The Top Management of Makerere University were from 27^th to 29^th April, 2023 engaged in a Strategic Leadership Training aimed at equipping them with skills required to bridge current operational gaps and link their day-to-day delivery to the University’s strategic plan as well as the Third National Development Plan (NDP III) priorities. The training attended by over 50 participants who included the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Heads of Administrative Units, College Principals and their deputies was equally aimed at enhancing the appreciation of current public finance management provisions for prudent management of public financial resources, as well as strengthening leadership and team delivery skills for optimal outcomes.

Officially opening the Training, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that the Top Management had the joint responsibility of ensuring that Makerere’s legacy built upon the hard work and dedication of its leadership over the last 100 years is upheld. He therefore asked participants to reflect on what Makerere’s role ought to be in next 100 years, especially in terms of building a modern and prosperous Uganda.

He noted that although the strategic plan outlines; A research-led university, Innovation in teaching and learning, and An engaged university with enhanced partnerships as its overarching goals, it was the fourth; A Professionally Governed, Equitable, Inclusive And Gender Mainstreamed Institution that was most relevant to the training

The Vice Chancellor therefore urged participants to observe the hallmarks of; Human Resource Management, Time Management, and Efficient and Effective Planning in order to promote a professionally governed university.

Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga, Executive Director of the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) thanked the university Management for the opportunity to partner at the strategic level. She added that as a result of its synergetic relationship with hosts Makerere University and the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), JNLC had tapped into the extensive research and training experience of facilitators to offer leadership training and mentorship to youth in Uganda as well as the East African Community.

Furthermore, she shared that JNLC has worked with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme to develop a leadership course that will be accessible to all students on the Makerere University E-Learning Environment (MUELE). Assoc. Prof. Nansozi Muwanga therefore expressed hope that the training would accord participants a personal and corporate appreciation of the role they ought to play in order to ensure that the University Strategic Plan and NDPIII aspirations are achieved.

The Strategic Training was split into three sessions covering 1) Leadership and Corporate Governance, 2) Public Finance Management and 3) Human Resource Management. Mr. Dison Okumu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Institute of Corporate Governance facilitated the first session, while Mr. Stephen Ojambo, Commissioner, Treasury Inspectorate and Policy Department in the Accountant General’s Office facilitated the second session. Mr. Allan Muhereza, the Commissioner, Human Resource Planning and Development at the Ministry of Public Service facilitated the third session.

The final day of Training was dedicated to sessions on Financial Literacy, Mental Health and Servant Leadership facilitated by Mrs. Gloria Jombwe, Dr. Herbert Rwakiseta and Prof. Julius Kiiza respectively. The training also featured Constructive Team Building activities facilitated by Bwongo Consult.