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Address Financial Literacy to Improve Household Income-Study

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Findings by a team of researchers from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) have recommended that the Government through its agencies should partner with private financial institutions to organise financial literacy trainings to teach households on how to access capital, save and invest in productive ventures. The recommendations were made at a research dissemination workshop for the project titled: Evaluation of the effectiveness of financial inclusion on household’s welfare in Uganda: A case study of Busoga region.

While officially opening the hybrid dissemination workshop held on Wednesday 29th September 2020 in the School of Business Conference Room and virtually, the Principal CoBAMS, Dr. Eria Hisali thanked the Government of Uganda for funding the project through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). He equally commended the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Eric Nzibonera and his team on successfully completing their project and achieving the set objectives.

Chief Guest at the Dissemination Mr. John Peter Mujuni represented The Executive Director, Microfinance Support Centre.

Dr. Hisali proposed four options to ensure that the findings from the study reach a wider audience.

  1. Immediately upload the findings on the College’s new working paper series website, which will enable staff to read the document and provide feedback
  2. Proceed to transform the working paper into a journal article so as to reach audiences from different parts of the world
  3. Proactively review curricular in preparation for the possibility of gradually using research from Makerere as part of course outlines and teaching materials.
  4. Take advantage of the College’s planned framework of engaging policy makers formally through policy labs that will be held every quarter.
Principal College of Business and Management Sciences Dr. Eria Hisali officially opened the workshop

Presenting the findings from the project, the PI Dr. Nzibonera thanked the Principal for his advice and his research team for their hard work. Other members of the team that sampled 430 heads of households included the Dean School of Business Dr. Godfrey Akileng and Ms. Hellen Nambi.

“Financial Inclusion is a process through which financial services are delivered to the disadvantaged and low-income sections of the society on a timely basis and at affordable costs” defined Dr. Nzibonera, adding that “the relationship between financial inclusion and poverty alleviation has been widely discussed but only few studies explore the effect of financial inclusion on household welfare.”

He therefore shared the twofold objective of the project as; to establish the extent to which the rural households engage in financial inclusion and to examine the nature of household welfare and establish the extent to which financial inclusion enhance households’ welfare. The latter, he noted, would help guide policy recommendations to the Government and private sector.

Project PI – Dr. Eric Nzibonera (back row 5th Right), Dean of School of Business- Dr. Godfrey Akileng (R) in a group photo after dissemination of the project findings.

Dr. Nzibonera noted that financial inclusion is measured through establishing the extent of availability and accessibility to financial services, affordability, usage and quality of financial products. He added that household welfare is improved through access to quality education and health services, improved shelter, food production and consumption as well as access to information.

The findings on availability and accessibility to financial services revealed an interesting pattern. “Whereas households still find it hard to access formal financial services for savings and deposits’ and services provided by bank agents are irregular, they easily access mobile money services for withdrawals and payments” he shared.

In terms of affordability, findings revealed that although the cost of accessing financial institutions and withdrawing funds from mobile money agents is still high, the cost of accessing financial services through bank agents and carrying out financial transactions through financial institutions is affordable.

Investigations into the usage and quality of services showed that households find it easy to use mobile money and village SACCOs to make deposits and payments for school fees. Despite the ease of use, households find it hard to save with banks, microfinance institutions and SACCOs.

“The accounts opened in banks and SACCOs are not frequently used and the services offered by banks or their agents are not regular” added Dr. Nzibonera.

The research team’s findings showed that financial inclusion has partly enhanced the welfare if households in Busoga.

“The study revealed improvement in income levels as a result of accessing loans from financial institutions and SACCOs. The number of school going children has also increased as a result of borrowing opportunities from SACCOs” said the PI.  

Dr. Nzibonera added that although it is easy for households to access information about financial services relevant for welfare improvement, “there is limited income to enable households gain access to good healthcare and carry out construction.”

The team therefore made the following policy recommendations;

  1. Financial and microfinance institutions should employ agents to at least every parish or sub-county to grant households easy access to financial services.
  2. Government through District commercial officers should encourage households to organise into village savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs) at parish level and identify unique financial products that promote savings and investments for different groups.
  3. Government agencies such as the Micro Finance Support Centre and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) should partner with private financial institutions to organise financial literacy trainings for households on how to save as well as identify and invest in productive investment ventures.
  4. The cost of financing should be reduced to rates that are affordable by households. This will improve household income for both consumption and investment.
  5. Financial institutions should design financial products that would enable households to access funds for construction as long as there is a clear payment plan and evidence of source of income for loan repayments.

