Business & Management
Researchers Trained on New Methodologies of Improving Customer Water bill Payment Behaviour
By Jane Anyango
Over 40 Makerere University researchers from the School of Economics were on 14th October, 2021 trained on new methodologies of information treatment into improving Water bills payments in Uganda and other countries.
The training held virtually and physically was organized and hosted by the Environment for Development Imitative (EfD-Mak) Centre.
The seminar was facilitated by Dr. David Fuente from the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, University of South Carolina USA.
Dr. Fuente presented a number of studies conducted in different countries including Kenya and Ethiopia under the theme, “Testing information treatments to improve the Financial sustainability of water utilities”. The studies according to Dr. Fuente are premised on the Global water sanitation and infrastructure challenge and the Sustainable Development Goal on provision of safe and affordable water sanitation for all by 2030.
He said policy makers face the challenge of raising water prices and improving customer bill payment behaviour noting that both are politically difficult.
“Water infrastructure is capital intensive, but largely out of public view. Improving customer awareness of the capital intensity of water supply and sanitation service delivery may increase customer perception of, “fair” water prices, however, mode of information treatment likely matters and further research is needed”, the facilitator said.
Dr. David Fuente explained that customer arrears are a chronic problem in the water and sanitation sector in the global South which undermines utilities financial stability.
“Arrears undermine tilities financial stability. For example, in South Africa, households owed municipal governments 40 billion Rand (about 4 billion USD). In Kampala Uganda, 57% of residential customers accounts have arrears while in Nairobi Kenya, 60% of customers have arrears”, he cited.
Despite the challenge, Dr. Fuente observed that, very limited work on why customers do not pay their bills and common assumptions may be wrong and lead to substantial policy mistakes.
“Simple, low-cost information treatments may improve customer behavior, but evidence is needed and are likely to be panacea.Policy makers need to think carefully about deploying multiple, well targeted policy instruments to improve customer payment behavior”, he stated.
Dr. Fuente provided insights from a series of literature and studies from Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa that examined customer perceptions of, “fair” water prices and information treatments to improve customer bill payment behaviour.
The studies sought to address whether information treatments can improve customer bill payments and which treatments are more effective at improving customer bill payment. The general information treatment interventions discussed to improve bill payment included hard threats of disconnection for non-payment, soft encouragement that informs tenants, simple payment reminders and routine billing information, use of subsidies, sanctions, moral suasion.
The goals of these studies were to reduce arrears and bill-nonpayment to improve the financial stability of utilities; Boost the agency’s financial position to cater for its investments and to increase the social welfare from the agency’s investments.
In Uganda Dr. Fuente said there is proposal that is competing for Sida funds titled, “Using information treatments to improve water bill payments under the National Water and Sewerage Corporation”.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale said, such a study is practical and primary on how to create a shock in the perceptions of people so that they can start responding to paying their bills.
Prof. Bbaale said this training was important not only to the country and researchers, based on reason that these are new techniques of analysis that researchers at the EfD-Mak centre needed to pick up and get interested to undertake similar studies.
The Director expressed the need for water agencies to have financial stability to give a good service noting that what is being proposed is to make sure that financial stability of water agencies is improved.
Prof. Bbaale shared that water supply is capital intensive and requires a lot of money to lay pipes and maintain the treatment plants and yet customers comparatively pay less. He said, to supply clean water, expand the reach and maintain constant water supply, water supply agencies require substantial resources.
He noted that the National Water and Sewerage Corporation of Uganda is constrained by resources to maintain their supply and pipes and at the same time lack enough resources to reach the unserved areas.
“There is no study yet in Uganda that is trying to utilize the methodologies learnt into analyzing how to improve water bill payments in Uganda despite the common knowledge that many customers have payment arrears.
I am hopeful that the proposed study in Uganda will win the Sida grant and will go a long way in informing NWSC and government on how to improve water bill payments. And, if this study is implemented, it will be a great opportunity for us to see what findings come forth and what recommendations are put forward for government to improve water bill payment”. Prof. Bbaale stated.
