Business & Management
17 Government Fisheries officials skilled on Bio-Economics of Fisheries Management
Seventeen (17) fisheries experts from the Uganda’s districts of Kampala, Mukono, Masaka. Wakiso and Jinja have been retooled on the bio-economics of fisheries management . The two days training (15th-16th March 2023) held at Makerere University was facilitated by Africa’s and Ghanaian renowned Professor of environmental economics, Wisdom Akpalu.
Prof. Wisdom was invited by the EfD-Mak centre to come and provide training on bio-economics of fisheries management to fisheries officers in Uganda. Prof. Wisdom is the centre Director of EfD Ghana but also the member of the coordination committee of the entire EfD Network and member of the capacity development committee of the EfD Network but also, the leader of the Blue resources for development- a collaborative program within the EfD Network where fisheries fall.
Government fisheries officials were retooled on different aspects including the cost, revenue and profit in fisheries economics, growth functions in fisheries, property rights and resources extraction, policy instruments to regulate overfishing. Other aspects were dynamic equilibrium and the concept of shadow value, destructive fishing practices, resource use externalities and the performance of capture fisheries in Africa.
The training was officially opened by the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali who congratulated the centre Director for organizing this training and other initiatives adding that, they are important because they add to our visibility as a a college and university and it also takes us to the government and other agencies out there.
Prof. Hisali noted that Fisheries and fish related products are among and still remain among the five leading exports from Uganda while Africa is one of the two continents where the big proportion of the population still lives directly of the fishing activities and Natural resources in general.
“Our concern then, is the way these activities are being undertaken is not sustainable we risk depleting these resources because of population pressure, and unsustainable practices and once that happens it threatens our existence of our continent but also as countries because if we deplete resources and yet we are living directly of the same, then everyone should be starting to imagine what will happen.
What will happen is untold suffering but also direct conflict for the little resources that would have remained and disintegration of countries and societies” he decried
The Principal challenged all participants to look at the strategic importance of the lessons to be undertaken in the two days
“This intervention that the center is undertaking to share insights on how best we can sustainably use these resources becomes very important for the very survival of our countries. I want you to look at this training as a very important one because it speaks of the very basis of our survival as a country and continent”, Prof. Hisali stressed.
Prof. Hisali advised participants to form a network which should go deeper into ideas given by Prof. Wisdom, contextualize them and ensure they are fully applicable to the Ugandan situation and begin influencing sustainable practices and policy.
“Some civil servants at your level tend to under look themselves. You are extremely powerful and you can influence so many things. So go with that confidence and come up with suggestions that are practical, make sense and that can be implemented.
As a university and specifically the center, Hisali pledged full availability to work closely with the fisheries experts and to convene in case they have ideas to work through the nitty gritties and contribute own insights .Prof. Hisali also pledged that the university will equally be available in terms of creating platforms for the works that fisheries experts do to engage wth policy makers.
As they integrate lessons and experiences and insights, and as they develop materials for policy advocacy, the principal implored participants to get back to working places and pass on the message to build capacity in institution to have a critical mass of public servants and members of the community who have a different perspective on the way of handling natural resources and understanding the implications of mismanagement of resources.
“History will judge extremely harshly if we don’t take the necessary actions today to ensure that the next generation of the people in our continent live a better and more meaningful life”
The Principal thanked Prof. Wisdom Akpalu for making time to come to Uganda and Makerere University in particular to share the knowledge, skills and experiences from Ghana, expressing the need for opening up to share cross country comparisons to learn from one another on the basis of areas with commonalities.
Knowledge on the biology and economics of fisheries management critical for practitioners.
Prof. Wisdom Akpalu observed that Africa has very few people who have the expertise in combining the biology and economics of fisheries management which has made fisheries management difficult and unattractive because decision makers usually want to hear about money, stocks have declined, how to improve stocks and how much can be got if stocks are improved, the social economic implications when stocks are improved and cost involved.
So, by bringing the biology and economics together one is able to paint a much better picture that is more appreciated by policy makers.
“The message is clear. We cannot manage what do not know. We cannot manage if we do not have some level of technical knowledge of how the fisheries operate and it is not sufficient to just have knowledge of the biology of fish the size, movement etc”, Wisdom stated.
Wisdom described Fisheries as an interesting area because it has so many dimensions that requires one to understand both the biology that is, how the fish grows, the thresholds in nature that you cannot harvest beyond a certain threshold or else the stock can collapse. And then you have to add the dimension of economics that when these fishes are harvested, they are harvested for economic and social reasons, as a source of food and also sold in the market that brings in the issue of cost, revenue and how does these influence the way we manage the resource.
