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CoBAMS Faculty to Support Uganda’s First Digital Census 2024

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In a significant leap toward harnessing technology for national planning and development, Uganda is set to conduct a landmark digital census starting with 9th May 2024 as the Census reference night and the enumeration period scheduled for 10th-19th May 2024.  As specified in the Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD), the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) is carried out by Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) led by the Census Commissioner (CC) who is the Executive Director (ED) Dr. Chris Mukiza.  The digital census will be carried out using Computer Assisted Personal interview (CAPI) tablets and use of Global Positioning System (GPS). The census information can be used in leveraging government programs including Parish development model, youth livelihood program and also in the development of NDP IV, as we aim at becoming a middle income economy as stipulated in Vision 2040.

Dispatch in CAPI and other Census materials at the district. With the DCCR Mr. Kajubi and District Planner Ms. Nakayuki Prisca. Census 2024, Uganda, East Africa.
Dispatch in CAPI and other Census materials at the district. With the DCCR Mr. Kajubi and District Planner Ms. Nakayuki Prisca.

Distinguished staff members from Makerere University, School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS) have played a pivotal role in supporting the census preparation phase and enumeration phases to ensure a successful digital census.  This engagement aims to ensure the collection of accurate, timely, comprehensive data to guide the country’s policies, planning and vision.

Members of DPS, DR. Agaba Peninah also joined  DCCR - Dr. Olivia Nankinga and DCCR Dr. Patricia Ndugga to popularize and support 2024 Census.
Members of DPS, DR. Agaba Peninah also joined DCCR – Dr. Olivia Nankinga and DCCR – Dr. Patricia Ndugga to popularize and support 2024 Census.

The selected team comprises Dr. Odur Bernard, Dr. Nansubuga Elizabeth, Dr. Nankinga Olivia, Dr. Patricia Ndugga and Dr. Margaret Banga. The selected staff members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, making them ideal contributors to the national census’s success. These were been deployed to different areas as District or City Census Commissioner’s Representative. Their role involves providing oversight, supervision and ensuring the smooth running of the census exercise in these districts in collaboration with UBOS.

Pivotal to this exercise, the faculty also trained district and sub-county officers of which information the officers would later use in training the enumerators and the parish/ward supervisors on the entire census process and data collection.

Support Supervision in Amolator district 4/5/2024 by Dr. Bernard Odur who appeared early 8:00am sharp and got all participants ready & in for the session.
Support Supervision in Amolator district 4/5/2024 by Dr. Bernard Odur who appeared early 8:00am sharp and got all participants ready & in for the session.

Makerere University through the school of statistics and planning has also been represented at the Census Technical Advisory Committee (CTAC) by Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala. The CTAC is composed of members of the Inter-Agency Committee of the Plan for National Statistics Development (PNSD) and other co-opted members from Academia, Media and Research institutions. Further, the involvement of Makerere University‘s staff brings a level of expertise and dedication that will undoubtedly contribute to the census’s success. With their support, Uganda is poised to set a new standard in data collection and analysis, paving the way for a more informed and progressive nation.

Bridging Academia and National Development

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has a standing partnership with Makerere University, as represented by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi a staff member of SSP who was appointed by Cabinet as member of the UBOS Board of Directors as representative of all academic institutions in Uganda teaching statistics.  The partnership between Makerere University and UBOS underscores the importance of collaboration between academia and government in achieving national development goals.

Dr. Nansubuga at CBS radio Station talking about 2024 Census.
Dr. Nansubuga at CBS radio Station talking about 2024 Census.

To support the 2024 Census, Makerere University adjusted the Semester and Examinations excluding 8th– 10th May 2024 to enable staff and students participate in the national exercise resuming on 11th May 2024. The university is applauded for revising the semester for this important 2024 digital census represents a significant step toward modernizing Uganda’s data collection practices, allowing for more efficient analysis, timely dissemination for better-informed decision-making.

Dr. Kabagenyi, mentioned that the overall aim of the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024 was to provide benchmark information on the spatial population distribution, age and sex structure, as well as other key socio-economic and demographic characteristics.  She further said the Department of Population Studies, part of the School of Statistics and Planning, has over the years trained scholars in different methodologies of Collecting population Data and the national population Census being one of them.  The Census provides information on the country’s population size, distribution, demographic and the socio economic characteristics of a county’s population.

At the National training of trainers at Munyonyo. Dr. Agaba, DCCR - Dr. Margret Banga and Dr. Kabagenyi.
At the National training of trainers at Munyonyo. Dr. Agaba, DCCR – Dr. Margret Banga and Dr. Kabagenyi.

Further by “leveraging on digital technologies, we can collect more accurate, detailed and timely data, which is crucial for national planning. Our team is excited to contribute to this historic event and support Uganda’s journey toward a more data-driven future.” She further applauds Makerere University Council and Management for adjusting Semester II 2023/2024 for a critical government national program.  

Sharing some insight into the census process, Dr. Kabagenyi said if one is not at home, another person who is knowledgeable enough to respond to the census questionnaire can be interviewed. 

 “It Matters to be counted”

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

ERASMUS+ KA171 International Credit Mobility 2024-2027

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An aerial photo of the School of Statistics and Planning (Right) and other colleges CEDAT, CoNAS, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Arising from an existing Memorandum of Understanding (September 2021) between University of Padova, Italy (UniPd) and Makerere University (Mak), the two institutions partnered and were jointly granted funding for the Erasmus+ KA171 international credit mobility for students and staff, 2024-2027. At Mak, the Departmental Flow Coordinator is Felix Wamono (PhD) and the project Principal Investigator is Saint Kizito Omala (PhD), both of Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science (DSMAS).

