Business & Management
CoBAMS Management meets to discuss College’s strategic direction
Members of the College Establishment and Appointments Committee and the College Administrative Board have taken off time to strategize on how to grow the college. Speaking on October 19 during the two-day retreat, the Principal, Prof. Eria Hisali, shared with the management team some of the ongoing strategic initiatives in the areas of financial sustainability, human capacity development, policy engagements and outreach, quality assurance, institutionalizing seminar series, and partnerships and networks. ´Infrastructure expansion, Quality assurance and systems strengthening.
The Principal said the college had established an endowment fund to support its financial sustainability efforts. He also highlighted the importance of investing in the professional development of staff members to enhance human capacity within the college. Additionally, the Principal emphasized the need for active engagement with relevant policies and stakeholders to promote the college’s outreach and policy influence. Lastly, he emphasized the significance of building strong partnerships and networks with other institutions and organizations to foster collaboration and mutual growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Kakumba, commended the college on recent developments and ongoing initiatives in the areas of planned infrastructure expansion, financial sustainability, research, and visibility.
“I understand that the publication record at the College has improved considerably from around 30 in 2014 publications annually to over 130 for the year 2022; and that the proposal to expand and revamp infrastructure has been approved by government,” he said.
He also acknowledged the college’s efforts in achieving financial sustainability, which have allowed for the successful implementation of various research projects. Furthermore, Prof. Umar Kakumba expressed his optimism about the increased visibility of the college, both nationally and internationally, as a result of these developments and initiatives.
I am particularly impressed by attempts to benchmark the academic disciplines at the College with the scope defined by international best practice in addition to initiatives to mainstream quality across the academic, administrate and support functions of the College as a precursor for international accreditation.
He commended the college for seeking to internationalize the courses through international accreditation. He also praised the college for its efforts in aligning its academic disciplines with global standards, which will not only enhance the quality of education but also open up opportunities for students to pursue international careers. Furthermore, he acknowledged the significance of international accreditation in ensuring that the college meets the rigorous standards set by renowned institutions worldwide.
The retreat saw heads of departments share their human resources needs and discuss strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. They emphasized the importance of hiring qualified faculty members who can contribute to the college’s mission of providing a well-rounded education. Additionally, they discussed the need for ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure that faculty members stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and advancements in their respective fields. Prof. Kakumba called on the different schools to support various government authorities, saying data has become a critical tool of development, so the School of Statistics should tap into this need.
He pledged University Management’s commitment to support the college initiatives.
The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, cautioned the management of the college about staff recruitment. The said staff recruitments have to be made within the available resources and staff must qualify for the promotions.
He called on the college management to make recommendations to the University Management that fit within the university structures and policies. Mr. Yusuf Kiranda emphasized the importance of aligning staff recruitment with the college’s available resources to maintain financial stability. He also stressed the need for staff to meet the necessary qualifications for promotions, ensuring that the university’s standards and policies are upheld.
He called on staff to embrace the ongoing data capture for the biometrics system. This would help streamline administrative processes and enhance security measures within the university. Additionally, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda highlighted the significance of staff training and development programs to ensure continuous improvement and professional growth among the university’s workforce. At the end of the two days, the management team agreed that the college needs to tighten the supervision of staff and systems, increase accountability, strengthen workflow processes, and create baseline indicators for quality assurance.
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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