The College of Business and Management Sciences has today January 31, 2024, the 3rd day of the 74th graduation ceremony, graduated 1,704 students. At the same function, five of the college’s senior researchers received the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award 2023.
The researchers, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Peter Kisaakye, Assoc. Prof. Betty Kwagala, Dr. Francis Wasswa and Dr. Stephen Wandera, were recognized for having the highest number of publications, in the last 5 years, in the college. This year’s graduation saw 7 people graduate with PhDs, 214 with Masters, 4 with Post graduate diplomas and 1479 with undergraduate degrees from the College of Business and Management Sciences. Of these 900 are female while 803 are male representing 52.9% and 47.1% respectively.
During the course of the 74th graduation ceremony, a total of 12,913 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 132 graduands will graduate with PhDs, 1585 with Masters degrees, 11,016 with Bachelor’s degrees, 156 with postgraduate diplomas, and 24 with undergraduate diplomas. 53% of the graduands are female and 47% are male. In the category of PhD graduands, 46 are female and 86 are male. In the category of students graduating with Master’s degrees, 699 are female and 886 are male.
L-R ; Assoc. Prof. Betty Kwagala, Dr. Wandera, Dr. Kabagenyi and Dr. Kisaakye who received the VC’s research excellence award.
While addressing the graduands, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, said the university’s goal is to graduate at least 200 PhDs per year in response to the World Bank’s call for at least 100,000 PhDs for Africa over the next 10 years, to pull the continent out of poverty.
He also congratulated the college upon the various milestones achieved in the last one year which include, drafting of the proposed Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation strategy. This, the College did, in partnership with the UNDP. The draft strategy is under review by the Office of the Prime Minister. The Strategy will go a long way in improving Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation.
The VC reechoed the Chief Justice’s call to the fresh graduates to go to the communities and sensitise people about the potential of the Parish Development Model to get them out of poverty if they invest the money provided by Government wisely.
Some of the academic staff that attended the graduation ceremony.
“If this initiative fails, we will all have failed, and I encourage everybody to keep politics out of this initiative. We have more than 200,000 students in all universities in Uganda and only 60,800 parishes. Theoretically there are three students for each parish. If we all, Government and universities think out of the box, we can go to every parish and make the difference that is so badly needed,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
The VC congratulated the college upon holding the first entrepreneurship congress which brought which gave students an opportunity to network and learn from practitioners, entrepreneurs and financial institutions among others.
He noted that the School of Economics entered a new partnership with Oxford University and jointly hosted the 2023 workshop on Economic Development in Africa, while the School of Statistics and Planning also co-hosted an international conference on “Ageing and Health of Older Persons in Sub-Saharan Africa’ in February 2023.
Members of CoBAMS staff who graduated with PhDs and Masters.
Celebrating Top Students
The Vice Chancellor recognized the top performing students in the college, who are to be awarded by different partner organizations.
Lwamasaka Prosper, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce and a CGPA of 4.62 will be awarded by ACCA for his outstanding performance.
Mr. Jude Sebuliba, graduating with a Masters of Economics, will receive the Economic Policy Research Center Young Professionals Program 2024, from EPRC.
Five (5) students of Bachelor of Actuarial Sciences will be awarded by Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited. The awardees will receive one-year apprenticeship at Prudential, USD 500 each and sponsorship for professional Actuarial Certification.
Some of the graduands.
The students are: Muhumuza Mark with a CGPA of 4.44, Kobugabe Michelle Audrey with a CGPA of 4.22, Uwera Ruth Michelle with a CGPA of 4.20, Bunjo Stephen Hugh with a CGPA of 4.18 and Namuddu Anneliz with a CGPA of 4.18. I congratulate all the students upon this great achievement.
In the past two years, Makerere University has come up with measures aimed at making the issuance of academic transcripts and certificates very fast and convenient by shortening the clearance process. In November 2022 the university organized the Public Fair on Transcripts and Certificates during which more than 4,650 certificates and 4,113 transcripts were issued. This year, with the support of the University Council and Senate, the Department of the Academic Registrar, the Directorate of ICT Support Services, and the leadership at the Colleges, the academic transcripts for students graduating during the 74th graduation ceremony were printed before graduation. “The academic transcripts are ready and they are due for issuance to graduands who have satisfied the academic and financial obligations I therefore urge all our graduands to pick their transcripts from their respective colleges,” the VC said.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated all graduands and called on them to Cherish the knowledge and experiences they have received, but remember that learning never ends.
