Business & Management
CoBAMS holds Strategic Planning Retreat: Prioritization of research-driven strategies, graduate training, quality teaching and internationalization
Through its strategic plan, Makerere University commits to being a research driven institution. This presents the ten (10) colleges at Makerere University with a golden opportunity to tap into the vast knowledge and rich experience of its qualified and experienced staff to contribute to the realization of the University’s research agenda.
Consequently, the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) led by the Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale organized a two-day strategic planning retreat bringing on board a representative sample of staff classified as the College management team to critically discuss the research direction of the college and come up with strategies aligned to the Makerere University strategic plan.
The two-day strategic planning retreat (10th to 11th April 2025) involved highly interactive sessions with seasoned facilitators namely the Principal-Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Deputy Principal-Prof. James Wokadala, the Director of Graduate Training-Dr. Julius Kikooma, the Head of Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU)-Prof. Sylvia A.N. Nannyonga-Tamusuza and the Director of Quality Assurance-Dr. Cyprian Misinde. It was moderated by Ms. Ritah Namisango and Mr. Peter Mubiru, who are members of the CoBAMS management team.
The presentations featured the College Strategic direction, the College Quality Assurance Framework, the Strategic direction of Makerere University on graduate training, Grants Management and harnessing the power of the College and members of staff to attract and win grants. In addition, the retreat provided a forum to discuss other critical functions such as innovative teaching and learning, internationalization, community engagements, knowledge transfer partnerships and networking.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Edward Bbaale emphasized that the strategic planning retreat provided a pivotal platform to shape the future of the college. He stated that as Makerere University implements its research-driven agenda, CoBAMS will play a central role through prioritization of research and graduate training, internationalization, and provision of innovative teaching and learning.
He informed the College management team to embrace an approach that positions the students at the centre of research and the various activities undertaken by the College.
“The best way to propel CoBAMS is by working with students. A student with a good Masters’ degree dissertation should be supported through mentorship to publish his or her work,” he said.
Strategic and research direction of the College
Prof. Bbaale guided that every member of faculty should focus on increasing graduate student enrolment and knowledge production. Referring to well researched data, Prof. Bbaale reported that graduate students account for only 12% of the enrollment. He noted that the goal was to ensure that graduate students constitute 30% of the total enrollment by 2030. He rallied members of staff to work together to increase the number of graduate students both at Masters’ and PhD levels. He implored staff to effectively supervise graduate students so that they complete on time. He encouraged staff to involve graduate students in research projects, grant writing and joint publications. He noted the need to profile and follow up the graduate students.
Convinced about the strong correlation between research output and the number of PhDs, Prof. Bbaale urged staff to increase the number of PhD students. For instance, the taught PhDs in Economics, Finance, and in Statistics will significantly contribute to increased enrollment,” he said.
“Central to this is stabilizing graduate output and ensuring consistent PhD supervision. The structured PhD by research program and the taught PhDs if managed well will significantly increase the number of graduate student enrollment,” he added.
In this regard, Prof. Bbaale congratulated the Units under the College of Business and Management Sciences namely the School of Business, the School of Economics, and the School of Statistics and Planning for coming up with the option of taught PhDs.
On the issue of timely completion of graduate programmes, he advised the faculty members to ensure that the students present vivas in January, February or March.
In addition, the crucial role of graduate coordinators and the college doctoral forum, convened by Dr. Kassim Sendawula, in nurturing a sense of community and providing support for Ph.D. students was emphasized.
Providing direction on research centres, he demystified the concept of thinking that one requires a physical building or large space to come up with a research centre. Prof. Bbaale encouraged faculty members to network and form research centres. “A centre is a team of researchers with like minds, passion and expertise in a particular area/field. For instance, Members of staff in the College of Business and Management Sciences could establish a Centre of Excellence in Tax Advisory.”
He explained the need to translate research into products that can be sold. He commended the ongoing initiatives by the College such as the Entrepreneurship Congress, and the Makerere University Innovation Pod. He called upon staff in CoBAMS to work with the Makerere University Innovation Pod, which is headed by a faculty member-Dr. Cathy Mbidde.
On the issue of internationalization, the Principal called for more collaborations with internationally recognized and reputable universities, bodies and research centres. He advised staff to actively participate in Erasmus mobility programmes and to implement collaborations that provide for staff and student exchange programmes.
