Business & Management
ECRLF Helping to Co-create the Future of African Academic Leadership
Makerere University in partnership with University of Pretoria on 14th September 2021 hosted the Future Africa’s Early Career Research Leader Fellowship (ECRLF) Dissemination Workshop in the Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF 2) Auditorium and virtually. ECRLF’s aim is to offer an opportunity for development of research leaders who will be able to fill a critical gap in the African research capacity ecosystem. This fellowship program is offered by the University of Pretoria with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The Principal Investigator (PI) of the ECRLF program at Makerere University and Lecturer in the Department of Population Studies, Dr. John A. Mushomi, thanked Future Africa for the first-of-its-kind fellowship accorded to young African academics.
“We are used to taking leave from academia at a much later time in life, where we have professors taking their sabbaticals, but within five years of finishing my doctorate, I was given an opportunity to spend two years at the University of Pretoria and interact with academics from across different disciplines and universities in Africa” explained Dr. Mushomi.
In this respect, he thanked the Carnegie Corporation of New York for sponsoring the ECRLF and the University of Pretoria for hosting the fellowship. He equally thanked Dr. Cori Wielenga from the University of Pretoria for the mentorship accorded to him during the fellowship.
“We had the opportunity to interact with fifteen researchers from different disciplines and spent time learning and training together, and we have not been the same since. We were not just invited to participate but to also co-create what we think is the future of African academic leadership” added Dr. Mushomi.
Speaking on behalf of Future Africa, Rachel Fischer said, “In particular we see with this conference today our very important objective to work with a transdisciplinary mindset and engagement towards forming partnerships, and to collaborate across various disciplines.”
She added that the shift from physical to virtual and online collaboration is an active endeavour towards breaking down silos within disciplines, partnerships as well as across various countries on the African continent. The outcomes from such partnerships, she noted, would allow all stakeholders to have a peaceful and secure Africa that is stable and fully functional, while ensuring that the values and ideals of Africa are prioritised.
The Dean, School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Dr. James Wokadala, who was represented by the Head, Department of Population Studies, Dr. Stephen Wandera noted in his remarks that SSP encourages staff to go beyond conducting research and publishing to mentoring students into the next generation of African academics by co-publishing with them.
In line with the workshop he thanked the University of Pretoria for the partnership, noting that “collaboration among African academics helps us to build more comparative studies across the continent, allowing colleagues to learn from each other the best practices and opportunities that can move us forward.”
He congratulated Dr. John Mushomi upon completing his post-doctoral research experience at UP, which culminated into the exciting workshop.
Officially opening the workshop, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Dr. Umar Kakumba applauded the University of Pretoria supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York for the great capacity development for future academia and African leaders. The workshop was based on the theme, History Meets Demography: Multi-Disciplinary Inquiry on Poverty, Resource.
“I applaud the University of Pretoria on this move and demonstrating the great potential that Africa has, especially the academic institutions, in mobilising resources, bringing together the African scholars and giving them an opportunity to explore and forge South-to-South collaboration” remarked Dr. Kakumba.
He added that South-to-South collaborations help to build a solid academia across the continent, enabling them to find solutions to emerging problems of African societies. The DVCAA noted that COVID-19 had brought to light the vulnerability of Africa’s dependence on the global North to solve her fundamental problems as well as the greater role that universities ought to play.
“And we cannot play this role as Universities outside the shadows of partnerships between our institutions, and without building the huge capacity of early career researchers” he observed.
The DVCAA therefore noted that workshop’s theme and its concerns about issues of history and demography were source of great hope, especially given its transdisciplinary nature.
“We are able to dialogue on history and demography and see how we can address issues of poverty in light of our past experiences as well as interrogate the nature of our population and the characteristics that affect our society in various ways” he stated.
In his welcome message, Prof. Cheikh Mbow, Future Africa Director at the University of Pretoria noted that his organization had over the years been holding academic workshops on different topics across different African countries.
“The reason why were are trying to empower the early career scientists is actually to be able to close the loop in terms of availing science in order to package and deliver knowledge to everyone who needs it, particularly the stakeholders.
