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Mak PIM CoE Acquires Modern Video Conferencing Facility & Furniture Worth USD 77,000

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By Jane Anyango

Makerere University Centre of Excellence in Public Investment Management (PIM CoE) on 4th October, 2021 launched an assortment of IT equipment and furniture worth USD 77,000 (approximately UGX 277million) funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The WB and FCDO supported the university with a grant of USD 810,000 to undertake a number of activities including training, research and capacity building at the School of Economics. Part of the capacity building is the procurement of IT equipment and furniture.

The equipment was commissioned by the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Prof. Eria Hisali on behalf of the University Management witnessed by representatives from the Government of Uganda and the World Bank online.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali addresses participants before commissioning the equipment.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali addresses participants before commissioning the equipment.

The equipment launched includes a state-of-the-art video conferencing facility theVivitek86” collaborative and interactive flat Novo touch screen that cost USD 34,000. On the screen, you can teach, split and have different people connected to it wirelessly. You can also demonstrate and annotate your presentation on this screen.  The smart board has an inbuilt camera that can zoom in and reset videos at any time.

Other IT equipment launched include12 Computers, 4 laptops, 2 LCD projectors, and an all-in-one printer scanner copier all procured at USD 27,000.

The centre also procured office furniture comprising 5 office desks and 5 office tables, 40 training chairs and 20 training tables and a 20-seater boardroom table all worth USD 16,000.

Interim PIM CoE Manager Dr. Willy Kagarura (L) unveils some of the procured equipment at the PIM CoE as Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (R) witnesses.
Interim PIM CoE Manager Dr. Willy Kagarura (L) unveils some of the procured equipment at the PIM CoE as Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (R) witnesses.

Launching the equipment, Prof. Eria Hisali appreciated the support received from the World Bank, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. He emphasized that this should not be looked at as the end but rather, an ongoing process of strengthening the collaborations for the mutual benefit of all the participating institutions.

Dr. Hisali reported that the university has made progress in terms of inputs into this exercise of establishing the Centre of Excellence and had started taking huge steps away from looking at inputs to focusing on certain outputs and outcomes.

In terms of outputs, the Principal said, there were ongoing studies and efforts to integrate PIM into the curriculum of the university, initiate a new master’s program in investment and economic modelling as well as the training and capacity building that has been undertaken both for staff and officials from other areas of government.

L-R: Dr. Willy Kagarura, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali and the PI-Prof. Edward Bbaale tour the PIM CoE office space.
L-R: Dr. Willy Kagarura, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali and the PI-Prof. Edward Bbaale tour the PIM CoE office space.

The Principal said, the Makerere has all it takes in terms of staff capacity to undertake studies and was now focused on making the PIM CoE more vibrant and planning for its sustainability.

“The challenge we want to focus on now is to go beyond the outputs we have and even ones that we have conceptualized up to this point.  We need to continue to develop this as a very vibrant centre of excellence, a centre that speaks to its name, actualizes research in other areas as well as contributes to computation of certain key parameters like the shadow prices etc.

But all these issues speak to one important subject of sustainability of our centre beyond the current support being given by the bank and they are going to be a number of ways we want to look at this. In our previous engagement, we started discussions with the bank on the possibility of additional support but we will also be looking at other avenues of ensuring that the activities of the centre continue”, Dr. Hisali explained.

Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (C), Prof. Edward Bbaale (2nd L), Dr. Willy Kagarura (R) and other officials inspect some of the procured furniture.
Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali (C), Prof. Edward Bbaale (2nd L), Dr. Willy Kagarura (R) and other officials inspect some of the procured furniture.

He said the university has resources from the Government of Uganda through the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and a college scheme to support small studies that the centre can benefit from.

The Principal Investigator PIM CoE Prof. Edward Bbaale who is also Dean School of Economics described the day’s event as remarkable in the history of the school as well as the PIM CoE and extended gratitude to the World Bank, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of Uganda for the support.

Prof. Bbaale said the World Bank and FCDO extended a grant of USD 810,000 to establish the centre of excellence as a response to the fact that so much of public investments were going to waste.

He reported that for every dollar that was being invested, only 38 cents or less was realized meaning 60% was lost. As a result, Prof. Bbaale said many strategies were designed to make sure that when government invests, public resources will gain the maximum out of a very dollar invested.

The PI, Prof. Edward Bbaale (L) speaks during the unveiling of procured equipment.
The PI, Prof. Edward Bbaale (L) speaks during the unveiling of procured equipment.

One of the interventions according to the PI was to build capacity on a sustainable basis in a premier institution like Makerere University thus the establishment of the PIM CoE to undertake training in public investment management.

