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Mak Researchers Tipped by EfD-Tanzania on Operating from a Policy & Research Perspective

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By Jane Anyango

Researchers from Makerere University Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Centre on 7th September, 2021 converged in a seminar to learn from EfD-Tanzania on how to effectively operate the centre to attract and motivate research fellows, mobilize resources, conduct research and influence policy.

The seminar held both virtually and physically at EfD-Mak  Conference room was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali the Principal Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) represented by his Deputy Assoc. Prof. Yawe Bruno.

Dr. Yawe thanked the EfD-Tanzania and EfD-Mak centre for nurturing and managing the relationship noting that it speaks volumes in terms of working together, mobilizing resources, building trust and partnerships.

Assoc. Prof. Yawe Bruno opening the conference online Photo: EfD-Mak centre
Assoc. Prof. Yawe Bruno opening the conference online Photo: EfD-Mak centre

The seminar was facilitated by Dr. Byela Tibesigwa, a Senior Research Fellow from EfD- Tanzania who highlighted Tanzania’s experience and the collaborative research recently conducted with development partners, universities and policy makers to drive policy oriented research.

Dr. Byela  said the centre has senior and junior research fellows and a ten (10) member multi-stakeholder policy board comprising ministries, the Vice President’s Office, UNDP ,UNEP, Ministry of Tourism, university lecturers, heads of departments, Permanent Secretaries, National Environmental Management Council, different Embassies, among others.

“We identify key policy challenges and convene a policy board workshop once a year to highlight our research plans, engage with and get direction from the board”, she said.

In terms of attracting funding and co-funding, Dr. Byela described the Swedish embassy and the EfD Global Hub as very important reliable partners for funding and connection with other partners.

Dr. Byela Tibesigwa presenting online
Dr. Byela Tibesigwa presenting online

“We were so lucky to get  additional funding from the Swedish Embassy and the global hub that connected and allowed us nurture good relationships and link us with partners like the World Bank, Government of Tanzania, Embassy of Norway, UK, Germany and many other development partners.

You want to keep senior and junior researchers interested besides the EfD core funding, get funds through consultancies and other funding. Invite government ministries and present ideas on their interest of funding. Keep advertising yourself, looking at policy interaction, keeping on news, and summaries in newspapers to attract funding”, Dr. Byela said.

Despite the minimum funding, Dr. Byela advised the center to come up with non-conventional ways to motivate and keep research fellows interested in center activities for example by mentoring their junior research fellows through lunch seminars.

“You can keep and motivate research fellows through research seminars outside the university. Hire the junior and senior research fellows to organize EfD tasks or events. Instead of centre administrators, let the junior and senior research fellows organize field tours.

A section of the research fellows attending the seminar at the EfD-Mak Centre, CTF2, Makerere University.
A section of the research fellows attending the seminar at the EfD-Mak Centre, CTF2, Makerere University.

Most research fellows target publications and making research that is relevant to drive policy dialogue in the country. Put them as authors in publications”, Dr. Byela Tibesigwa advised.

Dr. Byela also noted that currently, EfD-Tanzania does not have written guidelines on how to engage researchers and authorship criteria on projects. She said, it would be good for Makerere University to have guidelines for various operations.

Presenting one of the recently conducted environmental studies on sustainable use of charcoal and resultant policy note in Tanzania, Dr. Byela observed that most of the environmental issues, such as use of charcoal, single use plastic bags and bottles and wrappers are a huge environmental problems cutting across Africa but presenting a delicate balance that requires consideration of other political, economic, social and other aspects.

She said with the EfD Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program, centers are set to look at the social acceptance and policy issues and this could be good for Makerere University to provide policy direction for the country.

Some of the research fellows interact during the seminar.
Some of the research fellows interact during the seminar.

While closing the seminar, the Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale extended appreciation to Prof. Razack of the EfD-Tanzania for making time and nurturing the collaboration with EfD-Mak centre reporting that there is a joint project about gender, food security and COVID-19, a sign of internationalization of research among the centers.

Prof. Bbaale appreciated Dr. Byela Tibesigwa for the inspirational presentation about the EfD- Tanzania.

“You have pointed out the gaps to Makerere and we have learnt. We have a big debt to establish a policy board as a steering committee to provide strategic direction for the centre.

You have talked about collaboration between EfD and the Swedish Embassy. Ours has not been deep. We have had officials attending our policy engagements and presentations. It was not deep to support and recommend us to funders. This is one thing to pick up seriously”, Prof. Bbaale stated.

Some of the research fellows who attended the seminar physically follow proceedings intently.
Some of the research fellows who attended the seminar physically follow proceedings intently.

The Director appreciated Dr. Byela for sharing on how to keep researchers motivated and expressed commitment to involve them in data collection and other center activities.

Prof. Bbaale observed that Tanzania’s’ environmental analysis was key in connecting environment to the economy and pointed out key gaps and research areas that are applicable to Uganda.

“We have a debt to mobilize colleagues and partners to take up environmental analysis to implement research from an informed point of view”. The Director said.

Prof. Bbaale thanked the Office of the Principal CoBAMS for according the centre a conducive environment to operate and Prof. Yawe Bruno for opening the seminar.

