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Passing the Torch: Dr. Wokadala Hands Over Deanship to Dr. Banga

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In a momentous handover ceremony on Friday, November 8, 2024, Dr. James Wokadala, the outgoing Dean of the School of Statistics at Makerere University, officially transferred the mantle of leadership to his successor, Dr. Margaret Banga. This transition marks not only the end of a progressive five-year tenure by Dr. Wokadala but also the dawn of a promising new chapter under Dr. Banga’s stewardship.

Reflecting on his tenure from 2019 to 2024, Dr. Wokadala proudly recounted significant strides made in academic programming and graduate training. “We have made tremendous progress in reviewing and introducing new academic programs, including the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics and PhD in Population Studies,” he shared. His focus on graduate training has indeed paid off, with an increase in the number of master’s graduates—a testament to the school’s commitment to advancing statistical and quantitative expertise.

Dr. Wokadala also highlighted the school’s success in building partnerships with key organizations such as Prudential Assurance Uganda, the World Bank, and esteemed international universities. Yet he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in staff development and school structure. “We must incentivize our staff to move up the career ladder,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent to secure the school’s future growth.

A group photo of the people that attended the handover ceremony. Dr. James Wokadala official handover of Dean of the School of Statistics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa to Dr. Margaret Banga, Friday 8th November 2024.
A group photo of the people that attended the handover ceremony.

As he bid farewell, Dr. Wokadala expressed deep gratitude to Makerere University’s management, staff, and student leaders for their invaluable support throughout his tenure. He assured Dr. Banga of his continued support and stressed the importance of fostering research, community engagement, and academic innovation as she steps into her new role.

In her address, Dr. Banga, the newly appointed Dean, conveyed a vision centered on collaboration, teamwork, and excellence. She expressed appreciation for Dr. Wokadala’s dedication and pledged to build on his legacy. “I request that we all work together,” she urged. “We cannot move the School of Statistics forward if we are divided.” Dr. Banga committed to strengthening relationships with key collaborators, including ISTAC and the World Bank, as well as exploring new partnerships.

Dr. Banga’s priorities also include the professional development of staff, particularly assistant lecturers working towards PhDs. She acknowledged the unique challenges they face in balancing teaching responsibilities with research and pledged her support to ease their path. “I will work with them, identify areas needing help, and seek support from college management,” she promised.

As she takes the helm, Dr. Banga has also committed to supporting student welfare, aiming to be a “mother” figure as advised by her predecessor. “I’ll work with students where I can, and when necessary, involve the ‘father’—the principal,” she remarked with a smile.

 The Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale joined Dr. Banga and Dr. Wokadala for a photo. Dr. James Wokadala official handover of Dean of the School of Statistics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa to Dr. Margaret Banga, Friday 8th November 2024.
The Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale joined Dr. Banga and Dr. Wokadala for a photo.

The ceremony saw congratulatory remarks from various university leaders, each reflecting on Dr. Wokadala’s achievements and extending warm wishes to Dr. Banga. Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Studies (CoBAMS), commended Dr. Wokadala for a seamless transition and praised his leadership as a model for future deans. “Handing over office peacefully is not easy; it’s a big deal, a day to celebrate and thank God,” he said. Prof. Bbaale emphasized the crucial role of deans as academic and research leaders and encouraged Dr. Banga to carry forward the school’s legacy of excellence.

Luwaliza Aggrey, the university’s Internal Auditor, praised the school’s clean financial record during Dr. Wokadala’s tenure, attributing it to transparent and accountable management. “We pray for a conducive environment to move forward,” he said, underscoring the importance of continuity.

Dr. Wokadala will now take on the role of Deputy Principal at CoBAMS, where he is expected to continue contributing to the university’s vision and mission.

As Dr. Banga embarks on her journey as Dean, her commitment to unity, collaboration, and academic excellence bodes well for the future of the School of Statistics. With the foundation laid by Dr. Wokadala and the support of faculty, students, and university leaders, she stands poised to lead the school to new heights.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

PIM CoE Magazine Issue 1: Jul-Dec 2024

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Cover page of the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) Magazine Issue 1: July - December 2024. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) was conceived as a result of the 2016 PIM Diagnostic study done by the World Bank and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development with support from Makerere University School of Economics that discovered inefficiencies in PIM in Uganda.

This report highlights the work, achievements and prospects of the Center. The Center plans to start offering Advanced level training through Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in PIM and Master of Science in Economic and Investment Modelling (MEIM). I am pleased to introduce this report to the public for use by all stakeholders.

I would like to appreciate PIM CoE Secretariat, partners, staff and well-wishers for technical support, daily running of the Center and their role in the realization of these achievements.

Special thanks go to Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Cambridge Resources International (CRI) and Makerere University for the overwhelming support rendered towards the development of the Center.