“Today’s topic is very timely. It’s about poverty in Africa, it’s about resources in Africa, and it’s about mobility in Africa. The poverty line which had come to be stable at some point or decreasing quite slowly over the projected years to come has just suddenly gone into a spike – Africa now has more than 50 million new poor people coming into the statistics of the World Bank” remarked Prof. Mbow.
He concluded by noting that research is not only about hardcore science but looking at all other aspects of life as contributors to knowledge production. “The transdiciplinary theme of the workshop is one of the most important discussions that ECRLF could have.”
The workshop featured four parallel sessions that covered;
- Governance, Security, Peace and Conflict I
- Mining, Resource, Extraction and Policy frameworks
- Global Trends in Interdisciplinary Research and Governance, Security, Peace and Conflict II and
- Education and Development and Resource extraction and Policy frameworks II
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Cori Wielenga on behalf of ECRLF thanked participants for the wonderful conference proceedings as fostered by Dr. Mushomi’s involvement with the University of Pretoria.
“The purpose of this fellowship and its collaboration is to promote interdisciplinary research as well as collaboration between institutions on the continent and in this regard Dr. Mushomi has made excellent use of the fellowship to meet its objectives including through this conference” she elaborated.
The program mentor from UP added that her collaborative work with Dr. Mushomi was particularly in the areas of resources, identity and migration, which remain a challenge to Africa and the entire globe.
Dr. Wielanga thanked Makerere University for supporting the event, and Dr. Mushomi as well as the coordination team for organizing a successful hybrid event. “We do hope that we will be able to meet in person in the near future as we deepen the collaboration between our institutions.”
Addressing participants, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Dr. Eria Hisali congratulated Dr. Mushomi upon successfully convening the hybrid workshop and extended his appreciation to the funding partners for supporting both the event and work of early career researchers.
In terms of providing sustainability to the collaboration, Dr. Hisali appealed to all the partners to regard the day’s workshop as a starting point and work towards strengthening their collaborations so that a lot more work can be done in other fields of research.
He equally appealed to the collaborating parties to use the findings generated thus far to engage policy makers, civil society and the private sector under a framework of policy labs, at least once every quarter. The Principal further called for the integration of students into research activities, as a way of creating multiplier effects that can continue to inform policy debates.
“As the College of Business and Mangement Sciences, we commit that out of our small grants research programme, we should be able to take up funding to further studies in some of these areas” concluded Dr. Hisali.
Delivering the closing remarks, the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Dr. Josephine Ahikire noted that interdisciplinarity increases the University’s relevance to society by bringing forth perspectives that enrich the understanding what is at stake in terms of development challenges.
“It is very exciting that we are re-centering history as a key perspective in whatever we do as a university. We know that in the past decade, history had been relegated as a study of the past but actually, history is not just a study of the past, it is the understanding of the totality of humanity for you to be able to actually craft a way forward” Dr. Ahikire explained.
The Principal noted that resource conflicts and contestations are at the heart of human existence. As such, she opined that issues such as citizenship, tribe and nation were very important and the workshop had commendably provided a space where early career researchers can try to provide answers to questions of the time on the African continent.
“A research-led university is one where the people engage intellectually. These engagements improve the academic environment for staff as well as students” she concluded.
The abstracts and presentations from the workshop will contribute to an edited book to be published by Palgrave.
Please click the embedded video below to view proceedings from the Workshop
Opening Session
Session 1A: Governance, Security, Peace and Conflict I
Session 2A: Global Trends in Interdisciplinary Research and Governance, Security, Peace and Conflict II
Closing Ceremony
Business & Management
Makerere University launches two taught PhD Programmes in Management, Accounting and Finance
“New doctoral students urged to pursue research that delivers solutions to Uganda’s socio-economic challenges.”
Makerere University has launched two new taught Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes namely: The PhD in Management (by coursework) and the PhD in Accounting and Finance (by coursework).
The programmes, launched on 4th August 2026, under the School of Business at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), are among the first taught PhD programmes in the two disciplines in Uganda.
The launch was presided over by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, during a three-day orientation programme for the inaugural PhD students running from 4th to 6th August 2026.
