General
Prof. Sachs Expresses Optimism about Africa’s Economic Growth, PDMs Success
The Government of Uganda has been called upon to put in place measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme. The call was made at a High-Level Policy Dialogue organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), National Planning Authority and Makerere University.
Hosted by Makerere University on Wednesday 28th February 2024 at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, the Dialogue was based on the theme “Accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals through leveraging Innovating Financing, the Parish Development Model, and Science and Technology”. During the dialogue, the government was urged to set up institutions that can track the usage of the program funds to ensure that the over Shs1 Trillion pumped into the program annually does not go to waste.
This call was made by Prof Ezra Suruma, the Chancellor Emeritus of Makerere University and Uganda’s former Minister of Finance, who was a panelist at the dialogue. Hon Suruma warned that currently, it is difficult to assess the achievements of PDM since there is no clear monitoring of the projects at the parish level where the money is being invested.
“In Uganda, we are investing Shs 1 Trillion in the 10,594 parishes, but if you ask where it is going, you can’t find it. The PDM money is capital that the government is attempting to invest in our country and that capital is supposed to accumulate over time. If we invest Shs1 Trillion this year, next year we should have more than that,” Prof. Suruma said.
The Chancellor Emeritus as such, called for the establishment of an institution that can trace where the PDM funds are being invested so that this money is treated as an investment and not consumption.
Minister for Local Government Hon Raphael Magyezi however, assured Prof Suruma and the audience that implementation of the PDM program is highly monitored and leakages are extremely minimal. This, he said, was because the government decided to digitalize payments of the PDM money directly from the Treasury to the parish-based SACCOs. Furthermore, he noted that Government has put in place the PDM Management Information System (MIS) in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasis on data for development.
“We have developed our own Management Information System so that we know which household is actually in subsistence, and we have parameters for that, and we are able to monitor and evaluate our programme based on a tracker system” Hon. Magyezi explained.
The Minister further noted that PDM targets 8.9 million households in Uganda, 39% (3.4 million) of which are still engaged in subsistence, with 1 million of these reached so far. He admitted although the PDM still has its work cut out, the Government is proud of the progress so far. Hon. Magyezi shared that Uganda has 145 establishments at the level of Local Council 5 consisting of 135 Districts and 10 Cities, 2,284 Sub-Counties to supervise the parishes and under the parishes, 70,626 villages.
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja who was Chief Guest at the lecture shared that PDM is the Government of Uganda’s second key strategy for accelerating the SDGs and commended the Model as a “comprehensive strategy to uplift the incomes and welfare of all Ugandans.” The first key strategy is Leveraging Innovative Financing Mechanisms, while the third is putting more focus on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Rt. Hon. Nabbanja highlighted the government’s commitment to harnessing the power of research and innovation to provide a strong foundation to advance the digital agenda. She added that the PDM Laboratory at Makerere gives the University an opportunity to amplify and support efficiency and effectiveness of the programme’s implementation.
“Therefore, the PDM Laboratory should continue to be a platform for 1) Distilling and providing additional insights, 2) Commissioning further research and enquiry on the basis of information provided by the technical units and feedback and 3) Analyse feedback to test out policies and operational issues for Cabinet to take action” remarked the Prime Minister.
She informed the audience that Prof. Jeffrey Sachs is leading similar efforts with a lab at Columbia University and urged the leadership of Makerere University to establish a collaboration with Columbia University, “and I’m sure Prof. Sachs is much willing to support this”.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, a world-renowned Economist, leader in sustainable development, and senior UN advisor delivered a keynote address in which he expressed optimism about development prospects on the African continent.
The prolific economist and author, projected that Africa would take off and become a global economic force in the next 40 years if it could find ways of uniting into a single economic block.
Citing China and India Prof. Sachs advised the government to set targets and also set instruments to help achieve these targets, if the country is to achieve the SDGs. The simple idea of “targets and instruments” was developed by Nobel Prize Laureate Jan Tinbergen. Tinbergen was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Economics in 1969 together with Ragnar Frisch.
Prof. Sachs defined Sustainable Development as the result of achieving four difficult objectives namely; Material wellbeing for everybody, Social inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Peace and Cooperation. He nevertheless shared that these can be achieved by Tinbergen’s “targets and instruments” idea.
He advised Uganda to copy China and invest in six major types of capital namely; Education, Infrastructure, Massive Interconnected Infrastructure, Protecting Natural Capital such as clean energy sources, Intellectual/Science and Technology Capital as well as Business Capital. On financing, he advised the government to find flexible and low interest financing with 40 year maturity if it is for sectors such as education.