EfD-Mak Centre Director Prof. Edward Bbaale delivering the closing remarks.
EfD-Mak Centre Director Prof. Edward Bbaale delivering the closing remarks.

He said the seminar was one of the many that have been held under the centre except that the facilitator was from another country, a move towards embracing internationalization with many more of the kind expected.

“We are not blocking our local facilitators. They have been facilitators for the last two years but we are building bigger into international experiences”, Prof. Bbaale explained.

He thanked participants for honoring the invitation and making time to attend. He extended invitation for the upcoming researcher’s training on impact evaluation to be facilitated by a colleague from the USA.

Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Mark Wamai

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Over 35 Officials Begin Training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis

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Participants including over 35 public officials from various pose for a group photo at the commencement of the training on 13th October 2025 in Mbarara. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).

Over 35 public officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have commenced a two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara. The training is organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ms. Esther Ayebare commended the ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems. She highlighted the recent launch of the National Public Investment Management Policy, describing it as a robust and unified framework guiding the entire investment cycle—from planning and appraisal through to implementation and post-evaluation.

Ms. Esther Ayebare. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Ms. Esther Ayebare.

Ms. Ayebare further noted other key reforms including the Framework for Tracking Implementation and Performance of Public Investments, the revised Development Committee Guidelines, and the Integrated Bank of Projects, all of which are designed to improve efficiency, accountability, and value-for-money in public investments.

“Each of these reforms plays a key role in enhancing public investment management. I urge you to familiarize yourselves with them and integrate these frameworks into your daily work,” she added.

Prof. Eria Hisali. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Prof. Eria Hisali.

The Deputy Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Eria Hisali, encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the training and make the most of the opportunity to build their analytical and decision-making capacity. He commended the Ministry of Finance for its continued financial support to the Centre and reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to providing high-quality training and research to strengthen public investment governance.

The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing that the PIM Centre was established to build national capacity in the appraisal, management, and evaluation of public investments. He called on participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve project preparation and implementation within their respective institutions.

Dr. John Sseruyange. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Dr. John Sseruyange.

Dr. Sseruyange also expressed appreciation to the team of facilitators drawn from Makerere University, MoFPED, NPA, and CRI for their expertise and continued dedication to building Uganda’s human capital for effective public investment management.

The Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis course is part of a broader capacity-building programme implemented by the PIM Centre aimed at enhancing the skills of public officials in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of development projects to ensure that public investments deliver optimal socio-economic returns for the country.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Breaking Boundaries in Doctoral Training: COBAMS PhD Colloquium Unites, Equips, and Empowers Scholars

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Participants at the COBAMS Annual Doctoral Colloquium on 3rd October 2025.

By Moses Lutaaya

Makerere University, COBAMS Conference Hall – Friday, October 3, 2025

In a closing address at the COBAMS Annual Doctoral Colloquium, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) at Makerere University, urged PhD students to view their research as a vital tool in solving Uganda’s and Africa’s most pressing societal problems.

He reminded students and faculty that doctoral training at Makerere is no longer just an academic exercise, but a strategic national investment.

“PhD is not just about writing a thesis—it is about writing the future of our country, our continent, and indeed our planet,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Your research must be part of the solution to the challenges we face as a society.”

Prof. Kikooma began his remarks by reflecting warmly on his longstanding ties with COBAMS, describing it as “home” both professionally and collegially. He praised the college leadership for their foresight in organizing the doctoral colloquium and aligning it with the broader vision of the Directorate of Graduate Training and Makerere University.

He also noted the synergy between the colloquium’s theme and the Directorate’s recent graduate student induction theme which focused on “Positioning Graduate Training in National and Global Trends.” He said that this alignment reflects a growing institutional commitment to making graduate education more responsive to real-world challenges.

Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.
Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.

Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.

“While the decision to pursue a PhD is personal, the outcomes of your research must not be. They must become part of our national assets,” he stated.

He encouraged students to look beyond the traditional confines of academia and to consider how their work can inform policy, address community needs, and contribute to sustainable development. In particular, he highlighted urgent national issues such as food insecurity, climate-related disasters, youth unemployment, and underutilized demographic dividends.

“We live in a country where a single flood can disrupt the entire economy. We have fertile soils but continue to face food insecurity. We are a youthful country, but we fear the youth because we lack solutions to productively engage them,” Prof. Kikooma said. “These are problems your research should address.”

Prof. Kikooma also used the platform to announce several ongoing reforms at Makerere aimed at improving the doctoral training experience. These include the introduction of an almanac—a structured academic guide outlining semester-by-semester expectations and milestones for PhD candidates.

He said the reforms were not designed to make the PhD journey easier, but to eliminate unnecessary administrative obstacles and ensure students can complete their programs within the planned three-year period.

“The university is ready for you. We are committed to ensuring that your journey is as smooth administratively as possible,” he affirmed. “But for that to happen, you must play your part.”

Prof. Kikooma presents a certificate to one of the participants.
Prof. Kikooma presents a certificate to one of the participants.