Prof. Ssali challenged the new scholars to pursue evidence-based research addressing pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world.
“Choosing to pursue a PhD is not an ordinary decision. It is a commitment to becoming part of an institution with a rich history of research, innovation and knowledge creation,” Prof. Ssali said.
She told the students that the purpose of doctoral training should go beyond acquiring academic qualifications, urging them to focus on solving real-world problems.
“A PhD should prepare you to solve problems. You should ask yourselves: ‘What problem am I trying to solve?’ Research should not simply produce another thesis that sits on a shelf in the library. It should generate knowledge, products, services, policies and innovations that improve people’s lives,” she said.
Prof. Ssali explained that research outputs should not only be physical products, but could also include frameworks, management systems, policies and models that transform society.
“For those in the service disciplines, your product could be a framework, a model, a policy, a management system or a new way of delivering services that changes how society functions. That is why we do research,” she said.
She urged the scholars to remain committed throughout their doctoral journey, noting that persistence and discipline are critical to completing a PhD.
“A PhD requires commitment. It requires discipline. It requires sacrifice. Success in a PhD is determined by persistence,” Prof. Ssali said.
She encouraged students to embrace critical thinking and challenge existing ideas through evidence-based inquiry.
Prof. Ssali implored the scholars to focus their research on areas that can contribute to economic transformation, including agriculture, manufacturing, taxation, supply chains, governance, finance, climate change and technology.
“Uganda faces many challenges, but every challenge is also an opportunity for research. Research should not stop at identifying problems. It should propose practical, implementable solutions,” she said.
Makerere positions graduate training at centre of research agenda
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the launch of the programmes as a major milestone in Makerere University’s agenda to strengthen its position as a research-intensive institution.
Prof. Bbaale said the PhD programmes represent a strategic investment in developing researchers, innovators and academic leaders.
“Today’s occasion is very significant because it marks the launch of the taught Doctor of Philosophy in Management and the Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting and Finance programmes,” he said.
“These are among the first taught PhD programmes in these disciplines in Uganda, and we are very proud of this achievement.”
He commended the School of Business leadership and faculty for developing the programmes, acknowledging that establishing doctoral programmes requires commitment, teamwork and dedication to academic excellence.
He observed that the programmes align with Makerere’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led university.
“Graduate training must be at the centre of that transformation. Events like this one—the admission and orientation of PhD students—are exactly the kinds of activities that define a research-intensive university,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale encouraged the first cohort students to publish their research in reputable journals and complete their studies within the required period.
“Complete your coursework successfully. Progress through your research diligently. Graduate within the required period. Publish your work in reputable, high-impact journals. Your success will create a strong foundation upon which future cohorts will build,” Prof. Bbaale said.
He guided that doctoral research should provide evidence to guide national decision-making.
“There is a great demand for evidence-based policy advice in Uganda. Government needs researchers who can provide evidence, not simply opinions,” he said. “Your research should generate evidence upon which decisions can be made.”
School of Business welcomes pioneer cohort
The Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, welcomed the students and described the programmes as part of the school’s continued growth in graduate training.
“We are delighted to welcome you as you begin this journey with us. We hope that you will stay with us throughout the next three years of your PhD studies,” Assoc. Prof. Akileng said.
He asserted that the doctoral journey would be demanding, but assured students of support from the faculty.
“The programme is demanding, and the research component will be very intensive. Our hope is that we shall walk this journey together and, three years from now, celebrate your graduation as one cohort,” he said.
He highlighted that a PhD is about knowledge creation rather than simply earning a title.
“A PhD is not about being called ‘Doctor.’ It is about becoming a contributor to knowledge. It is about transforming yourself. It is about solving problems. It is about making an impact,” Assoc. Prof. Akileng said.
Assoc. Prof. Akileng advised students to build strong relationships with supervisors while taking responsibility for their own research.
Building research networks
Dr Caroline Twongirwe, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance at CoBAMS, urged the new scholars to begin developing research networks early in their PhD journey.
She cautioned students against focusing only on coursework while postponing research preparation.
