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CoBAMS Annual Report 2024

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I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the staff of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) for the hard work, dedication, and commitment to the College. Your collective efforts have been instrumental in our achievements across academics, research, outreach, and institutional growth. Before delving into these areas, I would like to:

  • Congratulate our colleagues who have been promoted within the University service and those who have attained their doctoral degrees in 2024. Your accomplishments inspire us all and elevate the stature of our college.
  • Commiserate with colleagues who have experienced the loss of loved ones during the year. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during these difficult times.

Let us now reflect on the highlights and updates across our areas of mandate:

1 Academics

I extend my congratulations to all of you for successfully concluding the teaching and learning activities of the year 2024.

In line with the University’s focus on graduate training, I urge all School Deans to prioritize increasing graduate admissions, especially at the PhD level. Our goal should be a minimum of  five PhD candidates graduating per School annually.

To support this, we will introduce an  Annual PhD Symposium, bringing together all PhD students from the three Schools within CoBAMS. Dr. Kasimu Sendawula from the School of Business will coordinate this initiative.

2 Research, Grants, and Outreach

We remain committed to contributing to Makerere University’s strategic direction of being a  research intensive and innovation-driven institution. Congratulations to colleagues who secured research grants this year! I encourage all staff to form teams and respond to available grant opportunities, including MakRIF and external calls.

At the College level, we provided modest research grants to applicants this year. I implore recipients to expedite their work, which will form part of the CoBAMS Working Paper Series, serving as a foundation for our annual conference, journal publications, and book chapters.

In outreach, I commend colleagues who participated in national and international conferences and policy dialogues. In 2025, we plan to hold an Annual CoBAMS Conference, alongside policy dialogues and technical workshops. Dr. Peter Babyenda, our Policy Engagement Coordinator, will oversee these activities.

3 Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award 2024

Congratulations to our colleagues who won the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award in 2024! I urge all staff to upload their research and teaching information to the  Self-Assessment System (SAMS)  at  https://quality.mak.ac.ug/sa/index.php. It is only those colleagues who will upload their work that will compete for the awards.  This is a valuable opportunity to showcase our achievements and elevate the profile of CoBAMS within Makerere University.

4 Infrastructure Improvement and Expansion

We are closely monitoring progress on the CoBAMS Infrastructure Expansion Project, approved by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. We are optimistic that funding will be disbursed in FY 2025/26 to kick start this project. The building will expand the teaching and learning spaces hence addressing the critical challenges such as overcrowding in offices and classrooms.

5 Capacity Building

Capacity-building opportunities remain available to staff despite financial constraints. Deans and Administrative Heads are encouraged to share training needs with my office, and we will support facilitator costs where possible. Additionally, Makerere University offers free training programs in areas such as grant proposal writing (GAMSU) and supervision (DRGT). Please inform us of suitable schedules to enable us plan for and organize these sessions.

6 Finances

The University faced a significant financial cut this year, which affected all units.

I urge Schools to initiate  special programs like short courses, which operate as projects and on an 80:20 revenue-sharing model, to generate additional income. In this model, the college retains 80% while 20% is remitted to the centre. Furthermore, we are committed to growing the College’s  Endowment Fund, with its launch planned for early 2025. This event will enable us to engage alumni in supporting the Fund.

7 Staff Wellness

I encourage all colleagues to prioritize their wellbeing by participating in the  free University-wide Physical Wellness Program, organized by the Institute of Sports Science in the College of Natural Sciences. Sessions are held every  Wednesday and Friday at the JICA Grounds after 5 PM.

Looking ahead, we are committed to establishing our own wellness initiatives within CoBAMS. The Deputy Principal is particularly passionate about creating a fitness club tailored to our staff’s needs and establishing a  welfare SACCO  to enhance financial support and community building. These initiatives will further promote health and well-being among our staff in the near future.

Closing Remarks

As we reflect on 2024, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication to CoBAMS and its mission. Together, let us look forward to 2025 as a year of continued success and growth for our college.

As we build for the future.

Edward Bbaale, PhD
Professor & Principal

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Business & Management

PIM Centre Awards Certificates to Over 35 Officials Trained in Essentials of Public Investment Management

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The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University has awarded certificates to more than 35 public officials who successfully completed a three-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM).

The training, held from September 23rd to 26th, 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences, aimed at strengthening the capacity of government officials to effectively identify, prepare, and implement public projects.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Ms. Belinda Bisamaza, who represented the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury (PS/ST). In her remarks, Ms. Bisamaza commended participants for their commitment, noting that the training had offered a solid foundation in the entire PIM cycle — from project conceptualization and profiling, through monitoring and evaluation (M&E), to the use of the Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP), Environmental and Social Risk Management, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“With these skills, you can contribute meaningfully to improving the quality of proposals submitted to the IBP, ensure better risk management, and enhance implementation through robust monitoring frameworks,” she said, adding that participants were now better prepared for advanced modules on financial appraisal, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Representing the PIM Centre, Prof. Eria Hisali highlighted the need for well-prepared projects that directly contribute to economic growth. “We must move away from the practice of developing projects only when funding is required. Instead, we should create a strong bank of quality projects from which government can easily draw,” he said.

The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, expressed gratitude to the participants and trainers for their dedication. He noted that the facilitators were drawn from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Dr. Sseruyange also revealed that the Centre would be rolling out further in-depth training modules and creating opportunities for alumni to engage in consultancy and research work. The PIM Centre hosts the training as part of broader efforts by Makerere University, MoFPED, and NPA to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems, ensuring value for money, improved service delivery, and sustainable economic development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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PIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis

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Seated: Mr. Paul Mwanja (Centre), Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu (2nd Left) and Dr. John Sseruyange (Right) with trainers at participants in Jinja on 5th September 2025. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

Jinja, September 5, 2025 

Thirty-one government officers from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have successfully completed a two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. The certification ceremony was held at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, marking another milestone in Uganda’s efforts to institutionalize evidence-based and fiscally responsible policymaking.