Over 35 public officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have commenced a two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara. The training is organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ms. Esther Ayebare commended the ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems. She highlighted the recent launch of the National Public Investment Management Policy, describing it as a robust and unified framework guiding the entire investment cycle—from planning and appraisal through to implementation and post-evaluation.
Ms. Esther Ayebare.
Ms. Ayebare further noted other key reforms including the Framework for Tracking Implementation and Performance of Public Investments, the revised Development Committee Guidelines, and the Integrated Bank of Projects, all of which are designed to improve efficiency, accountability, and value-for-money in public investments.
“Each of these reforms plays a key role in enhancing public investment management. I urge you to familiarize yourselves with them and integrate these frameworks into your daily work,” she added.
Prof. Eria Hisali.
The Deputy Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Eria Hisali, encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the training and make the most of the opportunity to build their analytical and decision-making capacity. He commended the Ministry of Finance for its continued financial support to the Centre and reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to providing high-quality training and research to strengthen public investment governance.
The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing that the PIM Centre was established to build national capacity in the appraisal, management, and evaluation of public investments. He called on participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve project preparation and implementation within their respective institutions.
Dr. John Sseruyange.
Dr. Sseruyange also expressed appreciation to the team of facilitators drawn from Makerere University, MoFPED, NPA, and CRI for their expertise and continued dedication to building Uganda’s human capital for effective public investment management.
The Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis course is part of a broader capacity-building programme implemented by the PIM Centre aimed at enhancing the skills of public officials in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of development projects to ensure that public investments deliver optimal socio-economic returns for the country.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
The PIM Steering Committee in a meeting held at Emin Pasha Hotel
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
In a closing address at the COBAMS Annual Doctoral Colloquium, Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) at Makerere University, urged PhD students to view their research as a vital tool in solving Uganda’s and Africa’s most pressing societal problems.
He reminded students and faculty that doctoral training at Makerere is no longer just an academic exercise, but a strategic national investment.
“PhD is not just about writing a thesis—it is about writing the future of our country, our continent, and indeed our planet,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Your research must be part of the solution to the challenges we face as a society.”
Prof. Kikooma began his remarks by reflecting warmly on his longstanding ties with COBAMS, describing it as “home” both professionally and collegially. He praised the college leadership for their foresight in organizing the doctoral colloquium and aligning it with the broader vision of the Directorate of Graduate Training and Makerere University.
He also noted the synergy between the colloquium’s theme and the Directorate’s recent graduate student induction theme which focused on “Positioning Graduate Training in National and Global Trends.” He said that this alignment reflects a growing institutional commitment to making graduate education more responsive to real-world challenges.
Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.
Prof. Kikooma emphasized the critical role that doctoral students play in shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.
“While the decision to pursue a PhD is personal, the outcomes of your research must not be. They must become part of our national assets,” he stated.
He encouraged students to look beyond the traditional confines of academia and to consider how their work can inform policy, address community needs, and contribute to sustainable development. In particular, he highlighted urgent national issues such as food insecurity, climate-related disasters, youth unemployment, and underutilized demographic dividends.
“We live in a country where a single flood can disrupt the entire economy. We have fertile soils but continue to face food insecurity. We are a youthful country, but we fear the youth because we lack solutions to productively engage them,” Prof. Kikooma said. “These are problems your research should address.”
Prof. Kikooma also used the platform to announce several ongoing reforms at Makerere aimed at improving the doctoral training experience. These include the introduction of an almanac—a structured academic guide outlining semester-by-semester expectations and milestones for PhD candidates.
He said the reforms were not designed to make the PhD journey easier, but to eliminate unnecessary administrative obstacles and ensure students can complete their programs within the planned three-year period.
“The university is ready for you. We are committed to ensuring that your journey is as smooth administratively as possible,” he affirmed. “But for that to happen, you must play your part.”
Prof. Kikooma presents a certificate to one of the participants.
Additionally, the Directorate has introduced mandatory credit-based activities beyond thesis writing, such as producing policy briefs and participating in public engagement forums, aimed at equipping students with practical communication and policy translation skills.
Prof. Kikooma proudly noted that Makerere University remains Uganda’s—and the region’s—leading institution in doctoral training. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a “trainer of trainers”, emphasizing that no other local institution currently matches Makerere’s capacity in handling doctoral studies.
He called for greater collaboration between students, academic units, and the Directorate, describing DGT as an administrative coordinator that works to support frontline colleges like COBAMS in delivering quality doctoral education.
“We are not just about policy. We are your partners in this journey,” he emphasized. “And together, we can make your research work not just for your academic growth, but for the greater good of the country.”