“If we spend a whole year focusing only on coursework and then begin thinking about research later, the target of completing within three years may not be achievable,” Dr Twongirwe said.
She said collaboration is essential for producing quality research and accessing international opportunities.
“For us to produce quality research, generate new ideas and contribute to knowledge, we need collaboration,” she said.
Dr Twongirwe explained that research networks can provide mentorship, expertise, funding opportunities and greater visibility for scholars.
“Your networking must be intentional. Identify people with whom you share common interests and who can help you move forward in your research journey,” she said.
She encouraged students to attend seminars, conferences and engage with researchers in their areas of interest.
“Research networks introduce you to mentorship and guidance, access to expertise, collaboration opportunities, funding opportunities and greater visibility for your research,” she said.
Academic regulations and research tracking
Dr Alfred Tingo from Makerere University’s Directorate of Graduate Training urged the new PhD students to understand university regulations, complete registration requirements and remain engaged throughout their studies. He called upon the students to maintain communication with their supervisors and university structures.
Dr Tingo highlighted the importance of the university’s Research Information Management System (RIMS) in monitoring students’ progress.
“RIMS helps us track your research progress. Your research topic, proposal development, approvals and supervisor interactions are captured in the system,” he said.
The new PhD programmes are expected to strengthen Makerere University’s contribution to research, innovation and policy development by producing scholars capable of generating knowledge for Uganda, Africa and the global community.
Business & Management
CoBAMS 2026 Orientation kicks off: Mak DVC Academic Affairs underscores excellence, networks, integrity and values
By Ritah Namisango and Monica Meeme
Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) kicked off its four-day orientation programme (4th to 7th August 2026) aimed at equipping first-year students with the knowledge required to smoothly transition into university life.
The programme focuses on familiarizing students with the College’s teaching and learning environment, the academic calendar, university policies and procedures, library and ICT services, scholarship opportunities, leadership platforms and student support services.
Organized by the Office of the Principal, in collaboration with the College Registrar, College Communication Office, and the Student leaders, the first day of the CoBAMS Orientation was a great convening with over 800 students who filled Makerere University Central Teaching Facility to the brim.
Day one (4th August 2026) presented a golden opportunity to the first year students to interact with Prof. Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Makerere University. Introduced to the audience by Prof. Edward Bbaale-College Principal, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) delivered a powerful speech filled with words of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance to the students.
The students listened to presentations from the following university officials: Prof. Edward Bbaale-College Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala-Deputy Principal, Ms Stella Butamanya-Acting College Registrar, Ms Sylvia Martha Munafu-College Librarian, Ms Catherine Tumusiime-IT Specialist, Ms. Evelyn Kharono-Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Centre, Mr. Peter Mubiru-College Bursar, Mr. Blaise Turyasingura from the Makerere University Revenue Office, Ms. Ritah Namisango-Communication Office, Ms Claire Nakaseeta, and Ms Moreen Orikiriza.
Blended with the peer to peer engagement from the student leaders, the first day of the CoBAMS Orientation featured presentations on Guidance and Counselling, Life at Campus, Understanding the academic calendar, Makerere University Tuition Policy, Meeting financial obligations within the stipulated deadlines, Information Technology (IT) Services, and Library Resources.
CoBAMS Reaffirms Commitment to Student Success
Welcoming the first-year students, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale, highlighted the College’s commitment to providing students with a supportive and enriching learning environment through its three schools namely the School of Economics, the School of Business, and the School of Statistics and Planning.
“The College’s support extends beyond academics to include mentorship, counselling, and other student support services aimed at promoting holistic growth and success,” he emphasized.
The Principal encouraged the new students to take full advantage of these opportunities as they transition into university life. He affirmed the College’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary for academic achievement, personal development, and future professional success.
Students urged to pursue Excellence and Integrity
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali congratulated the first-year students upon joining Makerere University, and encouraged them to embrace the transformative journey of university education.
Prof. Ssali emphasized that students are the University’s most important stakeholders, noting that every academic programme, service, and institutional activity is designed to support their success.
“Recognize your value within the University community and actively participate in orientation activities and academic programmes, develop into independent thinkers, innovators, and future leaders capable of addressing national and global challenges,” she stated.
