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Refugees awarded certificates in Entrepreneurship and Business Management

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About 265 refugees were on April 9th 2022, awarded certificates after training in Entrepreneurship and Business management from Makerere University’s College of Business and Management sciences’ (CoBAMS). This training was conducted under the special refugee empowerment project sponsored by Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the project aims at integrating refugees into the economic development of the country while making them self-reliant.

The Makerere University Central Teaching Facility 2 (CTF 2) held event saw the pioneer group of this refugee empowerment project managed by Dr. Anthony Tibayingana, Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and other business practitioners passed out in jubilations and overwhelming joy from the beneficiaries.

Dr Anthony Tibaingana
Dr Anthony Tibaingana

Dr. Anthony Tibaingana the project principal investigator opened up the ceremony by reminding the congregation that everybody is a potential refugee and that is why he and team decided to take the university to the community and most importantly a very special part of community the refugees. He hailed the graduands for their resilience and willingness to acquire knowledge thus the milestone achieved.

“It has been a great phenomenon to interact with the community of refugees, we have given you the knowledge and skills, we have all the trust and belief that you will use them to better your lives and the world at large,” added Dr. Tibayingana who concluded by thanking his team members, Mak-RIF, the CoBAMS fraternity and the government of Uganda for polices and strategies on refugee empowerment.

On behalf of university management, Professor Edward Bbaale, the Dean School of Economics, hailed the government of Uganda for the Refugee Act 0f 2006 and its regulations of 2010 that protect and give refugees a right to engage in business and also attain education which have helped build their capacity and also cop up with life even when away from home.  Prof. Bbaale thanked the project team for foreseeing impact for local integration and giving chance to this group of community to take part in activities that build the economy.

L-R: Prof. Edward Bbaale, Ms. Kusasira Darison, Dr. John Mutenyo and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana
L-R: Prof. Edward Bbaale, Ms. Kusasira Darison, Dr. John Mutenyo and Dr. Anthony Tibaingana

“With the knowledge and skills acquired, I believe these are qualified people and different from their non-trained fellows. I would like to implore the research team even to further form new research questions and make good recommendations that will even be adopted by government,” added professor Bbaale who urged graduands to keep in touch, work together and share ideas because strength is about togetherness. 

The Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MAK-RIF) Committee member, Dr. John Mutenyo, thanked Dr. Tibayingana and the research team for thinking about such an impactful community engaging idea adding that it is the first one of a kind amongst the over 700 research projects that have so far received funding from MAK-RIF.  

Dr. Mutenyo further encouraged the research team to write more research applications of the kind to continue impacting communities and also added that there is no way such projects can not be funded because community impact is one of the aspirations of the grant management. He closed off his remarks by thanking Government of Uganda and Makerere University for supporting research and policy framework.

Ms Kusasira Darison addresses the graduands
Ms Kusasira Darison addresses the graduands

Representing the guest of honor, Ms Kusasira Darison a Community Services officer from the Prime Minister Office Refugee Division promised to extend this training through these now qualified refugees to the settlements in order to support the rest. 

Ms Kusasira hailed government for putting in place friendly foreign policies that make refugees feel at home even while away from home. She reminded the beneficiaries that acquiring these skills is a lifetime opportunity and they should use them to integrate their livelihoods. 

One of the refugees graduating addresses his colleagues.
One of the refugees graduating addresses his colleagues.

The refugees under their umbrella bodies of Somali Youth Action organization (SOYA), United South Sudanese refugee Community (USSARC) and the Congolese refugees in Uganda thanked government of Uganda and the East African community for welcoming Democratic Republic of Congo into the East Africa bloc.  They thanked Makerere University and Dr. Tibayingana for the training opportunity which has also helped them skill their fellows in local languages they understand well back in their communities of Kawempe, Kitintale, Kansanga, Kisenyi and Mengo.

Dr. Faisal Buyinza a Co-Principal investigator on the project praised the refugee community for togetherness, resilience and willingness to acquired new skills exhibited throughout the training period.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

Over 35 Officials Begin Training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis

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Participants including over 35 public officials from various pose for a group photo at the commencement of the training on 13th October 2025 in Mbarara. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).

Over 35 public officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have commenced a two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara. The training is organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ms. Esther Ayebare commended the ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems. She highlighted the recent launch of the National Public Investment Management Policy, describing it as a robust and unified framework guiding the entire investment cycle—from planning and appraisal through to implementation and post-evaluation.

Ms. Esther Ayebare. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Ms. Esther Ayebare.

