Business & Management
Strengthening Europe-Africa Higher Education Collaboration through the NEAR-ER Project
Makerere University in Uganda, is implementing the Network on Europe and Africa Relations-Education and Research (NEAR-ER) project, which seeks to strengthen collaboration in higher education through dialogue, events, scholarly debates, exchange of best practices, and dissemination of research and techniques.
The NEAR-ER is a Jean Monnet policy network of 20 higher education institutions; 7 in Europe and 13 in Africa. The thematic areas include: Shared Peace, Shared Prosperity and Shared Spaces as expounded below:
Shared Peace-Democracy, Rule of Law, Justice and Positive Peace Initiatives; Shared Prosperity-Trade Relations, Development Cooperation and Sustainability; and Shared Spaces-Climate Change, Energy Cooperation and Population Movement
The implementation of the three year (December 2024 to November 2027), NEAR-ER project co-funded by the European Union, follows a successful response, to a call for proposals by researchers based at the School of Statistics and Planning under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). The NEAR-ER research team consists of the following: Dr. John M. Mushomi – Principal Investigator, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Dr. Olivia Nankinga, Dr. Nicholas Tunanukye and Dr. Fred Maniragaba.
Early Career Researchers and Graduate Students’ Dialogue
On 16th June 2025, Makerere University hosted the NEAR-ER dialogue targeting early career researchers and graduate students from higher education institutions in Uganda.
Featuring remarks from Makerere University officials, an overview of the NEAR-ER project, a panel discussion on the career prospects in the EU, and an interactive question and answer session, the dialogue presented an opportunity to participants to engage with leading scholars in Europe-Africa relations, network with academics across continents, explore research and career prospects in EU-Africa partnerships, contribute to meaningful discussions on contemporary challenges affecting both continents, and gain insights into current trends and future directions in Europe-Africa cooperation.
The following members of the NEAR-ER project tipped early career researchers and graduate students on Africa and Europe relations including research, partnerships, academics, access to scholarships, mobility, networking, and among other important aspects: Prof. Muller Gustavo-the Overall Principal Investigator from KU Lueveni, Prof. Chris Nshimbi-Africa Principal Investigator from University of Pretoria, and Dr. John A. Mushomi-Principal Investigator at Makerere University.
Tour of Makerere University Innovation Pod
Prior to the dialogue, the NEAR-ER delegation toured the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak Unipod). Reflecting on the tour, Prof. Muller Gustavo lauded the level of innovation, describing it as a promising space for African-centered academic advancement.
NEAR-ER delegation Courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor
The delegation participated in a courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The following University officials participated in the courtesy meeting held in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room: Associate Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal-College of Business and Management Sciences, Associate Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu-Dean, School of Economics, Dr. Margaret Banga-Dean, School of Statistics and Planning, and Dr. John A. Mushomi-Principal Investigator of the NEAR-Project at Makerere University.
Official Opening of the NEAR-ER dialogue
Opening the NEAR-ER Dialogue on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, underscored the significance of the event, as a defining moment in research collaboration in Africa and Europe. He emphasized that the academic convening provided a strategic platform for deep reflection, meaningful reconnection, and a renewed commitment to joint scholarship that promotes peace, shared prosperity, and inclusive development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the activities of the NEAR-ER project were aligned with Makerere University’s strategic vision as well as Uganda’s national development agenda. He expressed optimism that the deliberations would spark innovative thinking, strengthen solidarity between Africa and Europe, and help shape a future rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and purposeful collaboration.
He encouraged the participants in the NEAR-ER dialogue to ensure that Africa embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution through optimizing digitalization systems and processes. He challenged the participants to view the dialogue, as a call to action, and a catalyst for cultivating transformational African leaders equipped with relevant digital skills and employable knowledge. He stressed that the continent’s future hinged on preparing the next generation to confidently navigate and address the demands of the digital age.
Putting across a strong case for African institutions to take on leadership in the co-production of knowledge, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi said: “Africa’s development trajectory depends on homegrown ideas, African-led innovation, and the strategic harnessing of global partnerships to address local and global challenges.”
Highlights by the College Principal
The Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale represented by the Deputy Principal, Associate Prof. James Wokadala, described the NEAR-ER project as a foundational moment in the redefinition of global academic cooperation from the heart of Africa. The Principal called upon the participants to utilize the dialogue to form enduring partnerships.
