Business & Management
CoBAMS First Class graduands share their stories
Mirembe Joy Ssenfuma
My name is Mirembe Joy Ssenfuma, I have pursed a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics from Makerere University and today I graduate with a First-class Honors degree.
This journey has not been as easy as it may seem; strong winds blew, thunders and lightening came along the way, but the Almighty did not forsake me. I thank my mum for her continuous financial and emotional support, my siblings, and friends for the support during this academic journey. I was able to achieve this through group discussions, full attendance of lectures (I attended almost 99% of physical lectures) and lastly, I prayed every day for God to gift me with knowledge and wisdom through my journey. I thank the Lord for this success!
Taaka Proscovia
I started my campus journey in 2018 when by I joined Makerere University on government sponsorship with 18 points. I was admitted to study a Bachelors of Arts in Economics degree. I had always wished to join Makerere University amongst all the Ugandan high institutions of learning and when I was offered this scholarship it was a dream come true.
It was a blessing being given economics as a course because I had always had passion for it.
My campus journey hasn’t been an easy one, there have been up-hills and downhills but with the right attitude, good friends, my parents, my lecturers and God above all, I have come to the end of the journey graduating with first class honors. It is exciting, glorifying and honouring to graduate with a first class surely I should say because this experience is something I will never forget. To anyone out there who looks forward to excelling he or she needs to focus, have the right attitude and put in his/her best because those were my major attributes towards this achievement
Habaasa Darius
My name is HABAASA DARIUS and I have been pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Economics degree from Makerere University where I am graduating with a first class degree with a CGPA of 4.70.
The reason I am graduating is because there are some people who held my hand at a point when my academic career seemed to have been aborted. My father refused to pay my school fees when I was in senior four and all hopes of ever completing my studies seemed to have been dashed.
A big appreciation goes to Mr Byamukama Remegio, the head teacher of St Mary’s College Rushoroza whom I shared my challenges with and he stood with me by allowing me to sit for UNEB before paying school fees since I could not afford it.
Thanks be to God who enabled me to get a scholarship from Cornerstone Leadership Academy which catered for my needs and school fees while in A’level where I even excelled at senior six with 19 points hence getting a government sponsorship.
It is on the basis of the above background that I always worked hard since I knew that academic excellence was one of the ways God would use to help me. I also did not want to disappoint those who were held my hand and invested their resources in me.
Makerere University was my dream campus and joining it was a dream come true for me which really motivated me further to work hard and realise my dreams. Campus life was not a walk over but I dedicated my life to reading my books and also serving God since I was even leading COBAMS fellowship in a bid not to ever disappoint God who made a way for me when there was no way.
Special thanks to my mother who never gave up on standing by my side despite not having money most of the times to support me financially and not forgetting Cornerstone Development Africa who sponsored my A’level and my lecturers at campus who constantly helped and advised me.
Paul Isingoma
Paul Isingoma is an ambitious, warm-hearted go-getter. His devotion towards success and excellence inform his mindful but competitive approach. Paul is fueled by his passion for being a professional economist and auditor with outstanding advisory expertise for both financial institutions and world economies. He considers himself a ‘forever student,’ eager to both build on his academic foundations in Economics and stay in tune with the latest developments in the Global Economy through continued studying.
During his stay at Makerere University, Paul achieved a first class degrees for all the six semesters throughout the three years at campus. The toughest time of study was during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic where there was limited interaction between lecturers and course-mates. Despite this, Paul devised newer means of staying in touch with his colleagues through online platforms and there was a strong determination towards being the best. The most interesting event at university was the election week for selection of new leaders. The spirit around campus was amazing and students used all kinds of strong vocabulary to win over the love of supporters.
Paul is forever indebted to the staff of School of Statistics and Planning for their unending effort and assistance towards his academic success. Ultimately, the achievement of such a great milestone has been possible due to the grace of God and Paul strongly remains grateful to the Almighty Lord for his undying love.
