General
Project Financial Management Workshop Underscores Value for Money in Grants Administration
Participants have at the close of the four-day project financial management workshop been urged to always ensure value for the money in the management of public funds. “All funds and resources belong to the University. All grants should be declared, monies received should be used for the intended purpose and must be accounted for” emphasised Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa, Manager Accounts and Reporting, in the Directorate of Finance, Makerere University.
The workshop was held from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th and Monday 28th March, 2022 at Makerere University. During this intense training, participants covered the following areas: Understanding the Grants and Administration Policy, Role of the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), Project Management Planning, Execution and Reporting, Procurement and Contract management, Monitoring and Evaluation of Government Projects, Project Financial Management and developing of an efficient and effective database.
At the same workshop, participants commended the inclusion of Principal Investigators who are the focal persons in grants management and administration. They appealed for more sensitization workshops targeting Colleges and Research Units to ensure that everyone is brought on board.
The workshop facilitator BVL Consultants defined Project Financial Management as a process aimed at ensuring efficient and effective stewardship of resources for the intended purposes, with the ultimate goal of achieving the project’s development objectives in a sustainable manner. The consultant further emphasised that a project should have a clear date of commencement and conclusion, as well as clear deliverables.
In line with the definition of project financial management, the establishment of GAMSU is a clear demonstration by the University Council’s and Management’s commitment to ensuring that Makerere abides by the laws governing public finances, particularly section 44 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015.
To help facilitate this process, GAMSU is in the process of developing a Project Database Management System. Addressing participants during the workshop’s closing ceremony, the GAMSU Head of Finance, Mr. George Turyamureeba noted that management of grants should strictly adhere to procurement rules, procedures and regulations. He stressed that disclosure of projects is very important going forward, to ensure that Makerere abides by the law and provides the environment conducive for research to thrive.
Prior to inviting the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-DVCFA, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe to deliver his remarks, the Head GAMSU, Prof. Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo acknowledged that the Unit has been able to make strides in the two months of operation, thanks to the great support from the University leadership.
“We are moving very fast because we have the commitment of Council and the commitment of Management. The Government is also interested in us as the premier University” remarked Prof. Bantebya Kyomuhendo.
Earlier, the Head GAMSU had presented the proposed outline of GAMSU’s Project Database Management System. She encouraged Principal Investigators to always add their consortia and collaborating partners, as they are key incentives for attracting even more funders.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe in his remarks thanked the Directorate of Finance and GAMSU for organizing the workshop, which comes at a time when the University Management is working on improvements to prudently support grants administration and management.
“This training in Financial Management for project staff is timely and in line with the provisions of the University Grants Administration and Management Policy which was approved by Council in 2020. Compliance with the Policy is not by choice but a yardstick by which all project activities shall be measured” he remarked.
The Ag. DVCFA thanked BVL Consultants for facilitating the training and pledged to continue supporting all efforts aimed at fully implementing the GAMSU policy, including workshops aimed at ensuring that the role of GAMSU is fully appreciated by all staff in the University.
Prof. Alinaitwe concluded by requesting all participants to put financial management systems in place, respond to user queries promptly with the reassurance that GAMSU isn’t coming to take away funding from units but rather, ensure that Makerere achieves her objective of being research-led.
Delivering the closing remarks, Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa congratulated participants upon successfully concluding the training noting that they would be awarded certificates. He thanked Prof. Bantebya Kyomuhendo for being extremely supportive of the four-day training through her active participation in the different sessions.
Contributions from the audience called for involvement of research project support functions namely Finance, Grants and Procurement at all stages of the application process to ensure that the grant writing teams incorporate all the mandatory costs and procedures.
Written by: Public Relations Office
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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