In Press

Math icon wants people to fall in love with numbers

Published

5 years ago

March 16, 2021

Mark Wamai

Betty Kivumbi Nannyonga has a PhD in mathematics and several post doctorate degrees in various mathematical disciplines from various universities. PHOTO/ Godfrey Lugaaju.

As a Primary Three Pupil at St. Clement Primary School, Ntusi in Sembablule District, Betty Kivumbi Nannyonga survived being another child broken by bullying. Her classmates laughed at her and made fun of the way she spoke English. “I had problems with pronouncing some words and people laughed at me,” she recalls.

Her late father hoped school would help with her speech in vain. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, she sought solace in mathematics. She talked less and fell in love with numbers.

“I realised with maths I did not have to say anything or read a lot, I kept quiet and focused. All you had to do was grasp a concept, I realised you did not have to speak to do maths,” says Kivumbi who now speaks effortlessly.

Kivumbi is now on course to become the first female associate professor of mathematics in the country and is a senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Makerere University. She credits mathematics for the transformative power it has had on her life and has committed herself to imparting its beauty to all children, especially young girls. She wants to be remembered for changing people’s attitude towards maths.

Related Topics:attitude empower featured girls impart Mathematics transform

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In Press

The future we hand over

Published

6 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

7 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

8 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.