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Mak Public Infrastructure Management Consortium Launched

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The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University on Friday, 22nd June 2018 officially launched the Makerere Public Infrastructure Management (MPIM) Consortium at a function presided over by Ms. Christina Malmberg Calvo, the World Bank Country Manager, Uganda. MPIM is a professional entity that brings together a network of experts in the diverse areas of public infrastructure management with the objective of promoting sustainable infrastructure management. To help achieve this, MPIM will provide professional capacity, advisory services and best practices to public and private institutions involved in infrastructure projects and programmes in Uganda as well as elsewhere in Africa.

“Uganda has an ambitious development agenda of transforming itself into a modern and prosperous country by 2040. To achieve these targets, the Government has increased its capital investments significantly in the past decade to address the binding constraints to growth and job creation especially through infrastructure investments” remarked Ms. Malmberg.

She acknowledged that whereas this was a fine strategy, Uganda as a nation needed to improve its capacity to manage public infrastructure, especially the ability to assess and deliver projects on time and within budget. “There are projects that are completed at twice the original cost, in part, due to endemic delays in implementation, cost overruns and corruption” added Ms. Malmberg.

Ms. Christina Malmberg Calvo, the World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, presided over the launch

The Country Director therefore acknowledged the MPIM consortium launch as timely and a continuation of Makerere University’s leadership in building and strengthening institutional capacity to better manage public investments in Uganda. She however urged Makerere to work with the Government to attain faster execution of projects by building the capacities of ministries, department and agencies in project preparation, appraisal, approval and monitoring through the MPIM Consortium as a centre of excellence.

Ms. Malmberg also proposed that Makerere through the MPIM Consortium could help: strengthen the independent review of Government’s project proposals; document good practice operational procedures to ensure adaptive learning; monitor and evaluate all public capital investment projects under implementation; and support transparency especially during project appraisal.

Representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo thanked Ms. Christina Malmberg Calvo for accepting to preside over the event, noting that Makerere University and the World Bank have enjoyed cordial and mutually beneficial working relationship over several decades. He also appreciated members of the audience; most of whom were Makerere University Alumni, for continuing to support their alma mater by taking great interest in the consortium launch.

Prof. William Bazeyo represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the launch

“Today marks an important day as we launch the Makerere Public Infrastructure Management Consortium. Makerere University through its remarkable Masters degree in Public Infrastructure Management supports a lot of infrastructural development in neighbouring countries by training managers from various sectors.

“I am therefore pleased that the consortium will be able to undertake research and development study initiatives in public infrastructure management with the aim of reducing the gap between knowledge acquisition and knowledge practice in infrastructure management” remarked the Deputy Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Bazeyo further commended the MPIM Patron and Dean, School of Business, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba for being a great mobiliser, whose skills have greatly enhanced the Masters in Public Infrastructure Management’s growth and recognition.

“I thank the Pan-African Capacity Building Programme (PACBP), supported by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the International Development Corporation (IDC) and the French Agency for Development (AFD) as well as all development partners that have supported the Masters in Public Infrastructure Management program since its inception in 2012” the Principal CoBAMS, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali remarked. “These resources have been put to good use and the gathering today is one of the pieces of evidence that can attest to this” he added.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali makes his remarks at the MPIM Consortium launch

The Principal tasked the School of Business to work the MPIM alumni to incorporate a component on the role of communities in the management of infrastructural facilities. “We have already heard reports of vandalism of culverts and other road works along the recently completed Kampala-Entebbe Express Highway. This calls for a holistic approach to communication, especially in addition to the standard facilitation that accompanies infrastructure development” he shared.

Assoc. Prof. Hisali then paid tribute to the organising committee for the excellent work and preparations leading up to the successful consortium launch. “The MPIM Consortium will open a new door for understanding more cultures in the region and as a College we are committed to supporting all MPIM activities” he concluded.

Delivering the keynote address at the consortium launch, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba noted that the huge investments in infrastructure projects and programmes to foster the development signified that resources were no longer the problem. “Today, the biggest obstacles are the leadership gap and professional managerial deficiency leading to loss and wastage of resources earmarked for development programs” he clarified.

Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba delivered the keynote address

He added that the Masters in Public Infrastructure Management was therefore developed to make Africa productive by reforming public service performance and building capacity of the African public service – through training and partnership. “The degree particularly focuses on enhancing managerial capacity in roads and transport management, water and sanitation, energy resources management, solid waste management, and health and education services” said Assoc. Prof. Kakumba.