The training, delivered by the Makerere University Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), and National Planning Authority equipped participants with practical skills to evaluate policy and legislative proposals for their financial, economic, and social implications.

Mr. Paul Mwanja. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Paul Mwanja.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Paul Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED, who represented the Permanent Secretary, commended the officers for their commitment at a time when government institutions are finalizing the Auditor General’s audits, implementing the FY2025/26 budget, rolling out the National Development Plan IV’s tenfold growth strategy, and preparing for the 2026 General Elections.

“Your participation affirms a collective commitment across Government to strengthen the quality, transparency, and credibility of public policymaking in Uganda,” Mr. Mwanja said. He urged graduates to return to their institutions as champions of reform, share their knowledge with colleagues, and drive the change needed in Public Finance Management. He also announced that the next cohort of the training will take place in January 2026.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, delivered the graduation address, highlighting the certificate’s importance in addressing Uganda’s triple challenge of scale, scarcity, and speed.

“This program does something unique. It teaches you not only to ask whether a policy or project is beneficial, but also whether it is affordable and resilient under real fiscal constraints,” Prof. Okumu noted. He challenged graduates to apply their skills at project, portfolio, and policy levels—ensuring value for money and enhancing public trust in government spending.

Participants make a group presentation. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants make a group presentation.

He further emphasized that Uganda’s pioneering approach to integrated CFI-CBA positions the country as a leader in Africa and beyond: “You, Uganda’s first CFI-CBA graduates, are now part of a global brain trust. Your work will speak to investors, parliaments, development partners, and above all, the Ugandan people.”

Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, expressed appreciation to participants for their active engagement throughout the training and thanked MoFPED and the faculty drawn from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Energy for their technical support.

Dr. John Sseruyange. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange.

The Certificate of Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis was introduced following the Revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance, effective July 1, 2025. The guidelines require MDAs to prepare their own financial implications statements, subject to rigorous cost-benefit analysis, thereby strengthening linkages between fiscal responsibility and regulatory impact assessments.

With the successful completion of the second cohort, Uganda is steadily building a critical mass of professionals capable of embedding cost-benefit thinking across government, ensuring every shilling delivers maximum impact for citizens.

A female participant receives her certificate. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
A female participant receives her certificate.

A male participant receives his certificate. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
A male participant receives his certificate.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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PIM Centre of Excellence Steering Committee Charts Way Forward

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Members of the PIM CoE Steering Committee pose for a group photo during their meeting on 4th September 2025. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University held its Steering Committee meeting on 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The session, attended by all members, focused on reviewing progress, reflecting on achievements from the past financial year, and charting the way forward for the Centre.

About the PIM Centre of Excellence

The PIM CoE was established in March 2022 at Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Its purpose is to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system through training, research, and advisory services.

The Steering Committee plays a critical role in oversight, review, coordination, and advisory functions, guiding the Centre’s work and ensuring that public investment processes align with national development priorities.

Dr. Joseph Muvawala. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala.

Highlights from the Meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, praised the October 2024 Annual PIM Conference for expanding perspectives on project design and delivery. He emphasized the importance of shifting from theory to practice in training, advocating for students and officials to engage with real-world projects. He also underscored the Centre’s new autonomy—transitioning from a subvention to a vote—which gives it greater independence but also demands stronger financial accountability. Dr. Muvawala further called for a permanent physical home for the Centre, noting that sufficient resources are available to make this possible and that negotiations with government are underway.

Mr. Ashaba Hannington, Director Budget at MoFPED, shared key achievements from the 2024/25 financial year. He noted that the Annual PIM Conference, organised jointly by MoFPED and the Centre, provided a vital platform for stakeholders to reflect on progress in public investment management.

Steering Committee Members and part of the Secretariat at the meeting. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Steering Committee Members and part of the Secretariat at the meeting.

Mr. Ashaba reaffirmed MoFPED’s commitment to working closely with the Centre to strengthen Uganda’s public investment capacity.

Prof. Eria Hisali (Left) and Mr. Hannington Ashaba (Right). Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eria Hisali (Left) and Mr. Hannington Ashaba (Right).

Prof. Eria Hisali, Co–Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, outlined strategies to increase the Centre’s vibrancy and impact. He emphasized direct project engagement, advisory services, and peer reviews as ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Looking ahead, he revealed plans for a Master’s program in Economic and Investment Modelling, a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative, and deeper practical capacity-building efforts.

Prof. Hisali also noted several successful trainings from the past year, including:

  • 46 staff from MDAs trained in Essentials of PIM.
  • 59 participants across two cohorts trained in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis.
  • 25 participants trained in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis.

He proposed the introduction of a “trailer feasibility test” to evaluate whether completed projects deliver benefits as projected and to address optimism bias in project planning.

Dr. John Sseruyange (Centre) with Prof. Tonny Oyana (Left) and Ms. Alice Nakimbugwe (Right). Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange (Centre) with Prof. Tonny Oyana (Left) and Ms. Alice Nakimbugwe (Right).

Dr. John Seruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the Centre’s growing regional footprint. Beyond Uganda, six central government officers from Somalia have been trained in Infrastructure Asset Management, generating further interest in advanced training from Somalia, Zimbabwe, and Somaliland. To position itself as a regional hub, the Centre is preparing a prospectus to market its courses across Africa and beyond.

Why It Matters

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the PIM CoE remains a leading think tank and capacity-building hub for government and regional partners. By improving the appraisal, financing, and implementation of public projects, the Centre is strengthening accountability, enhancing service delivery, and contributing to Uganda’s broader development goals.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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