Business & Management
CoBAMS, University of Chicago discuss collaboration
Researchers from the University of Chicago have visited the College of Business and Management Sciences to discuss areas of collaboration.
The team comprising Dr. Benjamin Krause, the Director of the Development Innovation Lab and Dr. Vesall Nourani, a Senior Research Associate and Director met with the Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Eria Hisali on March 11, 2022.
Prof. Hisali shared with the visitors the College’s interest in capacity building through staff exchanges, join research and seminars. He invited the professors to give key note presentations and guest lecturers, saying the college has the capacity to hold such meetings without the need for the Professors or speakers travelling to Uganda. This is made possible through the recently acquired state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment funded by the World Bank.
He briefed the guests on the plans already in motion in the area of infrastructure expansion, stating that, among other initiatives, a proposal was written to the Government of Uganda, which has already been approved by Makerere University and the Ministry of Education and Sports. The proposal, is only awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance. This $8million project will facilitate the remodel of the old buildings in the College to the needs of the 21st Century and finance the construction of new modern facilities in line with new developments in University education needs.
Prof. Hisali also informed the professors about the college’s endowment fund, stating that the fund will likely be launched by June 2022. According to Prof. Hisali, the endowment fund will pave the way for contributions from the public and well-wishers to be made to the College. He also stated that the College is putting in place measures to apply for international accreditation of courses, beginning with the process of strengthening quality assurance.
Dr. Krause in his remarks said the University of Chicago is very proud to have an opportunity to collaborate with CoBAMS, Makerere University because of shared objectives and the investment the College has made in capacity building and the desire for continuous improvement. “This is how the innovation labs started at the University of Chicago. The University wanted to do more in the fields of International development and development economics,” Dr. Krause said.
The role of the Development Economics Centre is to coordinate all the economic research in low income countries in the world and to provide a meeting place and community for those that are engaged in that kind of work.
According to Dr. Krause, the mission of the innovation lab is to use the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to impact individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Krause expressed his interest to learn more about the policy labs that are being developed at the College. He said “In a lot of ways, I think we share a vision in that direction. Most of the time, my job is meeting with government officials and trying to encourage them to adopt something like this model. We would love to learn more about how the policy labs started and see how we can be able to accompany that process,” he said.
Dr. Krause said the objective of their visit was to find partnerships with researchers and policy makers to identify priorities for policy in the countries where they work and lend support by identifying what exists in literature that can speak to those priorities and where possible make recommendations to the policy makers. The other objective stated was to identify opportunities for the next round of research, creating a virtual cycle of evidence formed policy as we engage in this process.
Dr. Vesall, who is serving as a visiting lecturer at CoBAMS expressed his interest in the policy labs. He also expressed his willingness to contribute to the labs should an avenue be available.
Prof. Hisali said the office of the Principal would accelerate the process of signing the Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and University of Chicago in order to expedite the partnership between the two universities. He also extended a welcome to the founder of the labs, Prof. Michael Kramer, stating that the College would be honored to host him and gain from his expertise and experience.
Business & Management
EfD Uganda AGM Endorses Professors Edward Bbaale and Johnny Mugisha for Directorship
Hoima, Uganda – At the EfD-Uganda Annual General Meeting held at Glory Summit Hotel in Hoima District on July 18, 2024, Professors Edward Bbaale and Johnny Mugisha were re-elected unopposed as Director and Deputy Director of the EfD-Mak Centre, respectively.
The EfD-Mak Centre, established in 2018 and officially launched at Makerere University in October 2019, elected the duo during its inaugural AGM. The voting exercise, presided over by EfD Mak Advisory Board member Prof. Eria Hisali, included research fellows, advisory board members, and leadership from the collaborating colleges of CAES and CoBAMS.
“I congratulate colleagues who have offered themselves for the leadership and also congratulate you for winning the trust and support of the AGM. The task ahead of us is enormous, and I hope all colleagues will support you in steering this institution into the future,” Prof. Hisali stated.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, nominated in absentia by Dr. Alex Tatwangire and seconded by Dr. John Sseruyange and Dr. Ibrahim Okumu, was away on EfD-related activities in Perugia, Italy. Dr. Tatwangire praised the leadership team for their accomplishments, suggesting the continuation of their tenure.
“I wish to nominate Prof. Edward Bbaale for the position of Director,” Dr. Tatwangire said.
Prof. Bbaale’s agent, Dr. John Sseruyange, conveyed his acceptance of the nomination and the vote. “I wish to thank the voters on behalf of Prof. Edward Bbaale. He is ready to continue promoting the work of the centre, strengthen engagement with policymakers, and enhance institutional and capacity-building initiatives,” Dr. Sseruyange announced.
Prof. Johnny Mugisha, nominated by Dr. Florence Lwiza and seconded by Dr. Vincent Ssaajabi and Dr. John Sseruyange, was declared Deputy Director-elect. Prof. Mugisha expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an honor to be given the responsibility to keep on the driving seat of the EfD Mak Centre. I derive my confidence from the existing structure, our focused advisory board, and the commitment of our research fellows and administrators at the centre.”
Prof. Mugisha emphasized his commitment to advancing the Centre’s goals. “The experience we have enjoyed in the last five years gives us confidence that we shall move the centre to higher levels. We have growing interest from our partners and collaborators within Makerere and beyond. I accept this responsibility as the Deputy Director,” he affirmed.
