General
CEES Empowers USE Students with Business Skills to Tackle Poverty
In an effort to combat rising poverty and unemployment among youth, at least 400 students from four Universal Secondary Education (USE) schools have been equipped with entrepreneurial skills aimed at transforming their lives through income-generating projects. The initiative, led by a group of scholars from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), seeks to provide practical solutions to poverty by fostering self-reliance among young people.
The training targets students, many of whom may not advance beyond senior four. “A majority of these students come from underprivileged backgrounds, making them an ideal group for this intervention,” explained Dr. Badru Musisi, the project’s lead investigator. Research informed this approach, highlighting that students from USE schools often face socioeconomic challenges that limit their educational and employment prospects.
The participating students, from Mityana SS, Nakanyonyi SS, Lweru SS, and Bombo Secondary School, underwent a 12-week intensive training program that was designed not only to teach them how to start a business but also how to sustain it. The first cohort, trained in 2021/2022, came from Mityana SS and Nakanyonyi SS, while Lweru SS and Bombo Secondary School followed in 2023/2024.
The project, dubbed “Imparting Entrepreneurship Skills in Universal Secondary Education Schools through Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion,” was spearheaded by Dr. Musisi and Dr. Rebecca Nambi, lecturers at Makerere University. It is funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF).
Bridging the Skills Gap
Unlike traditional government skilling programs that primarily focus on hard skills such as tailoring and plumbing, this project emphasizes soft skills, psychological preparedness, and business management techniques. Dr. Musisi stressed the importance of preparing young people mentally for the challenges of entrepreneurship, explaining, “Many youths are trained and given tools, but they end up selling them because they aren’t psychologically prepared for business.”
The project provides a holistic approach by combining psychology, entrepreneurship, and business administration. Students learn how to manage failure, identify viable business opportunities, and navigate the ups and downs of running a business. Those who lose their capital are guided to reflect on their mistakes and find ways to avoid them in the future.
Real-life Business Ventures
One key aspect of the training was providing students with startup capital—each group of five students received UGX 300,000. These groups were tasked with identifying and starting micro-businesses within their local communities. The results were promising: even those who initially struggled managed to recover. Dr. Musisi recounted the story of a group that, after losing much of their capital, pivoted to selling jackfruits in their community and soon turned a profit of UGX 400,000.
For many of the participants, the training has had a lasting impact. Senior three student Faizo Jjingo from Bombo SS used the marketing skills he learned to start his own juice business, which now helps him meet his basic needs. Another student, Christine Nayiga from Lweru SS, ventured into poultry farming and is now committed to expanding her business to serve her local community.
A Model for Wider Implementation
The project, which has so far received UGX 300 million in funding, is currently limited to the central region of Uganda. However, the scholars hope that with more government support, it can be scaled to other parts of the country. The success of the initiative has led students, such as Issa Nsubuga from Lweru SS, to advocate for its expansion to reach local communities and skill up school dropouts.
Ms. Juliet Nabirye, representing MakRIF, expressed the fund’s commitment to supporting young people with innovative ideas. She encouraged students to apply their skills and brand their products to stand out in the competitive market. “Identify challenges in your community and create solutions for them,” she advised.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the program’s success, challenges remain. Some schools have expressed concerns about students’ businesses interfering with their studies, fearing that too much focus on entrepreneurship could detract from academic performance. “It can disrupt school programs if students shift their focus entirely to their businesses,” warned a school official.
However, educators like Mr. Hamza Ssebunya, head teacher of Lweru SS, believe that the initiative is vital in shaping a more self-reliant generation. He emphasized that students now understand how to start small businesses like chapati making and vegetable growing, empowering them to earn money even while in school.
As Uganda faces an ongoing youth unemployment crisis—with an estimated 64% of young people out of work—initiatives like the Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) project offer a glimmer of hope. Dr. David Kabugo, Deputy Director of Makerere University Institute of Teacher Education and Research (MITER), believes that projects like this are essential in addressing unemployment by giving youth the tools to create their own opportunities.
In the words of retired head teacher Mr. Muhammad Bisaso Ntamu, “Real education should encompass knowledge, skills, and values. This project has achieved 70% of what real education should provide.”
General
NCBA Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon, Pledges Five-Year Support for Inclusive Education
By Eve Nakyanzi and Atwenda Nancy
Makerere University has officially unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor for the 2025 Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable student support. The partnership was formally announced during a colourful event held at the university, attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, and NCBA Bank Uganda CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo.
NCBA Bank Uganda’s UGX 1.45 billion sponsorship over the next five years is the largest corporate contribution to the Makerere Marathon to date. It underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting quality education, community development, and equity. Mr. Muyobo said that, “We are driven by the desire to leave every community better than we found it”. He added that the goal is to empower disadvantaged students to live without limitations, describing this initiative as a bold stride toward establishing a world-class international marathon.
“This is more than just a sponsorship, it is a strategic partnership built on shared values,” Dr. Kigozi remarked. “With this support, we are positioned to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and a sustainable pool of funds to assist economically disadvantaged students.”
The marathon, slated under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future,” seeks to unify students, alumni, corporate entities, and professional athletes in pursuit of a common cause. At its core, the MakRun2025 promotes active lifestyles, social inclusion, and a sense of communal responsibility.
“It’s not just a race,” Prof. Nawangwe emphasized. “It is a movement to break barriers, change lives, and build a resilient, inclusive university.”
The marathon’s broader impact includes fundraising for students living with disabilities and those facing financial hardship, contributing directly to the university’s Endowment Fund.
A major highlight of the event is the introduction of a full 42.2-kilometer marathon—bringing international standards to the annual run. Organizers have promised a professional, accredited experience with traffic-free routes and ample support for runners.
“This edition will elevate the MakRun into a world-class event,” said Mr. Muyobo. “We are proud to support Makerere University in realizing its dream of a globally recognized marathon that reflects Uganda’s commitment to education and inclusivity.”
Beyond the race itself, the event will feature a vibrant line-up of activities, including music, drama, and games for all age groups. It is designed to foster a festival-like atmosphere that welcomes every member of the community.
Organizers and university leaders have extended an open invitation to students, staff, alumni, corporate partners, and Kampala residents to participate, cheer, or donate to the cause.
“Every step taken is a step towards hope for a student,” Dr. Kigozi stated. “Together, we are building a Makerere that cares, includes, and uplifts.”
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the university’s ability to support underprivileged students and improve campus infrastructure for students with disabilities. It also sets the tone for future collaborations that align with the values of compassion, excellence, and innovation. The fifth edition of the MakRun is scheduled to take place on August 17th, 2025.
The Writers are Interns in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University
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