On August 22, the Entrepreneurship Centre at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, organized a tutorial session to help students refine their business pitching skills. This initiative is part of the center’s broader commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent among students by providing practical training and exposure to global best practices.

During the session, students had the unique opportunity to watch the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship (JLMCF) pitching competition, organized by the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) at Queen’s University in Canada. The JLMCF Program, launched in 2020, offers African students and recent graduates an 8-month fellowship that provides access to entrepreneurship training, resources, financial support, and mentorship networks. The program aims to cultivate exceptional entrepreneurial mindsets and equip participants with the skills necessary to become future leaders and innovators.

Dr. Sarah Bimbona, the Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at Makerere University, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating:

“Watching the JLMCF pitching competition allowed our students to see first-hand what it takes to present and defend their business ideas at an international level. It’s not just about having a great idea, but also about how you communicate it effectively. This experience has been invaluable in showing our students what is possible when they apply the skills they’ve learned here.”

The JLMCF Program is particularly notable for its focus on empowering African students by giving them the tools and confidence needed to turn their business ideas into reality. The winners of the competition have the chance to secure seed funding, which can be pivotal in bringing their ventures to life. Through this partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the DDQIC is helping to shape the next generation of African entrepreneurs​

Makerere University has embarked on an ambitious programme to address the challenges faced by the African continent in accessing climate finance and building green economies.

Makerere University is a member of the Regional Universities for Capacity building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), which consists of 170 African countries and 40 universities in Africa.

RUFORUM seeks to facilitate the creation of vibrant transformative universities catalyzing sustainable development inclusive agricultural development to feed and create prosperity for Africa.

Speaking at the 2^nd RUFORUM Triennial conference, which was held in Windhoek, Namibia from 12-16 August 2024, Makerere University’s research team, led by Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, presented a deliberate action to train and build a pool of professionals in climate finance and green economies development and management.

Makerere University, a research driven institution in Africa, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, the private sector and several regional stakeholders, is in advanced stages of introducing a Regional Programme; Master of Science in Green Economy and Climate Finance. The graduate degree programme scheduled to start next academic year (August 2025) with an initial intake of 40 students, is focused on building a pool of professionals equipped with skills and knowledge to liberate Africa from limited access to global climate finances.

“Through this Master’s degree programme, Makerere University, the Government of Uganda, in partnership with regional and international stakeholders as well as the private sector, will not only be positioned to fill the critical human resources capacity needs that most of the agencies and institutions in Africa are facing, but also train staff to support agencies to access finances,” said Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga.

The Master of Science in Green Economy and Climate Finance is a result of broader engagements in curriculum development involving Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Government of Uganda (Ministry of Agricultural, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Water and Environment), GIZ-Uganda, Global Green Growth Institute, Stellenbosch University-South Africa, University of Nairobi-Kenya. Malawi University of Science and Technology, University of Embu-Kenya, University of Juba-South Sudan, John Garang University- South Sudan, University of Maroua-Cameroon and University of USSEIN–Universite du Sine Saloum El-Hadj Ibrahima NIASSE-Senegal.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe commended Makerere University researchers for working with reputable partners in the public and private sectors and African Universities to find home grown solutions to Africa’s development challenges.

The Makerere University Research team that participated in the RUFORUM Side Event on Climate Finance, Transparency and Green Growth included:  Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, Dr. Catherine Mulinde, Dr. Patrick Byakagaba, Professor John Baptist Tumuhairwe, Dr. Isa Kabenge, and Dr Alex Nimusiima.

Climate change is said to have significant and varied effects on agriculture in Africa, a continent that is heavily dependent on farming for food security, livelihoods and economic stability.

Adapting to climate change (for example through irrigation, new crop varieties or improved farming techniques) requires investment, which may be beyond the reach of millions of farmers.

In the African Countries Economic Outlet report, the African Development Bank estimates that the continent requires as much as $ 2.8 trillion through 2030 to implement its climate commitments set out in countries’ national targets under the Paris 2015 Agreement.

Whereas there is a huge and diverse global climate finance landscape and portfolio, Africa is yet to effectively tap into this potential. Findings indicate that Africa’s climate finance remains very low, at 3% of global climate finance, and tend to focus on small-scale fragmented and uncoordinated operations primarily in middle-income countries

Prof. Nabanoga noted that Africa’s negotiation in international fora is inadequate and the continent is dis-advantaged when it comes to negotiation for resources to advance climate change initiatives and building green economies.

Ritah Namisango is the Principal Public Relations Officer at Makerere University.

Today, Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences, specifically the School of Statistics and Planning, hosted an engaging and insightful orientation for its incoming students. The event aimed to seamlessly integrate new students into the academic community, providing them with essential guidance and inspiration for their journey ahead.

Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, the Head of the Department of Population Studies, delivered the opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the day. She described Makerere as “a place where dreams are birthed,” emphasizing the University’s unwavering commitment to both academic and personal development.

In her address, Dr. Kabagenyi outlined the department’s core values, vision, and mission, underscoring its dedication to excellence and innovation. She provided an overview of the Department of Population Studies’ programs, which include undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s programs, and doctoral studies. Dr. Kabagenyi also highlighted the department’s remarkable faculty, noting that all 14 staff members hold PhDs in their respective fields, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction.

She urged the students to prioritize their academic pursuits, advising them to diligently attend both physical and virtual classes, maintain their mental and physical health, and manage their tuition payments promptly. Dr. Kabagenyi encouraged students to seek guidance from faculty members and actively engage with the academic community to enrich their learning experience.

Following Dr. Kabagenyi’s address, Ms. Olivia Nankinga offered valuable advice on achieving academic excellence. She emphasized the importance of maintaining high academic standards, encouraging students to aim for grades above 90% to secure a first-class degree.

Dr. Peninah Agaba then provided insights into campus life, urging students to cultivate independence and seek support from staff whenever needed. She stressed the importance of balancing academic responsibilities with spiritual and social life, particularly emphasizing awareness of health issues such as HIV, STDs, and pregnancy. Dr. Agaba also promoted participation in sports activities and advised students facing financial difficulties to consult the Registrar and Bursar. She further recommended that students seek mentorship from staff to guide their academic and personal growth.

Dr. Stephen Wandera offered detailed insights into the curriculum, explaining the course units that students will undertake over the three years of the program. His presentation helped students gain a clearer understanding of the academic journey ahead.

Finally, Dr. Patricia Ndugga discussed the various employment opportunities in the field of population studies and introduced students to relevant professional bodies they could join to advance their careers.

The orientation served as a comprehensive and inspiring introduction to Makerere University’s vibrant academic environment, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling academic journey for the incoming students.

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