He also acknowledged the strategic direction outlined during the AGM, vowing to add value and present significant advancements in the next five years.
The EfD Mak Centre’s leadership structure is unique, with a Director and Deputy Director stemming from different colleges due to the collaborative nature of its founding between CoBAMS and CAES. This arrangement ensures that while the Centre is structurally hosted by CAES, the Director comes from CoBAMS and the Deputy Director from CAES, promoting balanced representation and collaboration.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence awards certificates to 30 Officials
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence at the College of Business and Management Sciences, has successfully concluded a five-day training workshop for public officers from various government agencies and universities. The training, held in Jinja, was attended by 30 participants who received certificates of completion at a closing ceremony on July 5, 2024. The event was graced by the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, who delivered closing remarks and awarded the certificates.
In his closing address, the Principal expressed deep gratitude and pride, thanking the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) for their generous financial support, which made the training possible. He highlighted the Ministry’s crucial role in identifying and nominating participants from various government bodies, emphasizing the importance of professional development in improving public investment efficiency and effectiveness.
The Principal also extended special thanks to the Permanent Secretaries, Vice Chancellors, and Executive Directors of the participating institutions for recognizing the significance of the training and nominating their staff to attend. He commended the dedication of the faculty members from Makerere University, MoFPED, and the National Planning Authority for their expertise and time, which ensured a fruitful learning experience for the participants.
Addressing the participants, the Principal lauded their commitment and resilience throughout the week-long training. He noted that the program equipped them with essential skills and knowledge in Public Investment Management (PIM), including project preparation, execution, procurement, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), monitoring and evaluation, and integrating climate change, social, and environmental risk management in project preparation.
He encouraged the participants to view this training as the first step in their journey to becoming experts in PIM, emphasizing the importance of continuing education through advanced modules in Financial and Economic appraisal of projects. The advanced training, conducted in collaboration with Cambridge Resources International (CRI) and Queens University in Canada, offers a tripartite certificate from Makerere University, MoFPED, and Queens University.
In his remarks, the Principal highlighted the broader scope of the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, which extends beyond training to include research, outreach activities, and advisory services to the government. He announced the Centre’s ongoing efforts to revise the Development Committee guidelines for MoFPED and assess the performance of projects selected since the first National Development Plan (NDP I). Additionally, he proposed organizing a one-day Public Investment Management Conference in October 2024 to evaluate the current state of public investments in Uganda and develop future strategies.
The Principal concluded by congratulating the participants on their achievement and expressing confidence in their ability to effect positive change in the management of public investments in Uganda. He acknowledged the invaluable support of the faculty, mentors, and coaches, as well as the excellent work of the PIM CoE Secretariat, headed by Dr. Willy Kagarura.
As the training workshop came to a close, the participants left with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to enhancing public investment management practices in Uganda, contributing to the country’s economic development and prosperity.
Scholars from Makerere University, in partnership with researchers from Europe, have launched the Remaking of the Family in East Africa (FamiLEA) project, focusing on 2000 households in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. This 3-year research initiative, which began on July 1st, includes households in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono Districts and will continue until mid-2027.
The FamiLEA project examines families and the factors influencing changes in family structures. This research responds to the rapid and significant changes in family dynamics across Africa, including innovative kinship practices.
Dr. Stephen Wandera, the Principal Investigator (PI) from Makerere University, stated that enumerators will conduct door-to-door data collection using structured questionnaires. “Our enumerators are students from Makerere University’s Population Studies program, both undergraduate and postgraduate. We expect them to gain valuable field experience and provide validated results,” Dr. Wandera explained during the training.
The study focuses on household changes such as marriage, divorce, intermediate relationships, and networks to understand the reasons behind family changes in East Africa. Following data analysis, dissemination meetings will be held with stakeholders, including government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Earlier this year, a stakeholders’ meeting in Kampala included representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Researchers will submit reports to policymakers and prepare policy briefs to support informed policy-making and programming.
Yonatan N. Gez, Co-Principal Investigator from ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal, highlighted that the FamiLEA project is being conducted in both Kenya and Uganda, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. This interdisciplinary project involves scholars from demography, anthropology, political science, geography, and history, collaborating with universities from Switzerland, France, Kenya, Canada, and Portugal, with Makerere University as the key collaborator.
Gez noted, “We will conduct extensive surveys using both qualitative and quantitative methods in Nairobi and Kampala. Given the project’s focus on family structures and their transformation, religious and cultural leaders will play a key role in the study.”
The survey will include parents and guardians from 2000 randomly selected households, targeting individuals aged 18 to 64. The questionnaires will cover topics such as intermediate networks, emotional connections, and the impact of these factors on family changes.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), officiated the training. He emphasized the alignment of this research with Makerere University’s strategic direction of being a research-led institution. “This research is within our university’s strategic direction, and I congratulate all the principal investigators for securing the grant,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Prof. Bbaale also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in research, encouraging scholars to pursue similar research projects. He advised enumerators to exercise patience, intelligence, and care in the field to ensure high-quality research findings.
On behalf of the university, he thanked the African Population and Health Research Centre for their collaboration with Makerere University. “Engage with line ministries and the private sector to ensure the implementation of the research project’s recommendations,” Prof. Bbaale urged researchers.
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