“By providing them this knowledge, they now have a better sense of how to bring the knowledge in the biology and economics together to distinguish between concepts such as maximum sustainable yield which is the maximum quantity of fish that we can catch on a yearly basis and maximum economic yield which is the quantity to catch to generate the highest economic benefit.
Usually, the maximum economic yield may be lower than the maximum sustainable yield which means to make a lot of money, or to make the highest possible profit from the fisheries, you may have to deploy a lesser level of effort than you are aiming to catch the maxim you can catch on a yearly basis for society to consume”. The professor explained.
He further explained that sometimes the biology will recommend catching up to maxim yield but, the economics may recommend to restrict the catch because when you catch all, the profits you make is lower. If you reduce the catch at a lower level, other things have to come in, the social consideration, whether fishing for profit or other reason and how to incorporate those reasons in the basic model so as to appreciate things beyond economic gains or pure profits from economics.
Prof. Wisdom commended the participants for the active participation and ability to grasp the subject matter.
“I have been quite impressed. When I was coming, I knew they were going to be faculty graduate students etc. Only to see practitioners, people who were in the field doing fisheries work . I was wondering whether they are a cut for a course like this. But to my surprise, with all the concepts that I had to go through they were very comfortable.
“They showed the clear understanding of the concept and they were looking for more and when I gave exercises they did it clearly and gave me the answers. It has been quiet impressive and it shows that they have potential and the zeal, they have the interest and they will put what they have learnt to practice”. He appreciated.
Prof. Wisdom encourage the university to continue with this type of collaboration adding that the EfD Network within the continent has a lot expertise and potential that can be harnessed for the benefit of individual countries and the continent.
“With this type of interaction we share knowledge and sometimes we tend to undervalue this knowledge that we share but I believe that if we have to change things for better for the continent, we have to begin to make use of our expertise and experiences in a platform like this.
Today, it is bio-economics of fisheries management and next time it should be something also relevant for the continent This was a very good positive initiative, I applaud the university and encourage them to continue” He said.
Namaganda Ruth, the Fisheries officer from Mukono District Local Government said:
“The training was very productive to me in that being on the frontline of managing the fisheries, it gives you a clear picture of how you can predict and advise fishermen as the primary beneficiaries of the resource. At the district level, when policies are being developed, we can guide the technical officers, our superiors and politicians on how to effectively manage the resources.
If possible, the centre should organize more training in other aspects of natural resources because management is so diverse”.
Maganda Moses is the Senior Environmental Officer from Jinja District Local Government. He said:
“The training was very good. Much of what we are missing in government is attaching an economic value to what we do. We do not have those basics of making those estimates and calculations. But at least now, I have an idea of what I can do in case they need such information or data. The training was on how we can collect data on a particular resource of the fisheries sector.
So it was a very good training only that the training period of two days was inadequate and probably and we need further training in that, and even those who did not benefit from this, it would be good to introduce them to such training so that they are equipped with skills of generating data in the fisheries sector”.
Importance of the Fisheries sector
Fisheries according to Prof. Wisdom plays a key role in our social economic social being world over and on the continent. In Ghana, for example about 60% of the animal protein needed comes from fisheries and this because the other types of animal protein are either unavailable, scarce or expensive. So a lot of people derive that requirement from fish.
The same applies in Uganda, where people would have loved to eat fish but because fish is not readily available. So that fact that we have less than 10% of animal protein from fish, is not that people do not like fish but because it is outside the reach of the majority of people.
On the other hand, Wisdom asserts that fisheries are resources that if properly managed they can last forever but then these fisheries are over capitalized and over fished in Ghana and Uganda. So, the fisheries sector is extremely important for job create employing a huge number of the population, giving animal protein requirement,.
“Fisheries products provides foreign exchange because a lot of money is spent through foreign exchange in Uganda through Nile perch processing and export .So the sector is critical and beyond just being important even the value alone to the fish that is harvested is about 2.1% of the Ugandan GDP and that is why it was important for the government officials to be retooled”. Prof. Wisdom explained.
Key issues affecting the fisheries sector
Prof. Wisdom noted that the fisheries sector both in Ghana and Uganda are troubled with so many challenges . One of those is over-capitalization where there are too many vessels, canoes, boats and that has to be reduced. There is also lack of proper management and so much competition for stocks from different sub-sectors that is leading to over exploitation of stock.
There is use of all sorts of destructive methods because there is competition for stock as fisher men tend to think that they can use other illegal means to be able to catch more fish. Some use explosive dynamites, small size nets, small filament nets which are all over the places posing a serious challenge within the industry.
But most importantly there is lack of knowledge and capacity to be able to appreciate the impact of all problems on the stocks, harvest, profits and gains that generated from these resources.
