Business & Management
Mak implored to research into the Centralization of Forest Governance in Uganda
Mpigi District Local Government and stakeholders in the forestry sector want Environmental economists from Makerere University to conduct research into the impacts of centralizing the governance of national forests in Uganda.
According to section 54 (1) a of the National Forestry Act, 2003, management of all Central Forest Reserves is the mandate of National Forestry Authority (NFA) whereas that of Local Forest Reserves is the direct responsibility of the district forest officer as specified under section 48 (3) e of National Forestry Act, 2003. All forestry activities are guided by the National Forestry Policy 2001.
Poor forest governance has been blamed for the depletion of the ecosystem in Uganda. The people of Mpigi contend that since government mandated NFA to manage national forests, most of the forests have been depleted and they want national forests governance decentralized.
To achieve this districts officials and stakeholders say, Makerere University should conduct research into the impact of centralizing national forest governance to provide evidence for policy change. This call was made during the policy dialogue held at the district chambers organized by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak) Centre on 22nd November 2022. The university team was led by the Director represented by Dr. John Sseruyange.
The meeting brought together representatives of the district political and technical arms, civil society organizations, the private sector, elders and opinion leaders, farmers leaders under the theme, “Forestry and Biodiversity: Addressing Challenges of Forest degradation and Enhancing Environmental Management in Uganda”.
The participants discussed the key governance issues in the forestry sector, how communities can be strengthened to participate in forest recovery programs and what best forest restoration mechanisms should be adopted to revert the forest destruction trends in Uganda.
Governance here referred to, “the norms, institutions, and processes that determine how power and responsibilities over forests are exercised, how decisions are taken and how citizens – including women, men, youth, indigenous people and local communities – secure access to, participate in, and are impacted by the management of forests”
Presenting the status of forests in Mpigi district, the Chief Administrative Officer represented by the District Natural Resources Officer Mwidyeki Anthony said the management of forests in Mpigi has been so challenging and has on a number of occasions raised many issues involving NFA, the district and the community living adjacent to the forests.
“It should be noted that, the once thick forests in Mpigi district which had a collection of Muvule, Setaala, Musizi and other indigenous tree species have and are still gradually being reduced to empty land or replaced with eucalyptus trees for many reasons.
The natural forests reported that indigenous species that had survived for ages are now being abruptly ruined. This tragedy has befallen all the natural forests in Mpigi, a district once blessed with a wide range of biodiversity. Most natural forests in Muduuma and Kiringente have completely gone”, Mwidyeki submitted.
Mwidyeki explained that all the central forest reserves in Mpigi district with exception of Mpanga forest have been faced with the problem of encroachment in form of cultivation, grazing and settlement while in most of all the reserves, conflicts resulting from unclear boundaries are very common and have sometimes resulted in court cases leading to loss of time and money.
The vegetation cover of most Central Reserve Forests in Mpigi according to Mwidyeki have been changed into eucalyptus plantations, boundary markers uprooted, increasing forest encroachment, land grabbing and conflicts between NFA staff and communities living adjacent to these forests.
Besides population pressure that has increased the demand for fire wood, charcoal and land for settlement, Mwidyeki alleged that there has been creation of illegal land tittles in these reserves, construction of roads and industrialization.
Mwidyeki however highlighted a number of initiatives undertaken to promote forestry. These included; Sensitization and training of communities in forestry management, distribution of tree seedlings across the district, establishment of the district nursery bed, training and supervision of nursery owners on acquisition of quality tree seed and conducting routine inspections to detect and deter illegal forestry activities.
Representing the Director, EfD Mak Centre, Research Fellow Dr. John Sseruyange underscored the importance of forests as major stores of atmospheric carbon contributing to the regulation of climate change, water quantity, mitigating the effects of high flows in wet periods and low flows in the dry periods.
He said forests contribute to soil and water protection and biodiversity conservation and supply well over 90% of Uganda’s energy requirements in the form of fuel wood.
“Sustainably managed forests give environmental benefits, sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life of people across the country”, Dr. Sseruyange said
Sseruyange reported that the Uganda forestry sector reforms (1998 – 2003) aimed at providing more efficient and effective forest administration, management and utilization of Uganda’s forest resources, through: The Forestry Policy (2001), The National Forestry Plan (2002),
The NFTPA (2003) and a new institutional framework for the management of forestry resources in the country.
