General
Prof. Edward Bbaale Delivers Professorial Inaugural Lecture
Published
4 years agoon

Makerere University on Friday 17th December 2021 held a prestigious event at which Professor Edward Bbaale delivered his Professorial Inaugural Lecture under the theme Rethinking Growth in Africa, Firms and the Business Environment Quality.
The Lecture held during the year-long celebrations to mark 100 Years of Makerere University‘s existence came five months after Prof. Bbaale’s promotion from the rank of Associate to full Professorship.
Professor Edward Bbaale has for the last decade centered his research on firms and African economies, with one part of it looking at the dynamics and economic roles of firms in bridging productivity, export and employment gaps in Africa. His other research puts into perspective the quality of business environment necessary for firms in Africa to flourish.

Prof. Bbaale said the country has great potential of technological change, innovation, employment and skilling which can only be attained when the industrial sector is prioritized.
“The contribution of industrialization to GDP was rather higher in the 60s. Due to the volatile economic environment and following what happened in the 1980s and 1990s, we have had a decline in industrialization.
Uganda in the 1990s privatized most of the public enterprises at the urging of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Giving away control of key government parastatals to private individuals during the early days after Uganda had emerged from decades of political turmoil was a mistake, experts have said.

“We have seen a situation which I risk to call de-industrialization where the service sector has taken over industrial and agricultural sectors,” Prof. Bbaale said. “Despite this, majority of our population is employed in the agricultural sector yet it contributes the least. This means poverty can not be escaped unless something is done about agriculture because that is where most of our people are.”
Overall, industrial sector growth in Africa continues to lag behind GDP growth from approximately 17% in 1981 to 12% in 2020. In Uganda for example, the share of the manufacturing sector to GDP continuously experienced weaker growth with a marginal contribution of 4% in 1980 increasing to only 5% in 1990, and to 16% in 2020. This figure is still far below the 20% target specified in NDP III, Prof. Bbaale said.

“The implication of this is that although the prudent macroeconomic policies managed to increase GDP growth in Africa, they have not been sufficient enough to spur growth in the industrial sector, which affects its potential for job creation,” Prof. Bbaale added.
“What is required of African economies to revive and sustain their growth, particularly in the industry sector is to refocus on the micro-economic policy environment where business firms operate.”
Prof. Bbaale added that firms in Africa are predominantly small (close to 58%) with few medium and large firms and only 23% of the firms engage in exporting.
In Africa, Firm-level Gross Job Creation Rate (GJCR) stands at 13% while Gross Job Destruction Rate (GJDR) stands at 6%.
Small firms have a low chance of surviving and growing into large scale firms that are more productive. Therefore; low aggregate industrial productivity in Africa is to a greater extent attributed to a large fraction of small firms. Even with more domestic firms, domestic capital accumulation remains too low to boost adequate growth, he said.
Prof. Bbaale, pointed out some of the constraints to the potential of firms to achieve fast growth as the unreliable power supply, huge transportation costs, corruption, poor tax structures and weak laws among others.
One of longest serving professors of Makerere University Prof. Elly Sabiiti commended the great work done by Prof. Edward Bbaale and attributed this kind of achievement to formation of the Professorial Inaugural Lecture Committee in 2007. The Committee was established to guide newly-promoted professors on how disseminate the knowledge accumulated over the duration of their academic journeys for the benefit of the society.
He added that the theme of the Professorial Inaugural Lecture was relevant especially since it comes a at a time when Makerere is celebrating 100 years of excellent service with a milestone of over 90 professors.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Makerere Vice Chancellor noted that the University contributes 70% of the research output in Uganda and 3% to the continent. He added that professors like Bbaale are expected to take the lead in the economic development of the country through their comprehensive research.

“I am glad to note that the inaugural lecture topic on “Rethinking Growth in Africa: Firms and the Business Environment Quality” is in line with the current global economic challenges arising due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Several business firms both local and international went into unprecedented decline. In Uganda, the informal sector has been greatly affected and livelihoods compromised,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba, congratulated Prof. Bbaale upon delivering his Professorial Inaugural Lecture, saying it is a prestigious and highly regarded public talk by an appointed Professor in an academic institution.

Assoc. Prof. Kakumba said Professor Bbaale’s inaugural lecture theme was very relevant in today’s setting and has provided very important knowledge.
“Professor Bbaale has ably demonstrated the contribution of his academic exploits in economic development. Notably, his lecture is in line with the theme of the Third National Development Plan (NDP III), on “sustainable industrialisation for inclusive growth, employment and sustainable wealth creation”.”
Prof. Bbaale highlighted that overall industrial sector growth in Africa continues to fall behind GDP growth and that the manufacturing sector in Uganda has a marginal contribution to GDP at 16% as of 2020.
“He has argued for more focus on the microeconomic policy environment where business firms operate. This is expected to improve the success of the NDP III,” Assoc. Prof. Kakumba said.