He underscored the College’s central role in advancing global academic collaboration, within the framework of EU-Africa partnerships in education and research. He noted that the dialogue marked a significant milestone through positioning CoBAMS as a vital conduit for strengthening cross-continental partnerships. He highlighted that the NEAR-ER network’s emphasis on education and research strongly aligned with the College’s mission to foster robust academic linkages between the Global North and South.
The Deputy Principal acknowledged CoBAMS’ unwavering dedication to advancing Makerere University’s agenda of becoming a global academic e-hub, particularly within the evolving landscape of EU-Africa relations. He reported that the College was actively undertaking strategic initiatives to deepen international engagement—initiatives designed to foster mutual learning, catalyze collaborative research, and create meaningful career development pathways.
“The College leadership has prioritized supporting young researchers and postgraduate students, thus empowering the next generation of scholars to thrive in an increasingly interconnected academic ecosystem,” he said.
Highlights from the Principal Investigator
Focusing on the critical role of students in academic institutions, Dr. John A. Mushomi, the Principal Investigator of the NEAR-ER project at Makerere University, said: “Our students are our main customers. We should therefore nurture and empower our learners through global research and engagements.”
Dr. Mushomi highlighted the importance of providing a “safe engagement space” for students and researchers. Reflecting on his academic journey, and postdoctoral fellowship, he acknowledged the relevance of seeking mentorship, citing it as an instrumental step in his path to the NEAR-ER network.
He also acknowledged the long-term collaborative efforts that led to the successful NEAR-ER grant proposal, notably involving both Makerere University and Kyambogo University.
Overview of the NEAR-ER project
Presenting the Overview of the NEAR-ER project, Prof. Muller Gustavo, a Senior Researcher at the London Centre for Global Government Studies underscored the critical importance of collaborative research and education between Europe and Africa. He noted that holding the first African convening/dialogue at Makerere University was both strategic and symbolic of the growing academic ties between the two continents.
Delving into the origins of the project, Prof. Gustavo revealed that the idea for the network was conceived approximately three years prior, where they envisioned a platform that would encourage dialogue, research, and exchange on topics central to Europe–Africa relations. They rallied scholars from diverse institutions, forming a vibrant and interdisciplinary consortium.
“Over the last three years, we put together a group of universities to foster and facilitate research and communication on relationships between Africa and Europe. The goal of the consortium is to disseminate the research and education practices, the best practices of education in Africa, in Europe, but also worldwide,” he said.
Prof. Gustavo highlighted that the NEAR-ER project will serve as a vehicle to foster best practices in education, research dissemination, and policy-relevant collaboration. He noted that the network intentionally included universities and institutions representing diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, affirming their commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive regional representation. According to Prof. Gustavo, this diversity strengthens the network’s mission to bridge educational and research gaps between the global north and south.
Beyond institutional collaboration, Prof. Gustavo emphasized the network’s commitment to public engagement and knowledge dissemination. He detailed a range of outputs already in motion, including research blogs, podcasts, newsletters, webinars, policy surveys, and country-specific forecasts.
Prof. Gustavo urged the students and young scholars to become active contributors to the NEAR-ER platform. He explained that the network is open to ideas from emerging voices—whether through blogs, podcasts, or other digital formats—and provides a unique opportunity for students to share perspectives and shape global discourse.
“There might be opportunities here for some of you that are interested in further increasing your knowledge on European integration, African integration, and the relationship between those two processes. You may be a student who has an idea on how to improve the relationship and looking at a particular aspect to get that idea out to the world, we can offer that destination platform for you as well,” Prof. Gustavo mentioned.
Remarks by the Dean, School of Statistics and Planning
Dr. Margaret Banga, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning, informed the participants, that the dialogue was a space to unite the varied disciplines and backgrounds present, all in pursuit of a shared vision for the future.
“The NEAR-ER initiative is more than a research collaboration. It is a bridge of solidarity between Europe and Africa—a platform where shared learning leads to shared solutions. It is not about the North teaching the south, but it is about learning from one another,” Dr. Banga said.
Standing as a firm believer in the transformative power of research, innovation, and youthful curiosity, Dr. Banga, underscored the importance of structure and strategy in translating ideas into impact. She encouraged the audience to treat planning as the bridge between possibility and progress. She stressed that without a clear methodology, timeline, partners, and budget, even the most brilliant ideas can fade into obscurity, but with a solid plan, those same ideas can evolve into funded projects, published policy briefs, and life-changing solutions.
To the young scholars, Dr. Banga issued a powerful call to action. “You are the thinkers who will unlock Africa’s economy,” she said. “You are the innovators who will shape climate resilience. You are the analysts and planners who will rethink development—not as something done for us, but as something shaped by us.”
