Business & Management
CoBAMS trains locals on government programs
The Department of Marketing and Management at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has offered training of capacity building to local people about government programs and the way to utilize the funds to elevate their living standards.
The trainees of the course that began last year were issued with certificates of completion and urged to be ambassadors of the knowledge they acquired in their respective areas.
These included furniture dealers from Makerere-Kavule, car hire drivers from Bwaise, car wash men from Katonga, market vendors, and students from Makerere University.
Prof Peter Tukyakira said the idea of training low income earners was conceived after realizing that majority of the intended beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program didn’t know how to access the funds.
“Government had put strategies in place intended to improve the household incomes and move Ugandans from a peasant society to a modern and prosperous country but the beneficiaries needed education about these programs,” he revealed.
The training was intended to provide the participants with skills and competences to appreciate government’s effort in fighting poverty, know how to apply for these funds and also how to run a successful business such that they can be able to improve their livelihoods.
Prof Eria Hisali, the Principal of CoBAMS congratulated the participants for remaining committed to the program and encouraged them to continue working closely with the university.
“We have an innovation and incubation center that is being set up and if you have your idea, you can bring it and we develop it together,” he said.
A few years ago, CoBAMS made a decision to make one flagship activity intended to reach out to the communities, and policy makers in the communities surrounding Makerere University. And some of the technical skills that participants gained is how to penetrate into the market and sell off their products.
Prof Godfrey Akileng, the Dean of School of Business noted that this is not the first time for them to engage with the community saying “We have done this before with our women in the nearby markets. We now look at the impact we have put in the community. If we move from household transformation, then we are transforming the nation.”
Beneficiaries speak out
Gerald Lule, the team leader of Tugende Tukole Furniture group thanked Makerere University for the opportunity of training them and changing their lives.
“Many of us have the businesses but we didn’t know how to run them. We just lacked knowledge of elevating our thinking capacity. Before the training, I was not creative at all but now I have learnt to add creative designs on my furniture.”
He asked his fellow trainees to treasure their jobs and work towards expanding them.
“Don’t undermine the jobs you are doing because it is the ladder that will climb to where you want to be.” He said.
He asked the government to help them with financial support to boost their businesses such that they can purchase the equipment they don’t have.
Mr Edward Katende, an official from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and PDM Secretariat who graced the event as the chief guest noted that having money alone does not help but knowing how to use it is the best.
“Set your target and work towards achieving it. You can have money but the most important bit is knowing how to utilize it and it produces more money.” He said.
He pledged to help different groups to send their proposals to the responsible persons to lend them money.
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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