Business & Management
CoBAMS sets up forum to coordinate academia, innovators & entrepreneurs
The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has set up a forum to facilitate partnerships and transfer of assistance from academia to small and middle-sized innovators and entrepreneurs. The forum was established at the first-ever Entrepreneurs’ Business Breakfast Meeting held in Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University on December 7, 2022.
The breakfast meeting was organised by the CoBAMS-based Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, under the theme, ‘Makerere University’s role in entrepreneurship ecosystem’ The meeting was attended by government agencies, Makerere University faculty and students and a wide array of entrepreneurs in the private sector.
The forum was one of the two engagement platforms agreed upon in the meeting. Giving a wrap-up of the meeting’s discussions and resolutions, the college Principal Prof. Eria Hisali said, “We have agreed to set up two platforms: this one of academics with entrepreneurs and private sector practitioners, and the other for policymakers where we academics will engage with government ministries and agencies. The latter will be known as a policy laboratory. As for the former, the committee of volunteers we have set up today will come up with an appropriate name.”
A committee of ten volunteers was formed. They include;
- Mr. John Kakungulu Walugembe, the executive director of Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Uganda
- Grace Nanyonga Mugisha, Grana Fish Supplies Ltd
- Kazigati B.L.F, NAADS secretariat
- Seregio Naturinda, Swiftia Devt ltd
- Sajjabi Bamuzala Robert, Uwezo Microfinance
- Nabuuma Teddy, Twin Cakery
- Pamela Nalukwago Ntalo, Pamville Schools
- Ssekimpi Philip Kakembo, Uganda Tailors Association
- Alitubera Martha
- Ssenogo Brian Kimuli
The committee will work with a secretariat to be headed by Dr. Sarah Bimbona, the director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (MakEOC). It was mandated to pursue the recommendations of the first Entrepreneurs’ Business Breakfast Meeting and plan for future activities which include organizing the second such meeting in June 2023.
It was further resolved that to start with, the forum should convene twice a year, but the committee should meet quite often and keep updating the forum members. The next meeting of the forum should have more numbers in attendance, with more entrepreneurs giving personal testimonies of assistance got from Makerere University.
VACATING COMFORT ZONES
Prof. Hisali was pleased to listen to requests for more practical interaction between academics and entrepreneurs and innovators in the practical economy. “I am happy that our guests are challenging us to get out of our comfort zones as academicians. As a college, we have the knowledge and the manpower – faculty and students – which we can dip into the ecosystem of business and innovation. We are well placed to provide advisory services in areas of funding, taxation and policies, among others,” Prof. Hisali affirmed.
He disclosed that the college works with several stakeholders such as Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, women traders in Kampala markets and other communities. This, in addition to designing more practical and relevant academic programmes
Prof. Hisali said the conversation on how the university should guide potential entrepreneurs and investors, what type of skills should be given to students and how to build and sustain a solid bridge among academia, industry, finance and business should continue.
The Head, Department of Marketing and Management, Dr. Peter Turyakira, emphasized that the Makerere University of today is no longer the ivory tower of the past. “We recognize that we are in the knowledge era; so, we share the knowledge we create through publications and conferences; we mentor students through expos and hubs, such that many of them leave campus when they are already employers or employed.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER JOHN WALUGEMBE
Mr. John Kakungulu Walugembe, the executive director of the 734,000-business-member Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Uganda, was the keynote speaker. Mr. Walugembe underscored the central role of small and medium enterprises and businesses in the development of countries.
“There is a lot of confusion and lack of exposure in this country. No country has ever developed on the basis of big companies or big investors. It is small and medium-sized enterprises that have built economies in developed countries.” He added that no country can ignore the textile and apparels sector, adding that this sector alone would employ all the youth flocking the Middle East seeking employment.
Mr. Walugembe decried the culture of entrepreneurs working in isolation from one another and the alarming lack of soft skills especially among the youth who dream of becoming rich without sweating. “There are many jobs in this country, but it is very difficult to find honest people,” he lamented.
He also criticized banks in Uganda for concentrating on buying treasury bills and bonds rather than loaning money to businesses, and the tax authority which prefers closing distressed businesses rather than help them survive.
Mr. Walugembe outlined a number of interventions Makerere can make to improve the situation in the ecosystem. He advised Makerere to have a venture fund and raise funds for investment; intellectual property; set up student-led enterprises; and avoid training people for jobs that are dying or no longer exist, among others.
DESIGN LABS, PUBLIC INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CENTRE
Dr. Cathy Mbidde, the manager at Makerere University Innovation Hub, said the hub had embarked on the task of retrieving research documents archived in the library and translating them into usable innovations and products. She disclosed that with UNDP support, Makerere University is going to set up nine design labs for making machines and equipment, among other uses.
Prof. Hisali reported that government has given money to the college to set up a Centre of Public Investment Management. He said the centre has started supporting the implementation of many government initiatives and the improvement of the management performance of Saccos and SMEs. It would also absorb many of the students who would give free service as part of their training.
Non-Makerere participants put forward a number of challenges they face and pieces of advice on how the university should collaborate with them going forward. For example, they requested the university to help them gain exposure through foreign visits, avail advisory databases that can provide information and guidance on what kind of business one can start with which amount of capital or skills.
Participants also asked the university to train their students in soft skills, character, morality and discipline. Lack of self-confidence and a persevering spirit and shortage of locally made machines and equipment were pointed out as major obstacles to growth and survival of many businesses.
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines
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.
Business & Management
Study Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors
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.
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