…………………………..
ABOUT PROF. BBAALE
Edward Bbaale is a Professor of Economics and holds a PhD in Economics, M.A. Economic Policy and Planning and B.A. Economics among other qualifications. He is currently the Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University and the Director of EfD-Mak Centre which is part of the Global Network of Environmental Economics Research Centres supported by Sida. With support from Sida, Edward is the Lead Person at Makerere University for the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Capacity Development Program for Senior Civil Servants and Policy Makers. With support from the World Bank, Edward is the Principal Investigator of a Project intended to establish a Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University. Prior to that, Edward served as a Graduate Programmes Coordinator for the School of Economics from 2012 to 2013. He has very rich hands-on experience in economics research with a bias towards development microeconomics for enterprises and households. He was in 2017 awarded a post-doc scholarship by the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education & Research (OeAD-GmbH) to undertake research at the Vienna Institute of International Economic Studies (wiiw) in Vienna-Austria. He was in 2013 nominated as a Visiting Fellow for the Journal of African Economies, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, UK. He was in 2010 nominated for the Visiting Research Fellow Position at the Centre for Global Development in Washington D.C. USA. He was in 2019 appointed a Chairperson of the Governing Council of Kampala Polytechnic-Mengo. He was in 2021 appointed a Member of the University Council at Muteesa I Royal University. He was in 2021 appointed Member of the National Task Force on the Enhancement of Labour Productivity. He is an External Examiner at Kyambogo University, University of Malawi, University of Zambia, University of Namibia, National University of Lesotho, and University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He was an External Examiner at the University of Zimbabwe 2015/16-2019/2020. He is a Member of the Expanded Board of the Uganda’s National Planning Authority since 2015. He is a member of Senate of Makerere University and sits on the Admissions and Mature Age and Pre-entry Committees of Senate. He was a Chairperson of a Special Task Force that developed the Student Work and Employment Scheme Policy at Makerere University. He is a member of the African Economic Research Consortium Academic Advisory Board in Nairobi, Kenya. He is the Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Deans’ Forum (MUDF). He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Young Economists Network (ECA-YEN).
Edward has authored over 40 papers and, published in peer reviewed journals. Two of his papers were voted as Highly Commended Award Winners at Literati Network Awards for Excellence 2012 and 2019 (<http://www.emeraldinsight.com/literati>). At national level, he has implemented a number of policy-relevant research projects with key Government Ministries and Agencies as well as the private sector.
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General
Makerere and Nelson Mandela University Move to Actualize Existing MoU
Published
3 hours agoon
October 7, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
Makerere University on Tuesday, 7th October 2025 hosted a delegation from Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom in a bid to strengthen academic partnerships and operationalize their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation, led by Prof. Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, NMU, aimed to turn earlier agreements into actionable collaborations and build sustainable partnerships with various colleges.
The Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor; Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, provided an overview of the institution’s structure—nine colleges, two schools, and two institutes—while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining excellence amid resource limitations and post-pandemic recovery. He emphasized that collaboration must serve the broader goal of research-driven development, calling for teamwork and resilience among African universities. “We have to work together to sustain high academic standards and contribute to the continent’s progress,” he noted.

Prof. Muronga spoke passionately about the NMU’s “African footprint agenda.” He urged both institutions to start with small, practical projects that can build confidence and momentum for larger initiatives. “We must grow partnerships within Africa first,” he stated, “before we expand globally. True collaboration begins when both sides contribute equally, share capacity, and build self-reliance.”
Prof. Muronga also expressed interest in joint research projects, doctoral supervision, and shared grant applications, noting that NMU and Makerere are strategically positioned to lead regional academic innovation.
In her remarks, Prof. Judy Peter, Senior Director in the International Office at NMU emphasized the University’s commitment to African-centered collaboration and the importance of internationalizing the curriculum and expanding research capacity.
Prof. Peter underscored the importance of student mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate students, and the recruitment of talented African scholars, noting that such exchanges enrich both institutions’ academic communities. She also emphasized the need to internationalize the curriculum, particularly through virtual learning platforms and co-teaching models, to ensure broader accessibility and shared expertise.
Contributions also came from Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), further amplified the need to “start small and build on existing collaborations.” He proposed developing a clear roadmap that defines short-term goals and identifies areas for mutual growth.
From the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Richard Idro, the Deputy Principal highlighted opportunities for fellowship, training and collaboration in clinical subjects, emphasizing the need for practical exchanges that benefit students and staff alike. He also addressed logistical challenges such as transportation and coordination, urging for targeted partnerships that can yield tangible results.