With conviction and hope, Dr. Banga reminded the young scholars that they were not mere students, but emerging leaders, and agents of change. She urged them not to wait for some future moment of “expertise” before stepping up. She offered a critical reminder that every question they pose, every network they build, and every inquiry they pursue is already shaping the world, “Your research is not small because you are just starting out, your work has the power even now to improve lives and influence generations. Don’t just study the world. Change it.”
A voice from the PhD Students
Ms. Claire Cheremoi, President of the PhD Fellows at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the spirit of unity and collaboration fostered by the NEAR-ER dialogue. “Our voices matter. Coming together as students is powerful,” she said.
Ms. Cheremoi emphasized the value of collective engagement, stressing that such platforms were essential in facilitating the sharing of knowledge, fostering meaningful networks, and sparking critical discussions on the issues that matter most to young scholars. She stated their commitment to engaging in conversations on research funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and broader academic partnerships.
A statement from the representative of undergraduate students
Mr. Ssozi Fahad Batte, Chairperson, Students Guild Council, College of Business and Management Sciences acknowledged the students had the zeal to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully. In his view, the most significant outcome of such dialogues was the ability to extract value—something “to take home.”
He stated the critical role of documentation, urging fellow participants to write down their ideas, strategies, and action points in order to share them beyond the event. He also highlighted the importance of networking, stressing that connections and collaborations were central to growth in academia and beyond.
Panel discussion on Career Prospects in the EU
In a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Robert Ojambo from Kyambogo University, several international scholars shared invaluable insights on navigating academic and professional opportunities abroad—particularly for students and researchers from the Global South.
The panel discussion offered a wealth of practical insights for young scholars seeking academic and professional opportunities across borders. The panelists emphasized the importance of building trust-based networks, as well as, going beyond emails to form genuine relationships with professors, peers, and institutions.
Strategic planning emerged as a recurring theme during the panel discussion—highlighting the need to research language requirements, living costs, and cultural differences when selecting destinations. Participants encouraged scholars from the Global South to view their unique backgrounds as assets that contribute to valuable perspectives to global discourse.
Opportunities such as Intra-Africa Academic Mobility programs, and summer schools were also presented as transformative pathways that combine education, exposure, and networking. The discussion also stressed the power of initiative—actively reaching out, applying, volunteering, and making oneself visible in digital academic spaces. Importantly, career success was linked not just to passion, but to aligning one’s skills with institutional needs and being open to unpaid roles such as voluntary service that build experience and credibility. The overall message was clear: international academic success requires preparation, adaptability, and the courage to take the first step.
As participants engaged across these thematic areas, the NEAR-ER dialogue underscored the central role of universities in bridging regions, amplifying diverse voices, and generating research-driven responses to global emergencies. The NEAR-ER dialogue held at Makerere University was not just a reflection of academic solidarity—it was a declaration of shared purpose and a call to action in re-imagining a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future across continents.
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.
Business & Management
Makerere University launches two taught PhD Programmes in Management, Accounting and Finance
“New doctoral students urged to pursue research that delivers solutions to Uganda’s socio-economic challenges.”
Makerere University has launched two new taught Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes namely: The PhD in Management (by coursework) and the PhD in Accounting and Finance (by coursework).
The programmes, launched on 4th August 2026, under the School of Business at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), are among the first taught PhD programmes in the two disciplines in Uganda.
The launch was presided over by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, during a three-day orientation programme for the inaugural PhD students running from 4th to 6th August 2026.
Prof. Ssali challenged the new scholars to pursue evidence-based research addressing pressing challenges facing Uganda and the wider world.
“Choosing to pursue a PhD is not an ordinary decision. It is a commitment to becoming part of an institution with a rich history of research, innovation and knowledge creation,” Prof. Ssali said.
She told the students that the purpose of doctoral training should go beyond acquiring academic qualifications, urging them to focus on solving real-world problems.
“A PhD should prepare you to solve problems. You should ask yourselves: ‘What problem am I trying to solve?’ Research should not simply produce another thesis that sits on a shelf in the library. It should generate knowledge, products, services, policies and innovations that improve people’s lives,” she said.
Prof. Ssali explained that research outputs should not only be physical products, but could also include frameworks, management systems, policies and models that transform society.
“For those in the service disciplines, your product could be a framework, a model, a policy, a management system or a new way of delivering services that changes how society functions. That is why we do research,” she said.
She urged the scholars to remain committed throughout their doctoral journey, noting that persistence and discipline are critical to completing a PhD.