Key policy interventions Uganda can emulate from Ghana
From the discussions and interactions with the fisheries experts, Prof. Wisdom noted that Ghana and Uganda it appears have similar challenges including over capacity in the fishing activities taking place, low political and foreign interests in the fisheries sector with foreigners coming in to compete with locals.
In Ghana, Wisdom said, there are areas dedicated to small scale fishing and the aim is to secure livelihoods of poor people living along coastal communities, with specific marked spaces that are reserved for local fishermen so that they can have some catch.
Uganda can learn that Ghana has demarcated where and what locals and foreigners can fish.
“We should also priorities local fishermen viz-a-viz foreign vessels and if possible impose enough taxes on the foreign vessels and use those taxes to take care of local fishermen. We realized that we can gain efficiency by allowing foreign vessels to fish species that local people find difficult to catch and make sure we get taxes that can support local fishing industry so that local fishermen are not denied their basic livelihoods.
Ghana according Prof. Wisdom has clauses and policies where within specific areas fishermen are not supposed to fish to allow the stocks to recover. From the discussion with the fisheries officials, Uganda also did it once or twice but has not done it for some time. It is time for Uganda to revisit and try to implement this policies because there are clear ecological benefits and improvement in catches of fisher folks.
Although Uganda has marine police like in Ghana, Ghana in addition has other established local institutions. There is what is called, “landing beach enforcement committee” where local people constitute themselves into enforcement units and they are able to control some of the illegal practices about fisher folks that Uganda can learn from.
Ghana as explained by Prof. Wisdom has a strong collaboration between research, academia and policy makers working at the ministries and then, the stakeholders the fisher folks and civil society organizations. That platform he advised should be encouraged to be created so that it will not be one sided decision, it will be a platform where researchers, fisher folks, civil society organizations and the ministries can always come together to discuss issues of common interest.
Ghana has also established the scientific and technical committee of the Fisheries commission compromising stakeholders such as people from academia who identify and investigate issues for discussion and advise the commission to implement issues observed and Uganda can learn from this.
In Ghana’s fishing communities, there is what they call, “the fish queens or mummies”. These are women who take key roles in post-harvest activities and the fish queen is the leader of women engaged in fish processing and trading and typically, they are the ones who determine the pricing of fish. When the fisher folks come from the sea, they observe the catches of a few vessels like the first three canoes and are able to tell what the supply of the day would be and that guides them to determine the price per measure would be and they announce that price and every fisherman that comes has to sell at that price. So they play that key role of determining the price of fish and all fishermen on that day obey that particular price.
In Ghana, the fisheries industry especially the artisanal vessels are supposed to be Ghanaian. The semi-industrial vessels are also supposed to be owned by Ghanaians and including industrial trawlers are also supposed to be owned by Ghanaians. But because the Ghanaian don’t have the capacity to own the trawlers, they go into a hire purchase agreement and the agreement tends to be rooted in corruption. Those who claim to have hired the vessels do it on behalf of foreigners who disguise as experts on how to manage vessels but are the true beneficiaries. At the end of the day they end up catching the fish they are not supposed to and make a lot of money. So there are Vessel Monitoring Systems that are installed on vessels to monitor and track them and to know where exactly they are operating.
Prof. Wisdom says he has been recommending installation of video devices so that the activities can be watched at a distance so that they can be regulated better and avoid exploitation. By installing video devices on boats and vessels that target big species like the Nile perch to monitor them, the benefits cost will be 21 to 1.
Remarks by the Director EfD-Mak centre
Prof. Edward Bbaale welcomed participants to Makarere University and the EfD Centre. In a special way, Prof. Bbaale thanked the visiting professor for moving all the way from Ghana to come and facilitate the workshop.
Bbaale also extended appreciation to the university management and the Principal CoBAMS for facilitating and overseeing the center’s operations.
He thanked participants for making time to come to Makerere saying, they were selected because they were instrumental in their duty station assuring them that the training will focus on what they do at their places of work.
Prof. Bbaale assured participants that none of the participants was selected by Makerere but letters were write to their bosses who selected them. He said by the end of the training, they would have changed the way they perceived things and the way they would want to go deeper into bio economics of fisheries management.
He assured participants that the facilitator is one of the best environmental economists in Africa.
“We have a person that has invested a lot of time in the work for which he is sharing with us. He has had a lot of experience working with international organizations before he came back to work with a university in Ghana and also to established the EfD centre in Ghana”
He thanked Prof. Wisdom for creating this collaboration saying, the center is developing capacity in different areas and would be glad to visit Ghana and share the experiences.