Speaking on behalf of the Mak-RIF Grants Management Committee (GMC) Chairperson Prof. William Bazeyo, Dr. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala congratulated the research team upon the successful dissemination and thanked Dr. Hisali for proposing policy labs as a means of engaging policy makers.

She urged Dr. Nzibonera as a firsthand witness on the state of financial inclusion to go beyond the policy recommendations and draft a successor project proposal on solutions that can clearly and precisely take financial inclusion at the grassroots level to the next level.

“You are the right people to guide Government on what unique product the community will get and how it will help improve their financial knowledge” she recommended.

Dr. Nkabala thanked the Government for funding research and innovations that inform national development priorities and the University Management for creating an environment conducive to conducting research. In the same breath she thanked the GMC for providing oversight and the GMC Secretariat for ensuring that the projects run smoothly.

“This is a clear example of taking the Ivory Tower to the community” she concluded.

Representing Mr. John Peter Mujuni, Executive Director, Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) and Chief Guest at the dissemination, Mr. Godfrey Mangeni thanked the research team for a job well done, and pledged take the findings and policy recommendations very seriously.

“Please share these findings so that we can work with you in other areas like Bukedi and Karomoja to improve our services” he remarked.

Mr. Mangeni shared that there still remains a lot of work to be done to support Government’s Parish Development Model in the Busoga region despite MSC’s zonal office in Jinja and a satellite office in Iganga and as such, called upon researchers from Makerere to share their expertise.

Dean of School of Business and Member of Research Team- Dr. Godfrey Akileng

Delivering the concluding remarks, Dr. Akileng in his dual capacity as Research Team member and Dean noted that Financial Inclusion is an important topical issue for national development and therefore expressed happiness that the Government had found it fitting to fund the project.

“As a nation, we need to reflect reflect on Government interventions aimed at addressing gaps of financial inclusion that financial institutions have not been able to fill” he rallied. This reflection, he said, ought to be guided by the question ‘Where have been the successes in social impact and where have been the failures?’

He noted that although Financial Technology (FINTECH) is the buzzword when it comes to improving service delivery, its success is hinged on how easy it will be for end-users at the grassroots level to adopt the various solutions offered.

“I believe that a highly informed community with the ability to easily access financial services and mobilise savings is key to the improvement of household earnings as well as boost demand and productivity in the country” he added.

In the discussion that preceded the concluding remarks, Mr. John Emoi, the Manager Investments at Uganda Development Bank who joined the conversation virtually had expressed his organisation’s keen interest in the days topic and research findings. Particularly, he had urged the research team to include the development of FINTECH models as a means of disseminating financial services among their policy recommendations.

In conclusion, Dr. Akileng called for affirmative action for business teaching institutions, “Business touches every sector and it is important to appreciate that if we must make money in any sector, we must understand business.”

Mark Wamai

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KCCA Officials Begin Two-Week Public Investment Management Training in Jinja

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Front Row: Prof. Edward Bbaale (3rd Left) and Dr. John Sseruyange (Right) with trainers and officials from KCCA in Jinja on 17th November 2025. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, two-week specialized training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) 17th-28th November 2025, Official opening on 17th November 2025 in Jinja.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, has today, November 17, 2025, officially opened a two-week specialized training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The training, fully funded by KCCA, is taking place in Jinja and aims to strengthen the institution’s internal capacity to prepare, analyse, and manage high-quality public investment projects.

The workshop was opened by Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence and Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who commended KCCA for prioritising continuous professional development in public investment management.

Strengthening Capacity for Better Public Investments

In his opening remarks, Prof. Bbaale expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) for its generous financial support to the PIM Centre of Excellence. He further acknowledged the Ministry’s strategic partnership with Makerere University, which has enabled the Centre to grow into a credible national hub for training, research, and policy dialogue in Public Investment Management.

“This particular cohort is unique and significant,” Prof. Bbaale said. “For the second time, KCCA has fully sponsored its officials to undertake this training, demonstrating strong dedication to improving the quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of public investments in the city.”

Prof. Edward Bbaale. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, two-week specialized training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) 17th-28th November 2025, Official opening on 17th November 2025 in Jinja.
Prof. Edward Bbaale.

