Business & Management
Environmental Economists want a “Green Fund” Established
Environmental Economists from Makerere University and stakeholders in environment and natural resources sectors have expressed the need for Uganda to establish a Green Fund to finance green initiatives.
The dons have also proposed and re-echoed known initiatives that require mind-set change and government commitment to infrastructural developments that can reduce environmental pollution.
Environmentalists also want part of the Green Fund to come from greatest polluters in the country and the developed countries relative to the damage caused.
In addition, they want the African voice heard in the global discussion towards mitigation, commitment and transitioning to low carbon economies.
The call was made during the policy dialogue organised by the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD-Mak Centre) at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel as one of the mainstream activities. The dialogue held on December 20, 2023 brought together members of the academia, representatives of private sector, government ministries, departments and agencies, CSOs, manufacturers, and commercial banks on the theme, “Green Financing in Uganda: From Paper to Practice”.
The main aim of the workshop was to engage with the government to have a healthy debate how to finance green transitions and greening starting from the household level. The key message was that there is need to transit, but the transition is not cheap, it is expensive and requires deliberate effort.
While opening the workshop, the Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali said the engagement was hinged on twin objectives of attaining low carbon outcomes and high growth outcomes which are environmentally friendly.
As researchers and policy makers, Prof. Hisali interested participants to discuss and understand the current growth landscape, where growth is coming from, and main activities that drive growth and livelihoods.
Within that landscape, the professor advised participants to address the main concerns with regard to sustainability, the environmental concerns with regard to the current sources of growth and the status quo.
Hisali also told participants to pose a question of the disruptive effects that come along with the transitions to low carbon sources of growth; and closely related, the best options to make the transitions and finally, how the green financing strategies can be made attractive for the different actors to take them on.
Outside the green financing alone, Prof. Hisali challenged participants to debate on other options that policy makers can consider to enable the transition to low carbon sources of growth to start taking place.
The Professor also guided participants to have discussions on the framework for enforcement and auditing of the transition process itself, asking, what is it that they can do to ensure that they are tracking the progress made and whatever has been agreed upon at policy level, and ensure it is enforceable and that there are institutions and agencies to enforce that.
“The other issues we should be discussing is that what is our voice as Uganda and as the developing world in these discussions towards a low carbon economy. Do we have the voice as anyone else? Or is it that for us we should be making the transition while others are not, where is the equaliser. Are we in future for example going to talk about green imports or it is about us only ensuring that we go green and possibly some powerful nations look on and go to the extent of lip service”. Hisali asked.
In an interview, Prof. Hisali said, the discussion of the African voice in mitigation carbon emissions has picked traction at the global- level questioning whether all countries of the world have the same voice and commitment to addressing matters of environmental sustainability.
“This discussion is important because the transition to low carbon economies come with certain disruptions the way things are done and those disruptions are a cost. They disrupt livelihoods, slow growth and the only way we can be committed to that transition, is when we are sure that it is not only us but that everyone else has the same commitment. We all belong to the planet and we should have the same level of commitment,” Hisali stressed.
The Director EfD-Mak Centre Prof. Edward Bbaale noted that although there are more than one SDGs focused on the environment and green financing, many countries are not living up to the set aspiration of the SDG. Bbaale is also the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University.
As a university, Prof. Bbaale said, they must undertake research and establish to what extent the country has achieved green energy transitions and inform government where the country is, and what should be done. Through research Bbaale said the university has done a lot to come up with innovations as solutions to the green transitions such as solar energy solutions and others.
Bbaale reported that the EfD-Mak Centre is focusing on environment and natural resources, on how to harness and manage the environment for sustainable development, satisfying the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs and the benefits of the future generation.
As the Environment for Development initiative, Bbaale said, the topic of green financing is based on the fact that the environment has been the most affected resources through deforestation, reclaiming of wetlands, and most of these have come partly through agriculture where forests have been cut unsustainably and for infrastructural developments.
Bbaale warned that most of these developments have taken place without minding about the environment adding that unlike human beings who forgive and forget, nature does not.
“Nature does not forgive and nature does not forget. Actually, at one-time nature will hit back badly. You have seen in Kampala during this season, in the last three months, floods swallowing up people, our fellow human beings dying, cars being swallowed up in a place where you least expect that you are going to meet your death.
We have seen that one being caused by the environment hitting back. Maybe because that very area was a wetland, but during the construction of the house or the building or the road, this was not catered for.” The Director decried.
