In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.

Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”

“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.

Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”

With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.

The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.

“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”

From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.

Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.

In a remarkable display of international collaboration, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda, recently hosted a dynamic workshop on multivariate statistics and time series analysis. This event, held from June 11 to June 20, 2024, brought together academic staff and students from Makerere‘s School of Statistics and Planning, alongside esteemed professors from the University of Padova, Italy. Funded by the Erasmus Mundus Plus program, this workshop exemplifies the transformative potential of global partnerships in higher education.

The Erasmus program, a pillar of the European Union’s educational initiatives for over 35 years, expanded its reach beyond Europe in 2015. Through the International Credit Mobility (ICM) scheme, Erasmus+ has enabled students and staff from around the world to engage in enriching educational exchanges. Makerere University‘s participation in the ERASMUS+ KA171 program aligns seamlessly with its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to foster a research-led, responsive university with a versatile workforce.

The collaboration between Makerere University and the University of Padova, rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), underscores a commitment to academic exchange and innovation. This partnership has already seen three graduate students from Makerere—two Master of Statistics students and one PhD candidate—embark on transformative research experiences at the University of Padova. Additionally, academic staff from Makerere have engaged in reciprocal visits, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The workshop featured intensive training modules led by distinguished professors from the University of Padova. Prof. Bruno Scarpa, an expert in multivariate statistics, and Prof. Mariangela Guidolin, a renowned scholar in time series analysis. The two delivered comprehensive sessions designed to elevate the research capabilities of Makerere’s academic community. Coordinated by Dr. Felix Wamono, the training aimed to reinvigorate the teaching and application of these advanced statistical methods within the university.

Participants included 20 individuals—ten academic staff and ten graduate students—drawn from the Departments of Statistical Methods & Actuarial Science (SMAS), Planning and Applied Statistics, and Population Studies. For over eight days, attendees engaged in rigorous morning sessions from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by collaborative afternoon discussions focused on enhancing teaching strategies and exploring new research avenues.

The workshop’s impact extends beyond immediate academic enrichment. It has fostered stronger networks between Makerere University and its international partners, paving the way for future collaborations. Dr. Saint Kizito Omala, former chair of the Department of Statistical Methods and Natural Science and a key advocate for international partnerships, emphasized the significance of these exchanges. His efforts have not only facilitated the current workshop but also supported ongoing student placements and collaborative research projects.

One notable outcome of these collaborations is a published paper co-authored by Richard Turagilize from the Department of Planning and Applied Statistics and Professor Basti from Italy. Such achievements show the tangible benefits of these international engagements, which enhance the research profiles of both institutions and contribute to the global academic community

As the workshop concluded, Principal Professor Edward Bbaale expressed profound gratitude to the visiting professors and commended the participants for their active involvement. He highlighted the importance of equipping Makerere University with the right tools for meaningful research training, noting that the institution’s commitment to graduate training is pivotal for its future.

The Deputy Principal and Dean of the School of Statistics congratulated the research team upon winning the grant, saying that it was a testament to their hard work and dedication. He also emphasized the need for continued collaboration with international partners to further enhance research capabilities at Makerere University.

The Erasmus+ KA171 program’s support for this workshop has not only strengthened the academic capacities of Makerere University but also reinforced its strategic vision of internationalization and research excellence. The university looks forward to continuing its fruitful partnership with the University of Padova, anticipating further advancements in statistical research and education. In the spirit of collaboration and innovation, Makerere University stands focused to make significant strides in the advancement of statistical methods, contributing to the global academic community and enhancing its own research-led mission.

Officials from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) recently visited the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) to bolster their longstanding partnership. Led by Jennifer Bukokhe, Deputy Director of Local Transformative Finance at UNCDF, the delegation focused on enhancing joint research endeavors and capacity building initiatives.

Dr. Yusuf Kiwala highlighted the fruitful outcomes of their collaboration, including pioneering research in groundwater financing and the development of a corresponding framework, culminating in a published book chapter. The collaboration also yielded a public investment management calculator for small project appraisal, alongside presentations at prominent international conferences.

Further initiatives encompassed analyses on urban refugees’ economic impact and the establishment of the Masters in Development Finance (MSDF) program, aimed at equipping future leaders with critical skills for addressing financial challenges in developing nations.

During the visit, Prof. Edwards Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, underscored UNCDF’s pivotal role in advancing research and education within development finance. He expressed appreciation for the opportunities to showcase CoBAMS’ findings globally and emphasized the necessity of ongoing collaboration and investment in research to tackle evolving sectoral challenges. Prof. Bbaale highlighted the contributions of research centers like the PIM Center of Excellence and advocated for partnerships with industry experts and academic institutions to foster innovation and knowledge exchange. Prof. Bbaale appealed to UNCDF to consider sponsoring of individuals willing to pursue the MSDF.

Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business, emphasized the program’s responsiveness to industry needs, particularly in addressing Africa’s infrastructure challenges. He stressed the importance of practical training and partnerships for enriching student experiences and preparing graduates for industry demands.

UNCDF affirmed its commitment to supporting CoBAMS through continued research collaboration, capacity building, technical assistance, and staff exchanges. Ms. Bukokhe introduced Dr. Mkhululi Ncube, emphasizing his role in promoting financial inclusion and blended financing strategies in Uganda. Dr. Ncube expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations with CoBAMS, pledging UNCDF’s ongoing support through various initiatives. The partnership between UNCDF and CoBAMS continues to drive impactful research and educational advancements in development finance, positioning both entities at the forefront of sectoral innovation and positive change.