Prof. Edward Bbaale
Principal & Principal Investigator, CoBAMS/PIM CoE

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Somali Officials Complete Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management at CoBAMS

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Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd Left) with training facilitators and the six Somali Government officials pose for a group photo. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Six Somali government officials have successfully completed a three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). The training, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), took place from January 27 to 29, 2025, and aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management.

The training brought together senior civil servants and policymakers from Somalia, equipping them with practical knowledge and strategies for sustainable infrastructure asset management. It also fostered valuable cross-border collaboration, facilitated by UNCDF Uganda, which played a crucial role in connecting Makerere University with the Government of Somalia.

Left to Right: Prof. Edward Bbaale, PIM CoE Manager-Dr. John Sseruyange and some of the officials follow proceedings. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The program was delivered by experienced faculty from Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), alongside experts from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). A special session was also led by the Makerere University Bursar, offering practical insights into financial management in infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Mr. Ncube Mkhululi, the Regional Technical Advisor for UNCDF emphasized the importance of infrastructure asset management in driving sustainable economic growth. He highlighted UNCDF’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing economies, noting that effective infrastructure planning and management are critical to national development. He also expressed confidence in Makerere University’s expertise in delivering high-impact executive training programs for government officials.

Principal CoBAMS-Prof. Edward Bbaale (Right) presents a certificate to one of the officials. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

During the closing ceremony, Prof. Bbaale Edward, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences expressed gratitude to all partners, including UNCDF, Makerere University management, and the PIM CoE faculty, for their commitment to making the training a success. He emphasized Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to internationalize its research-led agenda, positioning itself as a hub for regional knowledge exchange.

UNCDF Program Manager, Mr. Joel Mundua, the commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to share the acquired knowledge with fellow officials in Somalia. This was reaffirmed by one of the participants, who pledged to apply and disseminate the learnings within their respective departments.

UNCDF Program Manager0Mr. Joel Mundua (Left) and UNCDF Program Officer-Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti (Right). Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti, the Program Officer at UNCDF highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure asset management strategies are practical, adaptable, and aligned with national development goals. He commended Makerere University for its leadership in knowledge transfer and regional training and encouraged continued collaboration between universities, governments, and international development partners to strengthen institutional capacity.

Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, applauded both the participants and the expert trainers who contributed to the program. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to advancing infrastructure asset management through continued training and collaboration with regional stakeholders.

As the training concluded, participants departed with valuable insights and practical tools to improve infrastructure management in Somalia and beyond. The success of this initiative highlights Makerere University’s role as a leading institution in public investment management, fostering capacity-building efforts that drive sustainable development across Africa.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Staff of School of Statistics undertake training in Data Science

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Dr. Margaret Banga (2nd Row Right) with participants and facilitators at the kick-off of the training. Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members kick off Monday, 20th January 2025 facilitated by experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and will run until 24th January 2025. Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more.

The Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training kicked off on Monday, 20th January 2025, and will run until 24th January 2025. This training, an initiative by the college, aims to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members.

Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more. The training is facilitated by expert data scientists from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP).

The SDS Working Group comprises academic staff at the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP) whose research interests focus on statistical learning and AI.

Some of the participants follow proceedings. Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members kick off Monday, 20th January 2025 facilitated by experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and will run until 24th January 2025. Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more.

On January 21, 2025, Mr. Kiyingi Simon Peter and Mr. Tusubira Brian from URA led an engaging session on the practical applications of machine learning algorithms in day-to-day activities. They demonstrated how components fed into ML models are used to classify taxpayers into high-risk and low-risk categories, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in optimizing operations.

Dr. Margaret Banga, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), emphasized the transformative impact of the training on both the academic and professional development of the participants. She commended the expert trainers from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and other partnering institutions for their practical and insightful contributions to the sessions. Dr. Banga noted that the training is a significant step toward enhancing the teaching methodologies and research capabilities of the faculty. “By equipping our staff with advanced skills in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, we are empowering them to deliver cutting-edge knowledge to our students and conduct impactful research that addresses real-world challenges,” she remarked.

Dr. Margaret Banga (2nd L) with participants. Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members kick off Monday, 20th January 2025 facilitated by experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and will run until 24th January 2025. Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more.

The training is a testament to the SSP’s forward-thinking approach to education and research in statistics and data science. The integration of topics such as neural networks, text mining, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) underscores the need for multidisciplinary expertise in an increasingly data-driven world. Dr. Banga highlighted that this capacity-building effort aligns with the college’s strategic objectives of fostering innovation and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving fields of data science and statistical learning.

The Dean further stressed the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Uganda Revenue Authority and Housing Finance Bank, which provide invaluable industry perspectives. These collaborations ensure that academic training is not only theoretical but also applicable to practical challenges in sectors such as taxation, finance, and public administration.

In conclusion, Dr. Banga reaffirmed her commitment to continuous learning and development within the School of Statistics and Planning. She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained through the training would translate into improved academic delivery, enriched research output, and a stronger contribution to societal and economic transformation through the application of advanced data science methodologies.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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