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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.