Business & Management
72nd Graduation: Doctoral Citations – CoBAMS
ATUHAIRE Ruth
Disparities in Utilization of Maternal Health Care Services in Uganda
Ms. ATUHAIRE Ruth investigated the disparities in utilization of maternal healthcare services in Uganda. The study focused on the interrelationships and regional differences in early antenatal care, facility based delivery and early postnatal care. Results show early antenatal care increases facility based delivery and early postnatal care, which highlights the important role of early antenatal care attendance in utilizing other key maternal health services. Regional critical disparities were mainly due to differences in maternal education, community health worker availability, wealth and exposure to media. The study recommended an effective system that enables care to evolve with the woman from first antenatal care visit (within the first trimester) until 48 hours after delivery. And, broad dissemination of maternal health and continuum of care information across all regions without distinction of demographic, social or economic conditions. This study was funded by Makerere University Business School and was supervised by Assoc Prof. Leonard. K. Atuhaire, Assoc Prof. Robert. Wamala and Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga.
ISABIRYE Alone
Predictors of cervical cancer prevention practices among women in Uganda
Mr. ISABIRYE Alone investigated the determinants of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination in Uganda. His study revealed that the majority (78%) of the girls had not been vaccinated. Higher likelihood of having ever been vaccinated was associated with girls who were schooling, living in households with 9 or fewer family members, and in the middle wealth status. Uptake of cervical cancer screening was also low (20%). The likelihood of cervical cancer screening was higher among women who; were in the rich wealth category, had attained secondary and post-secondary education, were married to farmers, and women who had received spousal screening-emotional -support. This study was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and supervised by Assoc Prof. Betty Kwagala and Dr. Martin Mbonye.
NANKINGA Olivia
Child Care Arrangements and Wellbeing of Children of Employed Women in Central Uganda
Ms. NANKINGA Olivia investigated the relationship between childcare arrangements for women in work and the wellbeing of children. The study focused on the physical, social and emotional domains of wellbeing. Results show better wellbeing outcomes among children looked after in formal childcare facilities. Wealth status, number of children under five years and religion were significantly associated with better wellbeing. Child caregiving work is one of the lowest paying employment and this has implications on childcare. The study recommended Government participation in provision of childcare to enhance female employment and fast tracking policy commitments on Early Childhood Care and Education. Synergies between Government and Private Entities need to be strengthened to ensure childcare provision. This study was funded by DAAD, and supervised by Assoc. Prof. Kwagala Betty and Assoc. Prof. Walakira Eddy J.
SENDAWULA Kasimu
Environmental sustainability practices of manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Uganda.
Mr. SENDAWULA Kasimu examined the relationship between environmental knowledge, environmental commitment, regulatory compliance mechanisms and environmental sustainability practices of manufacturing SMEs in Uganda. The study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between action knowledge, environmental commitment, regulatory compliance mechanisms and environmental sustainability practices. The study further established that regulatory compliance mechanisms partially mediate the association between action knowledge, environmental commitment and environmental sustainability practices. Waste management, eco-friendly packaging, energy efficiency and water conservation were confirmed as actions undertaken by the manufacturing SMEs to safeguard the environment. The study recommends the government to: create an SME environmental conservation fund to support the dissemination of action knowledge; partner with private and civil society organisations to annually evaluate, recognize, and award manufacturing SMEs that demonstrate commitment to protecting the environment; and establish a desk under NEMA to monitor the compliance of SMEs to environmental regulations. This study was funded by the management of Makerere University and supervised by Assoc. Professor Peter Turyakira, Assoc. Professor Vincent Bagire and Dr. Cathy I. Mbidde.
KAKOOZA Victoria
Higher Education, Economic growth and Labour market in Uganda (1985-2017)
Ms. KAKOOZA Victoria investigated the causal nexuses between Higher Education and Economic growth: as well as Higher Education and the Labour market in Uganda. In these times of increased automation and robotism; the future of higher education is dependent on the existence of the aforementioned nexuses. The study further partitioned the nexuses into gender, academic discipline and award level. Using econometric models, the study revealed that there exists a positive impact of higher education on: growth only in the long run; on labour productivity in both short and long run; while on Unemployment only in the short run. Statistical evidences of the impact of Male, Science and Undergraduates were found to be higher on the same variables than their counterparts the females, Arts, and Postgraduates. This study was funded by SIDA and Kyambogo University; and was supervised by Assoc Prof. Robert Wamala and Dr. James Wokadala.