“What I want to promise you, though I can’t give you the final answer for that part of innovative financing, we are going to get it done. Uganda is going to show a strong NDP IV, it is going to show a very robust plan to achieve rapid growth over the next 40 years, it is going to show that that rapid growth easily repays any long-term low-interest loans that have taken to achieve that, it is going to make the case that the Parish Development Model proves the last mile in an ingenious way, and that institutionally this country is poised for the breakthrough that we are talking about at the regional, national and local level” Prof. Sachs summed up.
In her remarks, Ms. Nwanneakolam Vwede-Obahor, the UNDP Resident Representative warned of Uganda’s widening development financing gap, standing currently at 33 trillion shillings (US$ 8.8 billion) annually.
“Traditional financing sources such as domestic taxes, Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), concessional loans from external partners, borrowing from the domestic market and foreign direct investment are not enough to finance the SDGs,” she said.
“Uganda must explore alternative avenues to secure affordable and flexible financing to drive the development phase in the next seven years. This will involve continuous alignment of the budget allocations and development plans with SDG priorities, diversifying funding sources, including public-private partnerships and unlocking new innovative financing models, and enhancing financial resilience.”
The dignitaries, accompanied by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, toured the state-of-the-art Innovation Pod, which is poised to drive innovation and research in the country. In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor said that Makerere remains focused on implementing strategies and programmes under SDG 4 which emphasizes Quality Education. “I am therefore pleased that today, as we continue the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, Makerere University is on board hosting Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, the Office of the Prime Minister, National Planning Authority, UNDP, and a number of stakeholders to enhance the discussion on leveraging innovative financing, the parish development model and science and technology.”
Prof. Nawangwe shared with the audience, Makerere’s readiness to contribute to the success of the PDM, citing the role of the PDM Policy lab headed by Prof. Eria Hisali. The PDM Policy lab conducted capacity building to sensitise low-income earners about government programs and how they can utilize the funds to improve their standards of living. The lab continues to undertake research on how to effectively implement PDM. The Vice Chancellor equally shared Makerere University’s commitment to undertaking research and programmes aimed at ensuring that health becomes a priority on the global agenda through the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH). Established in partnership with the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, CESH’s core activities include; Capacity development and Education, Tools and resources, Networks and partnerships, and Research.
General
Makerere University Writing Centre trains first cohort of staff on professional minute writing
By Christopher Kaahwa and Ritah Namisango
On 6th November 2025, the Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC) held a training workshop aimed at enhancing professional writing skills among University staff.
Focusing on official documentation and record keeping, the training, hosted at the School of Business Conference Hall, attracted participants from different University units, including Assistant Administrative Officers and Assistant Academic Registrars. This marked the first cohort of trainees to benefit from the program, which covered topics such as the fundamentals and responsibilities of a minute taker, writing techniques, policy and legal considerations, e-meeting platforms, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, the Deputy Academic Registrar, who represented the Academic Registrar, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the Writing Centre for championing the growth of writing skills across the University. “I want to thank the team from the Writing Centre for considering the Academic Registrar’s Department. Writing is central to everything that we do – from keeping accurate minutes to communicating decisions. This training will greatly improve our writing skills,” she said.
Mrs. Mushengyezi emphasized that official records, especially minutes, must be accurate, ethical, and well-structured. She reminded participants that minutes are not mere summaries, but legal and public documents that can serve as evidence in administrative or legal matters. “When we write minutes, we must remember they represent official proceedings and can be used in courts of law. This calls for professionalism, clarity, and ethical responsibility in your daily work,” she stated.
Speaking during the workshop, Professor Fredrick Jones Muyodi, the Team Leader, Makerere University Writing Centre (MakWC), explained that the Centre is pivoted to support the University’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led institution by 2030. Established and institutionalized in 2025 by the University Senate and Council, the Centre operates under the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP).
Professor Muyodi shared that the Centre has developed a comprehensive training and mentorship program to build writing skills across the University and beyond. The program will involve experts and mentors experienced in writing, collaborative research, and publication. It will use a hybrid approach, combining traditional teaching with online learning, case studies, and hands-on practice.
He also revealed that the Centre will offer short courses, lasting up to two weeks, in key areas such as academic, technical and scientific writing, editing and proofreading, policy brief and report writing, writing for community engagement, professional writing for administrators, and publishing. “These courses will strengthen the writing capacity of both staff and students while promoting research translation and effective communication,” he said.
On behalf of the Writing Center, Professor Ronald Bisaso commended the support from the Directorate of Human Resource and the Academic Registrar’ department for the identification of capacity development gaps, that provided the basis for the choice of topics and training facilitators.
During her presentation on the Fundamentals and Roles of a Minute Taker, Mrs. Mushengyezi underscored the importance of understanding institutional structures and governing frameworks before taking on the role of writing minutes. She explained that Makerere University’s governance system – from the University Council and Senate down to College Boards and departmental committees, operates under clear mandates, which minute writers must understand to accurately record proceedings.
She noted that effective minute writing begins with proper preparation, which includes knowing the committee composition, consulting the Chairperson about meeting details, and ensuring members receive timely notices and agendas. She advised participants to differentiate between regular, special, and emergency meetings, as each requires a unique approach to documentation. Drawing from experience, she encouraged participants to arrive early for meetings, verify meeting logistics, and carry official record books to ensure accuracy. “A well-prepared minute writer, not only captures discussions accurately, but also upholds the credibility of the meeting,” she remarked.
Mrs. Proscovia Nakayiki, Acting Deputy Academic Registrar (Examinations and Transcripts), led a session on Writing Techniques. During the session, she emphasized that minutes are vital for accountability, serve as a record for future reference, and inform those who missed meetings. “Well-written minutes should tell a clear, flowing story that remains meaningful even years later,” she said.
Ms. Nakayiki stressed that minute writing requires preparation and structure. She advised secretaries to be familiar with the meeting type and agenda, list all attendees and absentees, clearly summarize discussions, and outline action points. She also encouraged the use of templates, testing of recording devices beforehand, and remaining attentive during meetings to capture key decisions accurately.
Presenting on Policy and Legal Frameworks for Minute Writing, Ms. Esther Kabinga, Principal Legal Officer discussed the laws and policies that govern record keeping in Uganda. She noted that minutes are crucial for transparency and accountability, citing laws such as the Companies Act (2012), Public Finance Management Act (2015), and Access to Information Act. She also referenced some of Makerere University policies, including the Record Keeping Policy, Academic Records Management Policy (2022), and Communications Policy (2013). “Proper documentation protects both the institution and the individuals involved in decision-making,” she emphasized.
Discussing the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning, noted that AI has become part of everyday life. He commended Makerere University for adopting an official AI policy that promotes its ethical, inclusive, and responsible use in teaching, research, administration, and innovation. He urged participants to use AI as a supportive tool, combining it with human judgment and creativity while writing.
Building on to the aforementioned presentation, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, the Head, Department of Distance Learning and Deputy Director at the Institute of Open, Distance and eLearning, highlighted the role of digital platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and WebEx in improving meeting efficiency and documentation. He pointed out that these platforms provide useful features like recording, transcription, and chat functions that make meetings more interactive and inclusive. “Familiarity with these tools enhances accountability and ensures that discussions are well-documented and easy to retrieve,” he advised.
Writers: Ritah Namisango is a Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University. Christopher Kaahwa contributed to this article as a Volunteer. Christopher Kaahwa is a Graduate of Makerere University-Bachelor of Journalism and Communication.
General
Meet Sedrick Nuwagaba, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni Contributing to Uganda’s Oil & Gas Industry
Sedrick Nuwagaba, a 35-year-old petroleum engineer, is actively contributing his expertise to the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, which regulates the oil and gas sector. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production from Makerere University in 2021, an opportunity he accessed through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Sedrick’s educational qualifications and professional responsibilities exemplify his commitment to advancing Uganda’s oil and gas sector.
Who is Sedrick Nuwagaba?
Sedrick was born on February 1, 1990, in Kashari, located within the Mbarara district of Western Uganda. He spent his early childhood in a large family, where he faced many challenges that shaped his resilient character. By the age of 14, Sedrick had become the primary breadwinner for his immediate family, comprising his mother and two sisters. His unwavering commitment to their well-being remains evident to this day.
To support his family during these formative years, Sedrick took on a variety of jobs in his community. These early experiences cultivated in him resilience and tenacity, qualities that have significantly contributed to his success as a petroleum engineer.
Following these family challenges, Sedrick and his immediate family relocated from Kashari to a new area in what is now Lyantonde district, where they continue to reside. His journey not only reflects personal growth but also underscores a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around him.
Early Education
The implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda in 1997 was a pivotal development for Sedrick, facilitating his enrollment at St. Martin Lyantonde Primary School at the age of seven, which was conveniently located near his residence. Sedrick expresses deep appreciation for this initiative, commenting, “Without UPE, I might not have had the opportunity to pursue my education. It truly opened the door for me to attend school and engage in learning.” Despite confronting considerable challenges, including a lack of necessities such as food, Sedrick distinguished himself academically. He achieved top candidate status among UPE schools in his district, earning an impressive seven aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations—a remarkable accomplishment given the adversities he faced.
Pursuing Secondary Education
Sedrick faced significant challenges after earning 7 points in the Primary Leaving Examinations, as he was unable to secure a bursary. At that time, alternative arrangements for Universal Secondary Education were limited, which made it difficult for him to continue his education. However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, Sedrick sought work at 14 to fund his secondary education. Through his determination and resourcefulness, he enrolled at Victoria Western College, a small private school in his area, where he attended for three years, reaching Form 3.