He thanked Makerere University management, faculty members from Makerere, MoFPED, and the National Planning Authority for their continued dedication to knowledge sharing and national capacity development.

From Theory to Hands-On Project Appraisal

Earlier, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, welcomed participants and outlined the structure and importance of the training programme. He emphasized that governments worldwide increasingly require rigorous financial, economic, and risk appraisal of projects before implementation; a standard that Uganda is actively embracing.

Dr. Sseruyange noted that the training is designed to build practical skills in:

  • Preparation of project concepts and profiles
  • Financial appraisal and modelling
  • Economic appraisal and stakeholder analysis
  • Integration of climate change, environmental, and social considerations
  • Risk analysis using modern tools and techniques

“Our approach blends theory with hands-on practical sessions,” he said. “By the time you complete this course, you will have acquired skills that you can apply to multiple projects beyond the one you analyse here. The goal is to ensure that you become competent project appraisal professionals capable of supporting your institution and the wider public sector.”

Dr. John Sseruyange. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, two-week specialized training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) 17th-28th November 2025, Official opening on 17th November 2025 in Jinja.
Dr. John Sseruyange.

He also highlighted upcoming government requirements starting July 2025, which will extend appraisal to policies, bills, and programmes; skills that participants can also support once trained.

Toward a Stronger Public Investment System

Prof. Bbaale encouraged participants to fully engage in the sessions and take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their technical competencies. He also invited them to return for the Economic Appraisal module in the near future, after which they will earn a dual certificate issued jointly by Makerere University and MoFPED.

Beyond training, he highlighted the Centre’s recent achievements, including:

  • Revision of the Development Committee Guidelines
  • Assessment of project performance since NDPI
  • Hosting the inaugural Public Investment Management Conferences in 2024 and 2025
A section of KCCA officials. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, two-week specialized training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) 17th-28th November 2025, Official opening on 17th November 2025 in Jinja.
A section of KCCA officials.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to contributing to Uganda’s public investment reform agenda,” he said. “We look forward to partnering with you in research, outreach, and capacity-building initiatives.”

Looking Ahead

The two-week KCCA training marks another milestone in the Centre’s mission to enhance Uganda’s public investment ecosystem. Over the coming days, participants will engage with real-world projects from sectors such as health, roads, education, electricity, water, and energy; equipping them with practical skills essential for driving development in the city and the country. The opening ceremony concluded with a call for collaboration, professionalism, and a shared commitment to improving public investment outcomes for national development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Uganda National Academy of Science inducts Professor Edward Bbaale as Distinguished Fellow

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The President UNAS Council-Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo (Right) presents induction documentation to Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) as Council Members (Background) witness on 31st October 2025. Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, inducted into the prestigious fellowship of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS), 31st October 2025, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On Friday 31st October 2025, Professor Edward Bbaale, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, at Makerere University, was inducted into the prestigious fellowship of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).

With this induction into UNAS, Professor Bbaale adds to his numerous national and international awards, the title- Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS).

Professor Bbaale’s induction as a distinguished Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences reflects his outstanding scholarly achievements and leadership in advancing research, policy, mentorship and academic development.

The 2025 Induction Ceremony of Fellows symbolizes UNAS’ continued commitment to recognizing and harnessing local intellectual excellence in driving the nation’s path toward self-reliance and sustainable growth.

The induction ceremony provided a platform to celebrate academic excellence, scientific innovation, and national contribution as 27 distinguished scholars were formally received into the prestigious fellowship of the Academy — 9 female and 18 male inductees representing four key disciplines namely: Medical Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Some of the scholars and researchers from Makerere University who were inducted as Fellows include:  Professor Edward Bbaale, Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Professor Rev. Sr. Dominica Dipio, Associate Professor Egeru Anthony, Professor Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye, Associate Professor Arthur Tugume, Associate Professor Jackie Bonabana and Associate Professor Frank Mugagga.

According to the UNAS Vice President, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the process leading to the fellowship is strictly merit-based, stressing that individuals do not apply for fellowship themselves, specifying that they are nominated in recognition of their exceptional contributions to science and society. She disclosed that when the call is publicized, existing members/fellows propose qualified candidates who meet the set criteria. Highlighting UNAS’s commitment to quality assurance, she revealed that the vetting process is meticulous and time-intensive. “When the vetting is completed, a report is submitted to another committee for further scrutiny before final approval by the UNAS Council,” she explained.

