Business & Management
Uganda’s Civil Servants retooled on Urban Water Observatories
Uganda’s senior public servants in the water sector and the academia from Makerere University have been skilled on Urban Water observatories.
The half day training held at Makerere University on 5th April, 2023 was facilitated by Dr. David Fuente from the University of South Carolina USA.
Dr. Fuente was at Makerere University to kick off the collaborative project with his colleagues Dr. Nicholas Kilimani and Prof. Edward Bbaale focusing on Urban Water Supply and the Challenge of Bill Payment and Affordability and, also to facilitate a workshop on Urban Water Observatories project within the EfD Network focused on Urban Water Scarcity and Equity.
The goal of the workshop was to have a dialogue with a variety of stakeholders from the water sector in Uganda to understand the challenges they perceive with respect to providing resilient and equitable water and sanitation services.
The other objectives were to understand the opportunities they perceive given the strength among the various stakeholders and how policy makers and stakeholders are thinking about priorities within the water sector, what actions they can take to promote access to resilient water and sanitation services, and which procedure has been difficult or easy.
Having facilitated these dialogues in four different countries, Dr. Fuente said perceived challenges from Uganda’s stake holders like sector coordination, insufficient resources to meet resilient and adequate water and sanitation services, the challenge of affordability, communication both within the governments, sector entities and across the Civil Society Organisations were not unique to Uganda’s context
“What I found particularly inspiring is the stakeholders sharing a number of strength that exist in Uganda including emerging and improved coordination among sector players, competent and committed staff and government agencies committed to improving service delivery.
Additional strengths highlighted were the strong institutional and legal framework to support development in the water sector and so the policies are in place and it is a matter of merging the policies and resources to leverage on the objectives that government has set which was so inspiring”. He explained.
Another insight from the meeting was that many of the policy instruments or policy actions that the government and policy makers partake were perceived as potentially of high impact but difficult to implement.
Much of the low hanging fruits according to Dr. Fuente have been taken care of and the steps that are needed to get forward are going to be challenging to implement.
“The positive side of this is that, it was interesting to see that many of the stakeholders perceived a wide range of policy actions and policy instruments that could be implemented to improve resilient water and sanitation services delivery being potentially impactful.
From EfD perspective, there is a real opportunity for the EfD-Mak and the EfD Network to help sector players martial evidence to help them understand which policy instrument is likely to be very effective given the institutional context here in Uganda”. Dr. Fuente commented adding that:
“I sense real optimism, commitment to improving the situation on the ground and high level of engagement and interest. I hope the stakeholders and EfD Mak continue with the conversation we started and identify which ways they can partner to develop high impact research opportunities and pursue together”.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale said this was just a start of the collaboration.
“The university cannot exist, if it does not impact society and if it does not solve problems that society is facing at that particularly time. And so, as EfD and Makerere University, our gates are open for you to come in but also our gates are open for us to get out and reach out to you and in many of the cases, we shall be calling on you wherever you are. And the main objective of our coming is how do we twin and join efforts to find a lasting solutions”.
Bbaale stressed that whereas donors are interested in supporting research, research that is impactful is that one that is a collaboration between stakeholders and the academia.
Participants commend the workshop
“The workshop brings in an interface for a dialogue so that we are able to look at how we translate the science into water supply service provision and ensure that there is sustainability. We were talking about how we ensure social equity, how do we ensure that there is water for all as a human right?
Yet again, translating the science will ensure that we are able to put in place policies, having the right science of how situations are happening, talking about climate change, degradation, high population growth rate and how all these inform policy”, David Cheptoi , Engineer from the Ministry of Water and Environment said.
“This workshop has been so helpful because it has been able to bring various policy makers and different NGOs to discuss issues concerning urban water tariffs, policies as well as what we need to know for our future when it comes to water. It has addressed how issues of scarcity, policies and coordination can pave way for how we can work together to solve water issues”, Kasimire Susan a lead engineer from Water Mission Uganda said.
“I am glad to have participated in this workshop because it has opened my brain to see how the academia is fully involved in championing cause towards impactful research to help society. My main take home message is how we can build partnerships with the academia, private sector and government and conduct innovative policy research that can be impactful to the communities that we serve. This is a step in the right direction because it will improve coordination among all actors”, James Mumbere from Uganda Water and Sanitation Network said.
Kizza Denis Benkya is a student of the Master of Science in Agriculture and Applied Economics. He said:
“It has given me insight on how government and the private sector can amend policies to do with water and environmental conservation. For us to have safe water supply in our country, we need a synergy of efforts with government taking lead and joined by non-governmental organizations and individuals who use water.”
Business & Management
School of Economics Hosts Team Building Event, Celebrates Excellence with Awards
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the School of Economics at Makerere University organized a vibrant team-building activity in the scenic surroundings of Buwatte. This initiative aimed to foster stronger bonds among staff members, celebrate outstanding achievements, and set a collaborative tone for the year ahead.
The day was filled with a variety of activities designed to promote teamwork and camaraderie. Staff members enthusiastically participated in interactive games, lively discussions, and fun challenges that brought out their competitive yet collaborative spirit. The games were followed by a hearty lunch, where everyone gathered to share stories, laughter, and a sense of community. The event culminated in a joyous moment of merry-making, which showcased the School’s vibrant culture of inclusivity and togetherness.
The occasion also served as a platform to honor outstanding individuals who had excelled in their roles over the past year. The award for the best journal paper was presented to the Dean, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to academic research and publication. Meanwhile, the coveted Teacher of the Year Award, as voted by students, was bestowed upon Mr. Fred Kasalirwe for the second consecutive year. This recognition underscored his dedication to delivering engaging and impactful learning experiences.
