Connect with us

Business & Management

Refugees awarded certificates in Entrepreneurship and Business Management

Published

on

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

Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines

Published

on

Group photo of participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, successfully concluded the training of its 4th cohort of public officers on November 15, 2024. This capacity-building program focused on the User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, a critical process mandated by Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015.

Under the PFMA, every bill presented to Parliament must include a Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). The preparation of the Statement of Financial Implications (SFI), which forms the basis for the CFI, is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This statement provides detailed revenue and expenditure estimates and projected savings over a minimum of two years’ post-enactment.

Empowering MDAs with Essential Skills

The training sessions, which began last week and will continue into the following week, aim to equip MDAs with the skills required to prepare robust SFIs. These competencies are essential for MoFPED Budget Analysts to review and draft CFIs or Letters of Financial Clearance effectively.

A section of participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.

The 4th cohort comprised officers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda Land Commission, Ministry of Local Government, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and the Ministry of Kampala, among others.

A Step Toward Transparent and Accountable Governance

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Moses Sonko, Principal Economist at MoFPED, commended the initiative and acknowledged the value it brings to Uganda’s public policy and legislative processes. Representing the Permanent Secretary of MoFPED, Mr. Sonko highlighted the importance of the training in strengthening governance frameworks.

“This training was developed to equip us with tools and knowledge essential for our roles in ensuring that Uganda’s policy and legislative proposals are financially sound, transparent, and align with national priorities,” Mr. Sonko remarked. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance policy preparation and implementation.

Mr Sonko addresses trainees at the close of the training. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.
Mr Sonko addresses trainees at the close of the training.

He also emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the training, which enables officers to identify the financial, social, environmental, and economic impacts of proposed bills and policies.

Participant Feedback

Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. Mr. Davis Kwizera from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) shared his positive experience, stating: “This training has offered a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of policy processes. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare relevant policy documents. If you’ve taken the courses on Financial and Risk Analysis as well as Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis, this program completes the package.”

The new guidelines for the clearance of financial implications will officially take effect in July 2025. PIMCoE remains committed to building the capacity of public officers to ensure that Uganda’s legislative and policy frameworks are underpinned by sound financial and risk analyses, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable development.

For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

Business & Management

CoBAMS Hosts Workshop to Review Parish Development Model

Published

on

Participants pose for a group photo after the workshop. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In a pivotal workshop held at Makerere University on November 12, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM). This transformative model, conceptualized by Prof. Ezra Suruma, aims to tackle some of Uganda’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.

Prof. Suruma, the architect of PDM, underscored the crucial role of researchers in creating wealth-empowering strategies for Ugandans. “The PDM is designed to eradicate poverty, promote economic inclusion, improve service delivery, and modernize agriculture,” Prof. Suruma stated. He highlighted that the model not only provides a pathway for Uganda’s rural households to participate in the economy but also aims to address the underlying issues that leave many citizens unable to afford basic needs.

Prof. Ezra Suruma (Right) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended Prof. Suruma’s visionary leadership and the significant impact PDM is expected to have on communities across Uganda. “The PDM stands as one of the largest government interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting communities,” he remarked. Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized Makerere University’s commitment to supporting PDM through the PDM Lab hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which serves as a hub for real-time data analysis to guide the implementation of PDM activities across the country.

The PDM Lab at CoBAMS, led by Prof. Eria Hisali and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that can shape PDM policies at the grassroots level. During the workshop, Dr. Suruma extended his appreciation to UNDP for their support and acknowledged the researchers for their efforts in generating valuable insights into the effectiveness of PDM.

Part of the audience at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Despite Uganda’s notable economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, are high, limiting economic opportunities for the country’s largest demographic. Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is another critical issue, with many Ugandans unable to afford or reach essential medical services. These challenges underscore the need for initiatives like the PDM that are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and ensure equitable access to services.

“PDM seeks to empower households to create wealth, ultimately reducing dependence on subsistence farming and encouraging local economic development,” Prof. Suruma emphasized. He believes that the model’s holistic approach will foster greater self-sufficiency among Uganda’s communities by addressing poverty from multiple angles, including agricultural modernization, financial literacy, and service accessibility.

Part of the audience at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about PDM’s potential to drive sustainable change. Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere University’s dedication to supporting this national initiative, affirming that the PDM Lab will continue to play a key role in assessing and enhancing the model’s effectiveness.

The Parish Development Model offers a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans striving for a better quality of life, aligning with Uganda’s broader aspirations for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

Business & Management

Study Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors

Published

on

Prof. Akileng addresses the participants of the workshop. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On November 11, 2024 the School of Business held a research dissemination workshop led by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, a lecturer and researcher whose study focused on “Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector.” The event also featured research by his student, Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, who presented findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.”

Both studies, which delve into the role of PPPs in two crucial sectors—tourism and health—aim to provide insights into how strategic partnerships between public and private entities can address pressing service delivery challenges in Uganda. Dr. Mugarura’s study in the tourism sector emphasized the importance of a stable operating environment for PPPs, highlighting the need for clear policies, regulatory support, and sustainable practices that allow both public and private stakeholders to thrive. His research suggests that a conducive PPP environment is essential for Uganda’s tourism sector to achieve sustainability, attract international visitors, and create job opportunities, while preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Dr. Jude making his presentation. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Jude making his presentation.

Kyomuhendo’s research, titled “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector,” explored how PPPs can improve value for money (VFM) in healthcare delivery by encouraging local content utilization. His findings revealed a positive correlation between PPP adoption and VFM in healthcare, suggesting that well-structured partnerships can enhance efficiency and service quality. However, he noted that while PPPs support infrastructure development and resource allocation, local content utilization does not always have a strong moderating effect on VFM, indicating potential areas for policy improvement to ensure meaningful local engagement.

Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, lauded the researchers for their dedication to tackling critical issues in Uganda’s development sectors. “These studies bring much-needed evidence to the table, demonstrating the potential of PPPs to transform our tourism and health sectors,” Prof. Akileng remarked. He emphasized that such research is pivotal to Makerere University’s commitment to producing actionable knowledge that aligns with Uganda’s national development goals.

Group photo of the participants. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group photo of the participants.

Prof. Akileng extended his gratitude to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for supporting these projects, acknowledging that their funding was instrumental in advancing impactful research. “The generosity of our donor has enabled us to conduct thorough research and share insights that will inform policy and guide sustainable development efforts in Uganda,” he added.

The workshop encouraged discussion among participants, including policymakers, private sector representatives, and university staff, on the importance of PPPs in creating a resilient service delivery model. Dr. Mugarura highlighted the need for continual assessment of the PPP framework to adapt to evolving economic and social demands. He recommended that the government prioritize regulatory improvements and capacity building for local firms to enhance their role in PPP projects.

Participants listen to the presentation. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants listen to the presentation.

The dissemination workshop concluded with a collective call for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. Both researchers emphasized that strategic partnerships hold the key to addressing Uganda’s service delivery challenges and achieving sustainable growth in tourism and healthcare.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Continue Reading

Trending