In addition to acquiring degree qualifications from Makerere University, he advised the teaching staff to take a bold step and attain academic qualifications from internationally recognized institutions in other countries/continents.
“As a member of faculty, if your undergraduate degree or Masters’ was awarded by Makerere University, it is important that you secure your PhD from another internationally recognized university. This presents you with a rich and wider perspective as an academic, distinct advantage, exposure and access to other networks,” he guided.
Tackling the financial sustainability of the College, the Principal explained the need to establish special programs to operate as projects for example short courses leveraging the Council’s sharing ratio of 20:80, lobbying the University Management for more funding, mobilizing the college alumni, growing the College Endowment Fund, enhancing grant writing through GAMSU support and strengthening the College’s IRB.
Quality Assurance in teaching and learning processes
In his presentation, Dr. Cyprian Misinde focused on the standards and guidelines that should be followed by staff to safeguard the quality of processes at Makerere University.
Dr. Misinde re-affirmed the need for the CoBAMS teaching staff to scale up their research potential and outputs, actively participate in capacity building programmes, and above all, to continue to publish their research or work in internationally recognized journals.
He articulated the need to uphold the provision of high quality academic programmes through curriculum reviews, peer reviews, involvement of the private sector and industry, and following national and international accreditation procedures.
Dr. Misinde equally stressed the need for academic staff and heads of the respective departments to understand the accreditation steps and requirements and strictly adhere to the procedures. This, he added, will enable the Schools and Colleges to submit the academic programmes for accreditation to the Academic Registrar, Directorate of Quality Assurance and the University Senate within the expected timelines.
To enhance the effectiveness of instruction, he encouraged the teaching staff to adhere to fulfilling the minimum teaching load as per the University policy, reinforcing the commitment to delivering quality education.
On the management of students’ results, Dr. Misinde appealed to the teaching staff to mark the students’ scripts within the stipulated timeline. He reminded the teaching staff to adhere to the centralized marking processes at the College or School levels. He advised the College leadership to always invite the Student leaders or representatives to witness the centralized marking processes in order to build trust and transparency at all levels.
He informed participants about the independent student-staff assessment/evaluation tools that are administered by the Quality Assurance Directorate. These, Dr. Misinde clarified, present an opportunity to the students to assess their respective teachers/lecturers. He stated that these evaluations are essential for fostering educational quality and enriching the overall student experience. He disclosed that the feedback gathered from these assessments not only informs curriculum development but also identifies areas that require improvement in teaching methodologies, aligning with the university’s strategic objectives.
Graduate training at Makerere University
Building on the call to action by Prof. Edward Bbaale to the teaching staff to actively participate in critical processes aimed at increasing the number of graduate students, Dr. Julius Kikooma’s presentation centred on sensitizing staff on their obligations in the realization of that dream.
He outlined the Makerere University graduate policies, framework for structured PhD by research, graduate supervision and mentorship, digitization of the graduate training processes through the Digital Research Information Management System (RIMS), strengthening the capacity and commitment of human resources to drive the research-led agenda, elements of the Makerere University Graduate research strategy, teaching of PhD cross cutting courses, among other key factors.
Dr. Kikooma called upon Deans, Heads of Departments, Supervisors of Graduate Progammes and Registrars at CoBAMS to participate in the training on RIMS scheduled to take place on 21st April 2025.
Grants Administration and Management at Makerere University
In her presentation, Prof. Sylvia A. N. Nannyonga-Tamusuza reported that funds received through grants significantly contribute to building the research profile of the University, calling upon, Colleges to implement strategies aimed at attracting and winning research grants at the national and global levels.
She explained the need to professionally manage the research grants, requesting those entrusted to adhere to the terms and conditions specified in the guidelines or contract.
She observed that whereas it is mandatory to close out a grant/project, some entities do not, which is a great omission. She urged the faculty members and researchers to follow the guidelines stipulated during the grant application and award processes.
The Head of GAMSU emphasized the need to form research teams. “We have different abilities and skills. Through teams, we leverage our strengths. It also encompasses the multi-disciplinary approach,” she said. Underscoring the role of negotiation and interpersonal relations, she recommended training of researchers to engage with international partners.
She re-affirmed the necessity for proper documentation, transparency and accountability for funds. She reminded Principal Investigators, researchers and staff in general that research grant money is received on behalf of the institution, and not individuals. Thus, GAMSU expects to receive quarterly reports on grants. She explained that whereas some units could have designated a researcher or a member of staff to manage grants, when following up reporting and accountability for such funds, GAMSU engages the College Principal and College Bursar/Accountant.