“Uganda is an agricultural country and the government officers you see here are very few compared to the need that we have, that means that may be another time we shall invite you for another cohort because here, are people from the ministry of agriculture, environmental police, and colleagues from different local governments from different districts. It means that to have lasting impact we must require that we have several rounds of this nature”, Bbaale added.
Prof. Wisdom Akpalu
Prof. Wisdom is the Centre Director of EfD Ghana but also the member of the coordination committee of the entire EfD Network and member of the capacity development committee of the EfD Network but importantly, the leader of the Blue resources for development- a collaborative program within the EfD Network where fisheries is. He obtained a PhD in economics from the University of Gothenburg Sweden 2006. He is currently Dean, of the School of Research and Graduate Studies at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. Prof Wisdom is also the President of the African Association of Environmental and Resource Economists in Africa. His research focuses on social economics of natural resource management including fisheries management, economics of crime and punishment and economic institutions.
Business & Management
Strengthening Europe-Africa Higher Education Collaboration through the NEAR-ER Project
Makerere University in Uganda, is implementing the Network on Europe and Africa Relations-Education and Research (NEAR-ER) project, which seeks to strengthen collaboration in higher education through dialogue, events, scholarly debates, exchange of best practices, and dissemination of research and techniques.
The NEAR-ER is a Jean Monnet policy network of 20 higher education institutions; 7 in Europe and 13 in Africa. The thematic areas include: Shared Peace, Shared Prosperity and Shared Spaces as expounded below:
Shared Peace-Democracy, Rule of Law, Justice and Positive Peace Initiatives; Shared Prosperity-Trade Relations, Development Cooperation and Sustainability; and Shared Spaces-Climate Change, Energy Cooperation and Population Movement
The implementation of the three year (December 2024 to November 2027), NEAR-ER project co-funded by the European Union, follows a successful response, to a call for proposals by researchers based at the School of Statistics and Planning under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). The NEAR-ER research team consists of the following: Dr. John M. Mushomi – Principal Investigator, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Dr. Olivia Nankinga, Dr. Nicholas Tunanukye and Dr. Fred Maniragaba.
Early Career Researchers and Graduate Students’ Dialogue
On 16th June 2025, Makerere University hosted the NEAR-ER dialogue targeting early career researchers and graduate students from higher education institutions in Uganda.
Featuring remarks from Makerere University officials, an overview of the NEAR-ER project, a panel discussion on the career prospects in the EU, and an interactive question and answer session, the dialogue presented an opportunity to participants to engage with leading scholars in Europe-Africa relations, network with academics across continents, explore research and career prospects in EU-Africa partnerships, contribute to meaningful discussions on contemporary challenges affecting both continents, and gain insights into current trends and future directions in Europe-Africa cooperation.
The following members of the NEAR-ER project tipped early career researchers and graduate students on Africa and Europe relations including research, partnerships, academics, access to scholarships, mobility, networking, and among other important aspects: Prof. Muller Gustavo-the Overall Principal Investigator from KU Lueveni, Prof. Chris Nshimbi-Africa Principal Investigator from University of Pretoria, and Dr. John A. Mushomi-Principal Investigator at Makerere University.
Tour of Makerere University Innovation Pod
Prior to the dialogue, the NEAR-ER delegation toured the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak Unipod). Reflecting on the tour, Prof. Muller Gustavo lauded the level of innovation, describing it as a promising space for African-centered academic advancement.
NEAR-ER delegation Courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor
The delegation participated in a courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The following University officials participated in the courtesy meeting held in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room: Associate Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal-College of Business and Management Sciences, Associate Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu-Dean, School of Economics, Dr. Margaret Banga-Dean, School of Statistics and Planning, and Dr. John A. Mushomi-Principal Investigator of the NEAR-Project at Makerere University.
Official Opening of the NEAR-ER dialogue
Opening the NEAR-ER Dialogue on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, underscored the significance of the event, as a defining moment in research collaboration in Africa and Europe. He emphasized that the academic convening provided a strategic platform for deep reflection, meaningful reconnection, and a renewed commitment to joint scholarship that promotes peace, shared prosperity, and inclusive development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the activities of the NEAR-ER project were aligned with Makerere University’s strategic vision as well as Uganda’s national development agenda. He expressed optimism that the deliberations would spark innovative thinking, strengthen solidarity between Africa and Europe, and help shape a future rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and purposeful collaboration.
He encouraged the participants in the NEAR-ER dialogue to ensure that Africa embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution through optimizing digitalization systems and processes. He challenged the participants to view the dialogue, as a call to action, and a catalyst for cultivating transformational African leaders equipped with relevant digital skills and employable knowledge. He stressed that the continent’s future hinged on preparing the next generation to confidently navigate and address the demands of the digital age.
