Business & Management
Government encouraged to provide tax exemptions and incentives to SMEs
The research findings of the project titled “Embracing Social Entrepreneurship as a catalyst to sustainable business growth in Uganda” were disseminated on Wednesday 8th December 2021 at the CoBAMS Conference Room at the School of Business. The purpose of the study was to examine social entrepreneurship as a strategy that could promote sustainable business growth in Uganda.
Assoc. Prof. Peter Turyakira, the Principal Investigator of the project shared findings which revealed that social entrepreneurship is perceived as a business strategy that is intended to solve community-based problems while making some profits to sustain business activities. He also noted that according to their study, women are more likely to get involved in voluntary activities than men; while men and women differ in the nature of social enterprises that they initiate.
While presenting his research, Assoc. Prof. Turyakira shared that social entrepreneurship significantly affects sustainable business growth. However, the high cost of operating a business significantly constrains sustainable social enterprises’ growth in Uganda.
The study recommended that the government of Uganda build a financial spectrum that could enable social entrepreneurs access grants for incubation. The study also recommended the provision of preferential funding to social enterprises as well as the provision of tax exemptions, incentives and an enabling legal and regulatory framework to further encourage the establishment and growth of MSMEs.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, Ms. Geraldine Ssali, commended the team upon bringing to light findings that show the importance of social entrepreneurship to our country. She further stressed the importance of having courses and curriculums that focus on skills that are relevant for use in the workplace with entrepreneurship and business being at the forefront of all. Ms. Ssali discouraged members present from cocooning themselves to employment only, because there are no jobs. Rather, she encouraged them to start their own businesses and to use their jobs to get capital to invest into their businesses.
In his remarks at the dissemination workshop, the Principal of CoBAMS, Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali congratulated the study team upon their achievement and encouraged them to publish their findings in an international journal and integrate them into the teaching curriculum.
Dr. Eric Nzibonera, speaking on behalf of Assoc. Prof. Godfrey Akileng, the Dean School of Business, CoBAMS, congratulated the principal investigator and research team for the good work done. “As a school we are happy that the team has managed to attract funding for this research and also do the work” he said, “These research findings are very critical because they address issues of job creation and issues of sustainable growth of SMEs, because there is no country that can grow without small and medium businesses.”
The “Embracing Social Entrepreneurship as a catalyst to sustainable business growth in Uganda” project was funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF).
Speaking on behalf of Prof. William Bazeyo, the chairperson of Mak-RIF, Dr. John Mutenyo (representative of the research grant management committee) expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uganda for providing the funding to this research and other projects in the University that fall in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) III. Dr. Mutenyo commended the Government for the continued funding to research despite the challenges brought about by the COVID pandemic.
Staff members from the Department of Population Studies, within the School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University, have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day training on Doctoral Supervision. The training, held from June 28 to June 30, 2024, was meticulously conducted by esteemed faculty from the College of Education and External Studies, alongside experts from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the supervisory skills of doctoral advisors, underscores Makerere University‘s commitment to academic excellence and robust research mentorship. The Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. James Wokadala, officiated the closing ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training sessions.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive and rigorous research environment for our doctoral candidates. This training is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and effective mentorship,” remarked Prof. Wokadala in his closing address.
He said the college has got plans to improve PhD graduation levels, some of which include appointing two PhD coordinators per school. He asked the staff to exhibit high ethical standards while supervising the students.
The training program was generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, secured by Dr. Patricia Ndugga. The grant facilitated a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, designed to equip the faculty with advanced supervisory techniques and strategies to support doctoral students effectively.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This training is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of doctoral supervision at Makerere University. We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for their continued support in our quest to improve research training and mentorship.”
The participants, who included both seasoned and emerging academic staff, have expressed their enthusiasm for applying the new skills and knowledge gained to their supervisory roles, thereby enriching the academic journey of their doctoral students.
Makerere University remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier education and research training, continuously seeking avenues to enhance the capabilities of its faculty and the academic experience of its students.
In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.
Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”
“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”
With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.
“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.
Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.
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