The meeting reaffirmed the universities’ commitment to collaboration in areas including faculty exchange for guest lectures, seminars, and sabbaticals; joint research and grant applications for regional and international funding; co-supervision of postgraduate students; virtual classroom exchanges; curriculum internationalization and exchange of academic materials; and capacity development for academic and administrative staff.
The teams also identified “quick-win” projects that could be implemented in the short term and agreed to establish a joint implementation team to monitor progress. Further discussions will explore funding mechanisms, including the possibility of leveraging programs like Erasmus+, to support student exchange and joint research initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Muronga reaffirmed Nelson Mandela University’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership yields visible outcomes. Both universities agreed that future engagements will be structured around mutual respect, accountability, and measurable results.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both institutions expressing confidence that their partnership will not only advance academic excellence but also contribute to Africa’s broader vision of educational and research self-reliance.
The meeting was attended by several officials from Makerere including; Prof. Eric Awich Ochen-Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze-Deputy Principal, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Prof. Godfrey Akileng-Dean School of Business, Dr. Geoffrey Nuwagaba-CoBAMS, Mr. Martine Rugamba-Ag. Chief Advancement Office, and Ms. Hawa Kajumba-Advancement Office.
General
Vice Chancellor Updates Media on DVC AA Appointment, Acquisitions, Research & Various Issues
Published
5 hours agoon
October 7, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on Tuesday 7th October, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the; New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi, Acquisition of 3 buses from Kiira Motors, Anti-Tick vaccine, Makerere Innovation Hub upgrade, Promotion of Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership, Student Allowances, and Staff Hires and Exits.
The event held in the Council Room, Main Building, was attended by the DVC AA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, Ag. DVC F&A-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, Academic Registrar-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Dean of Students-Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Chief Human Resources Officer-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Eunice Rukundo, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and staff from the Offices of the Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
I welcome the media to this briefing. I would like to start by thanking our staff for their diligent and dedicated service to our University and Country.
In our teaching and learning, Makerere University seeks to respond to real-world problems within clearly defined industries and economic sectors. We align core university interventions with social economic transformation, by leveraging partnerships, technology, creative arts, sciences, research and innovations. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for both students and staff in order to produce graduates who are globally competitive, relevant and responsive to development needs.
To this end, we have made some strides that I would like to share, starting with the introduction of the new Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs.
1. Introduction of the New Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga on September 23rd 2025, appointed Professor Sarah Evelyn Nabwire Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Ssali has had a distinguished career at Makerere University spanning over two decades. Until her appointment, she was the Acting Director of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), having previously served as Dean of the School of Women and Gender Studies (2017–2024). She is also the Director of the Centre of Excellence in African Identities under the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). An accomplished scholar, Prof. Ssali is a Professor of Gender and Development Studies and a prolific researcher. Beyond academia, she has contributed significantly to university governance, and also played a leading role in curriculum reviews and policy reforms.
I warmly congratulate Prof. Sarah Ssali on her appointment and look forward to her leadership in steering academic affairs to greater heights.
2. Acquisition of Land in Kyankwanzi Land
The University is delighted to report that, on September 26th, 2025, Makerere University officially received one square mile (approximately 640 acres) of land from the Government of Uganda. This land, located in Kyankwanzi District, has been earmarked for the establishment of a Makerere University Agro-Demonstration and Training Facility.
This facility will serve as a living laboratory for practical agricultural training, research, and community engagement. It will host demonstration farms, improved livestock breeds, and innovative technologies designed to transform subsistence agriculture into a productive, market-oriented enterprise. Through this initiative, Makerere will train farmers and extension workers in modern farming practices, sustainable land use, pest and disease control, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness management.
The Kyankwanzi project aligns with Makerere University’s broader mission to generate and disseminate knowledge that directly impacts communities and supports Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
3. Makerere Acquires 3 buses from Kiira Motors
I am pleased to announce that on September 27th, 2025, we strengthened our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation through the acquisition of three modern buses. Of these, two are diesel-powered while the third is an electric bus, specifically brought to ease mobility of students and staff with special needs across campus.
This initiative speaks directly to our core values of inclusivity, equity, and care for all members of the university community. By ensuring that every student and staff can fully participate in academic life, Makerere continues to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Our partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation reflects Makerere’s support for Uganda’s homegrown innovation ecosystem. That Kiira Motors was founded on research from within our own College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), is a demonstration of how university knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that serve society.
We extend our appreciation to the management and team at Kiira Motors for their generous contribution and continued collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing sustainable transport and green technology, but also reaffirming our shared vision of a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven Uganda.