Putting across a strong case for African institutions to take on leadership in the co-production of knowledge, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi said: “Africa’s development trajectory depends on homegrown ideas, African-led innovation, and the strategic harnessing of global partnerships to address local and global challenges.”
Highlights by the College Principal
The Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale represented by the Deputy Principal, Associate Prof. James Wokadala, described the NEAR-ER project as a foundational moment in the redefinition of global academic cooperation from the heart of Africa. The Principal called upon the participants to utilize the dialogue to form enduring partnerships.
He underscored the College’s central role in advancing global academic collaboration, within the framework of EU-Africa partnerships in education and research. He noted that the dialogue marked a significant milestone through positioning CoBAMS as a vital conduit for strengthening cross-continental partnerships. He highlighted that the NEAR-ER network’s emphasis on education and research strongly aligned with the College’s mission to foster robust academic linkages between the Global North and South.
The Deputy Principal acknowledged CoBAMS’ unwavering dedication to advancing Makerere University’s agenda of becoming a global academic e-hub, particularly within the evolving landscape of EU-Africa relations. He reported that the College was actively undertaking strategic initiatives to deepen international engagement—initiatives designed to foster mutual learning, catalyze collaborative research, and create meaningful career development pathways.
“The College leadership has prioritized supporting young researchers and postgraduate students, thus empowering the next generation of scholars to thrive in an increasingly interconnected academic ecosystem,” he said.
Highlights from the Principal Investigator
Focusing on the critical role of students in academic institutions, Dr. John A. Mushomi, the Principal Investigator of the NEAR-ER project at Makerere University, said: “Our students are our main customers. We should therefore nurture and empower our learners through global research and engagements.”
Dr. Mushomi highlighted the importance of providing a “safe engagement space” for students and researchers. Reflecting on his academic journey, and postdoctoral fellowship, he acknowledged the relevance of seeking mentorship, citing it as an instrumental step in his path to the NEAR-ER network.
He also acknowledged the long-term collaborative efforts that led to the successful NEAR-ER grant proposal, notably involving both Makerere University and Kyambogo University.
Overview of the NEAR-ER project
Presenting the Overview of the NEAR-ER project, Prof. Muller Gustavo, a Senior Researcher at the London Centre for Global Government Studies underscored the critical importance of collaborative research and education between Europe and Africa. He noted that holding the first African convening/dialogue at Makerere University was both strategic and symbolic of the growing academic ties between the two continents.
Delving into the origins of the project, Prof. Gustavo revealed that the idea for the network was conceived approximately three years prior, where they envisioned a platform that would encourage dialogue, research, and exchange on topics central to Europe–Africa relations. They rallied scholars from diverse institutions, forming a vibrant and interdisciplinary consortium.
“Over the last three years, we put together a group of universities to foster and facilitate research and communication on relationships between Africa and Europe. The goal of the consortium is to disseminate the research and education practices, the best practices of education in Africa, in Europe, but also worldwide,” he said.
Prof. Gustavo highlighted that the NEAR-ER project will serve as a vehicle to foster best practices in education, research dissemination, and policy-relevant collaboration. He noted that the network intentionally included universities and institutions representing diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, affirming their commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive regional representation. According to Prof. Gustavo, this diversity strengthens the network’s mission to bridge educational and research gaps between the global north and south.
Beyond institutional collaboration, Prof. Gustavo emphasized the network’s commitment to public engagement and knowledge dissemination. He detailed a range of outputs already in motion, including research blogs, podcasts, newsletters, webinars, policy surveys, and country-specific forecasts.
Prof. Gustavo urged the students and young scholars to become active contributors to the NEAR-ER platform. He explained that the network is open to ideas from emerging voices—whether through blogs, podcasts, or other digital formats—and provides a unique opportunity for students to share perspectives and shape global discourse.
“There might be opportunities here for some of you that are interested in further increasing your knowledge on European integration, African integration, and the relationship between those two processes. You may be a student who has an idea on how to improve the relationship and looking at a particular aspect to get that idea out to the world, we can offer that destination platform for you as well,” Prof. Gustavo mentioned.
Remarks by the Dean, School of Statistics and Planning
Dr. Margaret Banga, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning, informed the participants, that the dialogue was a space to unite the varied disciplines and backgrounds present, all in pursuit of a shared vision for the future.
“The NEAR-ER initiative is more than a research collaboration. It is a bridge of solidarity between Europe and Africa—a platform where shared learning leads to shared solutions. It is not about the North teaching the south, but it is about learning from one another,” Dr. Banga said.
