Business & Management
CoBAMS celebrates retiring staff & former leaders
Staff of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) on September 13th, 2024, gathered for a splendid farewell party to celebrate the distinguished service of former leaders Prof. Eria Hisali and his deputy, Prof. Bruno Yawe, along with several retiring staff members. The joyous event, held in their honor, was graced by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who led the institution in recognizing the invaluable contributions of the honorees.
During his remarks, Prof. Nawangwe praised the retirees for their remarkable service to Makerere University, acknowledging their pivotal roles in advancing academic excellence and shaping the future of the College. He extended his heartfelt congratulations, highlighting their commitment and dedication to the institution over the years.
Prof. Hisali, who served as Principal of CoBAMS for eight years, expressed gratitude to the university’s management and staff for their unwavering support during his leadership. He reflected on the achievements realized under his tenure, including the establishment of innovative financial mechanisms like the College Endowment Fund, which secured long-term financial sustainability.
His deputy, Prof. Yawe, was equally commended for his steadfast leadership and contributions to the academic growth of the College.
The retiring staff members honored at the event included Dr. Joseph Wasswa Matovu, Dr. Willy Kagarura, Ms. Josephine Apolot Opolot, Ms. Kobusingye Margaret, Ms. Nanfuka Sarah, and Ms. Mwijjage Sauya. Their remarkable contributions to Makerere University were fondly remembered, and each was recognized for their dedication to shaping the institution’s legacy.
Music, Dance, and Celebration
The celebration was marked by merry-making and a lively atmosphere, as the Department of Performing Arts and Film added a special touch to the event. The evening was filled with vibrant performances that brought energy and joy to the gathering. The performers showcased a mix of traditional Ugandan music, modern tunes, and rhythmic dances that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
As the music flowed, the spirit of celebration spread throughout, with many staff members taking to the dance floor. In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, both academic and administrative staff danced together, creating a beautiful moment of unity and togetherness. The joyous dancing, led by some of the retirees themselves, reflected the deep bonds shared within the College and the appreciation for the many years of collaboration and friendship.
The entertainment also featured performances that paid tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Uganda, which resonated with the audience. The upbeat rhythms and performances from the Department of Performing Arts and Film captivated attendees, turning the farewell event into a festive occasion that honored both the academic achievements and personal connections forged over the years.
According to Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean of the School of Economics, Dr. Joseph Wasswa Matovu was known not only for his scholarly achievements but also for his humor and intellect. “He was celebrated for his remarkable ability to connect with students and colleagues alike. His wit, especially in the teachings of Political Economy and Public Sector Economics, left a lasting impression on all those who worked with him. Dr. Matovu had a unique talent for transforming academic discussions into memorable experiences,” Prof. Okumu shared.
Similarly, Dr. Willy Kagarura, renowned for establishing the PIM Center of Excellence, was praised for his behind-the-scenes work and mentorship. During his farewell speech, Dr. Kagarura encouraged others to plan for retirement, sharing personal reflections on his own journey and expressing deep gratitude for the recognition of his contributions.
Ms. Josephine Apolot Opolot, the former Human Resources Manager, gave a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the sense of teamwork and community that had defined her career. She thanked her colleagues for their unwavering support and praised the collaborative spirit that fostered success within the College. “It’s the collective effort of dedicated professionals that made our work meaningful and fulfilling,” she shared, resonating deeply with the attendees.
Ms. Mwijjage Sauya also expressed her gratitude, singling out Prof. Hisali for his kindness and generosity during her time at the College.
Looking Forward
As CoBAMS bids farewell to these remarkable individuals, the new leadership, under Principal Dr. Edward Bbaale, has committed to continuing the legacy of excellence established by Prof. Hisali and Prof. Yawe. Dr. Bbaale emphasized the importance of building upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors, noting that their contributions would inspire future generations of scholars and leaders
The farewell event, with its blend of heartfelt speeches, vibrant entertainment, and spirited dancing, not only marked the end of an era but also celebrated the unity and shared commitment of the CoBAMS community. As the College looks ahead to new opportunities, it does so with a sense of optimism and pride, guided by the legacies of those who served with distinction.
Let us raise our glasses to Prof. Hisali, Prof. Yawe, Ms. Apolot, Dr. Kagarura, Dr. Matovu, and all the retirees. Their contributions will continue to shape the future of Makerere University and the College of Business and Management Sciences for years to come.
Over 35 public officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have commenced a two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis in Mbarara. The training is organized by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI).
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ms. Esther Ayebare commended the ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems. She highlighted the recent launch of the National Public Investment Management Policy, describing it as a robust and unified framework guiding the entire investment cycle—from planning and appraisal through to implementation and post-evaluation.
Ms. Ayebare further noted other key reforms including the Framework for Tracking Implementation and Performance of Public Investments, the revised Development Committee Guidelines, and the Integrated Bank of Projects, all of which are designed to improve efficiency, accountability, and value-for-money in public investments.
“Each of these reforms plays a key role in enhancing public investment management. I urge you to familiarize yourselves with them and integrate these frameworks into your daily work,” she added.
The Deputy Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Eria Hisali, encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the training and make the most of the opportunity to build their analytical and decision-making capacity. He commended the Ministry of Finance for its continued financial support to the Centre and reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to providing high-quality training and research to strengthen public investment governance.
The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing that the PIM Centre was established to build national capacity in the appraisal, management, and evaluation of public investments. He called on participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve project preparation and implementation within their respective institutions.
Dr. Sseruyange also expressed appreciation to the team of facilitators drawn from Makerere University, MoFPED, NPA, and CRI for their expertise and continued dedication to building Uganda’s human capital for effective public investment management.
The Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis course is part of a broader capacity-building programme implemented by the PIM Centre aimed at enhancing the skills of public officials in the design, evaluation, and monitoring of development projects to ensure that public investments deliver optimal socio-economic returns for the country.
Business & Management
PIM Centre Holds 9th Steering Committee Meeting, Set to Benefit from World Bank Support
The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University today, October 10th, 2025, held its 9th Steering Committee Meeting to review progress made in the first quarter of the financial year and plan for the months ahead.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Getrude Basiima, who represented Mr. Hannington Ashaba, Director Budget at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Ms. Basiima commended the Centre for its continued commitment to strengthening public investment management capacity across government institutions.
In her remarks, Ms. Basiima applauded the Centre for successfully hosting the Public Investment Management Conference held in August at Makerere University. The conference attracted key policymakers, development partners, and academics who deliberated on how to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of public investments in Uganda.
She further shared exciting news that the Government of Uganda has secured funding from the World Bank to support the public investment management function. The PIM Centre, she announced, will be among the key beneficiaries of these funds — receiving support for the construction and acquisition of a permanent home to enhance its institutional sustainability and training capacity.
Reviewing the Centre’s quarterly performance, Ms. Basiima congratulated the team for successfully conducting three specialized trainings in the first quarter, reaching officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. These trainings continue to strengthen the technical competencies required for effective project preparation, appraisal, and implementation in line with Uganda’s National Development Plan.
She encouraged the Centre to integrate climate change considerations into its future training programmes, noting that sustainable public investment must now account for environmental resilience and climate adaptation.
The centre team presented the proposed structure/ organogram, the financial performance of 2024/2025, research areas for 2025/2026 and the strategic plan for 2025 – 2030.
The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PIM Centre’s vision of becoming a regional leader in building capacity for efficient, transparent, and sustainable public investment management.
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