Karuhanga Kennedy
Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics
It’s true what they say that Makerere is the paragon of academic excellence in Uganda and to say that it never disappointed me would be an understatement. Here, one is in the hotpot of the “crème-de la -crème”. Nothing fails these students. I have found a distinct degree of ingenuity, hard work, determination and a combination of those plus all the others that I have not mentioned in this one place.
I believe that determination, commitment and a high degree of devotion should be the watchwords of anyone interested in making it at the prestigious hill. With the right mix of these, the right strategies are made as there’s no such thing as the “silver bullet” strategy to achieve one’s goal. Here, one’s flexibility plus grit matter a lot as these will enable one to even pass a course where they had a below average coursework mark.
Karuhanga wants to become a voice of authority within the economics and the finance fields. One could say the-go-to guy. This has and will push him to check every required box to achieve that. However, without piety, one cannot go far.
Helena Ahaisibwe Kaguma
Course: Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Journey at Makerere University
As the last born child of a widow who lost her husband a few months before I got enrolled into university, the journey was already predestined to be a trifle tumultuous as I pursued my education at Makerere University. However, by the grace of God, my hardworking mother and elder siblings, I didn’t lack. Like all other aspects of life, nothing has come on a silver platter. This entire journey entailed many sleepless nights, walking in the rain from home (I was a commuting student) for some papers and many other hardships a student faces, especially as a female student. However, I am very proud to say that all the hardships paid off and have shaped me into a better, stronger and more resilient individual. I officially joined Makerere University on Thursday, 9th August, 2018.
Inspiration to work hard
My mother has always been the inspiration behind my hard work. She has been a great mentor and role model, always pushing me to be the best version of myself.
How I was able to get a first class
In all honesty, all the credit for all my success belongs to God. However, with regards to my own efforts as a student to succeed in my academics, I attribute this milestone to prayer, discipline, determination and lastly proper time management.
My motivation
I have always been driven by my passion to be exceptional in all I do in order to be in the best position to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate than me and to also make this world a better place for those who come after me.
Okwaimungu Jasper Ngira
I am an Alur from Pakwach District and now a first class graduate of a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Development Economics. I am passionate about things to do with the economy and livelihood improvement. Sports and networking are my hobbies.
I draw my motivation from within. I have had a clear path of where I want to be in the medium and long term and how I am going to get there. From day one I knew I had to read hard to achieve my dreams.
My family background has also been a push factor. I have only been able to attain this degree because of government sponsorship and also some private help. This made me focus all my energy on studies such that I can one day uplift our status financially.
Another big motivation has been the expectations that I carry on my shoulders from my family, lecturers, sponsor and friends. They have believed in me since day one and I knew I had to read hard to make them proud. I have very many people to thank for their help along my journey to academic success. First and foremost, most my paternal Aunt Mrs. Angonifua Jolly and her husband Mr. Onoba Charles who have parented me since I was I was a child. Mr . Bitature Patrick has been a pillar in my life and I can’t thank him enough. My lecturers spotted my brilliance and helped nurture it the more especially Prof. Bbaale Edward, Dr. Suzan Kavuma and Mr Fred Kasalirwe. My discussion group mates helped me a lot too, I want to thank them and also congratulate them for graduating. I would also like to study a Masters degree in Economic Policy and Planning if I can get a scholarship or sponsorship.
Amasha Patricia Sheilla
I am Amasha Patricia Sheilla, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics at Makerere University.
I have always loved numbers and so that inspired me to take on a statistical course.
Staying focused, having and interacting with the right people has enabled me to get a first class degree (Cumulative Grade Point Average – CGPA = 4.41)
Nalweera Alice
I am Nalweera Alice, a proud Muruli from Nakasongola District. I have a great passion for economics that is why I was inspired to undertake the course and it always gave me a push to focus and look forwards to a great performance.
My greatest inspiration has and will always be my father. He loves excellence in all aspects.
Going through Makerere University has been such a great experience for I adventured academically and socially.