Standing as a firm believer in the transformative power of research, innovation, and youthful curiosity, Dr. Banga, underscored the importance of structure and strategy in translating ideas into impact. She encouraged the audience to treat planning as the bridge between possibility and progress. She stressed that without a clear methodology, timeline, partners, and budget, even the most brilliant ideas can fade into obscurity, but with a solid plan, those same ideas can evolve into funded projects, published policy briefs, and life-changing solutions.
To the young scholars, Dr. Banga issued a powerful call to action. “You are the thinkers who will unlock Africa’s economy,” she said. “You are the innovators who will shape climate resilience. You are the analysts and planners who will rethink development—not as something done for us, but as something shaped by us.”
With conviction and hope, Dr. Banga reminded the young scholars that they were not mere students, but emerging leaders, and agents of change. She urged them not to wait for some future moment of “expertise” before stepping up. She offered a critical reminder that every question they pose, every network they build, and every inquiry they pursue is already shaping the world, “Your research is not small because you are just starting out, your work has the power even now to improve lives and influence generations. Don’t just study the world. Change it.”
A voice from the PhD Students
Ms. Claire Cheremoi, President of the PhD Fellows at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the spirit of unity and collaboration fostered by the NEAR-ER dialogue. “Our voices matter. Coming together as students is powerful,” she said.
Ms. Cheremoi emphasized the value of collective engagement, stressing that such platforms were essential in facilitating the sharing of knowledge, fostering meaningful networks, and sparking critical discussions on the issues that matter most to young scholars. She stated their commitment to engaging in conversations on research funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and broader academic partnerships.
A statement from the representative of undergraduate students
Mr. Ssozi Fahad Batte, Chairperson, Students Guild Council, College of Business and Management Sciences acknowledged the students had the zeal to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully. In his view, the most significant outcome of such dialogues was the ability to extract value—something “to take home.”
He stated the critical role of documentation, urging fellow participants to write down their ideas, strategies, and action points in order to share them beyond the event. He also highlighted the importance of networking, stressing that connections and collaborations were central to growth in academia and beyond.
Panel discussion on Career Prospects in the EU
In a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Robert Ojambo from Kyambogo University, several international scholars shared invaluable insights on navigating academic and professional opportunities abroad—particularly for students and researchers from the Global South.
The panel discussion offered a wealth of practical insights for young scholars seeking academic and professional opportunities across borders. The panelists emphasized the importance of building trust-based networks, as well as, going beyond emails to form genuine relationships with professors, peers, and institutions.
Strategic planning emerged as a recurring theme during the panel discussion—highlighting the need to research language requirements, living costs, and cultural differences when selecting destinations. Participants encouraged scholars from the Global South to view their unique backgrounds as assets that contribute to valuable perspectives to global discourse.
Opportunities such as Intra-Africa Academic Mobility programs, and summer schools were also presented as transformative pathways that combine education, exposure, and networking. The discussion also stressed the power of initiative—actively reaching out, applying, volunteering, and making oneself visible in digital academic spaces. Importantly, career success was linked not just to passion, but to aligning one’s skills with institutional needs and being open to unpaid roles such as voluntary service that build experience and credibility. The overall message was clear: international academic success requires preparation, adaptability, and the courage to take the first step.
As participants engaged across these thematic areas, the NEAR-ER dialogue underscored the central role of universities in bridging regions, amplifying diverse voices, and generating research-driven responses to global emergencies. The NEAR-ER dialogue held at Makerere University was not just a reflection of academic solidarity—it was a declaration of shared purpose and a call to action in re-imagining a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future across continents.
Business & Management
Prudential Uganda invests UGX 135 million in Makerere’s Top 5 Actuarial Graduates
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Uganda’s financial and insurance sectors, Prudential Uganda has awarded UGX 135 million to the top five graduates of Makerere University’s Actuarial Science program, underscoring its firm commitment to nurturing globally competitive actuarial talent within the country.
The initiative, operating under the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme (PASS) is a transformative partnership launched in 2022 between Prudential Uganda and Makerere University, anchored in a five-year renewable agreement aimed at cultivating professional excellence in actuarial science through merit-based support. Under this scheme, the top five actuarial graduates from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University are each awarded a cash prize of USD 500—a tangible recognition of academic brilliance and perseverance.
Beyond the monetary reward, PASS provides a robust framework of academic and professional support, including sponsorship for globally recognized certification exams, industry mentorship, and hands-on training opportunities. This holistic approach ensures that Uganda’s brightest actuarial minds are not only celebrated, but also empowered to thrive on the global stage.