In terms of impact to date, the program has registered and trained 152 students under MPIM, produced 92 graduates in four cohorts and received funding for 100 scholarships worth US$1Million. As a result, the program has trained senior managers from the; Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA, Kampala Capital City Authority-KCCA, Ministry of Works and Transport-MoWT, Rwanda Development Board-RDB, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority-RURA and Local Governments across East Africa.  

As he concluded his address, Assoc. Prof. Kakumba shared that the MPIM Consortium would offer its alumni a networking forum for continuous interaction to foster ideals of the PACBP. In particular, the consortium would offer the alumni a vehicle to establish partnerships with Government non-government agencies as well as international collaboration and linkages. It would further provide capacity building and home-grown solutions to local infrastructure challenges and help mobilise tuition scholarships to train more managers.

DBSA's Dr. Dumisani Magadlela made the presentation on PACBF support to development

Speaking on behalf of the partners, DBSA’s Programme Manager MPIM and Executive Coach-Dr. Dumisani Magadlela expressed his happiness at attending the launch, saying “in South Africa we hold Makerere University in high regard and thank you for leading. This programme is pioneering what we want to see in other regions and as such, we want to come in and support you strongly in technical terms” added Dr. Magadlela.

He also paid tribute to Assoc. Prof. Kakumba’s mobilisation skills, noting that he had helped the PACBP mobilise in South Africa for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and in Senegal for the West African bloc. “Central Africa is also coming on board through the Omar Bongo University in Gabon and Dr. Kakumba is also helping to mobilise there.”

Dr. Magadlela further emphasised the PACBP’s keenness on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4; Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, acknowledging that “the MPIM consortium launch is working towards achieving this SDG.”

“We are right with you, holding your hands going forward. We are ready to come and work with you especially on the short courses. You have a friend in South Africa” reassured Dr. Magadlela.

L-R: AfDB's Mr. George Adongo Makajuma, EU Delegation's Mr. Pavlos Evangelidis and Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba during the panel discussion

In the discussions that followed the consortium launch, panelists who included the EU Delegation to Uganda’s Head of Economic Growth-Mr. Pavlos Evangelidis, African Development Bank (AfDB)’s Overseer of Infrastructure Development in East Africa-Mr. George Adongo Makajuma and Dr. Ibrahim Okumu-Senior Lecturer, CoBAMS, discussed various issues ranging from financing infrastructure to its impact on local communities and economic development.

Mr. Evangelidis noted that whereas all EU funded programmes in Uganda were aimed at fostering economic growth, development and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive of environmental sustainability. Funding to the tune of 600Million Euros has largely been and still is directed at infrastructure development with the aim of maximizing the profitability of Uganda’s exports.

He reiterated that the EU’s funding model is based on non-reversible grants and focuses on achieving public good. He also clarified that all projects funded by the EU are on upon request by the Government. He gave an example of the proposed Kampala-Jinja Expressway, a vital link of the transport sector’s northern corridor.

Members of the MPIM Consortium Board of Directors pose for a group photo with the Chief Guest Ms. Christina Malmberg Cavlo. Left is the Board Patron-Assoc. Prof. Eng. Umaru Bagambadde

On the energy front, Mr. Evangelidis shared that the EU was working with Government to provide sustainable power in areas where it is currently unsustainable. This, he said, involves working with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to come up with mini-grids as a viable means of providing access to electricity.

In his contribution to the discussion, Mr. Makajuma shared that AfDB’s 10-year strategic plan is largely (up to 80%) made up of infrastructure as a means of unlocking export-led growth and trade: a strategy that minimizes social exclusion by bringing everybody into the national economy. He further shared AfDB’s focus is on promoting regional integrity that fosters inter-regional trade links. “Let’s do business with each other” he insisted.

On the financing front, Mr. Makajuma noted that debt servicing remains one of the biggest expenditures of developing economies. “The MPIM Consortium launch is long overdue as a means to help arrange and structure some of these deals on loans. We need assurance on the sustainability of money spent on infrastructure by examining the project lifecycle cost. For avoidance of rushed loans, contracts that are well structured should precede private sector involvement or consultation” he added.