Prof. Edward Bbaale (3rd R) flanked by fellow inductees including Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo (L), Prof. Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala (3rd L), Professor Rev. Sr. Dominica Dipio (2nd R), Dr. Amon Ashaba Mwiine (R) takes oath.

Nomination of Professor Edward Bbaale as Fellow of UNAS:

For induction into the UNAS fellowship, Professor Edward Bbaale was nominated by Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, an Associate Professor and Dean at the School of Economics at Makerere University. The nomination was seconded by Professor Ronald Bisaso, the Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University. Their endorsement highlighted Professor Bbaale’s distinguished academic record, strategic leadership, and impactful contribution to research and economic policy, which have significantly shaped higher education and national development discourse.

Presentation of Professor Edward Bbaale for Induction:

Professor Ronald Bisaso said: “I have the honour to present to you-Professor Edward Bbaale for Induction.”

Edward Bbaale is a Professor of Economics, with research focusing on development microeconomics, holding a PhD in Economics from Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria, and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Economics from Makerere University. Professor Bbaale, the Principal of CoBAMS, has previously served as Director of Research and Graduate Training, Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, and currently leads the Environment for Development Center, the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence, and coordinates the Inclusive Green Economy Program. He also serves as Council Member and Chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences Committee of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), and as Council Member of Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

“His research focuses on development microeconomics, with over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has undertaken numerous research projects in collaboration with government and international agencies and has made significant contributions to resource mobilization through competitive grant writing, research support, training, and policy engagement initiatives that advance science and development in Uganda and beyond.

Professor Bbaale commits to advancing research, innovation, scholarship and mentorship:

Following his induction, Professor Edward Bbaale expressed profound gratitude for the honor of being admitted as a UNAS Fellow. He described the recognition as both humbling and deeply inspiring, thanking his nominator, seconder, and the entire UNAS leadership for the confidence and trust they had bestowed upon him. Professor Bbaale noted that being named a Fellow was not merely a personal achievement, but a reaffirmation of his lifelong commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge through research, innovation, and mentorship.

Prof. Bbaale shows off his UNAS certificate. To his left is Prof. David Bakibinga, FUNAS.

Professor Bbaale reflected on the significance of the honor as a renewed responsibility to contribute even more meaningfully to Uganda’s scientific and socio-economic transformation. He emphasized that the role of scientists extends beyond academia, underscoring the need to apply research and evidence-based insights to address real societal challenges and inform national policy.

Professor Bbaale pledged to continue fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and excellence among emerging scholars, particularly those in the fields of economics, development, and public policy. He thus dedicated his induction to the next generation of scientists, affirming his commitment to guide and empower them to use science and knowledge as powerful tools for national progress and sustainable development.

“I am greatly humbled for this honor. To me, this confidence and trust is a unique call to contribute more in science and research, and also to nurture and build up the next generation of scientists,” stated Professor Bbaale.

UNAS Fellows tasked to be agents of national and community development:

The President of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS), Professor Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, congratulated the newly inducted Fellows and officially welcomed them to the Academy, urging them to remain active and committed to advancing science and service to society. She commended the new Fellows for their remarkable achievement, noting that induction into UNAS is both an honor and a responsibility.

“Having accepted and signed our book of records, I officially congratulate and welcome you as new Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences                                                                                                 . May you always remember this occasion and strive to live up to the aims and ideals of this Academy in all your professional and personal endeavors,” said Prof. Bantebya Kyomuhendo.

Prof. Bbaale signs the UNAS book of records.

Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo reminded the new fellows that the honor of induction carries the enduring responsibility to use their knowledge and influence to serve the country and uplift their communities, “After being inducted as members of UNAS, please remain in touch and active. As UNAS, we want to use science to serve our country and our communities. We must give back to society,” she urged.

UNAS President highlights the importance of trust, core responsibilities and obligations:

Reflecting on the UNAS Annual Scientific conference theme, “Renewal from Our Roots: Uganda’s Path to Self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency,” Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo encouraged participants to draw strength from Uganda’s cultural and intellectual heritage, noting that the nation already possesses within itself the foundation for growth through its culture, heritage, and shared history, which she said form the roots from which self-reliance and self-sufficiency can be nurtured.

She underscored the importance of trust as a cornerstone for development and progress. “The concept of trust has come up a lot — trust at individual, family, community, and national levels. As we move forward, we must build and strengthen trust, for it is through trust that we can harness the potential within us and the resources around us,” she said.

Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo outlined to the newly inducted fellows the core responsibilities and obligations that come with being a Fellow of the Academy. She highlighted that fellowship is both an honor and a responsibility, requiring dedication to scientific excellence, ethical leadership, and service to the nation. She emphasized that Fellows must uphold the UNAS Constitution, contribute to the Academy’s mission, vision and objectives. She urged them to remain active in their fields, participate in Academy activities, maintain high standards of conduct, and foster positive relationships within the scientific community and the public.

Seated: The Chair-Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo (2nd R) with UNAS Vice President-Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo (2nd L) and Council Members Prof. David Okello Owiny (L) and Prof. Grace Ndeezi (R).

UNAS Vice President elaborates the quality assurance measures for selection of Fellows:

Speaking about the induction process, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the UNAS Vice President articulated the thorough and transparent procedure followed in identifying and approving new Fellows. She explained that the Fellows and Membership Committee, guided by the UNAS Constitution, works closely with the Secretariat to open a window for nominations, during which existing members propose qualified candidates who meet the set criteria. She noted that each nomination is supported by a nominator and a seconder and accompanied by detailed documentation demonstrating the nominee’s qualifications and contributions.

“When we advertise, members of UNAS nominate those who are eligible to become inductees. We have a nomination form that outlines all the criteria and requirements for one to be considered. This form is filled by the nominee, with the assistance of the nominator, and it is usually supported by a seconder. Once the documentation is complete, it is submitted to us,” the Vice President explained.

She extended her appreciation to the Secretariat and organizing team for their dedication in ensuring the success of the UNAS Annual Scientific conference and induction ceremony. She lauded the excellent panels, engaging discussions, and the spirit of collaboration that characterized the event, emphasizing that it was through collective effort that the meeting had been successful.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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Brewing Innovation: 9th Annual Youth Expo showcases enterprises in Uganda’s coffee value chain

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Students exhibiting oil and cookies made out of coffee at the 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo in the Freedom Square on 17th October 2025. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme

On 17th October 2025, the Makerere University Freedom Square was a beehive of activity as over 600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) participated in the 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo.

Organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, the 2025 Innovation and Youth Expo, focused on Uganda’s most strategic Agricultural sector – COFFEE.

Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations including youth coffee brands, brewing demonstrations, agri-tech prototypes, live cupping sessions, among others.

The Youth Expo focused on amplifying youth-led innovations across the entire coffee value chain—from farm to cup, providing a hands-on, interactive platform for young entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, prototypes, and business ideas, while engaging directly with industry stakeholders.

By placing the youth at the center of the value chain, the Youth Expo demonstrated the untapped potential of innovation, creativity, and enterprise among Uganda’s next generation of entrepreneurs.

Student innovations for real-world impact:

The Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, urged students to view their innovations not just as academic projects, but as the starting point for real-world impact.

“These innovations should not just end here or be seen as projects for marks. Continue nurturing those dreams, take them further, and make them a reality,” she advised.

She recognized the critical role of faculty and mentors, specifically appreciating them for their tireless support in guiding students through their innovation undertakings.

L-R: Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Ms. Margie Faith Mubeezi, Ms. Shira Nahwera. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
L-R: Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Ms. Margie Faith Mubeezi, Ms. Shira Nahwera.

Dr. Bimbona emphasized the importance of linking academic learning with practical enterprise, highlighting that student-led innovations have the potential to create meaningful economic and social change.

Students encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship:

The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng specified that entrepreneurship is one of the flagship initiatives of the College of Business and Management Sciences. He encouraged the students to seize the moment. “This is your opportunity to showcase your innovations, to interact with industry players, and to change your mindset from job-seekers to job creation,” he said.  “Let the entrepreneurship Expo awaken a new spirit in you-one that says-yes, I can make it.”

Associate Professor Akileng cited the story of Bill Gates as an example of what determination and innovation can achieve, reminding the students that greatness often starts from simple beginnings.  “There is no reason we cannot build something extraordinary from coffee and other local products,” he stated, emphasizing the value of entrepreneurship in national transformation.

The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng interacting with the student entrepreneurs at the Expo. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng interacting with the student entrepreneurs at the Expo.

The Dean, School of Business, expressed deep appreciation to the industry partners for their collaboration and generosity. “You have invested time, knowledge and financial support to be here. Thank you for supporting the Entrepreneurship Congress and Expo,” he remarked.