During a press conference held on 11th June 2025, the five exceptional graduates were recognized for their academic excellence and potential to shape the future of Uganda’s financial services industry. Mr. Brendan Joseph Lule, Mr. Gordon Twinomujuni, Mr. Allan Galabuzi, Ms. Daphine Katana, and Mr. Kenneth Inyangat—each received a cash prize of USD 500 and full sponsorship for globally recognized actuarial certification exams. This award positions them on an accelerated path toward international professional accreditation.
Speaking during the press briefing, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), applauded the partnership between Makerere University and Prudential Assurance Uganda for coming up with an initiative that inspires students to aim higher and a clear message that their hard work is recognized and valued beyond the lecture halls.
Prof. Bbaale described the collaboration, formalized under PASS as a transformative coalition that would significantly shape the future of actuarial science education in Uganda. He emphasized the real-world value of the support offered through the scheme, noting that at least 10 students undertook professional actuarial exams under the initiative. He highlighted that the top-performing student is further rewarded with a one-year apprenticeship at Prudential Uganda—an opportunity he described a profound investment in hands-on experience and career development. He reported that at least two graduates had benefited from this prestigious placement, gaining invaluable industry exposure that bridges academic excellence with professional practice.
“The PASS is a visionary initiative that rewards academic excellence and builds professional capacity. Through this scheme, the top five actuarial science graduates each year will receive cash prizes of $500. They will also benefit from support for professional certification exams, including those offered by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and the Society of Actuaries,” Prof. Bbaale remarked.
At the national level, Prof. Bbaale emphasized that the collaboration between Makerere University and Prudential Uganda directly addresses Uganda’s pressing need for skilled actuaries in key sectors such as insurance, pensions, and healthcare. He noted that the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme effectively aligns academic training with industry demands, thereby enhancing the relevance of university education in the context of national development. He remarked that this alignment contributes meaningfully to Uganda’s human capital development agenda and supports the broader goal of strengthening institutional capacity in financial risk management.
The Principal commended Prudential Assurance Uganda for their visionary support and long-term commitment. He said the partnership with Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) represents more than a financial investment, but a bold step toward professionalizing actuarial education in Uganda and preparing students for leadership and service in the financial sector. “Together, we are building a stronger, more skilled Uganda—one actuary at a time,” he affirmed.
Describing the occasion as a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the immense potential of a new generation of actuaries destined to shape Uganda’s insurance and financial landscape, Mr. Tetteh Ayitevie, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Uganda, expressed deep pride in the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme.
He stated that the initiative is a bold and forward-looking investment in the country’s actuarial leadership. He commended the graduates for their academic tenacity and discipline, noting that their achievements reflected not only personal merit, but also the promise of a stronger, self-sustaining insurance sector.
“You have survived the course load, and now, you are stepping into the real world ready to contribute meaningfully. We see you. We believe in you. And we are proud of you,” Mr. Ayitevie said.
He reiterated the crucial role of actuarial science in modern economies, highlighting it as the engine behind robust insurance frameworks, risk modeling, and long-term financial planning. According to Mr. Ayitevie, despite its understated visibility, actuarial work underpins the stability of entire financial systems, and Uganda must rise to the challenge of building this critical professional cadre.
“Actuarial science may not be the loudest career path, but it is one of the most vital. It’s the heartbeat of any insurance company. It’s where math meets life. It’s where you predict risks, protect people, and create sustainable financial systems,” he stated.
He also drew attention to the glaring gap in Uganda’s actuarial landscape, noting the country’s limited number of certified actuaries in contrast to its population size. He stressed the urgency of cultivating homegrown expertise rather than relying on outsourced talent, positioning the Prudential Actuarial Support Scheme as a strategic intervention to reverse this trend.
On 4th June 2025, the leadership and academic staff from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) participated in a training workshop aimed at empowering them with knowledge and techniques on grants administration and management.
Featuring presentations on understanding the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) key processes and systems, compliance and accountability, the eMakGAM (Makerere University Grants Management System), and an Open dialogue, the training workshop presented the leadership and academic staff from CoBAMS with a platform to gain a deeper understanding of this vital area.
It is envisaged that the training workshops will not only onboard members of staff to support the operations of GAMSU, but also mobilize staff to write and win grants.
Welcoming the participants, the Head of GAMSU, Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, articulated the deliberate plan to hold continuous engagements with members of staff at different levels to position them to appreciate their role in the grants administration and management chain.
Whereas the 4th June 2025 training workshop targeted academic staff at CoBAMS, Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza reported that, GAMSU was scheduled to train finance managers, accountants and project managers on 7th June 2025.
Recognizing that funding accessed through grants at the national and global levels significantly contributes to the implementation of Makerere University’s core activities in the fields of research, teaching and learning, community engagements, and knowledge transfer partnerships, Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza elaborated that the planned engagements would provide a platform to members of staff to actively contribute to grants administration and management.
