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CoBAMS Management meets to discuss College’s strategic direction

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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.

CoBAMS Management Establishment and Appointments Committee Retreat, 19th October 2023, Mestil Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

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.

CoBAMS Management Establishment and Appointments Committee Retreat, 19th October 2023, Mestil Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

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. 

CoBAMS Management Establishment and Appointments Committee Retreat, 19th October 2023, Mestil Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

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.

CoBAMS Management Establishment and Appointments Committee Retreat, 19th October 2023, Mestil Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines

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Group photo of participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, successfully concluded the training of its 4th cohort of public officers on November 15, 2024. This capacity-building program focused on the User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, a critical process mandated by Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015.

Under the PFMA, every bill presented to Parliament must include a Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). The preparation of the Statement of Financial Implications (SFI), which forms the basis for the CFI, is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This statement provides detailed revenue and expenditure estimates and projected savings over a minimum of two years’ post-enactment.

Empowering MDAs with Essential Skills

The training sessions, which began last week and will continue into the following week, aim to equip MDAs with the skills required to prepare robust SFIs. These competencies are essential for MoFPED Budget Analysts to review and draft CFIs or Letters of Financial Clearance effectively.

A section of participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.

The 4th cohort comprised officers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda Land Commission, Ministry of Local Government, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and the Ministry of Kampala, among others.

A Step Toward Transparent and Accountable Governance

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Moses Sonko, Principal Economist at MoFPED, commended the initiative and acknowledged the value it brings to Uganda’s public policy and legislative processes. Representing the Permanent Secretary of MoFPED, Mr. Sonko highlighted the importance of the training in strengthening governance frameworks.

“This training was developed to equip us with tools and knowledge essential for our roles in ensuring that Uganda’s policy and legislative proposals are financially sound, transparent, and align with national priorities,” Mr. Sonko remarked. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance policy preparation and implementation.

Mr Sonko addresses trainees at the close of the training. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.
Mr Sonko addresses trainees at the close of the training.

He also emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the training, which enables officers to identify the financial, social, environmental, and economic impacts of proposed bills and policies.

Participant Feedback

Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. Mr. Davis Kwizera from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) shared his positive experience, stating: “This training has offered a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of policy processes. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare relevant policy documents. If you’ve taken the courses on Financial and Risk Analysis as well as Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis, this program completes the package.”

The new guidelines for the clearance of financial implications will officially take effect in July 2025. PIMCoE remains committed to building the capacity of public officers to ensure that Uganda’s legislative and policy frameworks are underpinned by sound financial and risk analyses, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable development.

For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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CoBAMS Hosts Workshop to Review Parish Development Model

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Participants pose for a group photo after the workshop. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

In a pivotal workshop held at Makerere University on November 12, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM). This transformative model, conceptualized by Prof. Ezra Suruma, aims to tackle some of Uganda’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.

Prof. Suruma, the architect of PDM, underscored the crucial role of researchers in creating wealth-empowering strategies for Ugandans. “The PDM is designed to eradicate poverty, promote economic inclusion, improve service delivery, and modernize agriculture,” Prof. Suruma stated. He highlighted that the model not only provides a pathway for Uganda’s rural households to participate in the economy but also aims to address the underlying issues that leave many citizens unable to afford basic needs.

Prof. Ezra Suruma (Right) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended Prof. Suruma’s visionary leadership and the significant impact PDM is expected to have on communities across Uganda. “The PDM stands as one of the largest government interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting communities,” he remarked. Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized Makerere University’s commitment to supporting PDM through the PDM Lab hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which serves as a hub for real-time data analysis to guide the implementation of PDM activities across the country.

The PDM Lab at CoBAMS, led by Prof. Eria Hisali and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that can shape PDM policies at the grassroots level. During the workshop, Dr. Suruma extended his appreciation to UNDP for their support and acknowledged the researchers for their efforts in generating valuable insights into the effectiveness of PDM.

Part of the audience at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Despite Uganda’s notable economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, are high, limiting economic opportunities for the country’s largest demographic. Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is another critical issue, with many Ugandans unable to afford or reach essential medical services. These challenges underscore the need for initiatives like the PDM that are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and ensure equitable access to services.

“PDM seeks to empower households to create wealth, ultimately reducing dependence on subsistence farming and encouraging local economic development,” Prof. Suruma emphasized. He believes that the model’s holistic approach will foster greater self-sufficiency among Uganda’s communities by addressing poverty from multiple angles, including agricultural modernization, financial literacy, and service accessibility.

Part of the audience at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about PDM’s potential to drive sustainable change. Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere University’s dedication to supporting this national initiative, affirming that the PDM Lab will continue to play a key role in assessing and enhancing the model’s effectiveness.

The Parish Development Model offers a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans striving for a better quality of life, aligning with Uganda’s broader aspirations for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Study Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors

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Prof. Akileng addresses the participants of the workshop. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On November 11, 2024 the School of Business held a research dissemination workshop led by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, a lecturer and researcher whose study focused on “Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector.” The event also featured research by his student, Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, who presented findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.”

Both studies, which delve into the role of PPPs in two crucial sectors—tourism and health—aim to provide insights into how strategic partnerships between public and private entities can address pressing service delivery challenges in Uganda. Dr. Mugarura’s study in the tourism sector emphasized the importance of a stable operating environment for PPPs, highlighting the need for clear policies, regulatory support, and sustainable practices that allow both public and private stakeholders to thrive. His research suggests that a conducive PPP environment is essential for Uganda’s tourism sector to achieve sustainability, attract international visitors, and create job opportunities, while preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Dr. Jude making his presentation. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Jude making his presentation.

Kyomuhendo’s research, titled “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector,” explored how PPPs can improve value for money (VFM) in healthcare delivery by encouraging local content utilization. His findings revealed a positive correlation between PPP adoption and VFM in healthcare, suggesting that well-structured partnerships can enhance efficiency and service quality. However, he noted that while PPPs support infrastructure development and resource allocation, local content utilization does not always have a strong moderating effect on VFM, indicating potential areas for policy improvement to ensure meaningful local engagement.

Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, lauded the researchers for their dedication to tackling critical issues in Uganda’s development sectors. “These studies bring much-needed evidence to the table, demonstrating the potential of PPPs to transform our tourism and health sectors,” Prof. Akileng remarked. He emphasized that such research is pivotal to Makerere University’s commitment to producing actionable knowledge that aligns with Uganda’s national development goals.

Group photo of the participants. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group photo of the participants.

Prof. Akileng extended his gratitude to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for supporting these projects, acknowledging that their funding was instrumental in advancing impactful research. “The generosity of our donor has enabled us to conduct thorough research and share insights that will inform policy and guide sustainable development efforts in Uganda,” he added.

The workshop encouraged discussion among participants, including policymakers, private sector representatives, and university staff, on the importance of PPPs in creating a resilient service delivery model. Dr. Mugarura highlighted the need for continual assessment of the PPP framework to adapt to evolving economic and social demands. He recommended that the government prioritize regulatory improvements and capacity building for local firms to enhance their role in PPP projects.

Participants listen to the presentation. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants listen to the presentation.

The dissemination workshop concluded with a collective call for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. Both researchers emphasized that strategic partnerships hold the key to addressing Uganda’s service delivery challenges and achieving sustainable growth in tourism and healthcare.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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