These resulted in the birth of institutions such as: The NFA, the UWA, the DFS, private forest owners and community forests owners which distributed responsibilities between the central government, local government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, community based organizations and the local communities.
The reforms according to Sseruyange aimed at promoting multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, integrity and professionalism in management of the forestry sector.
“Despite these good intentions, the forest estate in Uganda has continued to shrink from 4.9 million hectares in 1990 to currently 2.3 million hectares, NFA (2015) a loss of over half of the forests in a span of 25 years. …. However, over this period, 46% of protected woodlands- mostly those under NFA, were lost.
The reasons for this decline are mostly attributed to poor forest governance, and particularly problems with forest law enforcement and governance, and associated institutional issues” , He stated.
The main causes of deforestation according to Dr. Sseruyange relate to issues of governance in the forestry sector, illegal and unregulated trade of forest products and the unsecured forest tenure rights. Other issues are the conversion of forest land to other land use types such as agriculture and urbanization, and rampant felling of trees for firewood and charcoal burning.
In her closing remarks the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Maria Lubega described the dialogue as timely, thanked the university for choosing Mpigi, pledging the district commitment to support efforts geared towards restoring the environment.
Lubega wants an evidence based report on forest governance from Makerere University for presentation to the relevant government organs.
“Two weeks ago, the President sent someone from his office to come because he was interested in the environment restoration, and we are working on this report. When the report about this dialogue is ready share with us because it is timely, and I shall share with it directly with the president because NFA is just an authority and the other one is a fountain of honor so we shall take our views to the president”. She said.
Participants speak out
During the panel and plenary discussions participants expressed the need to decentralize the management of all forest reserves to the district.
“The forest sector is the least funded. Officers vehicles get stuck with no fuel. The moral fabric of the people of Mpigi is filled with, I don’t care attitude. NFA has been nicknamed as “nfa” meaning I am dying. NFA efforts are not coordinated with the district office. The District Natural resources officer should have been a member of NFA, there is a lot of political interference while implementing policies with orders from above”, The District Senior Entomologist Onyango Oluoch decried.
The District Forestry Officer Ssengendo Micheal says the major issue is governance.
“When you look back, the forests were intact and management was proper. All regulations were being followed. With the new changes in the policy of 2001 when they brought in NFA, that is where we all lost it because there was confusion and no coordination because of the bad governance.
The first thing we need to do is to revert back the old system. We need to have staff at every level. We need the forest guards, forest rangers but all these were reduced by two per district which is really over whelming when it gets to implementation of our forest management”.
Nsamba Benon, a Political leader says, districts had powers to safeguard forests but more damage has been done when powers were shifted from local government to central government.
“Ever since NEMA took over, there is a very big damage on our forests as compared to long ago. It is our mandate to protect the environment. The business of centralizing powers has done more harm than good to our country.
It is possible to bring all stakeholders to board to protect the environment but it cannot be possible if people are seeing non-residents cutting away indigenous trees planting and owning eucalyptus trees. The biggest issue here is policy. It should be reversed and our Forest Officer takes charge”.
Opinion leader, Frank Kawooya says the laws are weak and segregatively applied to a few.
“These laws are weak. Those who are supposed to manage forests cut the forests and replace them with eucalyptus. Now we see that forests have begun being shared. Am touched, in the past forestry students at Makerere would not be awarded degrees without coming to study in Lwamata forest . Today no child ever comes to study because forests are no more.”
The District Environmental Police Commandant says those mandated to guard the forest are the ones that cut the trees. He is opposed to the idea of replacing natural forests by eucalyptus and says enforcement is also problem.
“In 1924 we had an inventory for counting trees in Masaka. We counted trees about 2000. There is a forest called Buzilango but, of recent when went there, I found that there are people living there. It was no longer a forest for government. Forest guards are the ones who cut trees and sell to bakeries and schools. Eucalyptus is not good because they drain water at a high speed and, were introduced by industrialists who wanted to build industries.
But we of enforcement have a problem. You go and see a person with a car carrying timber and there is no legal document showing. When you stop the car, you will hear the person referring you to talk to another person. Sometimes there is collaboration with NFA and timber dealers connected from above. I suggest the powers should be brought back, decentralize forest reserves so that districts own, oversee and manage the forests. We need to sensitisize masses to look beyond financial gains but the future generation because in 50 years, we may not have any natural forest”.
A representative from the NGO forum called for sensitisation of the people on district and national forests.