L-R: Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali, Prof. William Bazeyo, Ms. Christina Malmberg Calvo and Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba share a light moment during the presentations

He emphasised that the repayment period for infrastructure development loans should never be shorter than the lifecycle of investment, so as to prevent governments from being burdened by debt servicing before they accrue any returns on investment. “The efficiency game is the future of decision making and the MPIM Consortium exists to create that caliber of advisors. Today’s launch marks the start of a good journey and the African Development Bank is willing to support this initiative.”

Making his presentation on the “Voice of the Beneficiaries”, Dr. Okumu, quoting the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2013 (WBES 2013) shared that it takes 44 days to receive an electricity connection service, an economically unviable option for any business. He further cited interventions like the Isimba and Karuma hydroelectric projects, which despite being scheduled for completion in 2016 and 2017 respectively remained incomplete to date.

Dr. Ibrahim Okumu made a presentation on the "Voice of the Beneficiaries"

Dr. Okumu further decried the allocation of over 90% of road construction projects to foreign companies. “This has weakened the multiplier effect of huge government investment in infrastructure because after completion of the projects, very few of these skills have been passed on to the local communities.”

As a way forward, he called for further strengthening of capacity development in Public Infrastructure Management as well as the attachment of property of public officials under whose watch shoddy infrastructure development works occur, in addition to other punitive action. Lastly, he made a case for the urgent need to link skills development initiatives to infrastructural skill requirements.

The workshop also received presentations from the National Planning Authority (NPA)’s Resident Consultant-Mr. John Bosco Kintu Kavuma on the “Capacity for Project Implementation and Management of Infrastructure in the East African Region” as well as the Chairman, Board of Directors-Eng. Usama Kayima on the “Strategic Direction of the MPIM Consortium.”

Mr. John Bosco Kintu Kavuma made a presentation on the “Capacity for Project Implementation and Management of Infrastructure in the East African Region”

Please see Downloads for the presentations

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Aptitude Test Results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2024/2025

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Senate Building

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released Aptitude Test Examination results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 24th February, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

Below is the list for Full Results for Candidates who sat Mature Age Entry Examinations 2024/25 for Bachelor of Laws. Note: All candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above should prepare for the Bachelor of laws pre-entry examination:

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Strengthening Partnerships: Makerere University Welcomes Delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada

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The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) and UWO President-Dr. Alan Shepard (3rd Left) show off the signed MoU as Left to Right: UWO's Dr. Opiyo Oloya and Dr. Lily Cho as well as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, UWO's Dr. John Yoo and Head of Advancement-Mr. Awel Uwihanganye witness on 21st March 2024. Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Carol Kainomugisha

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the University Management, welcomed a delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada (UWO), marking an important milestone in the strengthening of international partnerships and collaborations. The week-long visit, characterized by insightful discussions and exchanges with various colleges, departments and units of the University, highlighted various areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration between the two esteemed institutions.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) and Dr. Alan Shepard (2nd Left) sign the MoU as Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) and Dr. Lily Cho (Right) witness. 21st March 2023, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) and Dr. Alan Shepard (2nd Left) sign the MoU as Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) and Dr. Lily Cho (Right) witness.

The delegation was led by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Shepard and accompanied by Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Dr. Lily Cho, the Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Dr. Opiyo Oloya and the Dean, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. John Yoo.

The visit culminated with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will most certainly strengthen the already existing relationship between Makerere University and Western University.

The meeting between Makerere University and Western University commenced with the University Management which discussed collaborative opportunities, particularly in engineering, design, and technology, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Mr. Opio Oloya addressed issues of Inclusivity and diversity in academia, focusing on integrating indigenous knowledge, combating global anti-blackness, and promoting social integration within university communities.

Members of the University Management and the delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada pose for a group photo at the Makerere@100 Monument. 18th March 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the University Management and the delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada pose for a group photo at the Makerere@100 Monument.

Makerere‘s academic excellence and capacity-building initiatives were showcased, with plans to expand graduate training opportunities and enhance capacity through student and faculty exchanges.

 The meeting concluded with a shared vision for future collaborations, including research projects, academic programs, and student exchanges, reaffirming the commitment to fostering excellence and addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

Fostering Global Academic Partnerships: Western University meets Makerere University Colleges and Units.

In a meeting at the School of Law, led by the Principal, Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, the delegation held lengthy deliberations to explore avenues for academic collaboration, embodying the power of international partnerships in academia.

