Business & Management
Mak equips over 400 refugees with entrepreneurship skills
Makerere University through the college of Business and Management Sciences has equipped over 400 refugees with entrepreneurial skills and awarded them certificates.
The six-month training has seen refugees from over 10 African countries benefit from a project spearheaded by Dr. Anthony Tibaingana.
Dr. Tibaingana said that he conceived the idea in 2019 following research about refugees in which he found that they are one of the vulnerable groups that need help improving their livelihoods.
“They were trained to generate business ideas, to develop the ideas and also market the ideas and transform them into real businesses,” Dr. Tibangana said on January 20, 2024.
Dr. Tibaingana said he wanted refugees to be self-reliant and grow economically to support their families and also thrive economically in the business arena.
“We awarded them certificates such that even when they leave this country and go to other countries, they will have a skill that they can use to survive,” Dr Tibaingana said adding, “Uganda is the second country in hosting refugees and there is need for avenues to integrate the refugees into economic activities to reduce on the crime rate in the country.”
The Bondeko Refugee Livelihoods Center’s Chairperson, Ms. Patricia Driver, was the guest of honor at the event, advised the beneficiaries to make the most of what little they have while they wait for financial support to arrive.
“Think about working together because, at the end of the day, we are always strong when we are together. Everything on this earth starts small. This is a new start for all of you to change your lives. Be ambassadors of your fellow refugees who did not make it to this training and stay committed to changing your lives and those of your families once and for all,” Ms. Driver said.
Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, the head of Department Marketing and Business at COBAMS, said they were committed to supporting the refugees in their businesses even after the training.
Additionally, Dr. Mugarura mentioned that they would continue to provide mentorship and guidance to ensure the refugees’ success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
In addition to praising Dr. Tibaingana for his research, Mr. Ezra Byakutangaza, a representative of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), promised on behalf of the Fund to continue funding any projects that have an impact on the lives of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
He also highlighted the potential for these projects to create a positive ripple effect, not only improving the lives of refugees but also contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.
During the training, the research team partnered with Movit Products Limited to provide practical hands-on experience and networking opportunities for the students.
Mr. Robert Ggoobi Kitenda, the head of marketing Africa at Movit Products Limited, said their partnership with Makerere in training these refugees was to help them create jobs and have income-generating businesses that could support their families.
“We want you to use reliable products that will keep your clients and also market your businesses to prospective clients. What we have given you is knowledge and that is your compass. If you follow your compass, you will be able to live up to your expectations,” Mr. Ggoobi said.
Many refugees are not recognized even though they have qualifications from their home countries, according to Ms. Samantha Simbi, Administrative Assistant at the Association of Refugees with Disabilities in Najjanankumbi (ARD). However, since they have received training from Makerere University, they are now prepared to even apply for jobs.
Ms. Simbi highlighted that the lack of recognition of refugees’ qualifications often leads to underemployment or unemployment. She further emphasizes that the training they received from Makerere University has equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in the job market, increasing their chances of securing employment opportunities.
Ms. Everline Amokol, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer, at the Bondeko Refugee Center, urged the refugees to seize the chance to start over and seek out new opportunities rather than giving up because they were no longer in their home countries.
“Don’t deny yourself social lives because you never know what will happen tomorrow. Try to forget the trauma that you are a refugee,” she added.
Mr. Ismail Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, the leader of the Somali community, said they will use the skills and knowledge gained to change their economic narrative and tap into opportunities available in Uganda.
“Today marks not just the end of our academic endeavors but the commencement of a thrilling adventure in the world of innovation, risk-taking, and leadership,” Ali Mohammed said.
He added: “In the realm of business, we are not merely graduates: we are architects of our destinies, builders of enterprises, and visionaries of change. The skills we have acquired here from financial acumen to strategic thinking, serve as the foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Ali Mohammed tipped the graduates to collaborate and network with one another while embarking on the new journey of business.
“Build relationships, look for other viewpoints, and never undervalue the strength of a cohesive team. Collaboration fosters creativity and moves us closer to common success in today’s linked world, the speaker said.
The trained refugees originate from Somalia, DR Congo, South Sudan Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania Comoros, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The training took place in different communities including Kisenyi, Najjanakumbi, Kawempe, and Kireka among others.
This is the second time Makerere University is offering training to refugees in entrepreneurial skills, with the first cohort having graduated in 2021/2022 financial year from which over 300 people were trained.
This time, out of the 435 trainees, about 130 were Ugandans who live in refugee communities as per the 2006 Refugee Act as amended, that calls for the training of 30 percent of local people when training refugees in any activities.
Research team
- Dr. Anthony Tibaingana (PI)
- Ms. Nantale Hanifah
- Ms. Betty Tuhaise
- Prof. Faisal Buyinza
- Ms. Catherine Twongyeire.