“Different roles must be emphasized. Demarcations for individual, district and national forests must be emphasized. After sensitization they will know the species to plant”.
The District Farmers’ Chairperson Stella Nantamba says farmers are in weather crisis.
“Farmers rely on land. Soil is infertile, weather patterns have changed and many have resorted to forests and wetlands. Information given to farmers is distorted and weather changes are adverse Intervention requires adoption of agroforestry for environmental conservation and food security”.
But for teacher Emmanuel, charity begins at home and community. Sensitization form the community level will help children internalize the importance of forests.
“There is need for mindset change of those mandated to protect the environment so that children learn from them. Privatization of forests should be discouraged to save forests”, he said.
Kampala, Uganda – December 19, 2025 — The Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda Centre at Makerere University has taken stock of its 2025 achievements and outlined its strategic direction for 2025–2029, with a strong focus on energy transition, climate change, and sustainable natural resource management.
The reflections were shared during the Centre’s annual end-of-year celebration, which brought together members of the EfD Steering Committee, deans from the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences, government officials, private sector actors, civil society organisations, researchers, and students.
Interdisciplinary Foundation Strengthens Impact
Addressing stakeholders, EfD Uganda Director, Professor Edward Bbaale, highlighted the Centre’s progress in institutional development, research, policy engagement, and capacity building. While acknowledging challenges encountered during the year, he noted that these provided valuable lessons as the Centre transitions into a new strategic phase under the EfD Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
Prof. Bbaale underscored the Centre’s unique positioning within Makerere University, noting that it is jointly anchored in the School of Economics and the School of Agricultural Sciences. This interdisciplinary foundation, he said, enables EfD Uganda to address complex development challenges such as energy transition, climate change, water resources, forestry, biodiversity, and agriculture from a holistic perspective.
“This approach aligns with Makerere University’s policy on research institutes and reflects global trends that increasingly demand cross-disciplinary collaboration,” he said.
He further highlighted existing academic synergies, with PhD students in Economics and Agricultural Economics sharing coursework, and announced the launch of a Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resource Economics, recently approved by the National Council for Higher Education. The programme, jointly developed by faculty from both schools, is expected to strengthen training in environmental economics and natural resource management.
Strategic Direction for 2025–2029
Prof. Bbaale unveiled the Centre’s strategic plan for 2025–2029, anchored on six thematic areas: energy transition; climate change adaptation and mitigation; climate-smart agriculture; water resources management; forestry and biodiversity; and environmental quality.
He noted that climate change remains a cross-cutting issue across all themes, adding that EfD Uganda will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure its research informs national policy and practical interventions.
Over the next five years, the Centre’s research will focus on land use and biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and energy transition-areas expected to generate evidence-based solutions for Uganda and the wider region.
Key stakeholders identified for collaboration include the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Climate Finance Unit), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and district local governments.
Major Achievements in 2025
Prof. Bbaale reported that the Centre concentrated its efforts on the three pillars of Makerere University: research, policy engagement, and training.
Policy Engagement
The Centre organised two high-level dialogues on climate-smart agriculture and a policy dialogue on e-mobility under the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) programme.
“We chose e-mobility because it is a green mode of transport,” Prof. Bbaale said. “Through the IGE programme, we worked with senior civil servants and policymakers to explore how Uganda can transition to a greener economy.”
The programme also facilitated cross-country peer learning among Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. He cited Rwanda’s rapid electrification of motorcycles through taxation and subsidies, and Tanzania’s success in universal rural electrification, as key lessons.
Capacity Building
The Centre conducted more than ten training sessions for fellows, researchers, policymakers, and graduate students. It also recruited a funded postdoctoral fellow Dr. Gemeda Olani Akuma. from Ethiopia, to work on natural capital issues.
“Postdoctoral fellows are critical to knowledge generation,” Prof. Bbaale noted. “If Makerere strengthens its postdoctoral programme, our research output will more than triple.”
He referenced benchmarking visits to South African universities with strong postdoctoral systems, noting that Makerere is steadily moving toward becoming a research-led institution.
New Projects and Institutional Growth
EfD Uganda launched five new projects and expanded its institutional partnerships during the year. These included Sida-funded initiatives, a consultancy with GIZ, the Centre’s first MakRIF-funded project, and grants from the Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation.