4. RESEARCH AND INNOVATION UPDATES
i. Anti- Tick vaccine
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB) has successfully completed the formulation of an anti-tick vaccine, marking a major milestone in Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector. The vaccine, which has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 86%, is expected to reduce calf mortality by 14% and significantly improve productivity across the livestock value chain. Uganda’s livestock industry currently contributes 19.4% to the national GDP, valued at approximately USD 17.09 billion.
Once fully developed and approved, the anti-tick vaccine is projected to reduce product losses in milk and meat by 11% and 29% respectively, and cut down on acaricide importation (An acaricide is a chemical substance used to kill ticks and mites). The vaccine is now awaiting clinical trials and regulatory approval from the relevant drug authorities before commercialization.
ii. Makerere University’s Innovation Hub upgraded
In 2022, we established an Innovation Hub dubbed the Unipod, which in 2024 got a grant from UNDP under the Timbukutoo Africa Initiative. The Unipod has now been formally upgraded to Makerere University Technology and Innovations Center (MUTIC) with the mandate to offer support to innovations university-wide.
MUTIC is a state-of-the-art innovation center that nurtures, incubates and accelerates ideas into companies. It has 10 makerspaces including Computer-Aided Design rooms, Textile space, Electrical space, Renewable Energy, E-Mobility, a Multimedia Studio among others.
The Center will be under the administration of a board of Directors chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration and comprising members from the student body, academic staff, government and the private sector.
5. STUDENT AFFAIRS
Promoting Student Freedoms and Responsible Leadership
Makerere University continues to make deliberate and progressive efforts to enhance student freedoms and participation in leadership.
In a development that reflects Makerere’s continued commitment to empower and nurture responsible future leaders, the University recently made the decision to reinstate open guild campaigns, which had previously been suspended following the tragic loss of a student during campaign activities. This decision was reached after extensive consultations with the Student Guild leadership, guided by our shared desire to restore a vibrant, participatory, and safe democratic culture on campus.
The resumption of open campaigns comes with a renewed understanding and agreement to balance freedom with responsibility, emphasizing peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger persons, property, or businesses within and around the University.
As an institution that values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, we recognize that a truly great university must not only nurture academic excellence but also provide a space for free expression and engagement in governance.
Student Allowances
Students received some of their allowances in Quarter One and will receive the balance this quarter as soon as government releases the Quarter 2 funds. Management has met and harmonized with the Students leadership and we have committed to pay.
6. STAFF AFFAIRS
Staff Hires and Exits
There has been some media attention owing to the recent appointments and departures of staff from Makerere University. Allow me comment on this.
At its 769th meeting, the Makerere University Appointments Board appointed twenty-three (23) new members of staff, confirmed fifty-eight (58) members into University service, and also accepted resignations for eighteen (18) members of staff. Most of the colleagues who resigned went to take up other opportunities in various capacities. We congratulate all departing staff and wish them well in their new positions of service.
We recognize that transition is a natural process in all institutions of higher learning. The career growth and accomplishments of former Makerere staff reflects not only their individual achievements but also Makerere’s enduring role as a crucible for leadership and knowledge production.
It is important to acknowledge that while staff inevitably transition out of the University, Makerere maintains a robust recruitment pipeline to ensure that teaching, learning, and research remain uninterrupted. You will, therefore, note that while 18 staff left, 58 were confirmed and 23 joined the University’s service within the same period. Makerere, therefore, continues to demonstrate sound institutional planning and has in no way reneged on our responsibility to safeguard academic continuity for our students and partners.
End.
Agriculture & Environment
Call for Grants to Develop Policy Briefs and Working Papers on Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems
Published
1 day agoon
October 6, 2025By
Mak Editor
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in close collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the vital role of young researchers in shaping Africa’s future. Graduate students, in particular, bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and rigorous research to the climate and agriculture discourse. Yet, much of this knowledge remains locked in academic theses and journal articles, with limited translation into policy and practice spaces where it can have the greatest impact. To bridge this gap, RUFORUM & AGRA are launching a grant opportunity for graduate students
(Master and PhD Candidates & Post-Doctoral Fellows) enrolled in African universities to develop policy briefs and/or working papers on strengthening climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative is designed to support students not only to generate high-quality academic outputs but also to translate their findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
The program will provide educational, skilling, and incubation opportunities, preparing young people; especially young women for the world of work. It will also enhance access to market-relevant training and practical skilling opportunities, enabling youth to gain the competencies needed by the labor market for both self-employment and wage employment. Through this call, RUFORUM & AGRA seeks to empower a new generation of African scholars to contribute directly to national, regional, and continental dialogues on climate change, resilience, and sustainable agri-food systems.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Applicants must submit an abstract of no more than 500 words through the RUFORUM online application portal (https://rims2.ruforum.org/)
o Instructions for submission can be accessed on this link - Inquiries: cgs[@]ruforum.org
- RUFORUM reserves the right to make final award decisions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Call Opens: September 5, 2025
- Deadline for Abstract Submission: October 15, 2025
- Notification of Selected Abstracts: October 30, 2025
- Submission of Final Policy Brief/Working Paper: December 31, 2025
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