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EfD-Mak Center Passes Evaluation for Re-Accreditation for the next 5 years

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A panel of external evaluators from the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has consented to recommend the re-accreditation of the EfD-Mak Center Uganda for another five years.

 Edwin Muchapondwa from the South African EfD centre at the University of Cape town, Precious Zikhali from Nairobi Kenya and Ted  Horbulyk  from Canada were in Uganda on  a three-day evaluation exercise  on 23rd – 25th October 2023.

Every five years, the EfD Global hub evaluates its over 15 centres across the world on various parameters including institutional development, capacity building, research, policy engagement and outreach, performance and also on publication as a research output.

The evaluation panel Left to Right Precious Zikhali, Ted Horburyk and Edward Muchapondwa. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The evaluation panel Left to Right Precious Zikhali, Ted Horburyk and Edward Muchapondwa.

The EfD Uganda was established in Honai in 2018 and launched at Makerere University August 2019 funded by Sida.

The panel heard testimonies from the administrative staff, students the research fellows that work with the center, the university administrators, right from the Head of Department to the Dean, the College Principal and the Academic Registrar, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor as the Chief Executive of the university.

The trio visited government ministries, departments and agencies including the National Planning Authority, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Water and Environment, Wakiso district local government, and ACODE-a civil society organization to find out how collaborative engagements with the EfD-Mak center have shaped the policy environment and practice, as well as the plans and areas they felt the centre could serve better to make more impact.

Evaluators posing for agroup photo at the National Planning Authority after engaging with Ronald Kaggwa (3rd Right) one of the pioneer IGE fellows. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Evaluators posing for agroup photo at the National Planning Authority after engaging with Ronald Kaggwa (3rd Right) one of the pioneer IGE fellows.

In a closing meeting with the centre administrative staff and researchers, the Lead Evaluator Edwin Mchapondwa gave a glimpse of what the evaluation report will look like outlining some of the themes and pledged to produce the report within a month.

“But the headline is that the panel has agreed that we will make a recommendation that the center should be re-accredited for five more years. Okay, so with this, we have come to the end of the review process. So we thank the colleagues for tolerating all our hard questions, imposing on your time, not allowing you to attend some meetings you should have been attending. That way, it has been good for the center,” Mchapondwa announced.

The Panel in a group photo after meeting Commissioner Sam Mugume (3rd Left) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Panel in a group photo after meeting Commissioner Sam Mugume (3rd Left) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Under the institutionalization, the team commended Makerere University for its plan to position the center between the two colleges as a good strategy for sustainability and encouraged the staff to maintain the team spirit and dedicate more time to serve the centre.

“With respect to engagement, I am very impressed with the people we spoke to as entry points into getting ongoing collaborations with people in government and civil society and local government and so on. I think the challenge I see is getting good traction with them” Canadian external evaluator Ted Horbulyk said.

The centre also scored highly in terms of its policy engagement with government ministries, departments and agencies, academia, civil society and local governments. The team advised on the need to formalise the collaborations to ensure they are institutionalised within the university.

“I see policy engagement as a great platform, which a lot of work has really been done, that there is a lot of dedication, I think everybody that we spoke to said they are very engaged, I think that presents a very great opportunity. But of course I think that there is also more that can still be done, just to build on the foundation that has been made. I’m really happy about the potential that you have and the links that you’ve established”, the Kenyan external evaluator Precious Zikhali added.

The evaluators also commended the centre for capacity development initiatves for students, researchers and policy makers in a range of aspects in Environment and Natural Resources Economics but advised on the need to narrow down its focus on areas of field.

The Panel in a group photo with the CoBAMS Principal Prof. Eria Hisali (2nd Right) Deputy Principal Prof. Bruno Yawe (Left) and Director EfD Uganda - Prof. Edward Bbaale (2nd Left) after the engagement. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Panel in a group photo with the CoBAMS Principal Prof. Eria Hisali (2nd Right) Deputy Principal Prof. Bruno Yawe (Left) and Director EfD Uganda – Prof. Edward Bbaale (2nd Left) after the engagement.