In institutional development, the Centre inaugurated 13 new advisory board members, strengthening governance and oversight. Prof. Bbaale also introduced the Centre’s core staff, praising their dedication and commitment to capacity building, including the mentorship of interns and teaching assistants some of whom have since joined institutions such as the Bank of Uganda.
Strengthening National and International Engagement
The Centre deepened collaboration with national institutions, including the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation. Among ongoing initiatives is a study aimed at improving bill payments at the utility to unlock new investments and service improvements.
EfD Uganda is also working with district local governments to build capacity in environmental valuation and natural capital accounting, supported by MakRIF funding from the Government of Uganda.. Trainings were conducted for districts in central Uganda and in Fort Portal.
At the international level, the Centre hosted visiting scholars, including Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa from the University of Cape Town, who trained government officials on community-based conservation, and Prof. Mark Purdon from the University of Montreal, who launched a book on carbon markets.
EfD’s Natural Capital Accounting Model Adopted by Government
A major highlight was the development of a natural capital accounting model, supported by GIZ and now adopted by the Ministry of Water and Environment. The Excel-based MoneyCap model, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, UBOS, and the National Planning Authority, supports policy assessment by comparing investment scenarios in natural capital.
“This places us at another level,” Prof. Bbaale said, noting that the model aligns with global climate finance discourse and Africa’s emerging coalition of finance ministers for climate action.
Prof. Bbaale warned that Uganda’s agriculture sector must urgently adapt to climate realities, citing erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. He stressed that climate-smart agriculture is critical to safeguarding livelihoods and food security.
The Centre also celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of Inclusive Green Economy Fellows, supported by Sida, and announced five new grants, including a Carnegie-funded project on household and SME energy efficiency and a grant for climate-sensitive macroeconomic modelling and the Makerere Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) from the Government of Uganda
Commitment to Policy-Relevant Research
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Bbaale reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s mission to generate research that delivers practical solutions for policymakers and communities.
“Our work asks a fundamental question: how much natural capital are we depleting in the pursuit of growth?” he said. “That is the frontier we are working on.”
He thanked the Centre’s team for their dedication and contributions throughout the year.
Centre Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration
Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist, reaffirmed EfD Uganda’s commitment to collaboration with policymakers, academia, civil society, and the media.
“Policy engagement includes working with the media,” Dr. Babyenda said. “We remain open to partnerships and invite stakeholders to engage with us.”
He thanked participants for attending the annual reflection event and encouraged continued networking.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
December 18, 2025 – Coming after the successful completion of the examination season, and as the year comes to an end, the afternoon, evening and night hours of 18th December 2025, presented the best opportunity, to staff to reflect on the 2025 College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) achievements in a relaxed environment.
The ever-green Makerere University Guest House gardens provided comfort as staff continued to enjoy this lovely space situated on the Makerere University Main Campus.
The event brought together the Principal, Deputy Principal, Deans of the respective Schools, Heads of Department, academic, administrative, technical and support staff, as well as guests, in a mix of celebration, networking, and recognition.
The end of year staff get-together provided a platform to strengthen collegial relationships, and reflect on the College’s future direction. In the true sense of networking, the event also featured dance competitions amongst staff.
Recognition of CoBAMS staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards 2025
A key highlight of the event featured recognition of the ten (10) members of staff from CoBAMS who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award 2025. These included: Early Career Scholar Category-Namugenyi Christabellah and Dr. Richard Ssempala, Mid-Career Scholar Category-Dr. Peter Kisaakye, Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Dr. John A. Mushomi, and Dr. Kasimu Ssendawula, Senior Career Scholar Category-Dr. Stephen O. Wandera, and the Best Teachers Category-Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Faisal Buyinza and Mr. Fred Kasalirwe.
Presenting the CoBAMS Awards amidst applause from members of staff, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-Prof.Sarah Ssali flanked by the Deputy Principal of the College, Associate Professor James Wokadala read a special message: “Your dedication elevates the standards of the College of Business and Management Sciences and brings distinction to Makerere University.”
Collective Achievements and Strategic Priorities
Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, in his end-of-year message, acknowledged the dedication of all staff and their contributions to the college’s success. “I sincerely thank all colleagues across our academic, research, administrative, and support units for your relentless dedication to advancing the mandate of the College. Your collective efforts remain the backbone of our success and institutional resilience,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale highlighted notable achievements in research and publications, congratulating staff who received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards and Best Teacher Awards. “These achievements reflect individual distinction and collective pride for our College. I encourage you to sustain this excellent performance,” he said. He further recognised faculty who secured research grants from Mak-RIF, international development partners including the Gates Foundation, UN-PAGE, GGGI, the World Bank, and Erasmus+, noting that such successes reflect growing global trust in CoBAMS scholarship.