In his address, Prof. Okumu expressed heartfelt appreciation for his colleagues’ hard work and commitment, which he credited for the School’s numerous achievements in 2024. He extended special congratulations to the winners of the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, acknowledging their contribution to enhancing the university’s reputation for academic excellence.
Prof. Okumu emphasized the importance of sustaining the spirit of teamwork, which he described as a cornerstone for the School’s continued success. He encouraged his staff to embrace collaboration as they embark on new academic and administrative pursuits in 2025.
The team-building event was not only a celebration of the past year’s accomplishments but also a rallying call for a productive and united future. Staff members left the event reinvigorated and motivated to uphold the School’s vision of academic excellence and impactful scholarship. As the School of Economics enters the new year, this memorable day in Buwatte stands as a testament to the power of unity, shared purpose, and the collective commitment to shaping a brighter future for the institution.
Nine members of staff from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere University were honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards during the institution’s 75th graduation ceremony. The awards were presented at a special graduation luncheon, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, recognized exceptional lecturers and researchers across various categories—early, mid, and senior career—as well as outstanding educators based on student evaluations.
Namugenyi Christabellah and Richard Ssempala were awarded in the category of early career scholars. The two were recognized for their exemplary research contributions, each achieving five publications in 2024. In the mid-career category, Dr. Peter Kisakye emerged as the standout performer with 11 publications, followed by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana, Mushomi John Atwebembeire, and Dr. Ssendawula Kasimu, who each published seven papers during the year.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Mr. Fred Kasalirwe, and Dr. Faisal Buyinza were celebrated as the best teachers, following outstanding evaluations from students, showcasing their commitment to delivering high-quality education.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated the winners and commended their dedication to excellence in teaching and research. “These awards reflect our university’s unwavering commitment to fostering academic and professional excellence. As Makerere University, we take pride in nurturing talent and rewarding those who inspire innovation, dedication, and knowledge creation. Congratulations to all the awardees for setting a remarkable example for others to follow,” he said.
The event was graced by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Kaducu, who lauded Makerere University for its continued commitment to academic excellence. In her remarks, she stated, “Makerere University’s role in shaping the future of our nation cannot be overstated. These awards are a testament to the caliber of educators and researchers the institution nurtures. I encourage all awardees to continue striving for greater achievements and to inspire the next generation of leaders and scholars.”
At the same luncheon, ACCA Uganda recognized three top-performing students of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program. Ndagire Sarah, Yiga James Mark, and Nabagereka Rebecca, each graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.68, were awarded plaques in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
Additionally, the best-performing student in the Master of Economics program, Nalweere Alice, received an award from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). The award included a two-year paid training opportunity with EPRC as a research fellow. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Nalweere expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is not just a recognition of my hard work but also a motivation to contribute meaningfully to economic research and policy development in Uganda. I thank Makerere University for providing an environment that fosters academic excellence and EPRC for this incredible opportunity.”
The graduation luncheon served as a platform to celebrate the institution’s achievements and its unwavering commitment to promoting excellence among its staff and students. The event highlighted Makerere University’s vital role in shaping the academic, research, and professional landscape of Uganda and beyond.
The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) proudly presented 1,523 graduands on the second day of Makerere University‘s 75th graduation ceremony. Among these, 7 were awarded PhDs, 195 earned master’s degrees, 3 completed postgraduate diplomas, and 1,318 graduated with undergraduate degrees. Female graduands made up 53% of the cohort, with 805 women and 718 men.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, lauded CoBAMS as Makerere’s youngest college but already a beacon of excellence in teaching and research. He noted the College’s pivotal role in linking the University with the government through collaborative projects. Key achievements highlighted include; the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) which was praised for spearheading impactful training programs, building the capacity of officials across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The Environment for Development Centre was recognized for attracting grants totaling approximately USD $400,000. These funds supported capacity-building programs in Inclusive Green Economy for senior public servants, five research projects, policy dialogues, and community outreach activities.
The vice chancellor also recognized CoBAMS students who excelled in the Joint Facility for Electives (JFE) competition in Nairobi. Ritah Ahumuza, a Master of Arts in Economics student, achieved an outstanding average of 87.5%, the highest in over five years. She was honored with an award by the African Economic Research Consortium for her stellar performance.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed pride in the College’s strides in fostering innovation, academic success, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Makerere University’s position as a global academic leader.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Kaducu, congratulated the graduands and acknowledged the parents for their sacrifices. She urged the students to be proactive contributors to Uganda’s development. “Go into the world and light a candle. Start humbly, face the future with courage, and create jobs rather than dispersing them,” she said.
During the week-long graduation ceremony, 13,658 graduands will receive their awards, including 143 PhDs, 1,813 master’s degrees, 11,454 bachelor’s degrees, and 243 postgraduate diplomas. Of these, 53% are female, and 44% of the PhD recipients are women. The Vice Chancellor noted these statistics as evidence of Makerere’s progress toward gender equity and research-led growth.
Prof. Nawangwe lauded the Government of Uganda’s support through initiatives like the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), which has enabled cutting-edge research.
Future Direction
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga, outlined Makerere’s vision for expanding its community outreach and commercialization of research innovations. He proposed strengthening partnerships with private-sector investors to turn academic ideas into viable businesses. Dr. Kiyonga also encouraged the graduands to apply their skills to create opportunities in agriculture, education, and other sectors.
As Makerere celebrates its legacy as a beacon of higher education, CoBAMS exemplifies the transformative impact of education in transforming the economy. The achievements celebrated today reflect the university’s dedication to empowering individuals and fostering national development.
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