WALUGEMBE Patrick
Understanding Child Vulnerability in Rural Uganda: Determinants of Vulnerability Transition and Schooling
Mr. WALUGEMBE Patrick examined the determinants of transition from vulnerability among vulnerable children in rural Uganda. This followed concerns that vulnerable children and households experienced different outcomes despite receiving the same package of development interventions. The study examined panel data collected between 2011 and 2014 on 17,484 vulnerable households and children from 35 districts of Uganda. The study found out that transition from vulnerability was dependent on the unique household and individual characteristics such as the region, presence/absence of parents, presence of chronic illnesses, and the household size. The study further found that the abuse of substances and alcohol among children, and eating fewer meals was a key determinant of education prospects in these vulnerable households. The study recommends that government and partner interventions should recognize the unique characteristics, needs, and diversity among different vulnerable populations when developing intervention packages. The study was self-sponsored with technical support from FHI360 and AVSI-Uganda; and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala and Dr. Cyprian Misinde.
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Business & Management
Government Officials Equipped with Critical Skills in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis
A two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) concluded today April 11, 2025 at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel in Jinja. The training, delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, sought to bridge long-standing capacity gaps in the preparation, appraisal, and review of public sector projects.
The event was officially closed by Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera, representing the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Dr. Ssebukeera highlighted that the training was designed in response to a comprehensive needs assessment, which revealed persistent gaps in government officers’ abilities to carry out cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, and to prepare or assess pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
“Many government projects have not been properly appraised due to limited internal capacity,” Dr. Ssebukeera stated. “Too often, we rely on external consultants to prepare feasibility studies, yet our officers are not adequately equipped to interrogate or validate those studies.” He expressed confidence that participants now possess practical skills to analyze topics such as risk analysis, financial modelling, discount rates, project finance, and consumer surplus. “You are now in a position to not only prepare but also critically evaluate complex project documentation,” he added.
Ms. Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Public Investment Management Department at MoFPED, acknowledged the participants’ dedication and active engagement. “As the unit that hosts the Development Committee, we are pleased that this training has added critical skills to help you prepare and submit viable public projects,” she said, calling on the participants to be part of building a sustainable pipeline of investment-ready projects.
In his remarks, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, emphasized that this training is only the beginning. “While we’ve now completed the financial appraisal component, the next step is Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis—where we evaluate a project’s broader impact on society and the economy,” he said. He also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda, particularly MoFPED, for funding the training, as well as to Ms. Esther Ayebare and other facilitators for their unwavering commitment.
Prof. Eria Hisali, who represented the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, praised the participants for navigating what would typically be a semester-long course within just two weeks. “This is a practical, work-oriented training. The knowledge you’ve gained here should be applicable immediately,” he said. He further invited the graduates to attend the upcoming Public Investment Management Conference in August 2025 to share their experiences and provide feedback.
Participants also expressed their gratitude. One quoted the Quran, saying, “Whoever gives you knowledge has given you everything,” in appreciation of the facilitators and the opportunity to learn.
The PIAR program, jointly implemented by Makerere University, MoFPED, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), includes two modules: the just-completed Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis, and the upcoming Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis. As Uganda continues to push for better value from public investments, trainings like this are building a critical mass of experts who will ensure that every shilling invested delivers real impact.
Business & Management
Makerere and MoFPED Resume Training of Government Officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, brings together public officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Uganda.
The training was officially opened by Ms. Esther Ayebare, who represented the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening public sector capacity under the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) framework.
Ms. Ayebare underscored the importance of the training in building the technical capacity required for sound investment decision-making. “This training will empower you to make informed decisions, assess financial viability, and identify risks that could impact investment outcomes,” she noted.
Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, he expressed appreciation to MoFPED for its financial support and strategic collaboration in organizing the training and nominating participants. “Your continued support is instrumental in enhancing the skills and capacity of government workers in Public Investment Management,” he said. He further acknowledged the role of Vice Chancellors, Permanent Secretaries, and CAOs in nominating participants and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to delivering transformative learning through a blend of theory and hands-on project appraisal.
Participants in the training will engage with real-world projects in sectors such as roads, health, energy, and education. Upon successful completion, they will receive a prestigious tripartite certificate from Makerere University, MoFPED, and Queen’s University in Canada.
The training features facilitators from Cambridge Resources International, the International Growth Centre, the National Planning Authority, and MoFPED, offering a curriculum rooted in global best practices.
Participants were encouraged to not only apply the knowledge in their respective roles but also to mentor colleagues, thereby broadening the reach and impact of the program.
The PIM CoE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s public investment landscape through research, advisory services, and outreach. Recent milestones include the revision of the Development Committee guidelines and the convening of a national PIM conference in October 2024.
With the resumption of this training, Uganda takes yet another step toward fostering a skilled public sector capable of steering high-impact investments for sustainable national development.
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