BRAC Uganda participates in the Expo:

The Communications Officer of BRAC Uganda, Ms. Barbra Ampaire, stressed that BRAC aims to equip youth with the tools and knowledge to discover and maximize their potential.

“We have supported thousands of youth through tailored programs in areas such as tailoring, livestock farming, agribusiness, financial literacy, and value addition. These initiatives are supported not just with training, but also with seed capital, equipment, and ongoing mentorship,” she said.

BRAC Uganda exhibits youth led innovations at the Expo. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
BRAC Uganda exhibits youth led innovations at the Expo.

Ms. Ampaire noted that Makerere University, being a hub for students and young innovators, aligns perfectly with BRAC’s focus on empowering youth while they are still developing their ideas and ambitions.

A case for domestic consumption and local processing:

One of the participants from the BRAC Scholar Transition Fund, Mr. Godwin Birungi, emphasized the need for domestic consumption and local processing, highlighting that exporting raw coffee reduces employment opportunities and stunts economic growth.

 “When we consume and process our coffee locally, we not only improve public health, but also create jobs and stimulate our economy.”

He encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace patience, maintain consistency in their efforts, and stay focused on their goals, emphasizing that building a successful and sustainable business is a gradual process that requires dedication and resilience.

Coffee Grow Pig Booster. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Coffee Grow Pig Booster.

“Building a sustainable business takes time. Many successful entrepreneurs spent over a decade before making a profit. Find your passion, refine your strategy, and stay the course.” he said.

Student entrepreneurs speak out:

The Marketing Manager of Victory Cakes students’ enterprise, Ms. Keziah Nasenga, explained that the team offers two main product variations including coffee cupcakes with icing and those without, catering to different customer preferences.

She noted that the cupcakes are crafted using brewed coffee mixed with hot water, then blended with traditional baking ingredients such as flour, vanilla, and other flavor-enhancing components.

A student from the Ring Hair Stimulator group, Ms. Martha Alwe, said their product is a premium hair care solution designed to promote healthy hair growth, prevent breakage and hair loss in women, and enhance beard growth in men through a specialized beard oil.

Student entrepreneurs showcasing coffee products. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Student entrepreneurs showcasing coffee products.

“The full product line includes beard growth oil, hair shock treatment, hair spray, leave-in conditioner, and hair growth shampoo each carefully developed to address a wide range of hair care needs with quality and effectiveness,” she said.

The Marketing Manager of the team of Coffee Cupcake, Ms. Catherine Nasaazi, explained that the shampoo is enriched with sodium benzoate, tea tree oil, and other ingredients.

Precursor to the Youth Expo:

The 3rd Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress held on 16th October 2025 at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, provided a perfect transition into the 9th Annual Makerere University Youth Expo held on 17th October 2025 at the Freedom Square.

During the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress, students listened to lived experiences and case presentations from young, mid-level and senior entrepreneurs. The panelists who discussed topics on Market Readiness, Value Addition and Story Telling, as well as, Financing the Future, enlightened the students and upcoming entrepreneurs to creating impact, access to markets and capital, and breaking the barriers in a competitive world.

Students (in the background) participating in the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress on 16th October 2025. 9th Annual Innovation and Youth Expo organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Under the theme, Brewing Prosperity: Youth Entrepreneurship in Uganda’s Coffee Value Chain, 600 student entrepreneurs exhibited more than 300 innovations, 16th-17th October 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium and Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students (in the background) participating in the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress on 16th October 2025.

The students gained valuable knowledge from the Chief Guest-Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, and the Keynote Speaker- Mr. Moses Nyabila, CEO of aBi Development Ltd.

Mr. Rwabwogo challenged the young entrepreneurs to think beyond Uganda’s borders, when he highlighted that true entrepreneurship lies in producing goods that can compete on the international market.

“When you build a business that can sell in another person’s market, you are a hero or heroine because what you have done is disrupting the status quo, which praises imports over exports. In this country, for instance in Kikuubo business area, you hear statements such as my container is about to reach Uganda, and not my container is leaving the yard in Uganda and is taking avocado to Spain or another country. I want the language to change.”

Partners of the Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Youth Expo: Makerere University (Mak), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), National Coffee Research Initiative (NaCORI), BRAC Uganda, Tooke, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, Vision Group, Mountain Harvest, Pepsi, Rainforest Alliance, Sumz, and the Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre. 

Writers: Ritah Namisango, Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University & Monica Meeme, a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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