It is time to protect the environment through mindset change, best practices and investment in green initiatives
Prof. Edward bbaale
Prof. Bbaale stressed that it is now time to talk about protecting the environment against greenhouse gases and, one sure way, apart from mindset change and preaching to the population on the best ways of life, one other way, is through investment.
He observed that almost 85% of Uganda’s households depend on biomass for cooking, mainly firewood and charcoal. He said, it is dangerous and leads to deforestation, pollution and respiratory diseases. The alternatives he said, can come through, for example, using LPG and electricity which are very expensive and require subsidies to make sure that an average household can afford consistently.
Bbaale called for mindset change among the citizenry and re-orientation of the country’s infrastructure to allow citizens ride bicycles to short distance workplaces to reduce on use of vehicles and pollution.
“You do not need to board a vehicle if you are coming from 1.5 kilometers away. A bicycle can do that, even 20 kilometers away. But now we need to establish the infrastructure for that. Have lanes that are for bicycles alone. And when you’re riding your bicycle, you are very safe. You will not meet your death because of riding a bicycle.
I’ve interacted with the professors elsewhere in the developed world, and the head of the university, the president of the university rides a bicycle to work. But these people are safe. So the question is, are you safe when you ride a bicycle to go to your place of work? But now, for us to re-orient, we require financing. And also how would you ensure that most of us will be riding electric motorcycles which don’t emit any gases?”. Bbaale said.
The don also welcomed the move to the manufacture and use of electric vehicles.
“Okay, how can we, all of us, ensure that we shall at one time be driving electric cars which require that they are charged to make sure that you have enough current that will take you to Mbarara. This means that as you drive to Mbarara, somewhere, there must be a point where you go and refill your current as you drive an electric car.
But now, government investment requires that the planning, programming and the budgetary processes are in view or in perspective of the need to finance these green investments.”, He added
The Director explained that some of the issues might require doing adaptation, and so need adaptation finance while some of the issues would require to finance the disaster, because,for example, the floods bring disasters, landslides and all of these. And so it requires that there is a fund for disasters that happen because people suffer through climate shocks.
Part of the Green Fund should come from the greatest polluters in the country and the Developed countries
prof. edward bbaale
Prof. Bbaale also noted that Neither Uganda as a country, nor Africa as a continent of Africa, is not solely responsible for climate issues faced.
“…Because our colleagues in the north that are already developed, America, Europe and all that, during the industrial revolution released a lot of greenhouse gases into the environment. And that’s why actually negotiations are going on that the developed countries that actually polluted the environment in the first place should pay.
So, part of the fund that I’m talking about should come from the developed countries. Part of the fund should come from China, Europe and, part of the fund must come from the United States”, Bbaale asserted.
Bbaale added that greatest polluters in the country must pay correctly for what they have damaged.
“We must map and know globally who are the greatest contributors to the climate fund. The same applies to Uganda. We have had the debates. Who are the greatest polluters? If you are running an industry and you are releasing waste products into Lake Victoria, you must pay so that government can use the money you have paid to correct what you have damaged.
…even if you were just releasing, because of your industrial activity greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, government should be in a position to compute the extent of damage you are causing and therefore you, the private investor, be able to pay for that. And so, government requires to finance activities that constitute green transitions”, Bbaale advised.
He said transiting into a green environment has two phases. Number one, is mindset change that is, what we do as human beings, and it also has to do with the real costs which is not cheap.
EfD-Mak Policy Engagement Specialist for Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Program Dr. Peter Babyenda said, as a country, continent and globe, there is a lot on paper, but practice is lacking.
Babyenda expressed the need to involve everybody starting from the public, the academia, media, manufacturers and commercial banks among others.
“We have realized that whenever we are coming up with these policies, more so, to do with banking, the commercial banks which deal with the person are not part of the negotiations yet there is no local person who goes directly to the central bank. So we need to involve banks right away from planning to implementation”, He said.
Babyenda also said, there is need to invest in mindset change and be able to raise funds locally as a country.
“We cannot plan for green financing where 80% of the budget is from the donors So, we need to mobilise the funds locally through contributions from emitting manufacturers, people in Agriculture and fossil fuels,” He said
Babyenda also said there is need to define the products clearly starting where the green financing will go for instance investments in tree planting, subsidizing environmentally friendly technologies including the cooking among others.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence has begun a two-week intensive training for government officials aimed at strengthening the analysis of policy and legislative proposals and improving the quality of financial decisions across government.