“…You are doing well with your programs. And we heard the numbers of typical enrollments. And you seem to be inspiring students right from the undergraduate level. I think that is the right way to go. And we also appreciated hearing about this collaborative program you have in particular, the Masters in Environmental and Resource Economics, which is supported by both colleges.

“What you are doing with the policy makers, particularly IGE, and soon RAMP is also quite good. We saw some evidence that there is some impact that is coming across from there.” The team leader, Edwin Mchapondwa stated.

With respect to publications and papers, the evaluators tasked the centre to submit all publications to justify that there is an active body of scholars at the centre who are doing work.

Evaluators further observed the need for the centre researchers tap into each other’s expertise and narrow the scope of the fields into something that is of high impact when it comes to policy engagement.

Evaluators (seated) in a group photo at the Ministry of Water and Environment after meeting the Commissioner Mr. Steven Mugabi (Right) and IGE fellow Moreen Aneno (4th Left). Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Evaluators (seated) in a group photo at the Ministry of Water and Environment after meeting the Commissioner Mr. Steven Mugabi (Right) and IGE fellow Moreen Aneno (4th Left).

On the gender side the centre was also advised to continue to think about initiative to expand the meaningful participation of women, both within EfD Uganda and EfD Global collaboratives.

EfD Uganda has created a mark in the country through policy engagements and outreach.

The Director Edward Bbaale said entering the EfD network is a prestigious issue that has contributed to the internationalization agenda as Makerere drives towards the research-led university status.

The center, he reported, was given notice more than a year ago that it was due for evaluation, and requested to conduct a self-evaluation and ranking on a number of parameters for which it is charged to deliver .

Bbaale said, the center has been preparing a document of self-evaluation which involved appending evidence of MoUs, outcomes of the engagements, and caused policy changes in government.

“And we prepared ourselves to receive this evaluation team. And in the three days of evaluation, we have endured a lot of questions, which, to the best of our ability, we responded to very well”, He said

Bbaale described the evaluation exercise and conversations as enjoyable, and one that gave him pride as he observed people give testimonies about the impact that EfD-Mak has made over the years.

“And as a result, we have not been shy at all to interface with this team. Our heads have been high up, confident, and we tried as much as possible to respond to each of those parameters the way we are supposed to deliver”.

The evaluation panel in a group photo after interacting with the Deputy Director ACODE, Onesmus Mugyenyi at his office. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The evaluation panel in a group photo after interacting with the Deputy Director ACODE, Onesmus Mugyenyi at his office.

“And then the D-Day, and the awaited hour was at 4 o’clock today 25th October 2023 where the evaluation team chose to give highlights of what they have observed. They highlighted a  a number of strengths and gaps to be worked on.”

“But finally, what made us very proud this afternoon is that the EfD evaluation team, all the three panelists agreed that the EfD-Mak Center is worthy to be accredited for the next five years, which was a great thing we celebrated and are still celebrating,” the Professor remarked.

Lessons from the evaluation and way forward

Bbaale appreciated evaluators for pointing out different perspectives and great opportunities to engage more with line ministries.

“We should always be in the corridors of the Ministry of Water and Environment to show case of what we are and what we can do, to let them know that in the EfD-Mak Center resides great expertise that can give answers to a number of questions that the government workers may not have answers to.

“We are going to write a profile about what we are as EfD-Mak, our research team,  what we have done over the years, and tell the ministry that we are ready to offer solutions to some of the things they have been grappling with”. He pledged.

The other lesson, he said, is interesting students to like environment and natural resource economics right from undergraduate and graduate students that come as freshers and creating a pool of fellows to offer supervision as well as  participating in the EfD Global Hub competition for the best dissertation.

Evaluators in a group photo with Rebecca Ssabaganzi a Local Government Representaive (Centre) at Wakiso District headquarters. Uganda, East Africa.
Evaluators in a group photo with Rebecca Ssabaganzi a Local Government Representaive (Centre) at Wakiso District headquarters.