Kapaska Evalyne
Today I graduate with a first class degree of Arts in Economics of Makerere University. I come from a small village in Ibanda District-western Uganda called Kyentaama. From there, I entered the gates of Makerere in August 2018 having attained 18 points from Citizen’s secondary school-Ibanda, which enabled me to get a merit government scholarship.
We stand today on the principle of the future, it is not a distant reality anymore, it begins here, it begins today. I entered Makerere as a child, but I am now leaving as an adult. Well, we did it, we all accomplished one of the major early milestones of our lives, university graduation. This is a major step in the journey of our lives, one that should be recognized for its immense significance. It is an act not only of personal commitment but also one of pride. We all worked hard to get to this day, and our work did not go to waste. Graduation is not an end goal in itself, it is instead a part of longer journey of life. I am glad and I thank God that He enabled me to get a first class degree.
When I was in my O’level, I was motivated by my elder sister and brother who were at Makerere university pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Education respectively. I loved studies and I worked and read very hard to also get to university, more importantly Makerere University. When I did my A’level, I worked very hard to be admitted on government which please my father. I promised him that I would get a first class degree, unfortunately, he died last year July and he has not been able to witness this day. (MHSRIP)
While at Makerere university, I chose good friends who could encourage me and advise me to attend all lectures from year one, and also consult on relevant course units for next semester even before it started. With the help of my OGs, OBs and the friends whom I made, we formed a discussion group where we could help each other in all course units. Truly, discussion groups, consultation with lecturers and students who were ahead of me for example Coleb Arinda last year first class graduand from Arts in Development Economics, and extensive reading were great factors that contributed to the success we are celebrating today.
While in my 3rd year first semester, my beloved dad passed away, I lost courage and thought that I was going to lose my first class but I kept praying to God to give me courage. My father always encouraged me to read hard so that I could get a first class. When I received my results of third year first semester, I had GPA of 4.16 which wasn’t a first class. I never gave up, continued reading and praying, God heard my prayers in the second semester and am graduating with a CGPA of 4.53.
I pray and hope that this gives me a brighter future that will help me achieve my career and life dreams.
For God and my country.
We build for the future.
Lillian Ahumuza
I am Ahumuza Lillian. I did Bachelor of Statistics and got a first class degree. What kept me moving in School was the idea that i always wanted to challenge myself to do better. I didnt get the 20 points i desired at A level and i promised myself to do better at University. My lecturer Dr. Dennis Wokiyi constantly encouraged me to work hard and he believed in me. I read very hard and my discussion group was always there for me. We shared ideas and researched on many topics. This first class is a result of hardwork, perseverance and consistency
A delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) today paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. The delegation was led by Prof. Victor Murinde, Executive Director of AERC.
The team was received by Prof. Tonny Oyana, who represented the Vice Chancellor at the meeting. Prof. Oyana expressed appreciation for AERC’s continued support to the School of Economics, and commended the longstanding partnership between Makerere University and AERC.
Drawing on his expertise in Information Systems, Prof. Oyana emphasized the importance of deep and strategic collaboration between institutions. He noted that, much like in Information Systems where components must be tightly coupled to function efficiently, partnerships in academia must be deeply integrated to yield meaningful impact.
The Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, who accompanied Prof. Murinde, also expressed his gratitude for AERC’s unwavering support. He highlighted several key areas of assistance including:
- Scholarships for Master’s and PhD fellows;
- Support for ICT infrastructure development; and
- Contributions toward the construction of the School of Economics building.
Prof. Okumu noted that these efforts have significantly enhanced the School’s academic and research capacity, and he looked forward to continued collaboration and deepened partnership between the two institutions.
During the meeting, Prof. Murinde shared AERC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2035, titled “Reinventing the AERC for Delivering Africa’s Economic Prosperity.” He explained that AERC is embarking on a comprehensive reform agenda designed to:
- Strengthen research excellence,
- Enhance policy impact, and
- Secure long-term institutional sustainability across Africa.