To continue onboarding staff on grant administration and management, Prof. Nannyonga-Tamusuza revealed that GAMSU would conduct an intensive three (3) day training for Accountants, Research Assistants and Staff who handle grants at the University.
Way Forward
The College leadership team was tasked to lobby management to have an institutionalized mechanism for staff who mobilise resources for the University.
The College leadership team would schedule a specialized meeting with the University’s central management pertaining to research, funding, grant writing and execution, and graduate training among others.
Noting that members of staff play a vital role in the success of the college, the participants recommended prioritization of staff welfare focusing on health, sports, and morale.
Touched by the active participation and articulation of critical issues, the Principal committed to work with the College management team to ensure that the retreat bringing on board the College Management team is held twice a year.
Closing remarks
Prof. Wokadala commended the College management team members for participating in the retreat. “The retreat is one of the vehicles of creating a bond as the College management team. I am glad that we have discussed a number of critical issues that align with the strategic direction of the University,” said the Deputy Principal.
Prof. Bbaale thanked the organizing team and participants, urging them to reflect on the discussions and implement agreed-upon actions to improve the college for the benefit of its stakeholders, including students and the broader community. He also pointed out the need for the next retreat to focus on aligning the College’s strategy with the National Development Plan 4 (NDP4), ensuring its relevance and contribution to national development goals.
“I have enjoyed working with educated and brilliant people,” remarked Mr. Peter Mubiru at the handover of the office of the College Bursar held on 31st August 2026 at the College of Business and Management Sciences.
Reflecting on his career journey at Makerere University, which commenced in 1998, Mr. Mubiru who has served with dedication and distinction said: “Professionalism is key in management success.”
Mr. Mubiru reached the mandatory retirement age on 25th August 2026, marking the end of a career spanning nearly three decades in Makerere University’s audit and financial management functions. In his 28 years of service, which he described as a rich and rewarding experience, Mr. Mubiru held the following positions: Assistant Internal Auditor, Head of Revenue and Expenditure Office, Principal Accountant, and College Bursar.
Addressing the College leadership and staff as well as University officials from the Directorate of Internal Audit, and the Directorate of Finance who convened to witness the colourful handover ceremony to Mr. George Lusiba, Mr. Mubiru appreciated the different offices at the University for their cooperation throughout his years of service.
In a very special way, he was delighted to note that Mr. George Lusiba who was taking over the mantle as the new College Bursar has worked with him closely in the execution of several tasks and activities within the Directorate of Finance. “To Mr. Lusiba, I wish you the best of luck in the position of the College Bursar,” said Mr. Mubiru.
From Internal Audit to Financial Management
Mr. Mubiru joined the University service in 1998 as Assistant Internal Auditor, a position that he held for one year. During this period, Mr. Mubiru prepared a report examining the collection and management of revenue at Makerere University.
According to Mr. Mubiru, the recommendations in the report impressed the University Management and Council. Consequently, he was transferred from Internal Audit to the Finance Department, where he served as Head of Revenue and Expenditure, presenting to him an opportunity to contribute directly to implementing some of the recommendations. He was later promoted to Principal Accountant, which positioned him to serve the College of Business and Management Sciences, and a key specialist in financial management and implementation within the University and beyond.
At the College level, Mr. Mubiru has been responsible of overseeing the financial functions within the college, management of the college annual budgeting processes, preparing financial reports at the university and college level, and ensuring compliance with financial guidelines of the university.
He acknowledged the tremendous support received from the following members of staff whom he has been supervising at the College level: Mr. Charles Ssuna, Ms. Florence Amoding, and Ms. Mary Taaka.
Recognition of impactful service
The Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale, applauded Mr. Peter Mubiru, for his dedicated service and contribution to the College over the years.
He welcomed the incoming College Bursar, Mr. George Lusiba, and expressed the readiness of the College leadership and staff to work with him to ensure an efficient and effective financial management function. “Through his service, Mr. Lusiba will contribute to the continued growth and effective administration of the College,” said the Principal.
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng praised Mr. Peter Mubiru for the outstanding service, leadership, and mentorship.
“Mr. Mubiru is a straightforward and dedicated professional whose contributions had left a lasting impact on the School of Business and the wider university community,” he added.
