On Tuesday 1^st April 2025, over600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences convened at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium to participate in the Career workshop that provided an invaluable platform for students to engage with industry leaders, gain insights into career prospects and professional development within the accounting and finance sectors.

Organized by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University Department of Accounting and Finance, School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences, the Career workshop also presented a platform to celebrate the academic achievements of the ten (10) Bachelor of Commerce students who graduated with First Class degrees-Honours Division during the Makerere University 75^th Graduation ceremony held in January 2025.

Prior to the workshop, the Dean, School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng in an interview with the College’s Communication Office, disclosed that celebrating the academic achievements of the students who obtained First Class degrees would inspire the current students to excel. In addition, Dr. Akileng noted that the presence of graduates who excelled at the Career workshop would lead to networking and peer mentorship possibilities with the current students.

During the Career workshop, speakers from Makerere University and ACCA Uganda re-affirmed their commitment to equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.

To understand the future of accountancy, students listened to presentations featuring the relevance of the accounting and finance in today’s job market by Dr. Eric Nzibonera; Insights on the collaboration with ACCA by Ms Charlotte Kukunda; Discussion of the global career opportunities in accounting and how ACCA supports professional development by Ms Jackie Mbabazi; and a keynote speech titled, An exploration of the skills and trends shaping the future of the accounting and finance industries in the 21^st Century by Mr. Robert Busuulwa.

In his address, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Edward Bbaale acknowledged the School of Business for proritising career talks and mentorship sessions for students.

“To the students, the Career workshop presents you with a chance to envision your career, and what you want to be, or what you want to study,” he said.

The Principal underscored the critical importance of bridging the gap between the academia and industry. He highlighted the instrumental role of partnerships, particularly the collaboration between Makerere University and ACCA in equipping students with globally competitive skills and certifications.

Prof. Bbaale emphasized that in the 21st century, this interface isn’t merely an option but “a necessity,” echoing the sentiments of both the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, and ACCA partners.

He advised students to visualise themselves as “global candidates” and pursue their careers with diligence and passion, taking the lessons from the workshop seriously and seeking continuous professional development. Prof. Bbaale stressed the significance of “building oneself, moulding oneself” through education, training, and experience, advocating for a focus on human capital development over immediate financial gain.

He emphasized the importance of “volunteering to work” in orderto gain experience and build a professional network. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening collaborations to ensure graduates are academically competent and well-prepared to navigate the evolving job market.

Dr. Eric Nzibonera, the Head, Department of Accounting and Finance at the College of Business and Management Sciences highlighted the significance of career guidance events for University students. He explained that career workshops provide a valuable opportunity for students to “make a choice about a particular career,” a privilege he noted was not always available to students in the past. Dr. Nzibonera believed the workshop was a chance for students to learn from experienced professionals, guiding them towards informed decisions about their future careers.

Convinced that the workshop presented a golden opportunity to students to learn from experienced professionals, Dr. Nzibonera called upon students to leverage such moments to listen to the respective presenters, prepare to ask questions on professionalism, accreditation and career paths.

Focusing on the relevance of accounting and finance in today’s job market, Dr. Nzibonera reiterated that the accounting profession is very central in the day to day lives of individuals. “Inall realms of business, in whatever you do, you need some scheme or some kind of accounting that works,” he remarked. He noted that this underlines the universal applicability of financial literacy, whether pursuing careers directly related to the field.

The Country Manager, ACCA Uganda, Ms Charlotte Kukunda informed the students who turned up in big numbers, that the Career workshop was anchored in the programmes and activities that Makerere University and ACCA Uganda agreed to undertake when both entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2022.

Ms Kukunda affirmed that ACCA Uganda values its strategic partnership with Makerere University, which has been mutually beneficial and fruitful. To expound this argument, Ms Kukunda highlighted the achievements which included: 660 students enrolled for ACCA programme, curriculum reviews of Makerere University accounting programmes, re-accreditation of the Bachelor of Commerce Accounting in June 2022, annual recognition of best accounting students since 2022, tutor capacity building workshops conducted at the College, lecturers granted access to the Education Hub, and hosting of three student career workshops annually.

She outlined the areas of collaboration with Makerere University as follows: accreditation of accounting programmes, co-development of teaching programmes that align and support the University edge resources and professional insights, employability through supporting students’ career and skills development, access to ACCA member networks to support Makerere University guest lectures/panels/conference speakers, and faculty skills development support in their teaching, learning and assessment.

The Country Manager said the Career workshop is planned, deliberate and intentional because ACCA classifies Makerere University students as strategic business leaders who are being nurtured, trained and prepared to drive the economy. She clarified that the ACCA programme is not limited to only students studying accounting.  According to Ms Kukunda, the ACCA programme embraces a broader range of disciplines and positions students for global competitiveness.