In his remarks, Associate Professor James Wokadala, Deputy Principal of COBAMS, emphasized the significance of the colloquium, calling it a “timely catalyst” in the academic calendar. He applauded the leadership of the Doctoral School, the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT), and the organizing team for mainstreaming graduate research into the college’s strategy.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the university’s focus on graduate training and knowledge regeneration. As a college, we are strategically investing in platforms that enable researchers to contribute meaningfully to academia and society,” Prof. Wokadala said. Drawing from his own PhD journey, he encouraged students to remain resilient and proactive, reminding them that while facilitators provide the spark, “over 90% of the work must be done by the student.”
Prof. Wokadala also paid tribute to Dr. Kasim Sendawula, who was recognized for his voluntary coordination of doctoral activities at both school and college levels. “Dr. Sendawula is a true academic servant — committed, approachable, and selfless. We are grateful for his contribution,” he said.
Prof. Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business at COBAMS, echoed similar sentiments, applauding the organizing committee and student scholars for their enthusiasm and sacrifice throughout the three-day session. He offered special appreciation to students who, despite personal commitments or distances, showed up without fail. “Some of you paused political campaigns just to be present here. That’s how much this matters,” he noted.
Prof. Akileng formally introduced his graduate coordination team, including Dr. Caroline Twanjire, a recent PhD graduate from Hanyang University in Korea, who will now assist at the school level. He also announced changes in the Master’s coordination team and used the moment to advocate for institutional recognition of voluntary academic roles such as program cordinators. “Mainstreaming these roles in the university structure would enhance efficiency and further strengthen the graduate training ecosystem,” he emphasized.
To the PhD students, Prof. Akileng reaffirmed his commitment. “We are here to serve you. If something is delaying your progress, walk into any school — we are one college, one academic family.”
Dr. Kasim Sendawula, Coordinator of PhD Students at COBAMS, offered a structured evaluation of the colloquium under the theme “Interrogating Knowledge Frontiers: Doctoral Research as a Catalyst for Theory and Practice.” He noted that the program had successfully covered the doctoral journey — from research conceptualization to manuscript development for publication.
“We used a participatory approach that allowed rich engagement with experienced supervisors and presenters. The feedback from students confirms that the structure, content, and delivery were impactful,” Dr. Sendawula stated.
He highlighted key areas appreciated by participants, such as the quality of presenters, sessions on data collection and writing, and the interactive format. Suggestions for improvement included more days, clearer participant evaluation mechanisms, and additional data analysis sessions, which the organizing team committed to explore in future planning.
“This programme has been a success because of your active engagement. Let’s keep the momentum, and we promise to offer you more tailored academic support going forward,” Dr. Sendawula concluded.
Adding the voice of the doctoral students, Ms. Sylvia Namujuzi, Vice President of then newly formed COBAMS PhD Forum, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the university leadership, facilitators, and organizing committee on behalf of the PhD student body. She described the colloquium as “a rigorous but transformative space of learning, reflection, and growth.”
“This gathering has empowered us with insights not just to enhance our academic work, but also to transform our institutions and contribute to society,” she said.
Ms. Namujuzi extended executive committee’s’ gratitude to Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of COBAMS, for championing the creation of the COBAMS PhD Forum — a unifying platform for scholars across the three schools to collaborate and support each other. She also acknowledged the Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Akileng, for opening the colloquium to the entire college, recognizing the growing need for cross-disciplinary dialogue among PhD scholars.
She thanked the facilitators, both present and in absentia, for generously sharing knowledge, and credited the organizing committee for their tireless work behind the scenes. Special appreciation went to her fellow student leaders, including Mr. Okelo George (President), Mr. Emmanuel Othieno (Finance), and others managing secretarial, coordination, and publicity roles across schools.
Student representative Mr. Vanecious Bbale Kirwana delivered a heartfelt message of appreciation on behalf of the PhD cohort, capping off three transformative days of intellectual engagement, mentorship, and peer collaboration.
Thanking the university and college leadership for both creating and actively supporting the forum, Mr. Kirwana emphasized the importance of in-person interaction, noting how the physical gathering fostered academic bonding and peer support among doctoral students.
Commending the emergence of organic student-led initiatives — such as a newly formed data analysis platform — Mr. Kirwana encouraged further informal groupings and knowledge-sharing spaces among students, building on the momentum of the colloquium.
“Let’s continue to create more spaces for learning among ourselves. That, in itself, is one of the greatest outcomes of this gathering,” he concluded.