He encouraged Mr. Mubiru to embrace retirement as an opportunity to pursue new ventures, wishing him good health, fulfillment, and God’s abundant blessings.
Compliance and Continuity in Office Transitions
Mr. Patrick Akonyet, the Head of the Internal Audit Directorate at Makerere University, highlighted the Public Service Standing Orders that govern the handover of office. He noted that these guidelines provide the minimum standards for conducting a lawful and transparent handover, accountability and safeguarding of public resources, as well as promoting continuity in institutional operations.
Collaboration, Accountability and Financial Stewardship
Delivering his acceptance remarks, Mr. Lusiba pledged to work with the College leadership, staff and stakeholders in the execution of the financial management function.
“I am deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of the College Bursar. I thank the College leadership and staff for the warm welcome and I pledge to collaborate with everyone to strengthen financial stewardship, accountability and service to excellence.”
The handover ceremony was witnessed by following university staff: Prof. Edward Bbaale-Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala-Deputy Principal, Dean, School of Business-Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, Dean, School of Economics-Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean, School of Statistics and Planning-Dr. Margaret Banga, Mr. Patrick Akonyet-Head of Internal Audit, Mr. George Turyamureeba-Deputy University Bursar, Ms Racheal Ikiriza-College Human Resource, Mr. David Ikoma-College Procurement Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango-Principal Communication Officer, Ms. Stella Butamanya-School Registrar, Mr. Joseph Ikarokok-Chief Custodian, Mr. Julius Muhwezi-Planning Officer and among other members of staff at the College level.
Pleased with Mr. Peter Mubiru’s record of a service, Dr John Bosco Oryema, a member of faculty at the College of Business and Management Sciences said: “Congratulations upon reaching the mandatory retirement. You served with a smile and dedication. I remember when you were the Chief Cashier in the Main Building, you supported many of us in processing the Staff Development Fund. Enjoy the fruits of the hard work.”
Goodwill messages from staff and colleagues
Dr Jude Mugarura: It was a great service coupled with commitment and professionalism. Well done my dear brother, Mr. Peter Mubiru.
Dr Faisal Buyinza: Dear Peter Mubiru, congratulations upon your dedicated service to Makerere University.
Dr Zaina Nakabuye: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru upon reaching this milestone.
Dr Aisha Nanyiti: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru on your dedicated service.
Dr Susan Namirembe Kavuma: Well done Mr. Peter Mubiru, we wish you the best in your new chapter of your life.
Dr Issa Sekatawa: My brother, you have served. We enjoyed our brotherhood before I joined Makerere University
Dr Christopher Muganga: Mr. Peter Mubiru, for your great service to Makerere University and humanity at large, and all the best in your upcoming engagements.
Agnes Ssempebwa: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru on your dedicated service, I wish you od’s blessings in your new chapter of life
Geoffrey Nuwagaba: Thank you Mr. Peter Mubiru for serving us diligently and retire with flowers. I pray that more gates open for you in the next endeavours.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru on your diligent service. Best wishes ahead.
Emmanuel Ssemuyaga: Congratulations on your retirement. It has been a pleasure and privilege working with you. I truly enjoyed the time we interacted, and your contribution, warmth, and collegiality made the experience both exciting and memorable.
Peter Kisaakye: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. Wishing you well.
Dr Sarah Bimbona: Congratulations. Wishing you all the best in the new Chapter.
Dr Godfrey Akileng: Congratulations. Thank you for completing your tour of duty in building for the future. Your diligent contribution and professionalism leaves a mark. You have been a brother. May the good Lord bless you abundantly.
Dr Kasim Sendawula: Well done Mr. Peter Mubiru. We have indeed enjoyed your dedicated service. May the Almighty God bless you as you embark on a new chapter of life.
Dr Marion Nanyanzi: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. May the Almighty God bless and guide you as you begin a new chapter.
Dr John Mushomi: Well done Mr. Peter Mubiru. Thanks for keeping young and cool. I am sure work has just started at yours as you retire. The world needs your service more than ever before.
Tadeo Masimengo: May you be blessed as you retire from Makerere University
Dr Peter Babyenda: Thank you for the work well done. Best wishes.
Chris Alioni: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. You have served well.
Dr Stephen Wandera: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. You have served us well. I will miss this great partnership and collegial work ethic.
Dr Lillian Tukahirwa: You have served Makerere University with dedication. To God be the glory for the accomplishments and good work.
Jude Sebuliba: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. I wish you a successful and fruitful re-engagement.
Patience R. Mushengyezi: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. May God guide you in your next phase.
Paneah Asiimwe: You are a good man. Mr. Peter Mubiru, enjoy your retirement.
Dan Kiganda: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. Thank you for the dedicated service.
Eric Tumwesigye: Enjoy your next deployments because definitely, you are going for fresh and awesome deployments.
Pictorial:
The Gambia is looking to deepen its public investment management (PIM) systems by drawing lessons from Uganda, with a high-level delegation from the West African country visiting Makerere University’s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence to benchmark Uganda’s experience.
The delegation, led by Mr Baboucarr Jobe, Permanent Secretary in The Gambia’s Ministry of Finance, visited Makerere University’s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence to learn from Uganda’s approach to project conceptualisation, appraisal, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
The visit is part of wider reforms being undertaken by The Gambia to strengthen its economic, judicial and institutional systems, with public investment management identified as a critical area for improvement.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Jobe said The Gambia had embarked on PIM reforms in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which advised the country to benchmark its systems against countries with relevant experience.
“Several countries were recommended, but we ultimately chose Uganda. I am happy to say that we are glad we selected Uganda for this assignment,” he said.
He noted that although the delegation initially intended to focus specifically on public investment management, the visit had exposed them to broader areas with potential for cooperation between Uganda and The Gambia.
The delegation also visited Makerere University’s Innovation Centre, where it explored initiatives that could support collaboration between the two countries in advancing economic development.
Mr Jobe said institutions in The Gambia, including the University of The Gambia and the Civil Service University, could potentially collaborate with Makerere University and its Innovation Centre.
Closing gaps in public investment
Mr Jobe identified project conceptualisation, project evaluation, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation as some of the major gaps in The Gambia’s public investment management system.
He said the delegation was particularly impressed by Uganda’s systematic approach to managing public investments and the collaboration among institutions involved in the process.
“What has impressed us in Uganda is the manner in which the public investment management process is carried out step by step,” he said.
The Gambian delegation also observed collaboration among key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the President and other stakeholders.
Mr Jobe said such institutional collaboration was an important lesson that The Gambia would seek to replicate.
The delegation had an opportunity to participate in a Development Committee meeting, where they observed how different government offices work together to advance Uganda’s development priorities.
Makerere Centre plays key role
The visit was hosted by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, which is integrated into Uganda’s broader public investment management system.
Prof. Edward Bbaale welcomed the Gambian delegation and said the visit provided an opportunity for peer learning and exchange of practical experiences between the two countries.
He said countries were at different stages of strengthening their public investment systems, making peer learning an important avenue for identifying approaches that could be adapted to different institutional contexts.
“We hope to share not only what has worked well, but also some of the challenges we have encountered and the lessons we have drawn from them,” Prof. Bbaale said.
He encouraged the delegation to engage openly with the Makerere team, ask questions and share their own experiences to ensure that the benchmarking exercise was practical and mutually beneficial.
Building capacity for better investments
Prof. Eria Hisali, who presented an overview of the Centre, emphasised the importance of strengthening public investment systems to ensure that limited public resources are used effectively.
He explained that capital investments remain a key driver of economic growth, but governments often face resource constraints that make it impossible to implement every proposed project.
A strong public investment management system, he said, enables governments to assess and select projects based on their potential returns and development impact.
The Centre aims to support this process by building a pool of well-prepared projects at different stages of development, enabling government to make informed decisions about which projects to finance and implement.
The PIM Centre of Excellence was established with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Trust Fund and the Government of Uganda. It initially operated as a project before being mainstreamed into the Government of Uganda, with its resources now coming directly from government.
Since its establishment, the Centre has trained 526 public-sector officials in areas related to public investment management.
Its training programmes cover key stages of the PIM cycle, including project conceptualisation, integrated analysis, feasibility studies, financial and economic appraisal, risk analysis, project execution, procurement and evaluation.
Strengthening South–South cooperation
For Mr Jobe, the visit was also an opportunity to challenge the tendency of African countries to look outside the continent for solutions to development challenges.
He argued that African countries operate in broadly similar environments and face many common challenges, making the continent an important source of knowledge and practical solutions.
“We need to move away from always looking outside Africa for solutions. There are many valuable initiatives being undertaken by our African brothers and sisters, and it is important that we learn from one another,” he said.