The Principal underscored the college’s role in fostering institutional growth and partnerships. “I appreciate colleagues who have initiated and advanced Memoranda of Understanding with domestic and international partners. These platforms strengthen relevant academic training, impactful research, and policy engagement,” he said.
He highlighted new academic programs responsive to Uganda’s economic and societal needs, emphasising the college’s forward-looking and development-oriented approach.
Prof. Bbaale praised initiatives promoting staff welfare and cohesion, including the CoBAMS Physical Fitness Programme and the Mak-CoBAMS SACCO.
On infrastructure development, the Principal noted, “Government has allocated resources to commence the CoBAMS Infrastructure Expansion Project, and the University Council has approved two strategically located plots of land for its implementation. We shall actively engage the design consultant to ensure the buildings meet our teaching, research, innovation, and policy-engagement needs.”
He concluded his remarks by acknowledging life’s challenges alongside successes, extending condolences to staff who lost loved ones in 2025 and seasonal greetings: “As we step into 2026, I wish you and your families a year filled with God’s abundant blessings, good health, professional fulfilment, and personal joy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.”
DVC Academic Affairs praises Research, Innovation, and Integrity
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Sarah Ssali, praised CoBAMS for its contribution to Makerere University’s strategic goals.
She extended warm greetings from the university management, including the Vice Chancellor, and underscored the importance of every staff member’s role. “Whatever role you play, you are adding a brick to this institution, just as those before us did,” she said.
Prof. Ssali highlighted the college’s research-led initiatives, emphasizing the importance of postgraduate and doctoral programs as a pipeline for academic excellence. “I commend CoBAMS for taking this seriously. Your work reflects the university’s strategic direction and internationalisation,” she said.
She noted the recent launch of the CoBAMS Working Paper Series and encouraged its development into four journals in economics, business, statistics, and planning in the near future. “This will allow graduate students to actively contribute, mentoring the next generation of scholars while strengthening Africa’s knowledge production and decolonising knowledge,” she explained.
The DVC Academic Affairs acknowledged CoBAMS for innovative approaches to research and value addition. “During the Entrepreneurship Expo, your work with coffee demonstrated how one thematic area can generate multiple products—from coffee oil to bath scrubs—showing creativity and value addition. Similarly, demography and population studies contribute crucial expertise, from census data to electoral processes,” she said.
Prof. Ssali encouraged the college to document and develop indigenous knowledge systems. “Your role as a college is to study local economic models, explore African-informed business and economic practices, and produce scholarship that reflects local realities,” she said.
She congratulated faculty members who secured research grants, published in peer-reviewed journals, or served as editors, noting that these achievements reflect both individual excellence and the academic culture of CoBAMS.
Reflecting on the Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile Centre of Excellence at Makerere University and the research promoted by the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, Prof. Ssali called for rigorous development of the initiative. “While research chairs focus on individual scholarship, Centres of Excellence build pipelines of knowledge for future generations, preserving the legacy of scholars namely Dr Mutebile in monetary policy, finance, and banking,” she said.
Networking and Teamwork
In his address, Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal of CoBAMS, emphasized the importance of networking and teamwork. “Today is a day for networking. This is a time to connect socially, celebrate, and reaffirm our commitment to serve Makerere University and, specifically, our College.”
He applauded staff for supporting the college’s teaching, learning, research, and student mentorship activities. He highlighted CoBAMS’ innovative initiatives, including the CoBAMS SACCO and the CoBAMS fitness club, which promote teamwork, wellness, and collegiality.
He thanked the event organisers for their efforts and acknowledged those who have supported administrative processes, such as fast-tracking promotion applications. He called upon staff to continue collaborating to serve Makerere University, the nation, and humanity.
Staff Appreciate the get-together moments
Charmed by the spirit of celebration, dance competitions amongst staff, and the choice of trending music, a significant number of staff stayed at the venue until the party came to a complete stop at 10:00p.m.
The following day (19th December 2025), the rejuvenated staff took to the College WhatsApp platform, and wrote messages, acknowledging being refreshed, feeling nice and young again. They requested the College leadership to plan for more of such engagements that promote teamwork, collegiality and good health.