Ms. Kukunda encouraged students to explore the information resources on the ACCA website to tap into the opportunities that will enhance their financial acumen. She urged students to perceive themselves as global citizens. “When you perceive yourself as that, you are the right candidate for pursuing these globally accredited qualifications,” she said. She reinforced the value of connections and valuable networks with industry professionals, assuring students that their future is filled with potential and opportunities.

Feeding into Ms Kukunda’s presentation, Ms Jackie Mbabazi, the Business Relationship Manager at ACCA Uganda highlighted the significance of the ACCA qualification in shaping future leaders. She affirmed that ACCA is “a forward-thinking qualification” connected to vital sectors and stakeholders globally.

Ms. Mbabazi emphasized the global reach of the ACCA. “We are present in 180 countries. As you plan your professional journey, consider the ACCA qualification that is going to make you professional. Technology has enabled us to work beyond borders. Having globally recognized qualifications such as ACCA positions you to work globally,” she elaborated.

Ms. Mbabazi further pointed out the “forward-thinking qualification” attributes of ACCA. These include: Empowering individuals to be digitally relevant, creating ethical and trusted professionals, global recognition, professionals who add value, access to the most up to date syllabus on the market, and continuous learning for trainees as well as access to the global employability platform.

She also discussed the importance of adapting to technological advancements, stating, “You need to adapt and make sure technology is at the heart of what you are doing.”

Ms. Mbabazi articulated that ethics is at the centre of the ACCA programme. “ACCA programmes uphold ethics in building professionals. I urge you to avoid any form of fraud,” she emphasized.

The captivating presentations from the College of Business and Management Sciences and ACCA Uganda set the pace for the students to listen to a powerful keynote speech. Dr. Martin Bakundana introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, the founder and Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars in Uganda with over 30 years of tested and proven experience.

Mr. Robert Busuulwa’s keynote speech embodied words of wisdom and lived experiences that require an individual to be responsible for his or her destiny.

He guided the students that being successful is a personal choice and commitment. “If you want to be successful, dedicate time and study success,” he advised.

“When you plan to do something, focus and concentrate. Pursue your ambitions and career aspirations with determination and confidence,” he added.

 He castigated the popular phrase where individuals believe that it is the government responsible for their success and development. That statements calling upon the government to “assist” individuals should be discarded. “True liberation is about understanding who you are, your strengths and weakness, and what you can do as an individual to leverage your strength,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of acquiring relevant skills, urging students to consider what they needed to demonstrate to future employers, particularly in light of evolving trends such as AI, robotics, and big data. “What are the skills that you are expected to demonstrate?” he asked, reflecting on the broadening scope of skills in the field.

Using lively examples, the keynote speaker informed the audience that he had to create time to be at Makerere University on 1^st April 2025 to speak to the students. He reported that he manages a very tight schedule, but if you want and value something, you work towards it, and ensure it is a possibility.

“I am here because I created time and convinced myself that I should join you today. I love mentorship and interacting with people. I love being here. I have to return to society, what it has given me through qualifications, life and experiences. Through this career workshop, I am exactly doing that,” he said.

Mr. Busuulwa shared anecdotes from his academic journey and connecting with young minds poised for the future. He reinforced the notion that the landscape of accounting has changed dramatically, moving from traditional number-crunching to roles involving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, financial crime, and IT consulting.

Mr. Busuulwa mentioned that with the trends in the accounting profession, students and practitioners are presented with diverse career paths.

Mr. Busuulwa encouraged students to understand and appreciate their potential. “Every one of you here has the potential. I urge you to believe in your capabilities,” he said. He cautioned students and young people in general against limiting beliefs. Citing the power of thinking and its effects on the choices that individuals make, he stated, “If you think you can’t do it, you will not.”

He inspired students to actively shape their careers, stressing the need for adaptability and continuous learning. He appealed to the students to always empower their minds and souls with positive statements such as “Whatever it is, I am going to be successful,” he remarked.

The Career workshop moderated by Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer at the College of Business and Management Sciences assisted by Mr. Jonathan Basalirwa, a third year student, ended on a high note with presentation of awards of excellence to the best ten (10) First Class Honours Division graduates, and a networking session involving the respective speakers and students.

The Principal thanked the Dean, School of Business- Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Mr. John Ogema, the Makerere University Accountancy Bureau, and the team from ACCA Uganda for organizing the Career workshop 2025.

The discussions involving Makerere University staff namely Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, ACCA Uganda-Ms Charlotte Kukunda and Ms Jackie Mbabazi, and the Keynote Speaker Mr. Robert Busuulwa emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between academic training and real-world skills.

On Monday 24^th March 2025, Makerere University received a donation of an interactive smart board worth USD 10,000 from NAECHSTENLIEBE a German Charity Organisation, to facilitate teaching, learning and research.