Ms. Ayebare further noted other key reforms including the Framework for Tracking Implementation and Performance of Public Investments, the revised Development Committee Guidelines, and the Integrated Bank of Projects, all of which are designed to improve efficiency, accountability, and value-for-money in public investments.

“Each of these reforms plays a key role in enhancing public investment management. I urge you to familiarize yourselves with them and integrate these frameworks into your daily work,” she added.

Prof. Eria Hisali. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Prof. Eria Hisali.

The Deputy Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Eria Hisali, encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the training and make the most of the opportunity to build their analytical and decision-making capacity. He commended the Ministry of Finance for its continued financial support to the Centre and reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to providing high-quality training and research to strengthen public investment governance.

The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing that the PIM Centre was established to build national capacity in the appraisal, management, and evaluation of public investments. He called on participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve project preparation and implementation within their respective institutions.

Dr. John Sseruyange. 35 public officials from various MDAs commenced two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara, 13th October 2025 organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Dr. John Sseruyange.

Dr. Sseruyange also expressed appreciation to the team of facilitators drawn from Makerere University, MoFPED, NPA, and CRI for their expertise and continued dedication to building Uganda’s human capital for effective public investment management.

The Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis course is part of a broader capacity-building programme implemented by the PIM Centre aimed at enhancing the skills of public officials in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of development projects to ensure that public investments deliver optimal socio-economic returns for the country.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support

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Mak PIM COE Steering Committee

The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.

In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.

She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.

Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.

The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel

She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.

The centre team presented the proposed  structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Breaking Boundaries in Doctoral Training: COBAMS PhD Colloquium Unites, Equips, and Empowers Scholars

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Participants at the COBAMS Annual Doctoral Colloquium on 3rd October 2025.

By Moses Lutaaya

Makerere University, COBAMS Conference Hall – Friday, October 3, 2025

In a closing address at the COBAMS Annual Doctoral Colloquium, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) at Makerere University, urged PhD students to view their research as a vital tool in solving Uganda’s and Africa’s most pressing societal problems.

He reminded students and faculty that doctoral training at Makerere is no longer just an academic exercise, but a strategic national investment.

“PhD is not just about writing a thesis—it is about writing the future of our country, our continent, and indeed our planet,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Your research must be part of the solution to the challenges we face as a society.”

Prof. Kikooma began his remarks by reflecting warmly on his longstanding ties with COBAMS, describing it as “home” both professionally and collegially. He praised the college leadership for their foresight in organizing the doctoral colloquium and aligning it with the broader vision of the Directorate of Graduate Training and Makerere University.

He also noted the synergy between the colloquium’s theme and the Directorate’s recent graduate student induction theme which focused on “Positioning Graduate Training in National and Global Trends.” He said that this alignment reflects a growing institutional commitment to making graduate education more responsive to real-world challenges.

Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.
Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.

Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.

“While the decision to pursue a PhD is personal, the outcomes of your research must not be. They must become part of our national assets,” he stated.

He encouraged students to look beyond the traditional confines of academia and to consider how their work can inform policy, address community needs, and contribute to sustainable development. In particular, he highlighted urgent national issues such as food insecurity, climate-related disasters, youth unemployment, and underutilized demographic dividends.

“We live in a country where a single flood can disrupt the entire economy. We have fertile soils but continue to face food insecurity. We are a youthful country, but we fear the youth because we lack solutions to productively engage them,” Prof. Kikooma said. “These are problems your research should address.”

Prof. Kikooma also used the platform to announce several ongoing reforms at Makerere aimed at improving the doctoral training experience. These include the introduction of an almanac—a structured academic guide outlining semester-by-semester expectations and milestones for PhD candidates.

He said the reforms were not designed to make the PhD journey easier, but to eliminate unnecessary administrative obstacles and ensure students can complete their programs within the planned three-year period.

“The university is ready for you. We are committed to ensuring that your journey is as smooth administratively as possible,” he affirmed. “But for that to happen, you must play your part.”

Prof. Kikooma presents a certificate to one of the participants.
Prof. Kikooma presents a certificate to one of the participants.

Additionally, the Directorate has introduced mandatory credit-based activities beyond thesis writing, such as producing policy briefs and participating in public engagement forums, aimed at equipping students with practical communication and policy translation skills.

Prof. Kikooma proudly noted that Makerere University remains Uganda’s—and the region’s—leading institution in doctoral training. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a “trainer of trainers”, emphasizing that no other local institution currently matches Makerere’s capacity in handling doctoral studies.

He called for greater collaboration between students, academic units, and the Directorate, describing DGT as an administrative coordinator that works to support frontline colleges like COBAMS in delivering quality doctoral education.