Additionally, the Directorate has introduced mandatory credit-based activities beyond thesis writing, such as producing policy briefs and participating in public engagement forums, aimed at equipping students with practical communication and policy translation skills.

Prof. Kikooma proudly noted that Makerere University remains Uganda’s—and the region’s—leading institution in doctoral training. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a “trainer of trainers”, emphasizing that no other local institution currently matches Makerere’s capacity in handling doctoral studies.

He called for greater collaboration between students, academic units, and the Directorate, describing DGT as an administrative coordinator that works to support frontline colleges like COBAMS in delivering quality doctoral education.

“We are not just about policy. We are your partners in this journey,” he emphasized. “And together, we can make your research work not just for your academic growth, but for the greater good of the country.”

In his remarks, Associate Professor James Wokadala, Deputy Principal of COBAMS, emphasized the significance of the colloquium, calling it a “timely catalyst” in the academic calendar. He applauded the leadership of the Doctoral School, the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), and the organizing team for mainstreaming graduate research into the college’s strategy.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with the university’s focus on graduate training and knowledge regeneration. As a college, we are strategically investing in platforms that enable researchers to contribute meaningfully to academia and society,” Prof. Wokadala said. Drawing from his own PhD journey, he encouraged students to remain resilient and proactive, reminding them that while facilitators provide the spark, “over 90% of the work must be done by the student.”

Prof. Wokadala also paid tribute to Dr. Kasim Sendawula, who was recognized for his voluntary coordination of doctoral activities at both school and college levels. “Dr. Sendawula is a true academic servant — committed, approachable, and selfless. We are grateful for his contribution,” he said.

Prof. Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business at COBAMS, echoed similar sentiments, applauding the organizing committee and student scholars for their enthusiasm and sacrifice throughout the three-day session. He offered special appreciation to students who, despite personal commitments or distances, showed up without fail. “Some of you paused political campaigns just to be present here. That’s how much this matters,” he noted.

Prof. Akileng formally introduced his graduate coordination team, including Dr. Caroline Twanjire, a recent PhD graduate from Hanyang University in Korea, who will now assist at the school level. He also announced changes in the Master’s coordination team and used the moment to advocate for institutional recognition of voluntary academic roles such as program cordinators. “Mainstreaming these roles in the university structure would enhance efficiency and further strengthen the graduate training ecosystem,” he emphasized.

To the PhD students, Prof. Akileng reaffirmed his commitment. “We are here to serve you. If something is delaying your progress, walk into any school — we are one college, one academic family.”

Dr. Kasim Sendawula, Coordinator of PhD Students at COBAMS, offered a structured evaluation of the colloquium under the theme “Interrogating Knowledge Frontiers: Doctoral Research as a Catalyst for Theory and Practice.” He noted that the program had successfully covered the doctoral journey — from research conceptualization to manuscript development for publication.

“We used a participatory approach that allowed rich engagement with experienced supervisors and presenters. The feedback from students confirms that the structure, content, and delivery were impactful,” Dr. Sendawula stated.

He highlighted key areas appreciated by participants, such as the quality of presenters, sessions on data collection and writing, and the interactive format. Suggestions for improvement included more days, clearer participant evaluation mechanisms, and additional data analysis sessions, which the organizing team committed to explore in future planning.

“This programme has been a success because of your active engagement. Let’s keep the momentum, and we promise to offer you more tailored academic support going forward,” Dr. Sendawula concluded.

Adding the voice of the doctoral students, Ms. Sylvia Namujuzi, Vice President of then newly formed COBAMS PhD Forum, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the university leadership, facilitators, and organizing committee on behalf of the PhD student body. She described the colloquium as “a rigorous but transformative space of learning, reflection, and growth.”

“This gathering has empowered us with insights not just to enhance our academic work, but also to transform our institutions and contribute to society,” she said.

Ms. Namujuzi extended executive committee’s’ gratitude to Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of COBAMS, for championing the creation of the COBAMS PhD Forum — a unifying platform for scholars across the three schools to collaborate and support each other. She also acknowledged the Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Akileng, for opening the colloquium to the entire college, recognizing the growing need for cross-disciplinary dialogue among PhD scholars.

She thanked the facilitators, both present and in absentia, for generously sharing knowledge, and credited the organizing committee for their tireless work behind the scenes. Special appreciation went to her fellow student leaders, including Mr. Okelo George (President), Mr. Emmanuel Othieno (Finance), and others managing secretarial, coordination, and publicity roles across schools.

Student representative Mr. Vanecious Bbale Kirwana delivered a heartfelt message of appreciation on behalf of the PhD cohort, capping off three transformative days of intellectual engagement, mentorship, and peer collaboration.

Thanking the university and college leadership for both creating and actively supporting the forum, Mr. Kirwana emphasized the importance of in-person interaction, noting how the physical gathering fostered academic bonding and peer support among doctoral students.

Commending the emergence of organic student-led initiatives — such as a newly formed data analysis platform — Mr. Kirwana encouraged further informal groupings and knowledge-sharing spaces among students, building on the momentum of the colloquium.

“Let’s continue to create more spaces for learning among ourselves. That, in itself, is one of the greatest outcomes of this gathering,” he concluded.

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