Acknowledging that NAECHSTENLIEBE had donated a smart board to Makerere University in October 2023, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof.  Buyinza Mukadasi in a speech read by Prof. Edward Bbaale appreciated the Director of NAECHSTENLIEBE for once again, extending further support by donating the second smart board.

Inspired by the positive outcomes from the valuable networks of our member of staff in the negotiations leading to the donation of the smart boards, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) acknowledged the resource mobilization efforts of Dr. John Bosco Nnyanzi, an Associate Professor at Makerere University. “Prof. Nnyanzi, thank you for prioritizing Makerere University in the negotiations with NAECHSTENLIEBE. The University Management appreciates your contribution,” he stated.

Speaking in his capacity as the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Bbaale underscored that as Makerere University continues to implement strategies and programmes in line with its research agenda, facilities such as smart boards are crucial to facilitate real-time interactions involving researchers from different parts of the world. He urged staff and students in the School of Economics and the School of Business to effectively utilize the state-of-the-art smart boards to facilitate blended learning and teaching as well as graduate training at Makerere University.

In appreciation of this kind gesture, the Principal requested Associate Professor Nnyanzi to convey the messages of gratitude from Makerere University Management and the College of Business and Management Sciences to NAECHSTENLIEBE.

Associate Professor Nnyanzi stated that the smart boards are beneficial to both staff and students because they provide a medium for enhancing teaching, learning and supervision. He committed to continue mobilizing resources to create a positive difference in the teaching and learning environment at Makerere University.  In the same spirit, Associate Professor Nnyanzi called upon fellow staff members to tap into their networks to mobilise resources for Makerere University.

The Dean, School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng thanked NAECHSTENLIEBE and Associate Professor Nnyanzi for the donation, which will spur interactive learning and assessment of feedback. Noting that smart boards facilitate supervision and interaction with graduate students, Dr. Akileng used the same opportunity to commend the University Council for approving the PhD by coursework as proposed by the College of Business and Management Sciences. He affirmed that staff, researchers and PhD students would optimally utilize the smart boards.

At the 8^th Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK 2025), held from March 17 to 21 at the Ministry of Water and Environment’s headquarters. Makerere University researchers called for more efficient management of water and environmental resources. The event, organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Water Resources Institute brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss challenges and solutions related to water, environmental sustainability, and climate change.

The theme of UWEWK 2025, “Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods,” focused on promoting sustainable use of natural resources to enhance resilience and improve livelihoods. The week-long event also commemorated International Forest Day, World Water Day, and World Meteorological Day.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD-Mak Centre, delivered a keynote address on “Equitable and Sustainable Use of Water and Environmental Resources for Improved Incomes and Livelihoods.” Participating via Zoom from an Inclusive Green Economy workshop in Ethiopia, Bbaale emphasized the critical role of water in economic development, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and industrialization.

“Water is fundamental to the success of many sectors. It influences health, education, agriculture, and energy, all of which are integral to economic growth,” Prof. Bbaale stated. He noted that water is vital for manufacturing, services, and industrialization, and is a primary energy source in Uganda, where the country heavily relies on hydroelectric power. Globally, agriculture accounts for about 70% of freshwater use, and water is also crucial for transportation and the health of ecosystems.

However, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource mismanagement continue to threaten water availability and access. Prof. Bbaale referenced global data showing that 40-70% of developing countries face a lack of access to safe drinking water, exacerbating inequality and sparking conflicts. He also highlighted the economic implications of water scarcity, citing the example of India, where over-extraction of groundwater could lead to a 6% GDP loss by 2030.

In Africa, despite possessing some of the world’s largest freshwater systems, over 400 million people lack access to safe drinking water. Prof. Bbaale pointed to the shrinking of Lake Chad and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile, emphasizing the need for cooperative water management. In Uganda, water bodies like Lake Victoria face pollution from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff, threatening the livelihoods of millions dependent on the lake.

Prof. Bbaale also shared success stories of sustainable water management, highlighting Singapore’s water self-sufficiency model, Israel’s efficient use of recycled water for agriculture, and the Netherlands’ world-class flood management systems. He urged African nations, including Uganda, to adopt similar strategies to ensure the sustainability of water resources.

“Water scarcity, if not addressed, could lead to social unrest and significant economic losses. However, with proper management, water resources can drive industrialization, trade, and job creation,” Prof. Bbaale concluded, calling for continued investment in sustainable water practices, such as expanding irrigation coverage and promoting clean energy.

A Robust Natural Resource Accounting Required to Support Sustainable Development in Uganda – Dr. John Sseruyange

In a parallel session, Senior Research Fellow Dr. John Sseruyange participated in a policy dialogue on Natural Capital Accounting for Nature Positive Economic Planning, discussing the efforts of the EfD-Mak Centre at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation.