Participants speak on the training
Dr. Oryem John Bosco, a Lecturer in the School of Economics described the training as a good collaboration and chance for researchers to understand what is going on with other researchers.
“And in this case, understanding what research is going on in terms of utility payments and challenges that communities face in paying water bills is a good study which links with the SDGs and the national development goals.
So understanding why payments delay and what can make people pay their water bills is a very good innovation. From this training and the proposed Uganda study, the facilitator is intending to craft messages to the water consumers to ensure that public utilities get the desired revenue that can make them operate without too much financial constraints”, Dr. Oryem commended.
Mr. Peter Babyenda the Policy Engagement Specialist in charge of coordinating the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) training program who is also a PhD student thanked EfD-Mak center for organizing the wonderful training.
“The presentation is new to us, and it touches on of the key issue-water, where we have so many problems. I heard there is a proposal for Uganda which I am so interested in and can’t wait to see how this study goes. I am interested in the findings and to learn more on the methodologies”, Mr. Babyenda stated.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Business & Management
School of Economics Hosts Team Building Event, Celebrates Excellence with Awards
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the School of Economics at Makerere University organized a vibrant team-building activity in the scenic surroundings of Buwatte. This initiative aimed to foster stronger bonds among staff members, celebrate outstanding achievements, and set a collaborative tone for the year ahead.
The day was filled with a variety of activities designed to promote teamwork and camaraderie. Staff members enthusiastically participated in interactive games, lively discussions, and fun challenges that brought out their competitive yet collaborative spirit. The games were followed by a hearty lunch, where everyone gathered to share stories, laughter, and a sense of community. The event culminated in a joyous moment of merry-making, which showcased the School’s vibrant culture of inclusivity and togetherness.
The occasion also served as a platform to honor outstanding individuals who had excelled in their roles over the past year. The award for the best journal paper was presented to the Dean, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to academic research and publication. Meanwhile, the coveted Teacher of the Year Award, as voted by students, was bestowed upon Mr. Fred Kasalirwe for the second consecutive year. This recognition underscored his dedication to delivering engaging and impactful learning experiences.
In his address, Prof. Okumu expressed heartfelt appreciation for his colleagues’ hard work and commitment, which he credited for the School’s numerous achievements in 2024. He extended special congratulations to the winners of the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, acknowledging their contribution to enhancing the university’s reputation for academic excellence.
Prof. Okumu emphasized the importance of sustaining the spirit of teamwork, which he described as a cornerstone for the School’s continued success. He encouraged his staff to embrace collaboration as they embark on new academic and administrative pursuits in 2025.
The team-building event was not only a celebration of the past year’s accomplishments but also a rallying call for a productive and united future. Staff members left the event reinvigorated and motivated to uphold the School’s vision of academic excellence and impactful scholarship. As the School of Economics enters the new year, this memorable day in Buwatte stands as a testament to the power of unity, shared purpose, and the collective commitment to shaping a brighter future for the institution.
Nine members of staff from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University were honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards during the institution’s 75th graduation ceremony. The awards were presented at a special graduation luncheon, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, recognized exceptional lecturers and researchers across various categories—early, mid, and senior career—as well as outstanding educators based on student evaluations.
Namugenyi Christabellah and Richard Ssempala were awarded in the category of early career scholars. The two were recognized for their exemplary research contributions, each achieving five publications in 2024. In the mid-career category, Dr. Peter Kisakye emerged as the standout performer with 11 publications, followed by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Mushomi John Atwebembeire, and Dr. Ssendawula Kasimu, who each published seven papers during the year.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Mr. Fred Kasalirwe, and Dr. Faisal Buyinza were celebrated as the best teachers, following outstanding evaluations from students, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality education.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the winners and commended their dedication to excellence in teaching and research. “These awards reflect our university’s unwavering commitment to fostering academic and professional excellence. As Makerere University, we take pride in nurturing talent and rewarding those who inspire innovation, dedication, and knowledge creation. Congratulations to all the awardees for setting a remarkable example for others to follow,” he said.
