Business & Management
UNDP Partners with CoBAMS on consultations for human development report
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) to conduct consultations whose findings will inform this year’s human development report.
Speaking during the consultations on June 26th 2023, at Makerere University, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration at Makerere University, hailed UNDP for always partnering with the university.
He said Makerere is open to more collaborations in a bid to drive positive change in the country.
“As Makerere, we shall contribute and engage in this report which we are going to produce. As knowledge creators, people who engage with many institutions, we shall make sure that whatever is put out is disseminated so that it is able to help society in many areas that require development,” Prof. Alinaitwe said.
The university has several running ventures with UNDP some of which include the establishment of the Makerere University Innovations Hub, whose establishment UNDP is funding.
Ms Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP said 33 years since the launch of the first human development report, they are continuing to expand the conversation around human development beyond just income.
“Today’s conversation examines a number of things but in particular the governance mismatches and institutional designs that create responses to global crises and challenges. We are also looking at how can we address some of these mismatches. We will also be exploring an agenda around digital technologies and how they impact on human development,”Attafuah said.
She said that the recent events and calamities like the Covid pandemic, climate change and Ukraine-Russia war have shaped the human development capital in the recent years, noting that this year’s report will further address this.
According to the UNDP country representative, this year’s human development capital report will help start conversations on how to find lasting solutions to the challenges faced.
“Africa has a voice in these issues, it has a voice when it comes to governance of things, geopolitics of the world today and what it is telling us. As we deliberate today, let us position Africa in that global context of uncertainty of finding creative pathways in the development agenda of the region.”
“Since the inception of 1990 human development report, there have been a number of other reports. The fourth coming report builds upon the insights of the previous reports but we also know that the whole ground went into a Covid period and it affected many facets of our life including human development. It is disheartening that for the first time, the global human development index declined, setting us back to 2016 levels as documented in the 2021 and 2022 human development reports.” Some of the things sighted as factors affecting human development included climate change, insecurity, governance mismatches and political polarization. Dr. Kasaija cited some causes of political polarization such as patronage, corruption, political intolerance, economic disparities, election injustices as well as the media especially social media. He called for institutional reforms, election reforms, increasing literacy levels and reconciliation among the different groups of people.
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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