In Press

Mak research raises hope on Covid-19 severity

Published

6 years ago

June 3, 2020

Mark Wamai

L-R: Prof William Bazeyo, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and Dr Bruce Kirenga. Photo: The Observer.

_{By Derrick Kiyonga}

Covid-19 has wreaked havoc globally and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. In Uganda, the pandemic has so far been managed and we are yet to register any death much as the total cases have risen to 489 by June 2.

However, there is no reason to panic after a study on the first 56 Covid-19 patients led by Makerere University’s lung institute found that show that they were able to recover on supportive care through managing the symptoms and treatment with antibiotics without the need for admission to Intensive care unit (ICU) or ventilation, writes DERRICK KIYONGA

On May 26, the Makerere University Lung Institute released the characteristics and outcomes of initial patients diagnosed and treated with Covid-19 in Uganda. Codenamed COVIDEPI, the six-week study rotated around the behaviour of the Coronavirus and its impact on the lungs.

The research, funded by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MAKRIF), was a collaboration among various health service providers in the country and was led by Prof William Bazeyo, the Makerere University deputy vice chancellor.

Dr Bruce Kirenga, the institute director, noted that the aim was to prepare study the severity of Covid-19, the patient’s reaction to treatment as well as using the findings to prepare the country to manage other contagious diseases.

“At admission, only two patients met the classification of severe disease. Patients were closely monitored to identify any signs of severe disease. Temperature and oxygen saturation were monitored three times a day,” he said.

Related Topics:COVID-19 COVIDEPI ICU innovation lung Mak-RIF MLI Research study Ventilator

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In Press

The future we hand over

Published

4 months ago

November 16, 2025

Mak Editor

Assoc. Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, School of Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Every generation dreams of success. Parents work hard to build a better life for their families. Entrepreneurs take risks to grow their firms. Leaders strive to improve the lives of their people. Yet when all is said and done,the true measure of success is not how much we achieve in a lifetime, but whether the success endures beyond it. No matter how strong, talented or visionary we are, one truth unites us all: we are mortal life has its seasons.Each of us has our moment to build, lead and nurture – and then hand over.

Published in the Daily Monitor:

Writer – Assoc. Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu

Dean, School of Economics at Makerere University.

View on CoBAMS

In Press

Many Ugandan workers show up but they are on silent strike

Published

5 months ago

October 20, 2025

Mak Editor

The Dean, School of Economics, Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu addressing students during the Career Talk. Bank of Uganda in partnership with College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) career talk targeting students studying economics. Theme: ‘Beyond the Books-Positioning Economics Students for National and Global Relevance,’ Commits to Annual Monetary policy engagements, 14th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

OKUMU MIKE IBRAHIM | In Kampala today, a meal of posho and beans costs about Shs5,000. For many shop attendants, guards, clerks, or market loaders, that is also their daily wage. Imagine working from morning to evening only to afford one meal.

Under such conditions, it is no surprise that many Ugandans have lost the energy to work with commitment. Instead, they slow down, go through the motions, or quietly expect “something small” from the customer just to survive. This is not laziness. It is the reality of an economy where too many people chase too few jobs.

In Press

Registration without incentives won’t grow business in Uganda, experts warn

Published

7 months ago

August 31, 2025

Mak Editor

Prof. Marcus Larsen presenting the research insights. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, 29th August 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

_{By John Odyek}

Business and tax registration alone are not enough to secure the survival, growth, or sustainability of firms in Uganda, according to new research that has been released.

The study conducted by scholars from Makerere University, Copenhagen Business School, and the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) found that formalisation must be supported by targeted reforms, government incentives, and strong backing from business associations and civil society if it is to deliver green and inclusive growth.

Titled “Firm Formalisation and Sustainable Development,” the study launched on August 28, 2025, at Makerere University.