The Public Investments Management Centre of Excellence officially launched a two-week training program focused on Financial and Risk Analysis of Public Investments today September 23, 2024. Approximately 30 economists from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are participating in this intensive training, which aims to enhance their skills in public investment management.

The training kicked off with an opening ceremony led by Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University. Prof. Okumu expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its generous funding that has made this centre possible. He also acknowledged the dedicated trainers, who bring expertise from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Cambridge Resources International.

“This training is not just an opportunity for professional development; it is a crucial step towards ensuring effective management of public investments in Uganda,” Prof. Okumu stated. “The knowledge gained here will have a lasting impact on our nation’s long term economic landscape.” This is because this training enables us to grow a critical mass of planners who have a potential to appraise projects so that we limit bad public projects and increase public project efficiency by increasing the link between public projects and the economy.

Dr. John Seruyange, the Centre Manager, welcomed the trainees and praised their commitment to this capacity-building initiative. “Your presence here reflects a dedication to improving our public investment processes,” he said. “Over the next two weeks, you will engage in rigorous training designed to equip you with the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions and effectively analyze risks associated with public investments.”

Joseph Ahaisibwe from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development noted that the programme integrates the different modules of the appraisal such as demand/market analysis, technical and environment analysis, financial, economic and risk analysis so as to ensure a 360⁰ degree view and avoid most of the challenges that have in the past resulted into project delays. He noted that, the programme has started yielding results through increased number of projects being appraised from 10% in 2016 to now over 80% in 2024. “This performance raises hope that as more participants are trained, the dividends will be more to Government”. Joseph noted. He implored participants to pay keen attention and utilize the faculty members to the maximum so that as they go back to their places of work, there is value to add.

Participants hail from a range of organizations, including the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the National Planning Authority (NPA), the Uganda Police, the Ministry of ICT, as well as Muni University and Makerere University. This diverse representation underscores the collaborative effort required to enhance public sector capabilities.

The training program promises to be both challenging and rewarding, setting the stage for the development of a skilled workforce ready to tackle the complexities of public investment management in Uganda. As the programme unfolds, participants will not only gain valuable knowledge but also contribute to the overarching goal of fostering sustainable economic growth for the country.

The Department of Population Studies on 19th September 2024 hosted Ms. Rosemary Kisembo the Excecutive Director of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), for highly informative guest lecture attended by students from Year 1 to Graduate level. The event, focused on the importance of civil registration in Uganda, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9: Legal Identity for All.

Dr. Peter Kisaakye initiated the session by welcoming the students and introducing the Principal of CoBAMS, who expressed gratitude to students for their academic commitment. Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Head of the Department of Population Studies, gave an insightful overview of the department’s academic programs and the integral role of civil registration in research and societal development. She emphasized the department’s values of Integrity, Professionalism, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation, while highlighting the department’s five academic programmes, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Population Studies.

The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Ms. Rosemary Kisembo, Executive Director of NIRA. Ms. Kisembo discussed the significance of civil registration in Uganda and shared national statistics that underscored the urgent need to increase registration rates. She outlined the key components of civil registration, namely that it must be Compulsory, Continuous, Universal, and Permanent (CCUP), while drawing parallels between human life cycles and crucial civil events like births and deaths.

Ms. Kisembo also shared the latest national identification registration statistics, revealing that 59.7% of Uganda’s population is currently registered, while 41.3% remain unregistered. She encouraged students to become advocates for universal registration, noting that the absence of such data negatively impacts future investments in various sectors, including political, economic, and social development.

The session featured an engaging question-and-answer segment, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Patricia Ndugga and the Deputy Principal, Prof. James Wokadala. Prof. Wokadala extended his appreciation to NIRA for their collaboration and called for a formal partnership between the two institutions, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate joint research and staff exchanges.

The guest lecture was a resounding success, reinforcing the critical role of civil registration in national development and providing students with invaluable insights into its practical applications.

Staff of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) on September 13^th, 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.