This week once again, the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence is contributing to capacity building of government officers. The center is offering basic Public Investment Management training to a group of forty (40) Economists from different MDAs. Key focus areas has been on how to develop project concept notes and project Profiles in their respective MDAs, use of the Integrated Bank of Projects, Introduction to integrated investment appraisal, key considerations in the Environment and Social Risk management, Monitoring & Evaluation of the projects as well as the Public Private Partnerships in the design and execution of the projects.
Speaking during the open of the training on September 25, 2023, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean School of Economics, appreciated the government of Uganda for the support rendered to the center. He also thanked the participants for making the time to undertake the one-week intensive training.
He said he was happy to see participants from Ministries, Agencies, departments, NGOs and academic institutions. “Having university participants gives me the confidence that we as trainers are contributing to curriculum development and review in these institutions,” he said. “Having public and private officers trained shows that we shall have a country that not only works for its self but also for its people”.
He encouraged the participants to participate in the other two modules; Financial modeling and Economic Modeling which will take place in November 2023 and February 2024.
The Centre Manager, Dr. Willy Kagarura, shared with the trainees the reasons for the creation of the center. He shared that the center was formed to create capacity for PIMs in an effort to reduce losses in public investments. This followed a World Bank study which found that Uganda was losing 6 cents of every dollar invested. This was attributed to poor project management, write from the concept stage to implementation. The PIM center has over the last 2 years undertake capacity building, research and advisory services in the areas of PIM. Over 150 public officers have acquired the training. The center hopes to train more than 500 individuals over the next 5 years.
The over 40 trainees who attended the PIM Basic training received certificates following the one-week rigorous training. Speaking during the award ceremony on September 29, 2023, Mr. Joseph Ahaisibwe from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, also one of the trainers was hopeful that the trainees would use the new knowledge acquired to better their performances at work. He called on the officers to ensure that their organizations have functional Project Preparation Committees in an effort to improve PIM. The officers requested that the heads of these government entities also be invited to undertake this training such that they too get this important knowledge. This, Mr Ahaisibwe said the ministry would consider.
The Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University and also the Principal Investigator of the PIM centre of Excellence, Prof. Edward Bbaale on his part thanked the government of Uganda through MoFPED for the funding to the centre. Their support he said has been instrumental in efforts to enhance the skills and knowledge of government workers in the field of Public Investment Management (PIM).
He appreciated the dedicated faculty members who have contributed to the success of this training program. The experts are drawn from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, the National Planning Authority, and PEMBROKE Consultants.
Prof. Bbaale also appreciated the participants for making the time to undertake the course. “I implore you to view this training as the initial step in your journey through Public Investment Management. We invite you to consider advanced training phases in PIM, such as Financial Analysis and Economic Analysis, where we delve deeper into financial and economic modeling. These advanced courses offer a blend of theory and hands-on experience, allowing you to work on real-world projects in sectors like roads, electricity, water, and energy,” he said.
The trainees will be expected to undertake two more intermediary courses; Financial and Economic Analysis.
Hoima and Kikuube Districts, Uganda – October 20, 2024
A group of third-year students from College of Business and Management Sciences’s Energy and Natural Resources Economics program visited the Kingfisher oil operations and Kabalega Airport in Hoima and Kikuube districts on October 20, 2024. Led by Dr. Peter Babyenda and Dr. John Sseruyange, and with authorization from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, the visit offered the students an invaluable opportunity to connect classroom learning with field experience.
The primary objective of the field trip was to enhance students’ practical understanding of Uganda’s oil industry by observing the extraction and production processes firsthand. According to Dr. Babyenda, “Blending theory with real-world exposure is essential for these students, as it allows them to apply and expand their knowledge beyond the classroom.”
During the tour, students explored several key areas:
Practical Exposure – Witnessing the operational procedures of oil extraction offered students a concrete understanding of how theoretical concepts play out in the field, enhancing their grasp of the industry.