“A PhD requires commitment. It requires discipline. It requires sacrifice. Success in a PhD is determined by persistence,” Prof. Ssali said.
She encouraged students to embrace critical thinking and challenge existing ideas through evidence-based inquiry.
Prof. Ssali implored the scholars to focus their research on areas that can contribute to economic transformation, including agriculture, manufacturing, taxation, supply chains, governance, finance, climate change and technology.
“Uganda faces many challenges, but every challenge is also an opportunity for research. Research should not stop at identifying problems. It should propose practical, implementable solutions,” she said.
Makerere positions graduate training at centre of research agenda
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the launch of the programmes as a major milestone in Makerere University’s agenda to strengthen its position as a research-intensive institution.
Prof. Bbaale said the PhD programmes represent a strategic investment in developing researchers, innovators and academic leaders.
“Today’s occasion is very significant because it marks the launch of the taught Doctor of Philosophy in Management and the Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting and Finance programmes,” he said.
“These are among the first taught PhD programmes in these disciplines in Uganda, and we are very proud of this achievement.”
He commended the School of Business leadership and faculty for developing the programmes, acknowledging that establishing doctoral programmes requires commitment, teamwork and dedication to academic excellence.
He observed that the programmes align with Makerere’s strategic goal of becoming a research-led university.
“Graduate training must be at the centre of that transformation. Events like this one—the admission and orientation of PhD students—are exactly the kinds of activities that define a research-intensive university,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale encouraged the first cohort students to publish their research in reputable journals and complete their studies within the required period.
“Complete your coursework successfully. Progress through your research diligently. Graduate within the required period. Publish your work in reputable, high-impact journals. Your success will create a strong foundation upon which future cohorts will build,” Prof. Bbaale said.
He guided that doctoral research should provide evidence to guide national decision-making.
“There is a great demand for evidence-based policy advice in Uganda. Government needs researchers who can provide evidence, not simply opinions,” he said. “Your research should generate evidence upon which decisions can be made.”
School of Business welcomes pioneer cohort
The Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, welcomed the students and described the programmes as part of the school’s continued growth in graduate training.
“We are delighted to welcome you as you begin this journey with us. We hope that you will stay with us throughout the next three years of your PhD studies,” Assoc. Prof. Akileng said.
He asserted that the doctoral journey would be demanding, but assured students of support from the faculty.
“The programme is demanding, and the research component will be very intensive. Our hope is that we shall walk this journey together and, three years from now, celebrate your graduation as one cohort,” he said.
He highlighted that a PhD is about knowledge creation rather than simply earning a title.
“A PhD is not about being called ‘Doctor.’ It is about becoming a contributor to knowledge. It is about transforming yourself. It is about solving problems. It is about making an impact,” Assoc. Prof. Akileng said.
Assoc. Prof. Akileng advised students to build strong relationships with supervisors while taking responsibility for their own research.
Building research networks
Dr Caroline Twongirwe, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance at CoBAMS, urged the new scholars to begin developing research networks early in their PhD journey.
She cautioned students against focusing only on coursework while postponing research preparation.
“If we spend a whole year focusing only on coursework and then begin thinking about research later, the target of completing within three years may not be achievable,” Dr Twongirwe said.
She said collaboration is essential for producing quality research and accessing international opportunities.
“For us to produce quality research, generate new ideas and contribute to knowledge, we need collaboration,” she said.
Dr Twongirwe explained that research networks can provide mentorship, expertise, funding opportunities and greater visibility for scholars.
“Your networking must be intentional. Identify people with whom you share common interests and who can help you move forward in your research journey,” she said.
She encouraged students to attend seminars, conferences and engage with researchers in their areas of interest.
“Research networks introduce you to mentorship and guidance, access to expertise, collaboration opportunities, funding opportunities and greater visibility for your research,” she said.
Academic regulations and research tracking
Dr Alfred Tingo from Makerere University’s Directorate of Graduate Training urged the new PhD students to understand university regulations, complete registration requirements and remain engaged throughout their studies. He called upon the students to maintain communication with their supervisors and university structures.
Dr Tingo highlighted the importance of the university’s Research Information Management System (RIMS) in monitoring students’ progress.
“RIMS helps us track your research progress. Your research topic, proposal development, approvals and supervisor interactions are captured in the system,” he said.
The new PhD programmes are expected to strengthen Makerere University’s contribution to research, innovation and policy development by producing scholars capable of generating knowledge for Uganda, Africa and the global community.
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