On international collaborations, the Director clarified that the center belongs to the Forestry collaborative where center researchers Peter Babyenda and Patrick Byakagaba are having a forest project. Babyenda and a representative from the National Forestry Authority under the same collaborative will be travelling to Nepal under the same arrangement for a study on how the country has succeeded in the forestry policy. The center is active in SETI collaborative, that deals with energy and the very first center’s project was on electricity, which was done by Dr. Nicholas Kiliman followed by Dr. Aisha Nanyiti.

In addition to providing a write-up on each of those collaboratives that exist and encouraging people to always be part, Bbaale promised to submit a detailed list of publications from the research fellows.

On the question of gender and ensuring women full participation in the centre activities, Bbaale said Makerere University has been deliberate and intentional to balance gender and to  protect women in general including against sexual harassment.

“With government addition of 1.5 points to women, its fruits have been seen after very many years. Now we graduate 52% female. We are yet to see the fruits translate into graduate programmes and when that happens, we shall be sure that we are in the position to have more women researchers in the center.” He said.

Audit process as a reflection for improvement while re-accreditation offered confidence

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Dean, School of Economics Dr. Ibrahim Okumu described auditing as a way that allows institutions to reflect for purposes of improvement.

The Dean School of Economics, Dr. Ibrahim Okumu (Right) speaking to the evaluators. CoBAMS, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Dean School of Economics, Dr. Ibrahim Okumu (Right) speaking to the evaluators.

Okumu was happy that the evaluators engaged with a number of stakeholders,

“And the outcome tells me that it’s been a really positive engagement. And of course, the last strong point that I got out of this was the positive feedback we got from the policy arena that we are positively contributing to their area of work.

 “And of course, the greatest thing today was the fact that we have an additional five years of contributing to the development of environment, economics, within our space and within the global space. All the areas of strengthening would indeed come through as positive as you suggested.” The Dean noted.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda

Jane Anyango

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The 10th Makerere University Students Expo: Solar-Powered Innovation Wins Top Prize

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On 30th October 2026, the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (MakEOC), in collaboration with the Department of Marketing and Management, School of Business at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), recognised and awarded outstanding student innovators and entrepreneurs during the 10th Annual Makerere University Students’ Expo.

Held at the Freedom Square under the theme “Youth Innovations to Scale Uganda’s Growth Tenfold,” the expo showcased 900 student-led projects. The initiative focused on transforming youth ingenuity into sustainable enterprises, creating investment opportunities, and driving employment to support Uganda’s national growth agenda.

Solar Innovation Takes Centre Stage

Out of the 900 competing projects, three student enterprises emerged on top, led by a groundbreaking green-energy solution:

• Overall Winner: KIJAY Solar Shelter Innovations Limited (Solar Shelter)-won the top prize for developing the “Solar Breeze Umbrella and a solar-powered structure.” This eco-friendly innovation provides essential shade, ventilation, and lighting tailored for rural schools, outdoor market vendors, and restaurant operators.

• First Runner-Up: Smart Attend Limited-Developed an automated mobile application that tracks classroom attendance by allowing students to log in and out securely under a lecturer’s direct supervision.

The student innovators (Smart Attend Ltd), recieving a dummy cheque from Assoc. Prof. Godfrey Akileng and members of staff from the school of business.

• Second Runner-Up: Magic Spoon Enterprise-Innovated “powdered yoghurt” by converting freshly made yoghurt into powder through a freeze-drying process. This project addresses preservation challenges by extending shelf life, easing storage, and removing dependency on refrigeration.

The team from Magic Spoon Enterprise proudly displays their UGX 500,000 cheque after being recognized at the Youth Expo at Makerere University
The team from Magic Spoon Enterprise proudly displays their UGX 500,000 cheque after being recognized at the Youth Expo at Makerere University

Robust Student Participation

Dr Sarah Bimbona, the Director of MakEOC at CoBAMS, revealed that the Expo marked the culmination of preparations undertaken throughout the semester by entrepreneurship students. “The 10th Edition attracted 900 participants, specifically bringing together 600 undergraduate students and 300 Master of Business Administration (MBA) students. All the submitted projects underwent a rigorous evaluation process,” she reported.