Dr. Sseruyange emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to natural resource accounting in Uganda, noting that while natural capital—such as forests, wetlands, and water—is crucial to the nation’s economy, its evaluation has often been too narrow. Resources like land, fisheries, and marine assets are frequently overlooked in discussions.

“Natural capital is often misunderstood and narrowly defined,” Dr. Sseruyange explained, stressing that a broader approach is necessary to understand Uganda’s true natural wealth. He pointed out the historical undervaluation of natural resources by policymakers, highlighting that while depreciation of physical capital is considered in the country’s net national product (NNP), the degradation of natural resources such as land, water, and ecosystems is not factored in. This imbalance limits Uganda’s ability to fully account for its wealth and economic potential.

Dr. Sseruyange also discussed the role of the Environment for Development (EfD) Mak Centre, which conducts collaborative research with government agencies and local stakeholders to ensure that findings are grounded in real-world issues and relevant to policy development. The center’s Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program trains senior civil servants on critical environmental topics like forestry, biodiversity, and energy efficiency, particularly in Uganda’s transport sector.

The EfD-Mak Centre’s research has also focused on energy efficiency and emission reduction in Uganda’s transport sector. Research teams have worked with stakeholders, including border-border operators and taxi drivers, to gather data and refine policies that can impact Uganda’s environmental and economic future.

“We don’t just write papers; we take our findings to local governments and communities to gather feedback and integrate it into our work,” Dr. Sseruyange stated, emphasizing the practical application of research to inform policymaking at all levels. He also stressed the importance of making technical research accessible to policymakers and the public, ensuring that it can be acted upon.

The session concluded with a call for continued collaboration between researchers, government agencies, and local communities to improve Uganda’s natural capital accounting. Such efforts are essential to enhancing environmental resilience and advancing sustainable economic growth.

Call for Urgent Adaptation Measures to Safeguard Uganda’s Agricultural Sector from Climate Variability

 Dr. Peter Babyenda, the IGE Engagement Specialist, presented a paper during the side event under the theme Sub-theme 2: Water and Environment for Climate Action. His paper, titled “Adaptation to Climate Variability Safeguards Welfare Loss in Uganda,” focuses on the critical need for effective climate adaptation strategies to protect the welfare of Uganda’s rural farming households.

Presenting via Zoom from an Inclusive Green Economy workshop in Ethiopia , Babyenda stressed that Uganda is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability, with about 68% of households relying on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. According to Babyenda, this dependency makes Ugandan farmers particularly susceptible to extreme climate events, including floods, droughts, altered rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. These changes, Babyenda explained, not only threaten food security but also exacerbate poverty.

“Climate variability is no longer a future threat – it is a present reality for millions of Ugandans,” said Dr. Babyenda. “Effective adaptation measures can mitigate these impacts and significantly improve the welfare of farming households.”

In his presentation, Dr. Babyenda used data from six waves of Uganda National Panel Surveys (2009-2019) and historical climate data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, spanning the years 1979-2013, to assess the impact of climate variability on household welfare. He also applied the Endogenous Switching Regression model to evaluate the effect of adaptation decisions made by farming households.

The study revealed that households that adopted climate adaptation strategies saw a measurable increase in their welfare, with an average gain of 4,054 Uganda shillings (approximately $1.2) per adult equivalent. However, Dr. Babyenda highlighted that while some adaptation measures proved beneficial, not all were immediately advantageous. The initial costs of adaptation can result in short-term losses, but over time, the benefits outweigh these challenges.

“Farmers who adapt to climate variability generally experience less damage to their livelihoods compared to those who do not,” Babyenda noted. “However, the key to success lies in identifying the most effective and affordable adaptation measures.”

Dr. Babyenda’s findings stress the need for strategic policy interventions to foster widespread adaptation among Uganda’s farmers. His recommendations included educating farmers about the long-term benefits of adaptation, subsidizing adaptation measures to make them more accessible, and improving the efficiency of extension services to better support farmers.

“Policymakers must ensure that farmers are not only informed but equipped with the tools to adapt,” Babyenda emphasized. “This means enhancing extension services, targeting farmers with specific educational programs, and subsidizing key resources to make adaptation more feasible.”

Dr. Babyenda concluded by urging a coordinated effort to build resilience within Uganda’s agricultural sector. He emphasized that these strategies are vital to ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture, which is a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.

“Climate change is a clear and present danger, but through careful adaptation, we can secure the future of Uganda’s agriculture and the welfare of its farmers,” Babyenda said.

The findings of the research are expected to serve as a crucial baseline for future climate adaptation policies and actions in Uganda, aiming to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farming households affected by climate variability. The paper was authored by Peter Babyenda, Makerere University Uganda; Prof. Jane Kabubo-Mariara, Executive Director, Partnership for Economic Policy and Sule Odhiambo from University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda