General
Avoid distractions, fresh graduates urged
During the Makerere University Convocation Graduation luncheon, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, a Senior Presidential Advisor on Special duties, together with Makerere University Management members set the process for mentoring the next generation of leaders in the business, public and private sectors.
Delivering a keynote speech, Mr. Rwabwogo urged the graduates to avoid being distracted when executing missions. He emphasized to them the need to embody the values of responsibility, discipline and integrity as they enter the world of work.
He cautioned them on the friends and networks that they associate with, when he said: “You must be responsible for your behaviour. I advise you to immediately drop friends who seek to extend childish behaviours into adulthood, those who don’t help you on the journey to maturity. Have personal integrity as you transition to adulthood,” he said.
He made the remarks on Wednesday 15th January 2025 while addressing fresh graduates from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) during the Convocation Staff and Alumni luncheon organized in honour of the best talent during the 75th Graduation Ceremony.
Mr. Rwabwogo who is also the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) emphasized entrepreneurship as the engine to Uganda’s development as well as the solution to the unemployment question.
“My wish is that if everyone could be an entrepreneur. It is entrepreneurship that will spur Uganda’s development. Entrepreneurship gives you the ability to innovate, it is about creativity and ingenuity that leads to business enterprises and production of products”, he said.
In terms of personal growth, Mr. Rwabwogo advised the graduates to get out of the crowds, and dedicate time, to exactly understand who they are. He explained the need for each graduate to have a deeper reflection towards their calling and purpose in life including understanding what makes one unique.
To underscore the value of solitude and its ability to stimulate thinking and innovativeness, Rwabwogo shared an example of Albert Einstein who is generally considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century.
One of Einstein’s quotes states: “I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.”
Noting that the graduates were transitioning into adulthood, Rwabwogo pointed out that solitude, would not only provide graduates with an opportunity to design and innovate, but also empower them to ask the right questions about life.
“Seek silence. Find out who you are. We are always surrounded by crowds, which are deceptive. If you are below 30 years of age, entertainment and social media can be a source of mental and emotional containment. In crowds, we can get lost. In solitude, you learn to ask the right questions about life. Solitude teaches you to handle rejections and learn how to deal with bullies at work.”
Making reference to the Holy bible, Mr. Rwabwogo recounted the story of Amnon, a character whose poor choices led to dire consequences, highlighting the dangers of associating with the wrong company.
While emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and leadership skills, Mr. Rwabwogo used the story of Joseph a bible character known for resilience and responsibility, to remind graduates the importance of maintaining discipline and a strong work ethic, even in challenging circumstances.
He encouraged the graduates to adopt Joseph’s mindset, emphasizing that success is often a product of perseverance and a commitment to one’s values.
“I am so happy with the work of the Makerere University Convocation team to give the alumni a home. We are going to use this network for planning and executing good ideas to ensure Makerere University continues to nurture generations,” Rwabwogo said.
Responding to a question from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on how Makerere University could partner with him to improve exports, Mr. Rwabwogo revealed his readiness to tap into research and development projects, and work with the University to commercialise the research outputs into products. He equally appealed to the University leadership, staff and the Convocation to popularize entrepreneurship throughout the University.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor commended MUBS for its admirable growth from 3,000 students in 1993 when the School moved to its Nakawa premises to nearly 20,000 students today.
“MUBS has grown both in quality and quantity. As Makerere, we are proud of MUBS as the best school of business on the continent,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Addressing guests, Engineer Isaac Mubarak Ngobya, the Chairperson of MUBS Council, noted that academicians must be promoted and awarded in this Country. He explained that most Universities do not advertise jobs for teaching assistants because the opportunity is always given to the best students who have excelled and attained First Class degrees-Honours Division.
“We are not being rebellious, but we always pick from the best, nurture them until they become Professors. Academicians must be identified, nurtured, promoted and awarded,” Eng. Ngobya, said.
He called upon academicians to also carry out research which is applicable to the development challenges in Uganda.
During the graduation, George Mugabi Turyamureeba, the Chairperson of the Convocation called upon the University management to retain the best brains by giving them scholarship opportunities to upgrade to Master’s level and jobs as teaching assistants.
Mr. Turyamureeba explained that once the idea is adopted, it will spur academic competition, where many will read hard to excel with First Class degrees.
“Once academically brilliant students are offered scholarships to attain Masters’ degrees, it will also contribute to improving the quality of researchers in the Country,” Mr. Turyamureeba, said.
During the graduation, Abdul Latif Bagoole received the Convocation Award as the Best Student in the Humanities disciplines on the third day of Makerere University‘s 75th Graduation Ceremony-Wednesday 15th January 2025.
His outstanding academic achievement was marked by an impressive CGPA of 4.97 in the Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management.
During the function, MUBS Principal, Prof. Moses Muhwezi, implored all the First-class students to always uphold the good values and principles that guided their excellence in academics as they join the world outside the university.
First class students speak out
Francis Mwesigwa, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 4.78 could not believe that he was in the same tent with some of Uganda’s celebrated personalities.
“I am overwhelmed, I never knew that I would ever sit with some of the people in this tent. I have been watching most of them on Television. This is a great reward for the hard work that I put into my education,” Mwesigwa said. He called upon the University to retain most of the best students.
Daisy Patience Amase, who graduated with a Master of Science in Marketing was grateful to Makerere University Convocation, a network that will help many students transit into employment. She used the same opportunity to acknowledge Dr. Tanga Odoi for being a very kind individual who inspired her to study hard and excel in academics.
Touched by Amase’s testimony, Dr. Tanga Odo advised Ugandans and graduates, “When you have a chance to help someone climb a ladder, always help.”
At the same luncheon, Dr. Tanga Odoi was recognized by the current leadership of the convocation for his exceptional service in stewarding the Convocation and for aggressively mobilizing the alumni to join Makerere University Convocation.
During his time as the Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Dr. Tanga Odoi started the mobilization drive for the Makerere University Perimeter Wall. With the funds raised, Dr. Tanga Odoi and his team commenced the construction of the Perimeter Wall from Wandegeya (near University Hall) up to Kikoni.
“It is always good to start. We started with 500,000/=, and when we mobilized up to 47 million shillings, I convinced my team at the Makerere University Convocation to start on the first phase of the Makerere University Perimeter Wall project. This was a very ambitious project, which required over five (5) billion shillings.
“Impressed by the good start, President Museveni supported us with the Government of Uganda, coming on board to fund 90% of the construction works of the Makerere University Perimeter Wall” added Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Appreciating the award, Dr. Tanga Odoi said: “I am exceedingly humbled by the award. I came to Makerere University in 1984, and Makerere University has given me all the recognitions; from my first degree to the ranks in the academia, and at this moment, personal recognition. Thank you so much.”
Comparing the working environment at Makerere University with the work in politics, Dr. Tanga Odoi who came to Makerere University on 4th October 1984 said there is no place better than Makerere University. He explained that the working environment in academic institutions is not as toxic as that in politics.
Noting the continuous growth of Makerere University convocation, Dr. Tanga Odoi commended the current Chairperson, Mr. George Turyamureeba. He noted that during his short time as the Chairperson, he has been able to build and transform the convocation into an admirable space with a conventional building and Office spaces.
“George Turyamureeba, I thank you, and your young team, for leading the Makerere University Convocation, building the Convocation block and offices, and organizing engagements such as this Graduation Luncheon that provides space for seasoned professionals, leaders and politicians to mentor the young people and graduates.”
Upholding the value of friendship and encouraging the graduates and alumni of Makerere University to have true friends, Dr. Tanga Odoi acknowledged the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as a true friend.
“I thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for being a reliable friend. The Vice Chancellor has been my guide during the times when I took over leadership as Chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff (MUASA) and later, as Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation.”
Writers: Carol Kasujja Adii and Ritah Namisango
Photographer: Christopher Kaahwa
Business & Management
Mak and ACCA Career Workshop: Students tipped on success, professionalism and the future of accountancy
On Tuesday 1st April 2025, over600 students from the College of Business and Management Sciences convened at Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium to participate in the Career workshop that provided an invaluable platform for students to engage with industry leaders, gain insights into career prospects and professional development within the accounting and finance sectors.
Organized by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University Department of Accounting and Finance, School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences, the Career workshop also presented a platform to celebrate the academic achievements of the ten (10) Bachelor of Commerce students who graduated with First Class degrees-Honours Division during the Makerere University 75th Graduation ceremony held in January 2025.
Prior to the workshop, the Dean, School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng in an interview with the College’s Communication Office, disclosed that celebrating the academic achievements of the students who obtained First Class degrees would inspire the current students to excel. In addition, Dr. Akileng noted that the presence of graduates who excelled at the Career workshop would lead to networking and peer mentorship possibilities with the current students.
During the Career workshop, speakers from Makerere University and ACCA Uganda re-affirmed their commitment to equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.
To understand the future of accountancy, students listened to presentations featuring the relevance of the accounting and finance in today’s job market by Dr. Eric Nzibonera; Insights on the collaboration with ACCA by Ms Charlotte Kukunda; Discussion of the global career opportunities in accounting and how ACCA supports professional development by Ms Jackie Mbabazi; and a keynote speech titled, An exploration of the skills and trends shaping the future of the accounting and finance industries in the 21st Century by Mr. Robert Busuulwa.
In his address, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. Edward Bbaale acknowledged the School of Business for proritising career talks and mentorship sessions for students.
“To the students, the Career workshop presents you with a chance to envision your career, and what you want to be, or what you want to study,” he said.
The Principal underscored the critical importance of bridging the gap between the academia and industry. He highlighted the instrumental role of partnerships, particularly the collaboration between Makerere University and ACCA in equipping students with globally competitive skills and certifications.
Prof. Bbaale emphasized that in the 21st century, this interface isn’t merely an option but “a necessity,” echoing the sentiments of both the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, and ACCA partners.
He advised students to visualise themselves as “global candidates” and pursue their careers with diligence and passion, taking the lessons from the workshop seriously and seeking continuous professional development. Prof. Bbaale stressed the significance of “building oneself, moulding oneself” through education, training, and experience, advocating for a focus on human capital development over immediate financial gain.
He emphasized the importance of “volunteering to work” in orderto gain experience and build a professional network. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to strengthening collaborations to ensure graduates are academically competent and well-prepared to navigate the evolving job market.
Dr. Eric Nzibonera, the Head, Department of Accounting and Finance at the College of Business and Management Sciences highlighted the significance of career guidance events for University students. He explained that career workshops provide a valuable opportunity for students to “make a choice about a particular career,” a privilege he noted was not always available to students in the past. Dr. Nzibonera believed the workshop was a chance for students to learn from experienced professionals, guiding them towards informed decisions about their future careers.
Convinced that the workshop presented a golden opportunity to students to learn from experienced professionals, Dr. Nzibonera called upon students to leverage such moments to listen to the respective presenters, prepare to ask questions on professionalism, accreditation and career paths.
Focusing on the relevance of accounting and finance in today’s job market, Dr. Nzibonera reiterated that the accounting profession is very central in the day to day lives of individuals. “Inall realms of business, in whatever you do, you need some scheme or some kind of accounting that works,” he remarked. He noted that this underlines the universal applicability of financial literacy, whether pursuing careers directly related to the field.
The Country Manager, ACCA Uganda, Ms Charlotte Kukunda informed the students who turned up in big numbers, that the Career workshop was anchored in the programmes and activities that Makerere University and ACCA Uganda agreed to undertake when both entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2022.
Ms Kukunda affirmed that ACCA Uganda values its strategic partnership with Makerere University, which has been mutually beneficial and fruitful. To expound this argument, Ms Kukunda highlighted the achievements which included: 660 students enrolled for ACCA programme, curriculum reviews of Makerere University accounting programmes, re-accreditation of the Bachelor of Commerce Accounting in June 2022, annual recognition of best accounting students since 2022, tutor capacity building workshops conducted at the College, lecturers granted access to the Education Hub, and hosting of three student career workshops annually.
She outlined the areas of collaboration with Makerere University as follows: accreditation of accounting programmes, co-development of teaching programmes that align and support the University edge resources and professional insights, employability through supporting students’ career and skills development, access to ACCA member networks to support Makerere University guest lectures/panels/conference speakers, and faculty skills development support in their teaching, learning and assessment.
The Country Manager said the Career workshop is planned, deliberate and intentional because ACCA classifies Makerere University students as strategic business leaders who are being nurtured, trained and prepared to drive the economy. She clarified that the ACCA programme is not limited to only students studying accounting. According to Ms Kukunda, the ACCA programme embraces a broader range of disciplines and positions students for global competitiveness.
Ms. Kukunda encouraged students to explore the information resources on the ACCA website to tap into the opportunities that will enhance their financial acumen. She urged students to perceive themselves as global citizens. “When you perceive yourself as that, you are the right candidate for pursuing these globally accredited qualifications,” she said. She reinforced the value of connections and valuable networks with industry professionals, assuring students that their future is filled with potential and opportunities.
Feeding into Ms Kukunda’s presentation, Ms Jackie Mbabazi, the Business Relationship Manager at ACCA Uganda highlighted the significance of the ACCA qualification in shaping future leaders. She affirmed that ACCA is “a forward-thinking qualification” connected to vital sectors and stakeholders globally.
Ms. Mbabazi emphasized the global reach of the ACCA. “We are present in 180 countries. As you plan your professional journey, consider the ACCA qualification that is going to make you professional. Technology has enabled us to work beyond borders. Having globally recognized qualifications such as ACCA positions you to work globally,” she elaborated.
Ms. Mbabazi further pointed out the “forward-thinking qualification” attributes of ACCA. These include: Empowering individuals to be digitally relevant, creating ethical and trusted professionals, global recognition, professionals who add value, access to the most up to date syllabus on the market, and continuous learning for trainees as well as access to the global employability platform.
She also discussed the importance of adapting to technological advancements, stating, “You need to adapt and make sure technology is at the heart of what you are doing.”
Ms. Mbabazi articulated that ethics is at the centre of the ACCA programme. “ACCA programmes uphold ethics in building professionals. I urge you to avoid any form of fraud,” she emphasized.
The captivating presentations from the College of Business and Management Sciences and ACCA Uganda set the pace for the students to listen to a powerful keynote speech. Dr. Martin Bakundana introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Robert Busuulwa, the founder and Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars in Uganda with over 30 years of tested and proven experience.
Mr. Robert Busuulwa’s keynote speech embodied words of wisdom and lived experiences that require an individual to be responsible for his or her destiny.
He guided the students that being successful is a personal choice and commitment. “If you want to be successful, dedicate time and study success,” he advised.
“When you plan to do something, focus and concentrate. Pursue your ambitions and career aspirations with determination and confidence,” he added.
He castigated the popular phrase where individuals believe that it is the government responsible for their success and development. That statements calling upon the government to “assist” individuals should be discarded. “True liberation is about understanding who you are, your strengths and weakness, and what you can do as an individual to leverage your strength,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of acquiring relevant skills, urging students to consider what they needed to demonstrate to future employers, particularly in light of evolving trends such as AI, robotics, and big data. “What are the skills that you are expected to demonstrate?” he asked, reflecting on the broadening scope of skills in the field.
Using lively examples, the keynote speaker informed the audience that he had to create time to be at Makerere University on 1st April 2025 to speak to the students. He reported that he manages a very tight schedule, but if you want and value something, you work towards it, and ensure it is a possibility.
“I am here because I created time and convinced myself that I should join you today. I love mentorship and interacting with people. I love being here. I have to return to society, what it has given me through qualifications, life and experiences. Through this career workshop, I am exactly doing that,” he said.
Mr. Busuulwa shared anecdotes from his academic journey and connecting with young minds poised for the future. He reinforced the notion that the landscape of accounting has changed dramatically, moving from traditional number-crunching to roles involving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, financial crime, and IT consulting.
Mr. Busuulwa mentioned that with the trends in the accounting profession, students and practitioners are presented with diverse career paths.
Mr. Busuulwa encouraged students to understand and appreciate their potential. “Every one of you here has the potential. I urge you to believe in your capabilities,” he said. He cautioned students and young people in general against limiting beliefs. Citing the power of thinking and its effects on the choices that individuals make, he stated, “If you think you can’t do it, you will not.”
He inspired students to actively shape their careers, stressing the need for adaptability and continuous learning. He appealed to the students to always empower their minds and souls with positive statements such as “Whatever it is, I am going to be successful,” he remarked.
The Career workshop moderated by Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer at the College of Business and Management Sciences assisted by Mr. Jonathan Basalirwa, a third year student, ended on a high note with presentation of awards of excellence to the best ten (10) First Class Honours Division graduates, and a networking session involving the respective speakers and students.
The Principal thanked the Dean, School of Business- Dr. Godfrey Akileng, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, Ms Sylvia Namujjuzi, Mr. John Ogema, the Makerere University Accountancy Bureau, and the team from ACCA Uganda for organizing the Career workshop 2025.
The discussions involving Makerere University staff namely Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Eric Nzibonera, ACCA Uganda-Ms Charlotte Kukunda and Ms Jackie Mbabazi, and the Keynote Speaker Mr. Robert Busuulwa emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between academic training and real-world skills.
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