Business & Management
Makerere, HRMAU sign MoU to train young professionals
Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Human Resource Management Association of Uganda (HRMAU) to train prospective managers and ring fence their professional conduct in the country.
While signing an MoU on Wednesday 12th July, 2023, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe appreciated the initiative pioneered by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and said this will help the institution to produce competent human resource professionals.
“The fourth strategic goal of Makerere is to make the University a professionally managed institution. And when we talk of management, of course, the first thing is Human Resource Management. Any organisation will succeed to the extent that Human Resource is managed well. If we don’t manage it well, the production will be low,” he said.
He noted, that Human Resource is a very important factor in the success of Makerere University and Uganda at large. “The most delicate and important resource is on this hill and it must be managed well. But even then, they must train other human resource managers who are going to manage the Human Resource around the country. I hope you will be able to train us as managers at Makerere,” Prof. Nawangwe requested.
Mr. Ronald Bbosa, HRMAU President revealed their work plan embedded in this MoU saying, “We are entering into partnership with Makerere on issues to do with research, supporting students through internship, having innovative human resource solutions that will be able to uplift the profile not only of our practice as HR practitioners, but also to make students more marketable out there whenever we interact with them as prospective employees.”
According to him, HRMAU brings together more than 1,200 professionals of the top organisations in the country that employ the biggest number of people.
Mr. Bbosa said the starting point in moving a country to the next level is to make sure there is ring fencing of professionals with ethics such that they do their work without any kind of interruptions.
He asked the legislators in Parliament to approve their proposed bill intended to regulate the operation of their work reasoning that this will create avenues to achieve all that is expected from HR professionals, and acting as a stepping stone that will enable managers to uplift the National Development Goals.
“We are collaborating in areas of research in HRM on those aspects that we think can help the country to achieve the National Development Goals. It is in our interest as the country that we move in the direction of recognising professional associations and making sure they are governed by Acts of Parliament such that we bring forth the ethical and moral conduct that is required to drive professionalism in the country and deal with some of the challenges that we face as a country today like corruption,” he explained.
Dr. Seferia Bwadene Wanyama, a lecturer of Human Resource Management said this MoU is intended to bring professionalism in academics.
“We are going to collaborate with the association to develop programmes that are industry related and relevant and also collaborate in areas of research on practical aspects that concern the industry and the profession of HR. We intend to bring practitioners from the industry of work through the association to complement our efforts in delivering programmes that are practically oriented,” he said.
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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