Economic Impact Analysis – Observing the economic role of oil production in Hoima and Kikuube allowed the students to explore its broader impact on local and global markets and its contributions to community development and Uganda’s economic landscape.
Technical Knowledge – The students gained insights into the technical aspects of oil extraction, learning about the complexities of the operations, the innovations employed, and the challenges faced by the industry.
Environmental and Social Considerations – Students observed the environmental practices in place and evaluated the social dynamics involved, gaining an understanding of how oil companies balance production with community and environmental sustainability.
Career Insights – With opportunities to interact with professionals in the oil sector, students received guidance on potential career paths in the industry, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
Current Industry Issues – The group also delved into the status of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project and discussed challenges in oil and natural gas production, examining where Uganda stands in terms of production timelines, obstacles, solutions, and the role they can play as future energy professionals.
Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Sseruyange highlighted the importance of this experience in solidifying students’ understanding of Uganda’s evolving oil industry. “This field experience not only complements what they’ve learned in lectures but also equips them with a real sense of the operational and societal impact of the energy sector,”he noted.
The students expressed their gratitude for the immersive experience, noting how it broadened their perspectives and deepened their knowledge. The field trip served as an essential step in preparing them for careers within Uganda’s energy and natural resources sectors, bringing them closer to the industry’s forefront and the future of sustainable energy in the region.
The Environment for Development (EfD) Uganda team, led by Prof. Edward Bbaale, has been recognized as Runners-Up for the prestigious EfD Policy Impact Award 2024. Their impactful paper, titled “Policy Options for Clean Cooking and Reduced Biomass Dependency,” earned them a Certificate of Excellence during the 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the EfD network, held from October 3 to 6, 2024, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Organized by the EfD Global Hub at the University of Gothenburg and hosted by EfD-Kenya Centre at the University of Nairobi, the AGM brought together researchers and policymakers from across the world. The event celebrated the remarkable work being done to influence global environmental policies.
Representing Uganda, Prof. Bbaale was accompanied by Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo, EfD- Mak’s Office Manager, and a team of researchers and collaborators. Among those present were Dr. Peter Babyenda, Dr. Susan Kavuma, Dr. John Sseruyange, Dr. Nicholas Kilimani, Dr. Florence Lwiza Nsereko, Mr. Jordan Ssemwanga, Mr. Nathan Mununuzi (Ministry of Water and Environment), and Eng. Domnic Mucunguzi (Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries).
Insights from the Study
The award-winning study, led by Prof. Bbaale and his research fellows—Dr. Babyenda, Dr. Sseruyange, and Dr. Kilimani—focused on “Promoting Inclusive Clean Energy Transition in Uganda: Evidence, Challenges, and Policy Options.” The research explored perceptions of cooking energy systems in Uganda, with an emphasis on the over-reliance on biomass, particularly charcoal, as the primary energy source in low-income areas.
The study revealed key barriers to the clean energy transition, including fear of electricity and liquid petroleum gas, weak public awareness, and insufficient regulatory frameworks. These challenges have slowed the adoption of alternative energy solutions in Ugandan households.
Prof. Bbaale emphasized the need for stronger regulatory support and awareness to foster the country’s energy transition: “The transition to cleaner energy requires overcoming public misconceptions and improving regulatory systems to promote sustainable cooking solutions.”
See video clips interview with Edward Bbaale and Peter Babyenda – Courtesy of the EfD Global Hub
Prof. Bbaale highlighted the value of the 18th AGM for fostering collaboration and growth within the EfD network. “The EfD-Mak Centre appreciates the efforts of colleagues who submitted proposals and papers, and we congratulate Dr. Lwiza and Dr. Kavuma for their contributions. These proposals are vital to keeping the Centre running,” Bbaale noted.
Looking ahead, he encouraged further mobilization of research fellows, recommending the appointment of collaborative leaders and co-leaders to enhance engagement and productivity within the Centre. A full report on EfD Uganda’s participation at the AGM is attached.