Business & Management
Makerere University Launches CoBAMS Working Paper Series, Marking a major Leap in Research Excellence
On 4th December 2025, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali launched the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Working Paper Series, a research product aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Uganda’s 10-fold National Economic Growth Strategy (ATMS), and the Makerere University Strategic Plan.
The Series consists of over 60 research papers, many of which have already been accepted in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. The publications cover a broad spectrum of national priorities, including unemployment, climate change, population dynamics, taxation, entrepreneurship, public investment, corruption, refugee livelihoods, and the green economy.
A landmark moment for Makerere University
Addressing the participants comprising invited guests, staff, students and the media, who convened at the CoBAMS Conference Hall to witness the launch, Prof. Ssali commended the College leadership and staff for championing Makerere’s research vision. “Today is a landmark moment in the life of Makerere University,” she declared. She emphasized that Makerere’s move toward a research-intensive identity was deliberate. “A few years ago, we made a bold and historic decision to reorient the University toward research and innovation. Today’s launch is evidence that this decision has taken root—especially within CoBAMS.”
Prof. Ssali praised the College for providing a modest annual research grant to faculty members, an initiative that produced more than 60 working papers in the 2024/2025 financial year.
She urged the College to transition the Working Paper Series into homegrown journals, adding: “If you can produce 60 papers this year and 80 next year, you have enough content for at least three journals. Journals raise our visibility, raise our H-index, and ensure that anyone researching Uganda finds homegrown scholarship.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) highlighted pressing national issues requiring academic inquiry. “Uganda’s economy grows, but unemployment remains high. When we celebrate entrepreneurship, we are often celebrating survival. These are questions this Series must help confront.”
She also pointed to the importance of research in shaping national discourse: “If people are hungry and unemployed, they will go to the streets. We cannot sit here speaking English and pretend these issues will disappear.”
We are proud of this collective achievement
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the Series as a major achievement rooted in collective effort and consistent commitment to research excellence. “What we are celebrating today is the result of your collective effort,” he told faculty. “This Working Paper Series is a nursery bed for journal articles, book chapters, and future scholarly outputs.”
He revealed that for the upcoming(2026) paper series, the College has funded over 90 research concepts and expects to produce more than 80 working papers in the 2025/2026 cycle.
Prof. Bbaale emphasised that the College’s four research centres—in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Statistics and Demography, Public Investment Management, and the Environment for Development Initiative—form a strong foundation for sustained knowledge production. “These centres anchor high-level research, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They are the backbone of our research ecosystem.”
This journey started with a modest grant
Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal, traced the origins of the Series to a small but impactful College research grant introduced in November 2024. “This afternoon is a very important day for us. This Series is the product of our internal efforts and internal resources,” he said. “By May this year, the working papers had already been finalised by the various principal investigators.”
He noted that each paper went through school-level presentations, editorial checks, and harmonisation before being accepted into the Series. “Today, we are launching 60 of those papers, with many more to follow.”
CoBAMS is a powerhouse of knowledge production
Dr. William Tayeebwa, Chief Managing Editor of Makerere University Press, praised the College’s output and pledged the Press’s support in transforming the papers into high-quality books and journal articles. “The topics and issues contained in the Working Paper Series confirm that CoBAMS is truly a powerhouse of knowledge production.”
He committed to working closely with the College: “We can convert these working papers into journal articles, special issues, and thematic book volumes within six months. Makerere University Press stands ready to support you.”
Dr. Tayeebwa highlighted the broad range of topics covered—refugees, Myooga, malaria, tax compliance, corruption, and more—describing the Series as “a rich intellectual nursery bed.”
PhD Forum: Building the next generation of researchers
Speaking on behalf of postgraduate students, Ms. Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer and Vice President of the CoBAMS PhD Students Forum, emphasised the importance of peer support in research training. “The PhD journey can be lonely,” she said. “This Forum brings students from the three Schools together to network, share knowledge, organise seminars, and hold mock defences.”
A milestone for Makerere’s research future
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s commitment: “As Makerere University positions itself among leading research institutions globally, initiatives such as the CoBAMS Working Paper Series give concrete meaning to our strategic vision.”
She officially launched the Series with a call for sustained excellence: “May it grow, mature, and inspire a new generation of researchers. May it elevate Makerere University’s intellectual footprint.”
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