Dr Sarah Bimbona, Director of MakEOC

The competitive expo featured innovative solutions from students across multiple academic programmes, including:

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Year One)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (Year Two)
  • Bachelor of Arts with Education (Entrepreneurship)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Prioritising Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Dean of the School of Business at CoBAMS, Assoc. Prof. Godfrey Akileng, described the Students’ Expo and Entrepreneurship Congress as highly successful milestones. He urged students to sustain their entrepreneurial spirit, build on their ideas, and actively embrace entrepreneurship to transform their research into viable commercial ventures.

Assoc. Prof. Godfrey Akileng – Dean of the School of Business

Acknowledging the support of the Makerere University Management and the organising team, Assoc. Prof. Akileng extended his appreciation to corporate partners-including Vision Group, SUMZ, and Pepsi-for their vital contributions toward the successful delivery of both events.

Bridging Academia and Industry

The Students’ Expo directly built upon the momentum of the 4th Uganda – Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress, held a day prior on 29th October 2026. During the congress, students engaged in high-level dialogues with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and government representatives. The discussions strongly encouraged students to bridge the gap between academic innovation and industry, creating sustainable businesses capable of driving Uganda’s economic transformation and Tenfold Growth Agenda.

Student Exhibitors engage in a hands-on demonstration of charcoal briquette production during an entrepreneurship expo at Makerere University

Transform Prototypes into Viable Business Ventures

Re-echoing highlights from the discussions at the 4th Uganda – Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress held on 29th October 2026, Dr Jude Mugarura, the Head of the Department of Marketing and Management at CoBAMS, noted that the exhibition provided students with an opportunity to showcase their innovations, and to receive guidance on developing prototypes into viable commercial products and business ventures.

“Take the Expo seriously and remain open to knowledge-sharing and feedback from investors, evaluators, policymakers and other stakeholders,” he said.

Highlights from some of the Student Innovations

  • Briquettes production from natural agricultural waste

The Marketing Director of Premium Flames by Legitimate Cookers, Ms. Grace Kyamagero Nakigozi, said the group’s briquette innovation seeks to address charcoal shortages while reducing deforestation.

A team of student exhibitors displays “Premium Flames” eco-friendly briquettes at the Youth Expo at Makerere University and far right is Ms. Grace Kyamagero Nakigozi

She explained that the group produces briquettes by mixing clay with processed agricultural waste, including coffee husks, maize cobs and matooke peelings. The mixture is moulded into different shapes and dried under shelter for approximately one week.

Ms. Nakigozi noted that the briquettes provide sustained heat and can be used in restaurants, households and poultry brooding, offering an alternative cooking fuel while promoting environmental conservation through the reuse of agricultural waste.

  • The Eco Grow Organic Fertilizer

Presenting the Eco Grow Organic Fertilizer, Mr. Faizal Ssegawa Mugerwa, team leader said the initiative transforms biodegradable waste, particularly vegetable waste, into organic fertiliser to promote sustainable agriculture and create business opportunities.

Mr. Faizal Ssegawa Mugerwa(4th L) and his team
Mr. Faizal Ssegawa Mugerwa(4th L) and his team.

He explained that the team processes organic waste into compost, supplemented with other organic ingredients to provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, comparable to conventional NPK fertilisers.

Mr. Mugerwa noted that the innovation reduces waste sent to landfills, helps prevent environmental pollution and creates economic value from discarded organic materials.

  • The Campus Survival Kit

Ms. Hope Nakiberu, a first-year Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) student at CoBAMS and a member of Campus Survival Kit, said the initiative provides students with convenient access to essential supplies through hostel, grocery and study kits.

She explained that the idea addresses challenges faced by students, particularly those arriving from rural areas, in navigating Kampala and finding places to purchase basic necessities. The team therefore offers delivery of essential items directly to students, making campus life more convenient.

The expo also featured student innovators and entrepreneurs pursuing the Bachelor of Arts with Education at the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), who showcased a range of innovations, including Basic Organizers, footwear sandals and Elegant Item Solution, among others.

A cake was cut in cerebration of the winners which marked the end of the successfull 10th Makerere University Students Expo

Moderated by Ms Yvone Nakungu and Ms Connic Nansubuga, students at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), the 10th Makerere University Students’ Expo concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, marking a decade of promoting entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation among Makerere University students.

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Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress Rallies Youth Behind Uganda’s ‘Tenfold Growth’Plan

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Dr. Sarah Bimbona -Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (2nd Left), Dr Jude Mugarura -Head of the Department of Marketing and Management (2nd Right), Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng (Extreme Right), Ms. Devin Ester Ambayo join Deputy Principal CoBAMS- Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala to present a a token of appreciation to Keynote Speaker Dr. Cosmos Mwikirize (3rd Right).

Makerere University has convened its 4th Entrepreneurship Congress, positioning youth innovation at the absolute center of Uganda’s ambitious Tenfold Growth Strategy.

The long-term economic framework aims to skyrocket the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from roughly US$50 billion to US$500 billion by 2040. According to the National Planning Authority (NPA), the strategy relies heavily on four primary growth pillars known as ATMS: Agro-Industrialization; Tourism; Mineral-Based Industrialization (including Oil and Gas); and Science, Technology, ICT, and Innovation.

With over 70% of Uganda’s population under the age of 30, the youth are widely seen as the engine behind this economic transformation.

To harness this potential, the 29th October, event brought together students, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and government officials at the Makerere Uiversity Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium. Running under the theme “Youth Innovations to Scale Uganda’s Growth Tenfold,” the congress focused on building strategic partnerships, boosting commercialization, and equipping young innovators to build sustainable businesses.

The event was organized by the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, alongside the Department of Marketing and Management under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).

Chief Guest – Hon. Kasigwa Gerald, Member of Parliament for Kigorobya County

Hon. Kasigwa Gerald (MP for Kigorobya County) attended as the Chief Guest. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President.

Leadership Applauds Partnership

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the CoBAMS Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale, the College Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala, commended the School of Business and the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (MakEOC) for strengthening university partnerships.

Noting that the MakEOC was concurrently hosting the 10th Students’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo, he praised the Centre for sustaining the initiative over the past decade.

Assoc. Prof. Wokadala stressed the need for deeper collaboration to drive youth innovation and national economic transformation. He urged students to focus on developing practical, commercial solutions.

Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala

Call to Private Sector

Underscoring the value of collaboration, he acknowledged the Vision Group, Pepsi-Crown Beverages Uganda Limited, and Sumzi-Psalms Food Industries Limited for supporting the 4th Uganda-Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress.

For long-term sustainability, he called upon the business community, private sector, and industry leaders to work closely with the MakEOC.

He emphasized that private sector partners are vital for providing the mentorship, incubation facilities, and market access needed to help young entrepreneurs grow businesses, create jobs, and promote self-reliance.

Turn Innovations into Businesses

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, urged students to use entrepreneurship to generate jobs and fuel national development.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize

Drawing on Uganda’s electric vehicle innovation journey, Dr. Mwikirize emphasized the importance of perseverance. He urged young innovators to challenge conventional thinking and ignore skeptics who doubt their ideas.

Achieving Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy requires sustained economic growth driven by science, technology, innovation, and industrialization, he noted. To guide them, he challenged student entrepreneurs to adopt six core principles hidden within the acronym TENFOLD:

  • Trouble: Identify real-world problems and develop practical solutions.
  • Evidence: Prove that your innovations work to convince customers.
  • Numbers: Understand your business figures beyond the daily hustle.
  • Others: Build strong networks, teams, and strategic partnerships.
  • Long Game: Recognize that genuine business success takes time.
  • Discipline: Deliver on your promises with honesty and unwavering integrity.

Embrace Flexibility and Patriotism

Hon. Kasigwa Gerald, Member of Parliament for Kigorobya County, encouraged the students to remain flexible and look for opportunities outside their primary fields of study.