Prof. Bbaale explained that public investment management goes beyond financial analysis of projects to the complex economic analysis of projects.

The Professor said, the computations that are involved in the economic analysis of projects are not only very complicated but also lacking, due to limited capacity in government and universities.

He added that the ongoing intervention is to make sure that this work can be done not only by staff but also graduate students equipped with the required knowledge.

The PI, Prof. Edward Bbaale (L) said the PIM CoE would build capacity on a sustainable basis.
The PI, Prof. Edward Bbaale (L) said the PIM CoE would build capacity on a sustainable basis.

He said the World Bank and FCDO grant has been used for training staff and other stakeholders in impact evaluation methodologies and public investment management and many are lined up including university staff capacity building training slated for November in Ghana.

“What we have done today is one of those things the grant has enabled us to fulfill. We have acquired one of the newest video conferencing facilities at Makerere University that will go a long way in facilitating online learning, online conferencing and online research which is open to be used by the university community.

The World Bank in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also facilitated us to buy laptops and computers and we have been able to furnish an office with an interim manager. We have a conference table and chairs for training participants and Wi-Fi-enabled projectors which do not need to physically connect to the laptop, but can pick the information on the laptop and project” Prof. Bbaale reported.

The Interim Manager PIM CoE Dr. Willy Rwamparagi Kagarura said, the project aim is to establish a centre of excellence as a training facility that can contribute towards strengthening public investment management in the country. 

An IT personel walks participants through some of the interactive smart board's features using an iPad.
An IT personel walks participants through some of the interactive smart board’s features using an iPad.

“Out of the USD 810,000, around USD 626,000 (77.3%) has been disbursed. Strategically, this was to sustainably build Capacity in PIM by addressing three areas namely training, research and advising government all aimed at improving returns on public investments.

We targeted to a PIM Centre of Excellence with a pool of experts both physically and structurally. We want to build capacity at the CoE and School of Economics. We are developing Curriculum and training materials to make this a reality.  We are to train technical staff at the Ministries, Departments and Agencies  and Local Governments, then we have an outreach program where we are doing research and studies after which mainstream PIM into University Economics Curriculum”, Dr. Kagarura said.

Besides the acquisition of the IT equipment and furniture, Dr. Kagarura said the centre has moved fast and trained 37 members comprising  staff, students and government officials in impact evaluation methodologies, and drafted the Strategic Plan ready for validation and final print.

PIM CoE Interim Manager Dr. Willy Kagarura presents the project achievements.
PIM CoE Interim Manager Dr. Willy Kagarura presents the project achievements.

Using local curriculum, Dr. Kagarura reported that the centre has trained 45 MDA staff in the first process of a project cycle on how to develop a concept, profile and how to put it in the Integrated Bank of Projects.

The centre according to manager has also trained 10 lecturers to increase capacity for long-term PIM training, drafted the curriculum in Masters of Economic Investment and Modelling submitted to University Senate for approval and onward submission to NCHE.

Dr. Kagarura further said the centre conducted two impact evaluations on Luweero Rural Development Program and on how the improved stoves affect the welfare of people while that final draft of the study on impact of Covid-19 on public investments was awaiting final comments before validation.

As a matter of preparation, Kagarura said 3 members are scheduled to attend training in Mbale in the Financial Analysis Module of PIAR (Economic Analysis due 10th – 23rd October) while at the beginning (8th Nov – 3rd Dec 2021)  4 core staff will be attending a  Training of Trainers  in Ghana.

Part of the procured furniture in PIM CoE Conference Room, CTF2, Makerere University.
Part of the procured furniture in PIM CoE Conference Room, CTF2, Makerere University.

The interim manager hailed the World Bank and FCDO for the funding saying, the startup grant has created a capacity building asset for the country which should be nursed to maturity.

Kagarura however noted that in order to nurture a sustainable capacity building framework or institutional arrangement for the country and the region,there is need for increased capacity among trainers through TOTs whose outputs will be in the areas of capacity building, research and outreach and Advisory Services.

The other need he said, is to lift capacity at the centre to professional levels both in project management professional and impact evaluation so as to completely cover the project cycle.

The centre he also said needs support and to be fully popularized and to work with government so that its collection of tuition from participants is appreciated.

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

Mark Wamai

Business & Management

Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence Empowers Public Officers with Critical Financial Analysis Skills

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Group photo of the participants and trainers. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers' skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation, 5th November 2024, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, Kigo, Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), recently launched an intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers’ skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation. This training, sanctioned by MoFPED, is being led by experts from both PIM CoE and the Infrastructure and Social Services Department of MoFPED.

