Business & Management
First Entrepreneurship Congress: Businesspersons tipped on using AI to grow companies
Instead of taking jobs away from people, artificial intelligence is meant to broaden people’s perspectives and stimulate the production of new content. By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, artificial intelligence allows individuals to focus on more creative and complex aspects of their work. This shift can lead to increased innovation and the exploration of new ideas, ultimately benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.
This was the main message at the first ever Uganda Entrepreneurship Congress and Exhibition, organized by the Department of Marketing and Management, College of Business and Management Sciences, on November 16 and 17, 2023.
With the topic “Adapt and thrive within the new normal of AI,” the congress featured breakout sessions, a panel discussion, and a keynote address on the first day. At the Yusuf Lule CTF auditorium, seasoned businesspeople and industry insiders shared their experiences with up-and-coming entrepreneurs, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is a means of bringing about the socioeconomic development of the nation.
The numerous advantages of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of agriculture, health, education, tourism, and hospitality have been attested to by academics and business owners. They demonstrated how AI can function quickly, effectively, and efficiently while cautioning against misusing technology and treating it as a stand-in for people.
Dr Dennis Ngabirano, the founder of Psalms Food Industries, said: “AI is about working smart, not about working hard… But as we apply AI, we must be doing the right things and aim to remain agile. To achieve success, you need a mindset change – when everyone is sitting, you stand up; when everyone stands up, you stand out; when many people stand out, make yourself outstanding; and when many become outstanding, become the standard.”
Like anything else, entrepreneurship and AI are not without danger, Ngabirano advised.
Like any relationship, a business has dangers and problems, some of which are self-inflicted. Resilience and patience are crucial. Never launch a business without doing your homework, and keep researching once you are operating it as new obstacles will inevitably arise, particularly as the company expands.
He advised entrepreneurs to motivate their staff and place them where their talents fall, and maintain discipline throughout the organisation.
It is unfounded to worry that AI will become self-sufficient and cause widespread joblessness. Adventure Vacation Safaris’ managing director, Farouk Busuulwa, issued a warning and made the case that artificial intelligence (AI) will make some jobs obsolete, but it cannot replace human labor. Rather, employment will increase, particularly in the content creation industry. Certain repetitive tasks will vanish, and your position will be taken over by the AI user. There is no justification for not being adept in AI since you risk being left behind if you don’t learn how to prosper in this field.
As AI continues to advance, it is important for individuals to adapt and acquire the necessary skills to work alongside AI systems. Embracing AI technology can lead to new opportunities and job creation, especially in fields that require creativity and critical thinking. It is crucial to recognize the potential benefits of AI rather than fearing its impact on employment.
The chief marketing officer of Next Media, Edwin Danze, argued that the audience should access and learn how to use the many AI tools available on the internet, the majority of which are free.
The first day also saw some breakaway sessions from organisatiosn such as URA. Isaac Aijuka, from the Tax Education Unit of Uganda Revenue Authority emphasized the need for business people to keep records to avoid audits and penalties. He did, however, state that one is entitled to contest the assessment and punishment or file an appeal. He discussed a wide range of subjects, such as the advantages of voluntary disclosure, the consequences of tax evasion, the process of becoming a tax agent, revenue taxes and non-revenue taxes, taxation principles, and economic independence.
He said that a nation must be able to use the money it receives to fund its budget in order to be considered fully autonomous, which Uganda is still unable to do. He clarified that the goals of URA are to increase tax collection and promote voluntary compliance. After collecting taxes, URA gives them to the Parliament and the Ministry of Finance for suitable use.
The second day of the congress saw the opening of the seventh students’ entrepreneurship expo and a blood donation clinic by Uganda Red Cross Society and Uganda Blood Transfusion Services.
Students of Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Commerce, in teams of three to eight members, exhibited a wide variety of ideas, prototypes and innovations. Evaluators went around the stalls, posing questions, offering guidance and marks.
Some of the innovations exhibited included; a solar cook stove, re-usable sanitary pads, automated irrigation system, production plant for noodles among others.
The congress and exhibition were sponsored by Psalms Food Industries, Post Bank, Nivana Water, HZG Group, Vision Group, Legend Events & Hospitality, Iguru Consult, NBS TV, Feed Future, National Coffee Research Institute, Uganda Revenue Authority, KCCA, Uganda Red Cross Society, FlexiPay, Rotary Club of Kitante, Centenary Bank and Housing Finance Bank.
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
Edward Bbaale:
Peter Babyenda:
EfD-Mak’s Growing Impact
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 EfD-Mak Centre’s research has continued to make waves, including a recent presentation to Parliament in May 2024, where the team advocated for regulatory frameworks to support the transition to clean energy in Uganda.
(https://news.mak.ac.ug/2024/05/efd-takes-research-findings-to-parliament-advocates-for-
regulatory-and-policy-framework-to-support-transition-to-clean-energy-for-households/)
A full report on EfD Uganda’s participation at the NAIROBI 18th EfD AGM may be accessed below.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
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.
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