Business & Management
Economics Students and Research Fellows from Environment for Development, Makerere University Donate 2,000 Tree Seedlings to Masaka District Local Government
Students from Economics program at the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University in conjunction with Research Fellows from Environment for Development (EfD), Makerere University, have today June 14, 2024 made a significant contribution to restoration of Uganda’s forest cover by donating 2,000 tree seedlings to Masaka DLG. The submission of the trees was held at the district office premises and was attended by notable officials and School of Economics faculty members.
Leading the students were their lecturers, Dr. John Seruyange and Mr. Jordan Semwanga, who emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship. The tree seedlings were officially received by Ms. Juliet Najjumba, the Principal Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), along with Mr. Kabugo Denis Paul, the Senior Assistant CAO, and Ms. Rose Nakyejjwe, the District Natural Resources Officer.
In addition to the handover, students participated in planting some of the trees at the district offices, symbolizing their hands-on commitment to combating climate change. This donation is part of the students’ annual campaign to promote environmental sustainability, an initiative strongly supported by the Environment for Development (EfD) Centre at the college.
Dr. Seruyange highlighted the dual purpose of the event: “Our goal is not only to provide tangible support to Masaka DLG forest reforestation efforts but also to inspire a culture of environmental responsibility among our students and the broader community.”
He added, “through this initiative, we aim to demonstrate the practical application of economic principles in addressing global challenges such as environmental destruction and climate change. It is a testament to our commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make a positive impact in the world.”
Ms. Najjumba expressed her gratitude for the donation, stating, “These seedlings will greatly contribute to our efforts to enhance green spaces in Masaka. We are thankful to the students and faculty of Makerere University for their continued support and partnership.”
Mr Kabugo called on the students to do an annual monitoring and evaluation of the donations to see if the trees were indeed planted and what impact they are creating on the environment.
The students were also called upon to focus on eliminating the use of plastics. Ms Nakyejjwe explained the damage plastics cause to soils and the entire environment.
The Environment for Development Centre at Makerere University plays a pivotal role in supporting initiatives like this. EfD is dedicated to the application of environmental economics to contribute to sustainable development. By integrating research, policy analysis, and capacity building, EfD aims to address environmental challenges and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
Uganda faces significant environmental challenges, with deforestation being a critical issue. According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda loses approximately 122,000 hectares of forest cover annually. This deforestation contributes to adverse effects on climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Climate change exacerbates these issues, leading to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. These environmental changes threaten agriculture, water resources, and the overall well-being of the population.
This annual tree donation campaign by Economics students underscores Makerere University‘s dedication to fostering academic excellence alongside social responsibility. The initiative not only aids in environmental conservation but also serves as a valuable educational experience for the students involved. By addressing deforestation and climate change through such actions, the university contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development in Uganda. Last year, the students donated seedlings to Kiboga DLG.
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.
Business & Management
International Collaboration Sparks Innovation in Statistical Methods at Makerere University
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.
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