Over the course of three weeks, more than 360 public officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will participate in the training, divided into cohorts to facilitate focused learning. Each cohort undergoes a two-day training session designed to build a deeper understanding of financial implication assessments, which are critical for informed policy-making.

Dr. John Sseruyange from the PIM CoE. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers' skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation, 5th November 2024, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, Kigo, Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange from the PIM CoE.

The primary objective of this program is to equip public officers with the analytical tools necessary for assessing the financial viability of policies and legislative proposals. This capacity-building initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader goal of ensuring that government policies are fiscally responsible and contribute to national development priorities.

Several participants expressed their satisfaction with the skills acquired through this training. Mr. Avu Elly Biliku, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Works and Transport, praised the training, noting that it had increased his confidence in conducting financial implications analysis for policies and bills. “I now feel more confident in undertaking Clearances for Financial Implications (CFIs) for all the bills and policies under my review,” Mr. Biliku stated. He also recommended that more public officers receive similar training to enhance the analytical capacities across MDAs.

Dr. Ibrahim Mukisa from the PIM CoE. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers' skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation, 5th November 2024, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, Kigo, Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Ibrahim Mukisa from the PIM CoE.

Ms. Eunice Namara, an economist at MoFPED, highlighted that the program had significantly boosted her ability to thoroughly evaluate policies and bills. “I am now equipped to prepare detailed bills and policies with all necessary attachments, including the Statement of Financial Implications,” Ms. Namara said, underscoring how the training strengthened her capacity to contribute to evidence-based policy review and formulation.

At the close of the first cohort’s training, Mr. Paul Patrick Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED, emphasized the importance of aligning policy decisions with national priorities. He noted that the ministry’s renewed guidelines were informed by a comprehensive survey that identified key gaps in existing policy evaluation processes. “The new guidelines address these gaps by introducing regulatory cost-benefit analysis, and enhancing capacity in financial, economic, risk, and stakeholder analysis,” Mr. Mwanja explained.

Mr. Paul Patrick Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers' skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation, 5th November 2024, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, Kigo, Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Paul Patrick Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED.

Mr. Mwanja also urged the trainees to apply their new skills to drive positive transformation within their respective MDAs. “This commitment to capacity building is essential to not only improve policy processes but also to deliver policies that are equitable, effective, and attuned to the needs of all Ugandans,” he said, stressing the need for continuous professional development in the public sector.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Mwanja extended his gratitude to the PIM Centre of Excellence for its role in delivering this valuable training, which he described as a cornerstone in advancing Uganda’s policy-making capacity.

Participants attend the training. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers' skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation, 5th November 2024, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, Kigo, Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants attend the training.

As Uganda continues to strengthen its public financial management systems, initiatives like this training program play a crucial role in developing the analytical expertise of public officers. With a more rigorous approach to assessing financial implications, Uganda’s government aims to foster transparent, efficient, and responsive governance that meets the evolving needs of its citizens.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Business & Management

CoBAMS Hosts Inception Workshop on Land Market Research

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The Minister, Hon. Judith Nabakooba joined participants of the stakeholder engagement for a photo. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University inception workshop of the "Land Market, Use Patterns, and Relations in Uganda" study, 6th November 2024, Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The College of Business and Management Sciences on 30th October 2024 hosted a diverse gathering of government officials, policymakers, researchers, and other key stakeholders for the inception workshop of the “Land Market, Use Patterns, and Relations in Uganda” study. The event, held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, was inaugurated by Honorable Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, alongside Prof. Edward Bbaale, who represented the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.

In his remarks, Prof. Bbaale underscored land as a pillar of Uganda’s economy, essential to sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and housing. He highlighted the collaborative spirit of the workshop, where experts would engage in research-driven strategies to address Uganda’s complex land policies.

The Principal of CoBAMS delivers his remarks during the stakeholder engagement. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University inception workshop of the "Land Market, Use Patterns, and Relations in Uganda" study, 6th November 2024, Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal of CoBAMS delivers his remarks during the stakeholder engagement.

Prof. Eria Hisali, Principal Investigator for the study, discussed the critical issues arising from current land policies. Challenges such as limited tenure security have led to conflicts over land ownership, particularly in areas under customary tenure systems. He emphasized that “inadequate land registration creates uncertainty in ownership, making it difficult for landholders to confidently invest in long-term development.” Prof. Hisali further noted that restricted access to secure land titles hinders many Ugandans from using land as collateral for business growth, ultimately limiting economic opportunities.

Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal Investigator of the study (standing) delivers his presentation. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University inception workshop of the "Land Market, Use Patterns, and Relations in Uganda" study, 6th November 2024, Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal Investigator of the study (standing) delivers his presentation.