The event was graced by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Kaducu, who lauded Makerere University for its continued commitment to academic excellence. In her remarks, she stated, “Makerere University’s role in shaping the future of our nation cannot be overstated. These awards are a testament to the caliber of educators and researchers the institution nurtures. I encourage all awardees to continue striving for greater achievements and to inspire the next generation of leaders and scholars.”
At the same luncheon, ACCA Uganda recognized three top-performing students of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program. Ndagire Sarah, Yiga James Mark, and Nabagereka Rebecca, each graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.68, were awarded plaques in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
Additionally, the best-performing student in the Master of Economics program, Nalweere Alice, received an award from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). The award included a two-year paid training opportunity with EPRC as a research fellow. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Nalweere expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is not just a recognition of my hard work but also a motivation to contribute meaningfully to economic research and policy development in Uganda. I thank Makerere University for providing an environment that fosters academic excellence and EPRC for this incredible opportunity.”
The graduation luncheon served as a platform to celebrate the institution’s achievements and its unwavering commitment to promoting excellence among its staff and students. The event highlighted Makerere University’s vital role in shaping the academic, research, and professional landscape of Uganda and beyond.
The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) proudly presented 1,523 graduands on the second day of Makerere University‘s 75th graduation ceremony. Among these, 7 were awarded PhDs, 195 earned master’s degrees, 3 completed postgraduate diplomas, and 1,318 graduated with undergraduate degrees. Female graduands made up 53% of the cohort, with 805 women and 718 men.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, lauded CoBAMS as Makerere’s youngest college but already a beacon of excellence in teaching and research. He noted the College’s pivotal role in linking the University with the government through collaborative projects. Key achievements highlighted include; the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) which was praised for spearheading impactful training programs, building the capacity of officials across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The Environment for Development Centre was recognized for attracting grants totaling approximately USD $400,000. These funds supported capacity-building programs in Inclusive Green Economy for senior public servants, five research projects, policy dialogues, and community outreach activities.
The vice chancellor also recognized CoBAMS students who excelled in the Joint Facility for Electives (JFE) competition in Nairobi. Ritah Ahumuza, a Master of Arts in Economics student, achieved an outstanding average of 87.5%, the highest in over five years. She was honored with an award by the African Economic Research Consortium for her stellar performance.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed pride in the College’s strides in fostering innovation, academic success, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Makerere University’s position as a global academic leader.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Kaducu, congratulated the graduands and acknowledged the parents for their sacrifices. She urged the students to be proactive contributors to Uganda’s development. “Go into the world and light a candle. Start humbly, face the future with courage, and create jobs rather than dispersing them,” she said.
During the week-long graduation ceremony, 13,658 graduands will receive their awards, including 143 PhDs, 1,813 master’s degrees, 11,454 bachelor’s degrees, and 243 postgraduate diplomas. Of these, 53% are female, and 44% of the PhD recipients are women. The Vice Chancellor noted these statistics as evidence of Makerere’s progress toward gender equity and research-led growth.
Prof. Nawangwe lauded the Government of Uganda’s support through initiatives like the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), which has enabled cutting-edge research.
Future Direction
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga, outlined Makerere’s vision for expanding its community outreach and commercialization of research innovations. He proposed strengthening partnerships with private-sector investors to turn academic ideas into viable businesses. Dr. Kiyonga also encouraged the graduands to apply their skills to create opportunities in agriculture, education, and other sectors.
As Makerere celebrates its legacy as a beacon of higher education, CoBAMS exemplifies the transformative impact of education in transforming the economy. The achievements celebrated today reflect the university’s dedication to empowering individuals and fostering national development.
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