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
Business & Management
Somali Officials Complete Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management at CoBAMS
Six Somali government officials have successfully completed a three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). The training, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), took place from January 27 to 29, 2025, and aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management.
The training brought together senior civil servants and policymakers from Somalia, equipping them with practical knowledge and strategies for sustainable infrastructure asset management. It also fostered valuable cross-border collaboration, facilitated by UNCDF Uganda, which played a crucial role in connecting Makerere University with the Government of Somalia.
The program was delivered by experienced faculty from Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), alongside experts from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). A special session was also led by the Makerere University Bursar, offering practical insights into financial management in infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Mr. Ncube Mkhululi, the Regional Technical Advisor for UNCDF emphasized the importance of infrastructure asset management in driving sustainable economic growth. He highlighted UNCDF’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing economies, noting that effective infrastructure planning and management are critical to national development. He also expressed confidence in Makerere University’s expertise in delivering high-impact executive training programs for government officials.
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Bbaale Edward, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences expressed gratitude to all partners, including UNCDF, Makerere University management, and the PIM CoE faculty, for their commitment to making the training a success. He emphasized Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to internationalize its research-led agenda, positioning itself as a hub for regional knowledge exchange.
UNCDF Program Manager, Mr. Joel Mundua, the commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to share the acquired knowledge with fellow officials in Somalia. This was reaffirmed by one of the participants, who pledged to apply and disseminate the learnings within their respective departments.
Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti, the Program Officer at UNCDF highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure asset management strategies are practical, adaptable, and aligned with national development goals. He commended Makerere University for its leadership in knowledge transfer and regional training and encouraged continued collaboration between universities, governments, and international development partners to strengthen institutional capacity.
Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, applauded both the participants and the expert trainers who contributed to the program. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to advancing infrastructure asset management through continued training and collaboration with regional stakeholders.
As the training concluded, participants departed with valuable insights and practical tools to improve infrastructure management in Somalia and beyond. The success of this initiative highlights Makerere University’s role as a leading institution in public investment management, fostering capacity-building efforts that drive sustainable development across Africa.
The Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training kicked off on Monday, 20th January 2025, and will run until 24th January 2025. This training, an initiative by the college, aims to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members.
Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more. The training is facilitated by expert data scientists from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP).
The SDS Working Group comprises academic staff at the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP) whose research interests focus on statistical learning and AI.
On January 21, 2025, Mr. Kiyingi Simon Peter and Mr. Tusubira Brian from URA led an engaging session on the practical applications of machine learning algorithms in day-to-day activities. They demonstrated how components fed into ML models are used to classify taxpayers into high-risk and low-risk categories, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in optimizing operations.
Dr. Margaret Banga, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), emphasized the transformative impact of the training on both the academic and professional development of the participants. She commended the expert trainers from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and other partnering institutions for their practical and insightful contributions to the sessions. Dr. Banga noted that the training is a significant step toward enhancing the teaching methodologies and research capabilities of the faculty. “By equipping our staff with advanced skills in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, we are empowering them to deliver cutting-edge knowledge to our students and conduct impactful research that addresses real-world challenges,” she remarked.
The training is a testament to the SSP’s forward-thinking approach to education and research in statistics and data science. The integration of topics such as neural networks, text mining, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) underscores the need for multidisciplinary expertise in an increasingly data-driven world. Dr. Banga highlighted that this capacity-building effort aligns with the college’s strategic objectives of fostering innovation and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving fields of data science and statistical learning.
The Dean further stressed the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Uganda Revenue Authority and Housing Finance Bank, which provide invaluable industry perspectives. These collaborations ensure that academic training is not only theoretical but also applicable to practical challenges in sectors such as taxation, finance, and public administration.
In conclusion, Dr. Banga reaffirmed her commitment to continuous learning and development within the School of Statistics and Planning. She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained through the training would translate into improved academic delivery, enriched research output, and a stronger contribution to societal and economic transformation through the application of advanced data science methodologies.
On January 20, 2025, the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University commenced a three-day training program titled “Essentials of Public Investment Management.” The workshop, held at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), aims to enhance the capacity of public service officials in planning, executing, and evaluating public investment projects.
The training workshop was officially opened by Prof. Edward Bbaale, who, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development for their financial support and pivotal role in identifying and nominating participants for the program. He acknowledged the contributions of Permanent Secretaries, Vice Chancellors, and Executive Directors in ensuring representation from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Ugandan government.
Prof. Bbaale commended the collaborative efforts of Makerere University faculty, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Planning Authority in designing and delivering the training curriculum. He emphasized that the program reflects Makerere University’s commitment to fostering excellence in public investment management through capacity-building initiatives.
The training covers a comprehensive range of topics, including project preparation, the Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP), procurement processes, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), monitoring and evaluation, and the integration of climate change and social risk management in project planning. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in preparing real-world projects across vital sectors such as health, education, roads, electricity, and water.
Prof. Bbaale also highlighted the importance of advancing participants’ expertise through future modules in financial and economic appraisal of projects. He encouraged participants to consider enrolling in advanced training programs offered in collaboration with Cambridge Resources International and Queen’s University, Canada. Successful completion of these advanced modules will lead to a tripartite certification from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, and Queen’s University.
In addition to training, the PIM Centre of Excellence engages in research, outreach, and advisory services. Prof. Bbaale outlined ongoing projects, such as revising Development Committee guidelines for the Ministry of Finance and assessing project performance since the first National Development Plan (NDP I). He noted the Centre’s recent milestone—the successful hosting of the Public Investment Management Conference in October 2024—which evaluated the state of public investments in Uganda and charted the way forward.
The program participants, drawn from various government institutions, were encouraged to leverage the training to drive positive change in their respective roles. “This marks the beginning of your journey to becoming experts in Public Investment Management. Your commitment will not only enhance public service efficiency but also contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation,” said Prof. Bbaale.
The workshop is coordinated by the PIM Centre of Excellence Secretariat under the leadership of Dr. Sseruyange. The Centre remains steadfast in its mission to build capacity, promote research, and foster innovation in public investment management. At the end of the training, participants will be awarded dual certificates from Makerere University and the Ministry of Finance, recognizing their dedication to professional development.
This initiative underscores Makerere University’s role as a key player in national capacity-building and economic development through education and innovation. For God and My Country.
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