The training, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, focuses on Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis under the revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance.
Participants drawn from government ministries, departments and agencies are being equipped with practical skills to assess the financial, economic and wider implications of policies, Bills and other proposals before they progress through government decision-making processes.
Opening the training, Mr. Paul Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Social Services at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, said the capacity-building programme comes at an important stage in the implementation of Uganda’s revised financial clearance framework.
He noted that the Certificate of Financial Implications is an important safeguard for ensuring that policy and legislative proposals submitted to Cabinet or Parliament are consistent with government’s fiscal objectives and national development priorities.
“The success of these reforms does not only depend on the strength of the guidelines, but also on the competence and commitment of those who implement them,” Mr. Mwanja said.
The revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance came into effect on 1 July 2025 and introduced stronger institutional and analytical requirements for the consideration of policy and legislative proposals. These include evidence that Regulatory Impact Assessments have been undertaken, preparation of Statements of Financial Implications, consultations within ministries, departments and agencies, and Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis by the Ministry of Finance.
Mr. Mwanja said the training is intended to equip planners, economists and policy analysts with the technical skills and strategic understanding required to apply the framework in practice.
He linked the training to the implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, noting that stronger analysis would help ensure policy proposals are aligned with Uganda’s longer-term development objectives.
“We shall continue investing in systems, gathering feedback and supporting learning to ensure that our public finance architecture remains responsive, efficient and fit for purpose,” he said.
He added that additional officers would be trained in subsequent cohorts as government works to build a critical mass of professionals capable of rigorously assessing policy and legislative proposals.
Building practical analytical capacity
Welcoming participants, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, emphasised that the training has been designed to move beyond theory and enable participants to independently undertake the analyses required under the new framework.
The two-week programme combines classroom sessions with hands-on practical work. Morning sessions focus on concepts and analytical approaches, while afternoons are devoted to practical exercises and modelling.
Dr. Sseruyange urged participants to view the training not only as an institutional requirement, but also as an opportunity to strengthen their individual analytical capacity.
“Do not think only about helping the entity you have come from. Think about developing your own capacity,” he told participants.
He explained that many of the analytical tools used in examining policies and Bills are also applicable to public investment project analysis, giving participants skills that extend beyond the immediate requirements of the financial clearance guidelines.
The Centre has drawn trainers and technical expertise from Makerere University and government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Authority, to support both the theoretical and practical components of the programme.
From guidelines to evidence-based decisions
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, said the training follows the dissemination of the revised guidelines for the Certificate of Financial Implications in June 2025.
He said the guidelines place increased emphasis on robust, evidence-based Statements of Financial Implications before policy proposals and Bills proceed.
Participants drawn from government ministries, departments and agencies following proceeings at the training
Over the two weeks, participants will develop competencies in risk analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, analytical modelling and financial modelling, as well as the application of parameters such as prices, exchange rates and discount rates in policy evaluation.
They will also learn how to prepare Statements of Financial Implications to support decision-makers in assessing new policies and legislation.
Prof. Bbaale said these capabilities go beyond fulfilling a procedural requirement.
“These skills are not only technical requirements in the revised guidelines, but they are also essential for ensuring that Uganda’s public policies are sustainable, equitable and aligned with our national development goals,” he said.
He noted that the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence continues to support government through training, research, outreach and advisory services. Recent work highlighted in his remarks included contributions to the revision of the Development Committee Guidelines, assessment of public investment project performance and convening of the second Public Investment Management Conference on 14 August 2025.
The training forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the analytical capacity available within government so that financial and policy decisions are increasingly informed by evidence, fiscal realities, potential risks and their implications for citizens.
Business & Management
The 10th Makerere University Students Expo: Solar-Powered Innovation Wins Top Prize
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Business & Management
Makerere Entrepreneurship Congress Rallies Youth Behind Uganda’s ‘Tenfold Growth’Plan
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
-
General6 days agoADVERT: Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations – 2027/2028
-
Agriculture & Environment1 week agoWhat two weeks with Farmers in Mwera, Mityana, taught Makerere’s PhD Students about Agricultural Innovation
-
General1 week agoMURBS Presents FY 2025/26 Performance with 15% Growth
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere Strengthens Doctoral Training Through BURST-Excel Research Network
-
General5 days agoCoNAS Staff & Students Sensitized on Gender Equality, Sexual Harassment Policies