Hon. Nabakooba detailed the government’s initiatives to address land management challenges, including the establishment of 22 zonal offices and the rollout of an electronic Land Registry (the Land Information System) to enhance efficiency and security in land administration. While acknowledging progress, she stressed that major challenges remain, including historical land injustices, overlapping claims, and capacity constraints in land governance. Approximately 70% of Uganda’s land remains under customary tenure, which is often insecure. She emphasized that while 30% of Uganda’s land is titled, providing greater security and investment potential, the untitled majority poses risks to sustainable development and economic growth. ​ The workshop aims to bridge these gaps, generating evidence-based insights to guide land policies that align with Uganda’s goals for economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. This study aligns with the government’s commitment to improving land governance for sustainable development, supporting access to land for all citizens. Through this initiative, Makerere University demonstrates its dedication to impactful research that addresses the country’s most pressing development challenges.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Business & Management

Youth Urged to Embrace Entrepreneurship for Economic Empowerment

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At the recent Makerere University Entrepreneurship Congress 2024, held under the theme “Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth”, Uganda’s State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, highlighted the transformative power of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship promotes social mobility, fosters innovation, and empowers young people,” he said, emphasizing its role in addressing unemployment, limited opportunities, and inequality.

The event, organized by the Entrepreneurship and Outreach Center (MakEOC) under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), focused on providing young people with practical skills and strategies for entrepreneurial success. Hon. Barugahara shared his entrepreneurial journey, urging young entrepreneurs to “start small, dream big, understand their market, and surround themselves with mentors.”

State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Balaam Barugahara was the Keynote Speaker.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, who represented the Vice Chancellor, emphasized that entrepreneurship is vital for Uganda’s economic growth and development, particularly in tackling underemployment. We aim to reinforce that growth must be inclusive, equitable, and accessible, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he remarked. He encouraged students and faculty to leverage the university’s resources to turn ideas into marketable products.

The Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, underscored the role of entrepreneurship in achieving Uganda’s sustainable development goals, describing it as a crucial path for economic empowerment. “Through this congress, we aim to prepare students not only to create jobs for themselves but also to drive change and innovation that can uplift communities,” he stated.

Dr. Jude Mugarura, Head of the Department of Marketing and Management, commended the congress’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and noted the department’s role in developing well-rounded graduates. “Our goal is to produce graduates who can innovate, create, and manage businesses and also employ others,” he said, emphasizing the shift from “job-for-life” careers to “portfolio careers.”

Students showcase their entrepreneurial projects at the Expo.

The congress explored four core areas of modern entrepreneurship:

  1. Starting and Scaling a Small Business – Vision, resilience, and strong teamwork.
  2. Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mindset – Adaptability and comprehensive business planning.
  3. Technological Trends – Utilizing AI and data to fuel entrepreneurial growth.
  4. The Digital Hustle – Mastering digital presence, content creation, and engagement.

The event also featured insights from a range of panel speakers. Spera Atuhaire, Country Director of BRAC Uganda, discussed their mentorship-driven employment programs designed to empower young people. “Our initiatives focus on social economy, mentorship, and savings, helping youth overcome barriers to success,” she noted, adding that BRAC provides affordable credit to address financial challenges for young entrepreneurs.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara receiving his portrait as a gift from Prof. Edward Bbaale. Extreme left is Dr. Sarah Bimbona.

Diana Ninsiima Kibuuka, Country Director of BNI Uganda, highlighted the importance of networking and understanding the values behind each network. “Each network serves a purpose, and you must understand that purpose,” she said, sharing her personal experience transitioning from law to entrepreneurship through her connection with BNI.

CK Japheth, founder of Innovation Village, emphasized the importance of testing business ideas for viability. “How do you reduce the time spent proving an idea is viable?” he asked, encouraging entrepreneurs to validate ideas through trial and error. “Find out by trying,” he advised, reminding participants that good ideas don’t automatically lead to successful businesses.

Diana Njuguna, an Associate Partner at Nyota Capital, discussed the challenges entrepreneurs face in securing funding, pointing to issues such as poor financial structure, inadequate governance, and complacency. “Strong financial management and qualified personnel are essential,” she said, urging young entrepreneurs to prioritize growth and avoid getting too comfortable in “lifestyle businesses.”

Excited audience

The Congress culminated in a well-attended Students’ Expo at Freedom Square, showcasing innovative student-led products and services. Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of Makerere University’s Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, praised the event, saying, “This year’s theme resonated deeply, addressing pressing challenges in Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The Makerere University Entrepreneurship Congress 2024 succeeded in inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs, promoting discussions on innovative solutions, and fostering partnerships that support Uganda’s socio-economic growth and development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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