Business & Management
Assessing the Effect of Road Transport Infrastructure on Firm Performance in Uganda
Researchers have found that access to road transport infrastructure does not greatly affect firm performance but rather Labour plays the biggest role in determining the productivity of a firm in Uganda followed by capital. These results where shared by a research team led by Dr. Susan Namirembe Kavuma during a dissemination workshop in Makerere on March 24th, 2022.
The research team was investigating the effect of access to road transport infrastructure on firm performance in Uganda. The team found that road infrastructure did not greatly affect firm productivity. The team comprising Dr. Ibrahim Okumu and Dr. Sanday Amos investigated firm specific characteristics that influence firm productivity and found that the level of education of the workers, internet usage and age of the business also greatly affect productivity of the firms.
Speaking during the dissemination, the Principal, Prof. Eria Hisali, thanked Carnegie Corporation for the funding and congratulated the team upon undertaking the study. He called on the researchers to embrace the Policy Labs Series which the college plans on starting. The policy labs will bring together researchers, politicians, policy makers, technocrats and the private sector to discuss the research outputs and how they can contribute to directing policy in the country. As a result of the Policy Labs, the researchers will draft working papers for the government in an effort to contribute to the development of the economy.
Prof. Hisali guided on further research that could be done such as; what have been the recent patterns in productivity performance of firms? How do we relate these patterns to infrastructure and other variables? And lastly, what are the productivity differences between foreign owned firms and indigenous firms?
The Principal concluded by calling on the staff of the college to embrace the seminar series and policy labs which will be a platform for researchers to share their findings and contribute to policy.
The Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who also oversees the Carnegie program in Makerere University, congratulated the research team for their role in contributing to the University’s vision of becoming a research-led university. He remarked that industry engagement is critical to the university’s journey to achieve its vision and acknowledged that academia is progressively focusing on impactful research with innovative solutions that will contribute to the country’s development.
Prof. Buyinza noted with concern that African universities’ capacity to educate new early career academics is eroding, raising concerns about the continent’s ability to produce new generations of academics.
“Between 2000 and 2020, Africa produced only 1.8% of the worlds’ publications. This is in comparison to India’s 2.4% and Latin America at 3.5%. Research has been singled out as the missing link in Africa’s development,” the Director DRGT pointed out.
Prof. Buyinza called on the government to address the limited capacity to conduct research. He thanked the Carnegie Corporation for funding the Support to Early Career Academic (SECA) project, saying the project has provided useful analytical foundation for all stakeholders including the National Planning Authority. He called on senior researchers to continue mentoring young scholars in an effort to ensure continuity of research on the African continent.
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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