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

Climate Information alone not enough to spur farmers’ adaptation

Published

2 months ago

July 8, 2026

Mak Editor

Dr. Peter Babyenda, Post Doc Researcher. Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University inception workshop for two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, 14th May 2025, EfD Conference Room, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

OPINION by PETER BABYENDA | Our recent study conducted in Machakos County, Kenya, revealed that while the provision of climate information is vital for smallholder farmers, it is not sufficient on its own to drive long-term adaptation to climate change. The study highlights the complex interplay between information provision, behavioural responses and institutional support in building resilience among farmers.

We used an experiment to test how farmers responded to three types of climate information: short-term forecasts, long-term unexplained projections and long-term explained projections. Results showed that while explained long-term forecasts improved comprehension and reduced ambiguity, they did not consistently lead to forward-looking investments such as applying irrigation, water harvesting and planting of climate-sensitive crop and animal varieties. Short-term forecasts reinforced seasonal coping strategies, while unexplained projections heightened risk aversion.

Therefore farmers’ decisions on adaptation to climate change seem not to be only shaped by the clarity of climate forecasts but also by liquidity constraints, risk perceptions and institutional barriers.

The Writer is the EfD-Mak Centre Policy Engagement Coordinator and Lecturer at School of Economics, Makerere University

In Press

The future we hand over

Published

9 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.

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In Press

Many Ugandan workers show up but they are on silent strike

Published

10 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.