He proposed stronger partnerships between institutions in Uganda and The Gambia, including possible collaboration between universities and civil service training institutions.
“This visit is one step in that direction. South–South cooperation needs to be further strengthened,” he said.
Investing limited resources for greater impact
The Gambian delegation’s interest in public investment management is closely linked to the country’s development challenges.
According to Mr Jobe, The Gambia’s GDP is currently just under US$3 billion, with annual economic growth estimated at between five and six per cent. Inflation has declined significantly from double-digit levels to approximately seven per cent, although poverty remains high at more than 50 per cent.
He said strengthening public investment management was therefore essential to ensuring that the country’s limited public resources generate tangible benefits for citizens.
“This visit will help us ensure that public investment and the limited public resources available to us are utilised efficiently and provide benefits to the average Gambian,” he said.
He added that achieving value for money from public resources would enable citizens to experience greater benefits from government investments and contribute to poverty reduction. The visit marked an important step towards strengthening institutional cooperation between Uganda and The Gambia, while positioning Makerere University and its PIM Centre of Excellence as a potential partner in building public-sector capacity beyond Uganda.
Business & Management
Makerere University Inaugural Conference on Noonomy Paves way for Centre of Excellence in Africa
Makerere University on 20th August 2026, hosted the historic inaugural conference on the Theory of Noonomy, bringing together scholars, policymakers, international partners and students to explore a bold new paradigm for addressing modernity’s deepest crises. Organised by the School of Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) in collaboration with the S.Y. Witte Institute for New Industrial Development, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia and supported by the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), the conference was held under the theme “The Theory of Noonomy and Its Role in Resolving Modernity Issues: Pathways to Sustainable Social and Economic Transformation.”
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building underscored Makerere’s strategic commitment to thought leadership in Africa’s transformation, positioning the University as a continental hub for alternative development thinking.
Bold Thinking Amid Global Crises
Representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali described the gathering as both timely and historic.
“Across the globe, we continue to witness systemic crises rooted in market fundamentalism, unchecked resource depletion, and the ideology of growth for the sake of growth. These contradictions are not abstract, but they manifest in climate change, widening inequality, and the erosion of social cohesion” Prof. Ssali stated.
On this note, she lauded the Theory of Noonomy, developed by Prof. Sergey Bodrunov, as a transformative lens. She noted that Prof. Sergey Bodrunov’s Theory of Noonomy that prioritizes reason, humanistic values and solidarism, offers a sustainable path forward in the midst of global crises driven by market fundamentalism, resource depletion and endless growth, exacerbated by climate change, inequality, and social erosion. The Theory envisions a shift to a New Industrial Society of the Second Generation (NIS.2) where knowledge, technology, and human potential drive progress.
“Hosting this conference is not accidental,” Prof. Ssali affirmed, adding that it “Reflects our commitment to shaping debates that matter for Africa’s future.” She outlined the conference’s five core objectives: to introduce and contextualise Noonomy within Africa’s socio-economic realities; to explore solutions to systemic challenges such as inequality, resource scarcity and climate change; to identify pathways for integrating Noonomy principles into policy, education and institutional frameworks; to foster collaboration among scholars, policymakers and practitioners; and to lay the groundwork for establishing a Noonomy Centre at the School of Economics, CoBAMS.
She added that once established, the Centre will serve as a hub for continental dialogue, research, and innovation, hence positioning Makerere and her partners to “transform the theory of Noonomy into a living agenda for Africa, that prioritizes knowledge, human potential, and sustainable transformation”.
Noonomy’s Emphasis of Knowledge as the Primary Productive Force
Prof. Sergey Bodrunov, Director of the S.Y. Witte Institute and author of the theory, addressed the conference virtually and underscored Noonomy’s relevance in an era of technological power that can either destroy or elevate humanity. He argued that neoliberal models have entrenched inequality and ecological crises, while the gradual removal of humans from direct material processes open a path to a non-economic mode of satisfying rational human needs.
Additionally, Prof. Nikolay Dmitriev, Director of the S.Y. Witte Institute expanded on the practical implications for Africa. He stressed that technological sovereignty must be pursued without repeating the dependency traps of earlier industrialisation. Cognitive technologies, he noted, can either subordinate humans to the technosphere or place technology in service of human potential. On the other hand, he noted that Africa’s rapid demographic growth and cultural diversity make it a critical laboratory for Noonomy’s application.