Acknowledging that grant writing and awards lead to a win-win situation for both Makerere University and the grant writer, the Head of GAMSU, called upon academic staff to embrace the capacity building sessions.
“CoBAMS has over 120 academic staff. If each member of staff committed to writing and winning at least two (2) research grants, I envision increased research at the national and global levels, increased publications, staff and student mobility, scholarships, international recognition, and improved staff welfare,’ she said.
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza revealed that GAMSU will be working with some members of staff from CoBAMS who have been core in grant writing to train, onboard and mentor others in order to expand the grant profile of Makerere University.
She advised academic staff to form a research team that can compete for grants. “The formation of a team ensures that staff with different strengths, abilities and competencies are brought on board, which enhances your chances of winning the grant,” she stated.
Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza encouraged the leadership and staff to submit themes that they are interested in, so as to inform GAMSU on the grant calls or proposals to send their way.
Opening the training workshop, the College Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who has written and won grants, emphasized the need to account for funds awarded. Referring to the binding contracts/agreements that clearly stipulate that money received through grants should not be personalized, the Principal urged academic staff and Principal Investigators to adhere to the guidelines.
The Principal notified the participants that the government has prioritized grants management. He elaborated that University leadership and Principal Investigators have been tasked by the Office of the Auditor General to ensure value for money in grants management.
In his submission, the Deputy Principal of the College, Associate Professor James Wokadala rallied academic staff to change their mindset and include grant writing among their priorities. He also advised them to overcome the inherent fear of starting to write, the failure to create time to write, and the discomfort that comes with unsuccessful attempts. He reiterated that the training workshops were aimed at strengthening the relationship among staff and GAMSU, forging linkages with experienced grant writers, and opening up networks. The Deputy Principal disclosed that the College and GAMSU would hold mindset change training workshops, and expressed the readiness of the College leadership to facilitate and support staff to gain traction in grant writing.
Presentation on grants administration and management
The participants listened to presentations from Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza, the Head of GAMSU and Mr. Mordecai Tayebwa, the Grants Manager at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences:
In her presentation, Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza emphasized the need to read every detail in the contract/award document.
Presenting the key stages supported by GAMSU namely the Pre-Award, Award, Post-Award, Audit and Close-Out, she observed that sometimes, Principal Investigators forget the Close-Out phase. Emphasizing that the Close-Out phase is a vital step in grants administration and management, she sensitized the participants to always Close-Out the program/project.
Stating the difference between grants and consultancies, she explained that GAMSU does not handle consultancies. She reiterated that the role of GAMSU is restricted to grants.
On the mandate of GAMSU, Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza stated that the Unit was established by Makerere University Grants Administration and Management Policy in 2020 approved by the University Council. Its mandate involves the following: Registering and renewing Makerere University’s membership on funding grants/platforms, sensitizing units about grants administration and management, sharing grant calls, linking researchers with possible funders, participating in grant negotiations after the award and during the signing of agreements, supporting grant entry on the Grants database, creating links among researchers, monitoring and evaluation of progress reports, and grant close-out.
She informed the participants that GAMSU had automated the entire grant cycle, and appealed to principal investigators, researchers and staff with grants to register them online via: https://gamsuportal.mak.ac.ug
Mr. Mordecai Tayebwa, a CoBAMS alumnus who works closely with GAMSU, underscored the need for compliance, transparency and accountability in grants administration and management. Mr. Tayebwa rallied the Principal Investigators and research teams to always hold a kick-off meeting so that each Member of the team understands and appreciates his or her role, as well as, the expectations, the do’s and don’ts , the timelines and deliverables. He advised the participants to document every step about the grant, which involves keeping every record about the grant in an organized and accessible format. He urged GAMSU and the leadership at CoBAMS to institute a support system or project administrators to document grants.
Way forward
Building on to the GAMSU trainings, some of the capacity building engagements will focus on identification of grant writers and winners at the College and pairing them with early career faculty members/researchers for mentorship. The strategies would entail strengthening the college grants management unit, conducting specialized trainings aimed at mindset change among the early career faculty/researchers, identification of GAMSU ambassadors at the College level as well as deliberate efforts to operationalize a college support team that liaises with GAMSU and the Principal Investigators.
-
General7 days agoMirror Frank Kalimuzo’s life of service-MUBS Principal
-
General1 week agoIsraeli Ambassador Lotem Talks Innovation on Farewell Visit
-
Research1 week agoMak and MSU Host Landmark Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa
-
General1 week agoDirectorate of Graduate Training Rolls out Research Management Information Sytems (RIMS)
-
Engineering, Art & Tech2 weeks agoMakerere University and Nile Basin Discourse Partner on Water Resource Management Initiative