In this regard, the Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science wishes to announce opportunities for students and staff credit mobility to the Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy for the Winter Semester, October 2025 – February 2026.

The selection process shall entail five-steps:

Step 1: Submission of documents by candidates for nomination, with an internal deadline of April 21st, 2025, 05.00 p.m. (EAT) to allow for time to process nomination applications;
Step 2: Nomination of candidates who would have applied for nomination;
Step 3: Submitting the list of nominated candidates, by April 28th, 2025, to the International Projects and Mobility Office of the University of Padua, Italy;
Step 4: Eligibility check and communication to successful candidates by the International Projects and Mobility Office of the University of Padua, Italy; and
Step 5: Application for the Mobility opportunity by successful candidates.

Inquiry

Reach out to Dr. F. Wamono on +256 772 467206 Dr. S.K. Omala via +256 772 491545 before April 21st, 2025.

See below for detailed advert.

Mak Editor

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Business & Management

Government Officials Equipped with Critical Skills in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis

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Participants, facilitators and officials from MoFPED pose for a group photo after the training on 11th April 2025. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.

A two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) concluded today April 11, 2025 at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel in Jinja. The training, delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, sought to bridge long-standing capacity gaps in the preparation, appraisal, and review of public sector projects.

The event was officially closed by Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera, representing the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Dr. Ssebukeera highlighted that the training was designed in response to a comprehensive needs assessment, which revealed persistent gaps in government officers’ abilities to carry out cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, and to prepare or assess pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.

One of the participants receives a certificate from Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera who represented the PSST, as Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner PAP and Prof. Eria Hisali Look on. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.
One of the participants receives a certificate from Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera who represented the PSST, as Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner PAP and Prof. Eria Hisali Look on.

“Many government projects have not been properly appraised due to limited internal capacity,” Dr. Ssebukeera stated. “Too often, we rely on external consultants to prepare feasibility studies, yet our officers are not adequately equipped to interrogate or validate those studies.” He expressed confidence that participants now possess practical skills to analyze topics such as risk analysis, financial modelling, discount rates, project finance, and consumer surplus. “You are now in a position to not only prepare but also critically evaluate complex project documentation,” he added.

Ms. Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Public Investment Management Department at MoFPED, acknowledged the participants’ dedication and active engagement. “As the unit that hosts the Development Committee, we are pleased that this training has added critical skills to help you prepare and submit viable public projects,” she said, calling on the participants to be part of building a sustainable pipeline of investment-ready projects.

Participants attending the training. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.
Participants attending the training.

In his remarks, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, emphasized that this training is only the beginning. “While we’ve now completed the financial appraisal component, the next step is Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis—where we evaluate a project’s broader impact on society and the economy,” he said. He also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda, particularly MoFPED, for funding the training, as well as to Ms. Esther Ayebare and other facilitators for their unwavering commitment.

Prof. Eria Hisali, who represented the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, praised the participants for navigating what would typically be a semester-long course within just two weeks. “This is a practical, work-oriented training. The knowledge you’ve gained here should be applicable immediately,” he said. He further invited the graduates to attend the upcoming Public Investment Management Conference in August 2025 to share their experiences and provide feedback.

Participants attending the training. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.
Participants attending the training.

Participants also expressed their gratitude. One quoted the Quran, saying, “Whoever gives you knowledge has given you everything,” in appreciation of the facilitators and the opportunity to learn.

The PIAR program, jointly implemented by Makerere University, MoFPED, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), includes two modules: the just-completed Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis, and the upcoming Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis. As Uganda continues to push for better value from public investments, trainings like this are building a critical mass of experts who will ensure that every shilling invested delivers real impact.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Business & Management

Makerere and MoFPED Resume Training of Government Officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis

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Professor Edward Bbaale officiates at the opening ceremony of the training in Jinja. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, Uganda with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, brings together public officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Uganda.

The training was officially opened by Ms. Esther Ayebare, who represented the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening public sector capacity under the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) framework.

Ms. Ayebare underscored the importance of the training in building the technical capacity required for sound investment decision-making. “This training will empower you to make informed decisions, assess financial viability, and identify risks that could impact investment outcomes,” she noted.

Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, Uganda with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), East Africa.

Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, he expressed appreciation to MoFPED for its financial support and strategic collaboration in organizing the training and nominating participants. “Your continued support is instrumental in enhancing the skills and capacity of government workers in Public Investment Management,” he said. He further acknowledged the role of Vice Chancellors, Permanent Secretaries, and CAOs in nominating participants and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to delivering transformative learning through a blend of theory and hands-on project appraisal.

Participants in the training will engage with real-world projects in sectors such as roads, health, energy, and education. Upon successful completion, they will receive a prestigious tripartite certificate from Makerere University, MoFPED, and Queen’s University in Canada.
The training features facilitators from Cambridge Resources International, the International Growth Centre, the National Planning Authority, and MoFPED, offering a curriculum rooted in global best practices.

Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, Uganda with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), East Africa.

Participants were encouraged to not only apply the knowledge in their respective roles but also to mentor colleagues, thereby broadening the reach and impact of the program.

The PIM CoE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s public investment landscape through research, advisory services, and outreach. Recent milestones include the revision of the Development Committee guidelines and the convening of a national PIM conference in October 2024.

With the resumption of this training, Uganda takes yet another step toward fostering a skilled public sector capable of steering high-impact investments for sustainable national development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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