Following the meeting, the AERC delegation joined scholars, economists, and academics for a for and a meeting, further demonstrating AERC’s commitment to knowledge exchange and regional capacity building in economic research.
Business & Management
PIM Centre of Excellence Launches KCCA Training in Public Investment Management
May 19, 2025 |
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, has launched a five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
This specialized training marks a significant milestone—not only in advancing professional capacity within KCCA, but also in reinforcing strategic collaboration between academia, local government, and national planning institutions. The training was officially opened by Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner of the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department (PAP), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED).
A Commitment to Professionalization
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Ayebare emphasized the importance of investing in PIM capacity as a cornerstone of Uganda’s development agenda. “The government is committed to building a pool of skilled professionals who can design, appraise, and manage viable public projects. This training is part of a broader strategy to ensure that public investments deliver real value for money,” she said.
She encouraged the participants to actively engage with the course content, especially the hands-on and practical components that simulate real-world project scenarios.
Strategic Investment by KCCA
In his remarks, Mr. Edson Masereka, Manager for Research and Business Development at KCCA, expressed gratitude to the PIM Centre of Excellence and MoFPED for facilitating the training. He noted that KCCA has over 30 projects currently in the pipeline and stressed the need to equip staff with the right skills to manage them effectively.
“This training is timely. It will strengthen our internal capacity to design, prepare, and execute public investments. We hope the quality and impact of our projects will improve significantly as a result,” he said.
A Unique Cohort with a Strong Message
Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal Investigator of the PIM Centre of Excellence, praised the training as both unique and transformative. “This is the first cohort fully sponsored by KCCA itself—a testament to the authority’s commitment to internal capacity building and professional excellence,” he said.
He also recognized the visionary partnership between Makerere University and MoFPED, which has made it possible to establish the PIM Centre of Excellence as a leading hub for training, research, and policy advisory in Uganda’s public investment space.
“Beyond training, we are also working on revising the Development Committee Guidelines, assessing public investment performance since NDP I, and producing knowledge to inform decision-making,” Prof. Bbaale noted.
The trainees will undertake three core PIM modules during the five-day session:
- Project Identification and Preparation
- Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP) and Execution
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment, with a strong emphasis on climate, environmental, and social safeguards.
In the coming months, participants will have the opportunity to enroll in advanced modules on financial and economic appraisal, delivered in collaboration with Cambridge Resources International and Queen’s University (Canada), leading to a prestigious international certification.
Building a National Cadre of PIM Experts
The training reflects broader national efforts to build a robust and professional cadre of PIM practitioners capable of driving Uganda’s development goals through effective project management. Participants will receive joint certification from Makerere University and MoFPED, underscoring the academic and policy rigor of the programme.
Prof. Bbaale encouraged the participants to be active contributors in this journey:
“This workshop is just the beginning. You are the future champions of effective public investment. Engage fully, learn deeply, and take these skills back to your institutions to make a difference.”
The PIM CoE at Makerere University remains committed to providing high-quality capacity building, evidence-based research, and technical support that enhances Uganda’s ability to implement impactful public investment projects.
Business & Management
EfD Launches $30,000 Carnegie CECAP-funded Research Project on Household and SME Energy Efficiency in Uganda
Kampala, Uganda – May 15, 2025
The Environment for Development (EfD) initiative at Makerere University has launched a two-year research project aimed at studying energy demand and efficiency among Ugandan households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The project, supported by a $30,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation under the CECAP program, officially kicked off with an inception workshop held at the EfD Mak conference room on Wednesday.
Dr. Peter Babyenda, a postdoctoral researcher and lead investigator on the project, said the study will focus on identifying the key drivers of energy consumption at the household and SME level, particularly within the manufacturing sector. “We are investigating what factors determine energy use—whether it’s charcoal, LPG, or electricity—and how that use can be made more efficient,” he said.