Central to the dialogue was Western University’s interest in global engagement, particularly in internationalization, aligning with Makerere‘s ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration. The meeting highlighted joint research opportunities, staff, and student mobility programs, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and the potential for cross-cultural learning and growth.

The Principal-Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left), Deputy Principal-Dr. Zahara Nampewo (3rd Left), Principal CHUSS-Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire (3rd Right), Head PAF-Dr. Benon Kigozi with other officials and the UWO delegation at the School of Law. 19th March 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal-Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left), Deputy Principal-Dr. Zahara Nampewo (3rd Left), Principal CHUSS-Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire (3rd Right), Head PAF-Dr. Benon Kigozi (Right) with other officials and the UWO delegation at the School of Law.

During the meeting between the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and Western University, the Executive Director Dr. Andrew Kambugu outlined IDI’s evolution from an academic venture to a multifaceted institution driving service delivery, research, and capacity building in Africa.

Highlighting existing partnerships, particularly in data management with the Faculty of Medicine at Western University, President Alan Shepard underscored the tangible outcomes of cross-border collaboration, with data-driven research initiatives making significant contributions to healthcare and public health interventions. Future collaboration prospects, including exchange programs, joint initiatives, and equipment donations, emphasized a shared commitment to innovative approaches and collaborative problem-solving to address pressing challenges in Africa.

Dr. Andrew Kambugu (4th Left) with other officials and the UWO Delegation during their visit to IDI. 19th March 2024, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Andrew Kambugu (4th Left) with other officials and the UWO Delegation during their visit to IDI.

Celebrating Collaboration: Farewell Luncheon Honoring Western University Delegation

A farewell luncheon, hosted by Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council, marked the poignant conclusion of the exchange visit with Western University, Ontario, Canada, celebrating the enduring spirit of collaboration and friendship between the two institutions.

Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Opiyo Oloya as Dr. Alan Shepard (Rear Right) and other officials interact. 21st March 2024, Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Opiyo Oloya as Dr. Alan Shepard (Rear Right) and other officials interact.

 As farewells were exchanged, participants left with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to nurturing the partnership for future endeavors, underscoring the power of collaboration to transcend boundaries and create opportunities for growth and learning.

As Western University and Makerere University look ahead, the memories of the week-long strategic visit will serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding their continued efforts to collaborate, learn, and grow together.

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CTCA Request For Expression of Interest: Finance and Accounts Assistant

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CTCA is seeking the services of a Finance and Accounts Assistant whose overall responsibility will be to provide finance and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA), School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Institution: Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA)
Project Title: Enhance Tobacco Control Institutional Capacity in Africa
Expression of Interest Number: CTCA/EOI/G339/2024

1. Introduction:

The Centre has received funding from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) for the
2024-2026) to implement a project on institutional development. The project investments are
geared towards sustaining human resource capacity and knowledge generation to reduce use of all forms of tobacco products in Africa.

Specifically, the project aims to:

  1. Enhance training opportunities for African governments and relevant actors in tobacco
    control in the continent.
  2. Increase access to knowledge for guiding tobacco use prevention and control in Africa.
  3. Reinforce the institutional development of CTCA for an optimal performance of its
    functions and processes.

Therefore, CTCA is seeking the services of a Finance and Accounts Assistant whose overall responsibility will be to provide finance and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. The Assistant will support management and other employees on a variety of tasks related to administration, finance, procurement, and communication.

2. Scope of Work

The specific duties include:

  1. Providing support to the accounting and procurement functions through preparing journals and loading payments for review by the budget and finance officer for authorization
  2. Maintain supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
  3. Administer and manage logistics and contracts for services with service providers such as travel agents, hotels, translations and interpretation agencies, office supplies
  4. Maintaining a clean electronic and manual filing system.
  5. Handling communications – Receiving, storing, retrieving, dispatching, organizing documents and other correspondence of the Centre.
  6. Provide secretarial services to CTCA technical meetings.
  7. Assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports.
  8. Assist in logistics preparations for meetings, workshops, and missions.
  9. Oversee and supervise the work of junior staff.
  10. Maintain up-to-date employee records.
  11. Any other duties as may be assigned.

See Downloads for detailed advert.

Application deadline: Not later than 17:00 hours on 8th April, 2024.

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