Business & Management

CoBAMS Holds Orientation for New Staff Members

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2021

The DVCFA-Dr. Josephine Nabukenya (8th L-Red scarf) and Principal CoBAMS-Dr. Eria Hisali (9th L) with Deans and newly oriented staff after the induction exercise on 2nd November 2021, School of Business, Makerere University.

Staff of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) have been called upon to play their part to ensure that the college’s strategic objectives are achieved. The call was made by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration DVC (F&A), Assoc. Prof. Josephine Nabukenya, during the orientation of new members of staff on 2^nd November, 2021.

Assoc. Prof. Nabukenya commended the College management, led by the Principal, Assoc. Prof. Elia Hisali, on holding an orientation for new staff, saying other colleges needed to emulate this. “It is a good endeavor to familiarize the new members with the college plans, culture and work ethic. It also helps them feel welcome and secure. CoBAMS is moving to great heights,” she said.

The DVC (F&A) also trained staff on the use of the Electronic Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS), which the university is implementing. The system, the first of its kind will see the elimination of paper files. It allows for staff to request for promotions and leave online, enter their work plans for a week, as well as conduct staff appraisals. The platform is a bank for all staff biodata. It is a one-stop centre for all Human Resources needs. The Research and Development of the e-HRMS was fully funded by the Government of Uganda through Makerere University’s Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).

Assoc. Prof. Nakukenya said the university was developing a student records system which will soon be rolled out. It is hoped that the system will address the challenges of issuance of transcripts.

Assoc. Prof. Hisali on his part shared with the members, some of whom recently joined university service while others were recently transferred to CoBAMS, the mission of the college; “Service to society through provision of effective practice-oriented learning and research”. The college, he said, aspires to be the best at the university and eventually on the continent. He encouraged all staff to play a role in contributing to the realization of the college’s ambitions. He warned the staff against cliques and called for hard work, saying, “Hard work will be incentivized while there will be sanctions for non-performers.”

He shared with the new members the college’s strategic direction which includes; strengthening quality assurance, enhancing staff capacity, establishing foundations for financial sustainability, getting new linkages, infrastructure expansion, improving the work and learning environment and strengthening the research and dissemination infrastructure system.

Assoc. Prof. Hisali informed the new members that decision making at the colleges is done by committees. The college has got the Administrative Board, Academic Board, Quality Assurance Committee, Establishments and Appointments Board. The committees are mainly comprised of Deans and Heads of Departments.

The staff were also trained on Managing time and work load. The Deputy Principal, Assoc. Prof. Bruno Lule Yawe, shared with the team that we cannot manage time but rather manage ourselves so that we utilize the time we have effectively. He shared some skills to help staff manage themselves, which include; being organized, prioritizing, setting goals, strong communication skills, effective planning, delegating and handling stress in a positive way.

The team was also privileged to hear from the Director of the Directorate of Human Resources, Dr. Davis Malowa, who oriented the staff on the employment policies and systems such as confirmation of employment, promotions, staff development and what benefits accrue from each of these steps. Members learnt that the new employment regulations require an employee who has worked for an organization for more than 10 years to give his employer 3-months’ notice of resignation, failure of which will lead to penalties.

The area of research and publications was handled by Prof. Bbaale Edward, the Dean of the School of Economics. He emphasized that for one to create new knowledge through research, they must know the existing knowledge. Research, he said, is used to create new knowledge, visibility for the university and academic growth. He encouraged the staff to create a balance between teaching, research and supervision.

The Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Akileng Godfrey, shared the work ethic and values staff should have.

Employees with a strong work ethic exhibit a particular set of values and behaviors, he said. These characteristics make them standout as highly coveted team members and praise-worthy employees. Some of these qualities include; Reliability, Dedication, Discipline, Productivity, Cooperation, Integrity, Responsibility and Professionalism. He called on staff to practice good customer care, saying “A person can forget the words you said and the help you offered to them but they will never forget how you made them feel.” While concluding his submission, Dr. Akileng emphasized that “customer care is not a department, it is the attitude.” He called on all staff to ensure they offer the best customer experiences to our clients the students.

Betty Kyakuwa is the Principal Communication Officer, CoBAMS

Related Topics:appointment CoBAMS DVCFA eHRMS featured goals Mak-RIF Orientation planning quality assurance Research staff

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Business & Management

Refresher Training for Development Committee Members Kicks Off in Jinja

Published

1 week ago

February 19, 2025

Betty Kyakuwa

Dr. John Sseruyange (2nd Row Left) poses for a group photo with participants on Day 1 of the training, 19th February 2025 in Jinja. Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala, Day 1 of three-day refresher training for members of the Development Committee (DC) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, 19th February 2024, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence has commenced a three-day refresher training for members of the Development Committee (DC) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The training, which began today in Jinja, aims to enhance the analytical and technical skills of committee members who are tasked with reviewing government projects submitted by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The training was today February 19, 2025, officially opened by Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera, who represented the Director of the Budget Directorate. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ssebukeera emphasized the importance of the refresher course in enabling the Development Committee to effectively conduct quality reviews and fulfill its mandate as a key gatekeeper of the Public Investment Plan. He noted that the training would improve the participants’ ability to appraise and implement public investments in line with the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) framework.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, represented the Centre Director, Prof. Edward Bbaale. Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala, Day 1 of three-day refresher training for members of the Development Committee (DC) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, 19th February 2024, Jinja Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, represented the Centre Director, Prof. Edward Bbaale.***

Speaking at the same event, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, representing the Centre Director, Prof. Edward Bbaale, expressed the Centre’s gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Uganda’s PIM cycle. He highlighted the importance of the training in harmonizing the relationship between the MDAs that draft project proposals and the analysts who review them. Prof. Okumu reiterated the Centre’s commitment to building the capacity of government officials in Public Investment Management, thereby supporting the country’s development aspirations.