“Flexibility and a willingness to learn are essential for navigating a rapidly changing job market,” Hon. Kasigwa noted.

Underscoring the values of honesty, patriotism, and commitment, the legislator appealed to the youth to cultivate strong ethical foundations as they build their enterprises. He implored them to prepare for their roles in Uganda’s future through deliberate planning, continuous self-improvement, and hard work.

Champion the Commercialization of Innovations

The Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship education in equipping students with real-world business skills. He encouraged them to cross-pollinate ideas, learn from industry experts, and build networks to successfully commercialize their research.

Prioritise Students’ Innovation

Commending the University Management and partners for their continued support, Assoc. Prof. Akileng invited participants to the upcoming Students’ Entrepreneurship Expo at Freedom Square, urging the youth to transform raw ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Dr Jude Mugarura, Head of the Department of Marketing and Management, reiterated the urgency of this educational shift.

“Entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, promote wealth creation, and advance Uganda’s economic transformation and self-reliance,” Dr Mugarura said.

He called on government agencies and private-sector partners to step up with funding, regulatory guidance, incubation facilities, and market access. He noted that the upcoming Expo at Freedom Square would showcase breakthroughs in agriculture, technology, healthcare, and sustainable business models.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre (MakEOC), noted that the congress serves as a bridge connecting students directly with established industry titans and government regulators.

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of the Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre

She emphasized that Makerere must nurture an internal culture where students graduate with viable businesses rather than just job applications.

“Every student from Makerere University should leave the university with an idea, a company, or an innovation that is going to help them transform their lives,” Dr. Bimbona stated.

She called for the creation of dedicated, well-equipped campus innovation spaces to help students transition their conceptual models into sustainable, job-creating enterprises.

Turning Ideas into Viable Businesses

A major highlight of the congress was a high-level panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Sarah Bimbona, which focused on transforming raw concepts into market-ready ventures capable of attracting customers, investments, and strategic partners.

The panel brought together key experts from finance, media, tech, and regulation, including:

  • Mr. Hannington Musimenta, Manager of Programme Development at Uganda Development Bank (UDB)
  • Ms. Lorraine Tukahirwa, Head of Marketing and Communications at Vision Group
  • Mr. Boris Mugisha, Co-founder and Head of Operations at Tubayo
  • Mr. Ronald Tumuhairwe, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA)

The panelists collectively underscored that generating a brilliant idea is only the first step. To survive, entrepreneurs must pivot toward building business models grounded in real market demand, strict financial discipline, and deep customer trust.

Rather than waiting for massive capital, the experts encouraged aspiring youth entrepreneurs to start with manageable operations, maintain impeccable financial records, and seek institutional mentorship to scale sustainably based on proven performance.

Youth-Driven Innovation

Sharing her personal entrepreneurship journey, Ms. Devin Ester Ambayo, a student leader and entrepreneur at Makerere University, encouraged her peers to look closely at local problems and transform them into sustainable business opportunities.

She applauded CoBAMS for organizing the congress, noting that the event provides a vital platform for students to build confidence, master pitching skills, and network directly with seasoned industry figures.

The 4th Entrepreneurship Congress was moderated by Dr. Kasimu Ssendawula, a faculty member at CoBAMS, who was assisted by student co-moderators Ms. Yvonne Nakungu and Ms. Connie Nansubuga.

Precursor to the 10th Annual Students’ Expo

The successful conclusion of the 4th Uganda-Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress lays fertile ground for the 10th Annual Makerere University Students’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo, scheduled for 30th October 2026 at the Freedom Square.

A section of the audience of the Congress.

Running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the landmark expo provides a massive platform for over 900 students to showcase their entrepreneurial and innovation potential.