Panel Scrutinizes Noonomy under the lens of Ugandan Realities
Moderating the high-level panel, the Principal CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, set the stage with a question on the Ugandan context: Can the country move from a technology-consuming economy to a knowledge-producing one while remaining human-centred and inclusive? He outlined three tests any technology adoption should pass under a Noonomy lens; productivity, human development, and inclusion.
“The first test is the productivity test. Does it improve what society can produce? The second test is the human development test. Does it expand skills, creativity, capabilities, and quality of life? And then number three, the inclusion test. Are its benefits widely spread, or does it deepen exclusion?” Prof. Bbale pondered, as he equally thought to interrogate how the theory aligns with Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy and National Development Plan IV.
Panellists included Prof. Robert Wamala-Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Makerere University, Dr. Robert Ngobi-Director Policy Research, National Planning Authority (NPA), Mr. Davis Vuningoma who represented Dr. Albert Musisi-Commissioner Macroeconomic Department, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Prof. Nikolay D. Dmitriev. Discussions centred on mainstreaming knowledge as a productive force in national planning, financing long-term knowledge-intensive capabilities, and ensuring industrialisation expands rather than displaces human potential.
Prof. Wamala emphasised the need to Africanise the theory, “We should not simply import the concept… Our role should be to interrogate, Africanise and generate evidence on what a knowledge and intelligence-driven economy means in the African context.” He proposed an interdisciplinary research programme, curriculum transformation from knowledge transmission to intelligence development, and the creation of an African Noonomy network led by Makerere.
Dr. Ngobi in his submission noted that although the principles of Noonomy are already addressed by aspects of developing planning, he pointed to the need to address a series of “missing middles” attributed to: reliable and well-costed electricity supply to support hi-tech industries; infrastructure in form of roads, digital infrastructure; seamless interconnectivity in the form of mass rapid transport systems for people and goods; mass education systems; mass health systems that are not only sensitive to local diseases but also viable for medical tourism; as well as knowledge research and innovation informed by national priorities.
Addressing financing of national development priorities, Mr. Vuningoma emphasised the Government appreciation of the need to fund Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a pillar for economic transformation. As such he shared that over UGX 1 Trillion had been allocated to the STI sector to support innovations particularly in health.
Prof. Dmitriev on his part addressed the research topics that should become priorities for the first stage of cooperation between Makerere University and the World Association of Noonomy and the S.Y. Witte Institute of Noonomy and New Industrial Development.
Questions from the floor and online participants focused on inclusivity of youth and women, reconciliation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with African cultural values and indigenous knowledge, and mechanisms to prevent elite capture of automated production. Panelists stressed that Noonomy’s emphasis on solidarity and human-centred development provides the ethical foundation for addressing these concerns through joint research.
Courtesy Call on the Vice Chancellor
Key on the agenda of the visiting delegation was a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. In his remarks, Prof. Nawangwe thanked Prof. Sergey D. Bodrunov, author of the Theory of Noonomy and Prof. Dmitriev for choosing Makerere out of all African Universities as partner in advancement of future collaborations and research. He added that setting up a Centre of Excellence in Noonomy at the School of Economics would bolster the University’s aspirations to become Africa’s thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and development.
Transitioning from Dialogue to Institutional Action
In his closing remarks, Dean of the School of Economics, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu described the conference as the start of a sustained institutional relationship rather than a one-off event. He committed the School to developing a concrete research agenda with named outputs and timelines, including joint studies on automation and labour markets in African economies, doctoral exchanges, and empirical testing of Noonomy claims against Ugandan and East African data.
“Let us treat Noonomy as a diagnostic, not a blueprint,” Prof. Okumu urged. “Its greatest value to us is not a policy program awaiting adoption, but a lens sharpening the questions our own planners must answer directly. How do we build human and creative capacity alongside industrial capacity rather than after it? How does this school develop a research agenda that studies Uganda’s own transition rather than import a finished framework wholesale?” he pondered.
He announced Makerere’s forthcoming participation in the World Association of Noonomy Congress in Italy and reiterated the University’s determination to establish the proposed Noonomy Centre as a hub for continental dialogue, research and innovation.
The conference concluded with exchanges of gifts, group photographs and expressions of gratitude to partners including the Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF, the Russian Embassy, and the S.Y. Witte Institute.
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