The need for this training was identified during the Development Committee retreat held in 2024, which revealed limited capacity among DC members in project appraisal, specifically in reviewing prefeasibility and feasibility reports, Dr Ssebukeera noted. In response, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with the PIM Centre of Excellence, organized this refresher course to strengthen the participants’ technical and analytical skills.

Dr. John Sseruyange reacts during his remarks. Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala, Day 1 of three-day refresher training for members of the Development Committee (DC) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, 19th February 2024, Jinja Uganda, East Africa. — ***Dr. John Sseruyange reacts during his remarks.***

DC is a statutory committee of government that evaluates the viability of public investment projects. Its statutory composition includes: Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Office of the Solicitor General, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, National Environment Management Authority, Equal Opportunities Commission, Ministry or Work and Transport, Ministry of Water and Environment, Public Private Partnership Unit. The PIM Center of Excellence was recently admitted to the Development Committee as a non-voting member.

The training will cover a wide range of topics, including the role of PIMS in the country’s development goals, the logical flow of project profiles, costing, and the interpretation of interconnections between prefeasibility/feasibility reports and financial models. Additionally, participants will explore the role of public-private partnerships in national development.

Dr. Ssebukeera encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share their expertise, and apply the knowledge gained from the training. He noted that this engagement would empower the Development Committee to effectively perform its role in reviewing and approving public investment projects, ensuring they align with national priorities and deliver value for money.

A section of participants follows proceedings. Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala, Day 1 of three-day refresher training for members of the Development Committee (DC) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, 19th February 2024, Jinja Uganda, East Africa. — ***A section of participants follows proceedings.***

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, established by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in partnership with Makerere University School of Economics, continues to play a pivotal role in building the capacity of MDAs in managing public investments. To date, the Centre has trained over 300 officers and produced several research papers, reflecting its commitment to enhancing public investment management in Uganda.

The training in Jinja is expected to enhance the participants’ capacity to effectively review government projects, thus supporting the effective implementation of Uganda’s Public Investment Plan.

Business & Management

PIM CoE Magazine Issue 1: Jul-Dec 2024

Published

3 weeks ago

February 5, 2025

Betty Kyakuwa

Cover page of the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) Magazine Issue 1: July - December 2024. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) was conceived as a result of the 2016 PIM Diagnostic study done by the World Bank and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development with support from Makerere University School of Economics that discovered inefficiencies in PIM in Uganda.

This report highlights the work, achievements and prospects of the Center. The Center plans to start offering Advanced level training through Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in PIM and Master of Science in Economic and Investment Modelling (MEIM). I am pleased to introduce this report to the public for use by all stakeholders.

I would like to appreciate PIM CoE Secretariat, partners, staff and well-wishers for technical support, daily running of the Center and their role in the realization of these achievements.

Special thanks go to Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Cambridge Resources International (CRI) and Makerere University for the overwhelming support rendered towards the development of the Center.

Prof. Edward Bbaale
Principal & Principal Investigator, CoBAMS/PIM CoE

Makerere-CoBAMS-PIM-CoE-Magazine-Issue-1-Jul-Dec-2024 Download

Business & Management

Somali Officials Complete Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management at CoBAMS

Published

4 weeks ago

January 30, 2025

Betty Kyakuwa

Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd Left) with training facilitators and the six Somali Government officials pose for a group photo. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Six Somali government officials have successfully completed a three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). The training, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), took place from January 27 to 29, 2025, and aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management.

The training brought together senior civil servants and policymakers from Somalia, equipping them with practical knowledge and strategies for sustainable infrastructure asset management. It also fostered valuable cross-border collaboration, facilitated by UNCDF Uganda, which played a crucial role in connecting Makerere University with the Government of Somalia.

Left to Right: Prof. Edward Bbaale, PIM CoE Manager-Dr. John Sseruyange and some of the officials follow proceedings. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The program was delivered by experienced faculty from Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), alongside experts from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). A special session was also led by the Makerere University Bursar, offering practical insights into financial management in infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Mr. Ncube Mkhululi, the Regional Technical Advisor for UNCDF emphasized the importance of infrastructure asset management in driving sustainable economic growth. He highlighted UNCDF’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing economies, noting that effective infrastructure planning and management are critical to national development. He also expressed confidence in Makerere University’s expertise in delivering high-impact executive training programs for government officials.

Principal CoBAMS-Prof. Edward Bbaale (Right) presents a certificate to one of the officials. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

During the closing ceremony, Prof. Bbaale Edward, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences expressed gratitude to all partners, including UNCDF, Makerere University management, and the PIM CoE faculty, for their commitment to making the training a success. He emphasized Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to internationalize its research-led agenda, positioning itself as a hub for regional knowledge exchange.

UNCDF Program Manager, Mr. Joel Mundua, the commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to share the acquired knowledge with fellow officials in Somalia. This was reaffirmed by one of the participants, who pledged to apply and disseminate the learnings within their respective departments.

UNCDF Program Manager0Mr. Joel Mundua (Left) and UNCDF Program Officer-Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti (Right). Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti, the Program Officer at UNCDF highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure asset management strategies are practical, adaptable, and aligned with national development goals. He commended Makerere University for its leadership in knowledge transfer and regional training and encouraged continued collaboration between universities, governments, and international development partners to strengthen institutional capacity.

Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, applauded both the participants and the expert trainers who contributed to the program. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to advancing infrastructure asset management through continued training and collaboration with regional stakeholders.

As the training concluded, participants departed with valuable insights and practical tools to improve infrastructure management in Somalia and beyond. The success of this initiative highlights Makerere University’s role as a leading institution in public investment management, fostering capacity-building efforts that drive sustainable development across Africa.