- Mr. Ronny Mulongo
The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence has commenced a three-day refresher training for members of the Development Committee (DC) of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The training, which began today in Jinja, aims to enhance the analytical and technical skills of committee members who are tasked with reviewing government projects submitted by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The training was today February 19, 2025, officially opened by Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera, who represented the Director of the Budget Directorate. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ssebukeera emphasized the importance of the refresher course in enabling the Development Committee to effectively conduct quality reviews and fulfill its mandate as a key gatekeeper of the Public Investment Plan. He noted that the training would improve the participants’ ability to appraise and implement public investments in line with the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) framework.
Speaking at the same event, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, representing the Centre Director, Prof. Edward Bbaale, expressed the Centre’s gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Uganda’s PIM cycle. He highlighted the importance of the training in harmonizing the relationship between the MDAs that draft project proposals and the analysts who review them. Prof. Okumu reiterated the Centre’s commitment to building the capacity of government officials in Public Investment Management, thereby supporting the country’s development aspirations.
The need for this training was identified during the Development Committee retreat held in 2024, which revealed limited capacity among DC members in project appraisal, specifically in reviewing prefeasibility and feasibility reports, Dr Ssebukeera noted. In response, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with the PIM Centre of Excellence, organized this refresher course to strengthen the participants’ technical and analytical skills.
DC is a statutory committee of government that evaluates the viability of public investment projects. Its statutory composition includes: Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Office of the Solicitor General, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, National Environment Management Authority, Equal Opportunities Commission, Ministry or Work and Transport, Ministry of Water and Environment, Public Private Partnership Unit. The PIM Center of Excellence was recently admitted to the Development Committee as a non-voting member.
The training will cover a wide range of topics, including the role of PIMS in the country’s development goals, the logical flow of project profiles, costing, and the interpretation of interconnections between prefeasibility/feasibility reports and financial models. Additionally, participants will explore the role of public-private partnerships in national development.
Dr. Ssebukeera encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share their expertise, and apply the knowledge gained from the training. He noted that this engagement would empower the Development Committee to effectively perform its role in reviewing and approving public investment projects, ensuring they align with national priorities and deliver value for money.
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, established by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in partnership with Makerere University School of Economics, continues to play a pivotal role in building the capacity of MDAs in managing public investments. To date, the Centre has trained over 300 officers and produced several research papers, reflecting its commitment to enhancing public investment management in Uganda.
The training in Jinja is expected to enhance the participants’ capacity to effectively review government projects, thus supporting the effective implementation of Uganda’s Public Investment Plan.
Business & Management
Somali Officials Complete Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management at CoBAMS
Six Somali government officials have successfully completed a three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). The training, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), took place from January 27 to 29, 2025, and aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management.
The training brought together senior civil servants and policymakers from Somalia, equipping them with practical knowledge and strategies for sustainable infrastructure asset management. It also fostered valuable cross-border collaboration, facilitated by UNCDF Uganda, which played a crucial role in connecting Makerere University with the Government of Somalia.
The program was delivered by experienced faculty from Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), alongside experts from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). A special session was also led by the Makerere University Bursar, offering practical insights into financial management in infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Mr. Ncube Mkhululi, the Regional Technical Advisor for UNCDF emphasized the importance of infrastructure asset management in driving sustainable economic growth. He highlighted UNCDF’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing economies, noting that effective infrastructure planning and management are critical to national development. He also expressed confidence in Makerere University’s expertise in delivering high-impact executive training programs for government officials.
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Bbaale Edward, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences expressed gratitude to all partners, including UNCDF, Makerere University management, and the PIM CoE faculty, for their commitment to making the training a success. He emphasized Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to internationalize its research-led agenda, positioning itself as a hub for regional knowledge exchange.
UNCDF Program Manager, Mr. Joel Mundua, the commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to share the acquired knowledge with fellow officials in Somalia. This was reaffirmed by one of the participants, who pledged to apply and disseminate the learnings within their respective departments.
Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti, the Program Officer at UNCDF highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure asset management strategies are practical, adaptable, and aligned with national development goals. He commended Makerere University for its leadership in knowledge transfer and regional training and encouraged continued collaboration between universities, governments, and international development partners to strengthen institutional capacity.
Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, applauded both the participants and the expert trainers who contributed to the program. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to advancing infrastructure asset management through continued training and collaboration with regional stakeholders.
As the training concluded, participants departed with valuable insights and practical tools to improve infrastructure management in Somalia and beyond. The success of this initiative highlights Makerere University’s role as a leading institution in public investment management, fostering capacity-building efforts that drive sustainable development across Africa.
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoMak, CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform drive equitable & inclusive agricultural development through enhanced gender & agriculture curricula
-
Engineering, Art & Tech4 days agoCall for applications: Master’s Scholarship for Exchange Semester at TUM for Winter Semester 2025/26, 1 Oct 2025 – 31 March 2026
-
General2 weeks ago91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process
-
Agriculture & Environment6 days agoAdvanced training course in Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Management
-
General2 weeks agoCelebrating Women in Science at Makerere University