“We are not just about policy. We are your partners in this journey,” he emphasized. “And together, we can make your research work not just for your academic growth, but for the greater good of the country.”

In his remarks, Associate Professor James Wokadala, Deputy Principal of COBAMS, emphasized the significance of the colloquium, calling it a “timely catalyst” in the academic calendar. He applauded the leadership of the Doctoral School, the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), and the organizing team for mainstreaming graduate research into the college’s strategy.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with the university’s focus on graduate training and knowledge regeneration. As a college, we are strategically investing in platforms that enable researchers to contribute meaningfully to academia and society,” Prof. Wokadala said. Drawing from his own PhD journey, he encouraged students to remain resilient and proactive, reminding them that while facilitators provide the spark, “over 90% of the work must be done by the student.”

Prof. Wokadala also paid tribute to Dr. Kasim Sendawula, who was recognized for his voluntary coordination of doctoral activities at both school and college levels. “Dr. Sendawula is a true academic servant — committed, approachable, and selfless. We are grateful for his contribution,” he said.

Prof. Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business at COBAMS, echoed similar sentiments, applauding the organizing committee and student scholars for their enthusiasm and sacrifice throughout the three-day session. He offered special appreciation to students who, despite personal commitments or distances, showed up without fail. “Some of you paused political campaigns just to be present here. That’s how much this matters,” he noted.

Prof. Akileng formally introduced his graduate coordination team, including Dr. Caroline Twanjire, a recent PhD graduate from Hanyang University in Korea, who will now assist at the school level. He also announced changes in the Master’s coordination team and used the moment to advocate for institutional recognition of voluntary academic roles such as program cordinators. “Mainstreaming these roles in the university structure would enhance efficiency and further strengthen the graduate training ecosystem,” he emphasized.

To the PhD students, Prof. Akileng reaffirmed his commitment. “We are here to serve you. If something is delaying your progress, walk into any school — we are one college, one academic family.”

Dr. Kasim Sendawula, Coordinator of PhD Students at COBAMS, offered a structured evaluation of the colloquium under the theme “Interrogating Knowledge Frontiers: Doctoral Research as a Catalyst for Theory and Practice.” He noted that the program had successfully covered the doctoral journey — from research conceptualization to manuscript development for publication.

“We used a participatory approach that allowed rich engagement with experienced supervisors and presenters. The feedback from students confirms that the structure, content, and delivery were impactful,” Dr. Sendawula stated.

He highlighted key areas appreciated by participants, such as the quality of presenters, sessions on data collection and writing, and the interactive format. Suggestions for improvement included more days, clearer participant evaluation mechanisms, and additional data analysis sessions, which the organizing team committed to explore in future planning.

“This programme has been a success because of your active engagement. Let’s keep the momentum, and we promise to offer you more tailored academic support going forward,” Dr. Sendawula concluded.

Adding the voice of the doctoral students, Ms. Sylvia Namujuzi, Vice President of then newly formed COBAMS PhD Forum, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the university leadership, facilitators, and organizing committee on behalf of the PhD student body. She described the colloquium as “a rigorous but transformative space of learning, reflection, and growth.”

“This gathering has empowered us with insights not just to enhance our academic work, but also to transform our institutions and contribute to society,” she said.

Ms. Namujuzi extended executive committee’s’ gratitude to Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of COBAMS, for championing the creation of the COBAMS PhD Forum — a unifying platform for scholars across the three schools to collaborate and support each other. She also acknowledged the Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Akileng, for opening the colloquium to the entire college, recognizing the growing need for cross-disciplinary dialogue among PhD scholars.

She thanked the facilitators, both present and in absentia, for generously sharing knowledge, and credited the organizing committee for their tireless work behind the scenes. Special appreciation went to her fellow student leaders, including Mr. Okelo George (President), Mr. Emmanuel Othieno (Finance), and others managing secretarial, coordination, and publicity roles across schools.

Student representative Mr. Vanecious Bbale Kirwana delivered a heartfelt message of appreciation on behalf of the PhD cohort, capping off three transformative days of intellectual engagement, mentorship, and peer collaboration.

Thanking the university and college leadership for both creating and actively supporting the forum, Mr. Kirwana emphasized the importance of in-person interaction, noting how the physical gathering fostered academic bonding and peer support among doctoral students.

Commending the emergence of organic student-led initiatives — such as a newly formed data analysis platform — Mr. Kirwana encouraged further informal groupings and knowledge-sharing spaces among students, building on the momentum of the colloquium.

“Let’s continue to create more spaces for learning among ourselves. That, in itself, is one of the greatest outcomes of this gathering,” he concluded.

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