The School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences, has concluded the 3rd Annual Doctoral Colloquium Programme, 2024, which brought together 34 PhD students, including 11 third-year and 23 first- and second-year students, for a four-day engagement held from Monday October 14 to October 17, 2024.
Organized under the leadership of Prof. Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business, and Dr. Kasimu Sendawula, the colloquium focused on the theme, “Research Grounding, Framing, Problematizing, and Making a Contribution for a Seamless PhD Experience.” The event aimed to educate participants on research proposals and thesis guidelines, enhance scholarly writing and presentation skills, and foster networking between young and senior researchers.
The colloquium achieved its objectives through sessions on both provisional and full admission processes, addressing essential topics such as proposal and thesis structure, conceptualization, literature review, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, philosophy of methods, scholarly writing, and ethical clearance. Paper presentation sessions, held on Days 3 and 4, allowed students to refine their research ideas and enhance their understanding of PhD management policies, philosophical foundations, and scholarly writing skills.
Prof. Godfrey Akileng highlighted the remarkable progress of the School’s doctoral program since its inception in 2019. “We have 31 active doctoral students, and five graduates are expected in January,” said Prof. Akileng. He expressed pride in the school’s initiatives, noting the increasing publication rate among both students and staff, which reflects the growing research output. Prof. Akileng encouraged scholars to present their research, develop a matrix for comments received, and work diligently to finish their work on time.
Prof. Akileng also emphasized the importance of customer satisfaction in research, stating, “Our business thought is that the best strategy is having a satisfied work customer and addressing their needs.” He reaffirmed that the staff remains committed to supporting students throughout their PhD journey, urging them to stay focused and follow the plan.
In addition to the ongoing training efforts, upcoming events include the November and December research seminars, where staff members studying abroad will present their work.
During his opening remarks, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), emphasized Makerere University’s strategic vision under the 2020-2030 plan, which focuses on transforming the university into a research-led and innovation-driven institution. Prof. Bbaale highlighted three key pillars of the strategy: increasing graduate enrollment, establishing research entities, and bridging research and policy.
“We aim to raise the graduate student population to 30% by 2030, with 10% being international students,” Prof. Bbaale said, adding that the current figure stands at 12%, with only 2% being international students. He also noted the creation of 68 research centers and institutes, such as the School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, as key steps in developing innovative solutions through collaborative research.
Prof. Bbaale encouraged students to embrace challenges and use the resources available at Makerere University to further their academic and research goals. “Your research is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a beacon of hope and a catalyst for societal change,” he said, citing the importance of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in shaping the future of academic excellence.
Speaking at the closing of the colloquium, Dr. Julius Kikoma, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) at Makerere University, praised the School of Business for its progress in doctoral training. “I’m happy to see that the school has grown its capacity to train PhDs,” Dr. Kikoma remarked, adding that the DRGT is working to make the PhD journey less isolating by organizing gatherings like the colloquium, which bring students together.
Dr. Kikoma further highlighted the reforms initiated by the DRGT to streamline PhD training, including a shift from open-ended to structured programs, cohort-based admissions, and providing full admission to students. “We’ve implemented changes to help PhD students move more smoothly through their journey,” he explained.
The symposium also featured contributions from experts such as Dr. Kassim Sendawula, the Coordinator of the PhD Programme at the School of Business, who underscored the value of expert feedback in the research process. Dr. Sendawula noted that the review process provided essential skills and insights, helping scholars refine their research and develop practical solutions.
The colloquium demonstrated Makerere University’s dedication to advancing graduate training and research, fostering a supportive community for PhD students. Dr. Kikoma highlighted that 350 applicants for PhD by research were received in the current academic year, underscoring the increasing interest in graduate studies at the university. The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to support PhD students, align research with national priorities, and maintain the momentum toward achieving the university’s vision of becoming a research-led institution.