Business & Management
Mak Innovation Hub moves to promote PWDs’ innovative skills
Makerere University has launched plans to promote persons with disabilities (PWDs) with special skills in Kampala Metropolitan area.
The UGX 45,797,244 initiative is being funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, to improve their daily incomes as well as elevate their living standards.
While commissioning the needs assessment campaign at Makerere University on Friday 30th June 2023, Ms. Patience Kaitesi, Rehabilitation Officer at the Ministry of Gender and Social Justice said with this project, there will be harnessing of hidden talents and skills for PWDs and the goal is to help their product penetrate the market.
“I am happy that Makerere is embracing innovations for people with disabilities. Let’s appreciate what PWDs do and develop them in their respective innovations.”
She asked the innovators to provide tremendous support in what the disabled may need. “Move with those people and help them to get customers for their products through those apps we are coming up with,” she added.
The project launched under the theme; Leaving no one behind, will be coordinated through district unions and councilors representing PWDs to mobilise all persons with disabilities in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Mpigi, to get to know about the initiative.
Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, who represented the Vice Chancellor at the launch of the project encouraged the nominated persons with disabilities to seize this opportunity, embrace their talents, and let their innovation shine. “Your contributions have the power to reshape perceptions, break barriers and transform lives. Together, we can create a society that truly values and harnesses the potential of all individuals,” she said.
She said through such research projects, the university endeavours to create an inclusive environment that encourages these talented young minds to think outside the box, push boundaries, and develop ground breaking solutions that address the challenges they face daily.
She appreciated the Royal Academy of Engineering for the support to the project and also thanked the Director of the Innovations Hub, Dr. Cathy Mbidde for the opportunity she has given to the young innovators.
Dr. Mbidde said the project aims at identifying young persons with disabilities engaged in creating innovative business (Products/services), identifying stakeholders that can provide support or opportunities to IYPWDs and also create a platform for IYPWDs to share experiences and tap into opportunities.
Mr. Apollo Muyanja Mbaziira, the Director Private Sector Foundation Uganda, said PWDs have the capacity to do everything provided they are being given support.
“They have the potential because we have seen them engage in politics. We just need to create awareness for them and identify what they need. “
He said plans are underway to ensure all of them (PWDs) get access to digital platforms that can link them to markets. “Social economic empowerment of persons with disabilities is what we all need to reach at,” he said.
In Uganda, 8.5 percent of the population have a disability. Young persons with disabilities face enormous challenges in accessing resources, leaving a decent life and exploiting opportunities. Yet these people have huge unexploited potential of unique talents and skills that drive creativity and innovation.
Staff members from the Department of Population Studies, within the School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University, have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day training on Doctoral Supervision. The training, held from June 28 to June 30, 2024, was meticulously conducted by esteemed faculty from the College of Education and External Studies, alongside experts from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the supervisory skills of doctoral advisors, underscores Makerere University‘s commitment to academic excellence and robust research mentorship. The Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. James Wokadala, officiated the closing ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training sessions.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive and rigorous research environment for our doctoral candidates. This training is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and effective mentorship,” remarked Prof. Wokadala in his closing address.
He said the college has got plans to improve PhD graduation levels, some of which include appointing two PhD coordinators per school. He asked the staff to exhibit high ethical standards while supervising the students.
The training program was generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, secured by Dr. Patricia Ndugga. The grant facilitated a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, designed to equip the faculty with advanced supervisory techniques and strategies to support doctoral students effectively.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This training is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of doctoral supervision at Makerere University. We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for their continued support in our quest to improve research training and mentorship.”
The participants, who included both seasoned and emerging academic staff, have expressed their enthusiasm for applying the new skills and knowledge gained to their supervisory roles, thereby enriching the academic journey of their doctoral students.
Makerere University remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier education and research training, continuously seeking avenues to enhance the capabilities of its faculty and the academic experience of its students.
In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.
Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”
“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”
With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.
“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.
Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.
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