

Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Panelists from Left to Right: Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto, Mr. Samuel Mwogeza, Mr. Peter Sibukule and Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba with Moderator-Dr. William Tayeebwa.***

Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.

Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo. Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo.***

Proceedings

The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).

Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right). Makerere University Convocation (MUC) first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit, 2nd September 2025, Convocation House, Edge Road, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. Viola Karungi (Left) and Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right).***

The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.

General

Admission Lists -Disability and District Quota Schemes 2025/26

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2025

Mak Editor

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released the admission list of candidates admitted under the Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2025/26 Academic Year.

Kindly follow the links below to access the lists:-