The student exhibitors and young entrepreneurs are drawn from the following academic programmes across the university, including:

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Year 1)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (Year 2)
  • Bachelor of Arts with Education (Entrepreneurship)

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PIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions

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PIM CoE equips Public Officers to Make Better Public Investment Decisions

The two-week training programme aims to equip government officers with practical skills to assess project viability, manage investment risks and ensure public resources deliver value for money.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) is strengthening the capacity of government officers to undertake financial appraisal and risk analysis of public investment projects through a two-week training programme designed to improve the quality of project preparation, appraisal and decision-making in Uganda.

The training, which started in Fort Portal on October 19, 2026, brought together participants from various government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), alongside facilitators from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the National Planning Authority and the Uganda Development Bank.

Officially opening the training on behalf of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, emphasised the importance of rigorous project appraisal in strengthening Uganda’s public investment management system.

She noted that projects admitted into the public investment plan must be aligned with national priorities, technically sound, financially viable and capable of delivering value for money.

“Government must be able to compare investment alternatives and ensure that only viable projects proceed through the public investment process,” she emphasised.

Ms Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

Ms Ayebare explained that sound appraisal enables government to make informed investment decisions, maximise returns on public expenditure and ensure that limited public resources are directed towards projects with the greatest potential to deliver development outcomes.

Building practical skills for better investment decisions

The training builds on the Public Investment Management course conducted in June, which introduced participants to Uganda’s public investment management framework, including project conceptualisation, stakeholder analysis, project costing, implementation action plans, the Integrated Bank of Projects, and monitoring and evaluation of public investment reforms.

The current programme advances this foundation by equipping participants with technical competencies in financial appraisal, financial modelling and risk analysis.

Participants will explore integrated investment appraisal, alternative investment criteria, cash-flow statements, inflation and exchange-rate movements, asset valuation, project financing, project scale and timing, risk-sharing arrangements and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Through practical exercises and case studies, participants will apply these concepts to investment scenarios in sectors such as roads, health, education and water. The programme will also examine how climate change, social considerations and other risks can be integrated into project preparation and appraisal.

Ms Ayebare encouraged participants to engage actively with the facilitators, question the practical application of the tools and consider how the skills acquired could improve investment decisions within their respective institutions.

She also reminded participants that the programme includes an examination and that certification requires more than attendance. Participants are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and acquire practical skills that they can apply in their work.

Reducing dependence on externally prepared studies

A key objective of the training is to strengthen the ability of government institutions to undertake high-quality project appraisal studies using their own technical teams.

Public officers gather for a specialized training session at the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM COE) to enhance their skills in making sound and strategic public investment decisions.
Public officers gather for a specialized training session at the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM COE) to enhance their skills in making sound and strategic public investment decisions.

Ms Ayebare observed that many studies submitted to the Development Committee have traditionally been prepared by external consultants, often at considerable cost. Building the capacity of public officers to conduct these studies independently can help institutions strengthen their technical expertise and improve the quality of project proposals presented for consideration.

She urged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ expertise and return to their institutions equipped to undertake sound financial appraisals and provide evidence-based advice to decision-makers.

She further emphasised that project approval requires thorough preparation, analysis and justification, rather than simply identifying available funding and proposing a project to utilise it.

Strengthening public investment management through capacity development

In his remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE, thanked the Ministry of Finance for its financial support and for identifying participants from government institutions. He also recognised the contributions of the facilitators and partner institutions in delivering the programme.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM CoE

Prof. Bbaale noted that the Centre’s work extends beyond training to include research and advisory services aimed at improving public investment management practices. He encouraged continued collaboration with government institutions and other partners to advance research, knowledge sharing and capacity development.

Speaking during the training, Dr John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the importance of commitment, active participation and punctuality throughout the programme. He encouraged participants to engage with the facilitators, ask questions and apply the knowledge gained to the projects they support.

Dr Sseruyange also acknowledged the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, for financing the training, and appreciated Cambridge Resources International for its continued support towards improving public investment preparation and analysis in Uganda.

The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system by equipping public officers with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to assess projects rigorously, identify potential risks and make informed investment decisions.

By developing in-house expertise across government institutions, the programme seeks to contribute to better-prepared projects, more efficient use of public resources and improved delivery of Uganda’s development priorities.

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