Although financial barriers hindered his progress to Form 4, Sedrick’s journey shows his dedication to education and his ability to overcome adversity. Fortunately, his elder half-brother, a businessman in the neighbouring town of Mbarara, reached out and helped him enrol in Form 4 at Kashari Secondary School in Mbarara in 2007.
Embarking on a Journey to Iraq in Search of Opportunity
In 2008, facing difficulties in pursuing his education, Sedrick made the brave decision to take up a security job during the conflict in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. At that time, many young Ugandans were recruited to provide buffer security support to the U.S. military in Iraq. During his time in Iraq, Sedrick not only earned a stable income to support his family but also cared for his mother and funded his two sisters’ education, ultimately improving their lives. Unfortunately, his contract ended in 2010, and he had to return to Uganda to write the next chapter of his life.
Joining the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University
Upon returning to Uganda after his experience in the Iraq War, Sedrick recognised that education was the key to transforming his life. With a determined mindset, he committed himself to his studies, understanding the long-lasting impact they could have on his future. Thanks to his perseverance and the relationships he had built, Sedrick obtained a bursary from a religious organisation, enabling him to resume his high school education six years after his last time in school.
In 2015, he completed his high school education at Namirembe Hillside, where he studied Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. With 15 points in his final exams, he was admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
“Participating in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University significantly changed my life. For the first time, I was free from the constant worries about necessities like food and shelter. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provided me with a supportive environment that allowed me to focus on my education and personal growth,” Sedrick shared.
Life After Makerere University
In 2020, after graduating, Sedrick had the opportunity to intern at the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) in the Reservoir Engineering section. During his internship, he demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the oil and gas sector. His performance led to his promotion to a Graduate Trainee, which provided him with valuable experiential learning and expanded his exposure within the industry. This experience ultimately paved the way for his recruitment as a Petroleum Engineer at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, where he now contributes to the regulation of petroleum exploration activities in the country.
Impact on the Community
Upon graduating from university, Sedrick took a proactive approach that set him apart from his peers. He launched Kleanerman, a social venture project designed to have a positive impact on his community. This initiative provides valuable short-term, on-demand domestic services—such as home cleaning, laundry, and babysitting—catering to the needs of busy city residents. Through Kleanerman, Sedrick has successfully created employment opportunities for several young men and women in his community of Kanyanya, fostering both economic growth and personal development.
Due to his own challenges during his educational journey, he has developed a deep commitment to helping other young people facing difficulties with school expenses. To date, he has successfully supported seven young individuals in his Lyantonde community, guiding them from primary through secondary education. His long-term goal is to establish a charitable organisation dedicated to providing young people facing barriers to education with the resources they need to access quality education.
Looking into the Future
Sedrick is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. He, along with his colleagues, is focused on ensuring that Uganda achieves its inaugural oil production by 2026.
“Each day, our collective efforts are directed toward successfully introducing Uganda’s first oil into the market by the end of 2026, and expanding the country’s petroleum resource base by discovering more oil reserves,” Sedrick states with evident pride. He is also committed to advancing his career in the oil and gas industry. From his earnings, he has enrolled for a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences at Makerere University to deepen his skills and expertise in the sector.
Message to his fellow young people
Sedrick urges the current Mastercard Foundation Scholars enrolled in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, as well as those at other universities, to make the most of the support provided by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. He emphasises the importance of engaging in capacity-building sessions, skill development programs, mentorship opportunities, and psychosocial support. Sedrick asserts that this comprehensive support framework has been instrumental in transforming his life and shaping who he is today.
He references a quotation that has become a guiding principle in his life: “Until death, all defeat is psychological.” Through this quotation, he seeks to inspire his peers to persevere, emphasising the notion that individuals can always recover and succeed despite the myriad challenges they may encounter in their initial endeavours.
Words of Gratitude
“The impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program on my life is profound and transformative. I am sincerely grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and to the Mastercard Foundation as a whole. It is my hope and prayer that the Foundation continues to make a positive difference in the lives of numerous young individuals, particularly within the African continent.” Sedrick emphasises.
His supervisor speaks out
Sedrick’s immediate supervisor, Mr Derrick Katusiime, the Senior Petroleum Engineer in the Directorate of Exploration at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, was full of praise for him both at work and outside.
“Sedrick is very sociable and gets along well with everyone here at work, and his technical skills in just two years are impressive,” Mr. Katusiime pointed out.
Mr Katusiime further revealed that Sedrick champions values of integrity, active listening, and being an excellent team player. He goes the extra mile to complete tasks, takes on multiple responsibilities, and demonstrates humility and eagerness to learn.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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