Highlighting the significance of business and management education, Prof. Ssali noted that the disciplines equip learners with the knowledge and skills to understand economic systems, create value, lead organizations, and contribute to sustainable development.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) reminded students that university life demands responsibility, discipline, and personal accountability. She urged them to prioritize attending lectures, utilizing library resources, participating in discussions, and making productive use of the opportunities available at the University.
Prof. Ssali called upon the students to appreciate the sacrifices made by parents, guardians, taxpayers, and sponsors who have invested in their education by using their time and resources wisely. She advised students to uphold integrity, avoid academic misconduct, and strive to build a positive legacy throughout their time at Makerere University.
She emphasized the importance of making informed personal decisions, maintaining strong professional values, and cultivating networks that would support both their academic and career aspirations. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey and challenged them to pursue excellence, leadership, and innovation.
University life, Academic Excellence and Discipline
The CoBAMS Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala, encouraged the students to embrace university life as an opportunity for academic excellence, personal growth, leadership development, and professional preparation.
He emphasized that university education extends beyond obtaining a degree, urging students to remain committed to learning, make productive use of their time, and actively participate in academic and co-curricular activities.
To attain academic excellence, the Deputy Principal advised students to complete their online course registration promptly, familiarize themselves with the university environment and attend lectures regularly. “Maintaining academic integrity by upholding high standards of discipline, professionalism, and respect for university staff and property,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey, assuring them that the doors of the College administration remain open for guidance and assistance.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Commencing the presentation on “Guidance and Counselling: Life at Campus,” Ms. Evelyn Kharono, highlighted the major adjustments that first-year students face, including managing their own time, finances, academic workload, and social life.
“Develop discipline, plan your schedules carefully, and take responsibility for your academic progress, noting that university life requires greater independence than secondary school,” she advised.
Underscoring the importance of mental health, Ms. Kharono encouraged students to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and managing the use of smartphones and social media to avoid distractions that could affect their academic performance.
Guidelines on Tuition Payment Procedures
Presenting the “Makerere University Tuition Policy,” the College Bursar, Mr. Peter Mubiru, emphasized the importance of using the official payment systems through the University portal and generating Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs) before making any payments.
Mr. Mubiru encouraged students to pay their tuition within the stipulated time to avoid inconveniences during the examination period.
Student Enrolment and Registration
Building on to the presentation on “Makerere University Tuition Policy,” Mr. Blaise Turyasingura from the Makerere University Revenue Office underscored the importance of understanding Makerere University’s enrolment, registration, and fee payment procedures, emphasizing that timely compliance with these processes is essential for a successful academic journey.
He explained that enrolment confirms a student’s intention to study at the University, while registration enables students to select and officially register the course units they will undertake during the semester.
He urged students to use the portal to generate Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs) before making any payments.
Mr. Turyasingura advised students to be vigilant against fraudulent investment schemes and unrealistic business opportunities that promise unusually high financial returns, urging them to exercise sound financial judgment and safeguard their education funds.
Tapping into Orientation activities
Ms. Stella Butamanya, Registrar of the School of Statistics and Planning under CoBAMS, implored the students to participate in the various orientation activities lined up during the course of the week.
She reminded students to work closely with their elected leaders, the Mentor Support Team (MST), and the orientation staff stationed at various tables, as they are available to offer assistance and ensure a smooth transition into university life.
Utilization of Library Resources
Briefing students on the College Library Resources, Ms. Sylvia Martha Munafu called upon students to utilize the library throughout their university education for coursework, research, revision, and independent learning.
“Make full use of both the physical and digital library resources, including books, journals, databases, and other online learning materials,” she advised.
Access to Digital Services
Ms. Catherine Tumusiime from the I.T. Department encouraged the first year students to utilize the ICT resources on the official YouTube channel @DICTSMakerere.
Key highlight
On Day Two (5thAugust 2026), the orientation programme will feature presentations on students’ responsibilities at Makerere University, campus security, health and wellness, digital services, the Gender Mainstreaming Programme, and other student support initiatives.
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