The research is being conducted under the mentorship of Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of EfD-Mak, and is part of a larger initiative under the Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training led by Principal Investigator Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi who also serves as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)
The project aims to provide evidence-based policy and awareness messages to improve energy efficiency in Uganda, amid rising electricity costs and population growth. “The only sustainable way to address rising energy costs is through improved efficiency,” Dr. Babyenda emphasized.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, energy engineers, economists, and researchers from institutions such as the Economic Policy Research Centre. Their input is expected to help refine the study tools and shape data collection strategies.
Dr. Babyenda noted that the team will now revise its research instruments based on feedback from the workshop, and submit the tools for ethical review by the CoBAMS Research Ethics Committee. Field data collection is slated to begin in early June.
The study, selected through a highly competitive process that saw only 25 projects funded, is expected to culminate in two peer-reviewed publications and a comprehensive report. Dissemination efforts will target both policymakers and end users, including the Ministry of Energy and relevant community stakeholders.
“This project is a milestone for us at EfD-Mak. We are excited to contribute research that has the potential to influence national energy policy,” Dr. Babyenda said.
Dean Calls for Deeper Stakeholder Engagement and Practical Insight
The Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, Assoc. Prof. Mike Ibrahim Okumu, called for greater alignment between academic research and practical stakeholder perspectives in energy studies.
Congratulating Dr. Peter Babyenda and his team for securing the $30,000 research grant, Prof. Ibrahim praised the initiative as a reflection of both academic rigor and practical relevance.
“My understanding of inception workshops is that they are meant to test whether your conceptualization aligns with stakeholder perspectives,” he said. “The quality of feedback you receive depends on the quality of stakeholders you engage.”
Prof. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of engaging engineers in the electricity sector, arguing that understanding operational mechanisms is essential for any discussion on energy efficiency. “Efficiency is not just an economic concept—it’s grounded in how energy systems work, and that’s an engineering issue,” he noted.
He encouraged the research team to use the stakeholder feedback to refine their research tools and conceptual framework. Drawing from personal experience, he recounted how a paper he published in the Policy Review Journal originated directly from stakeholder insights gained during a previous inception workshop.
The Dean also stressed the need for inclusive dissemination strategies. “For any research to have real impact, it must involve the end users not just at the point of output but from inception through to delivery,” he said. “If you don’t speak to the people who use the energy, you lose the entire purpose of the research.”
Prof. Ibrahim closed by extending gratitude to all participants and reaffirming the School of Economics’ support for the EfD center. “What we’ve earned today are not just discussions, but deep mental insights that will shape this project going forward,” he concluded.
Participants Urge Deeper Energy Awareness and Policy Integration
Key stakeholders from government and academia called for enhanced public awareness and integrated energy policies
Esther Fiona Atek, an Energy Officer from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, underscored the ministry’s interest in the project findings. “While we know how much residences consume, we’re particularly interested in how that breaks down between rural and urban areas, and within specific uses like cooking and lighting,” Atek said. “The research will inform future policies to promote energy-efficient technologies both in households and SMEs.”
Atek emphasized the study’s potential to support the ministry’s mandate to drive energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors. She highlighted the need for disaggregated data that can guide technology promotion and tailor interventions to actual consumption patterns.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abubaker Matovu Wasswa, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Makerere University, called for broader public education on energy types and uses. “People often limit solar energy to lighting, yet it can do so much more. We must understand the different forms of energy—biomass, petroleum, LPG, solar—and how each can be used efficiently,” he said.
Dr. Wasswa stressed that energy sustainability requires a cultural shift in how Ugandans perceive and utilize various energy sources. “If we don’t educate users on energy efficiency across all forms, we risk wasting valuable resources and missing out on long-term sustainability,” he warned.
The EfD-led research project aims to provide actionable data and recommendations to improve energy efficiency across Uganda. Fieldwork is expected to begin in June 2025, with findings set to influence national policy discussions and promote smarter energy use in households and manufacturing enterprises.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
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