General
Management Training Calls for Budget Execution that Impacts Uganda
Universities in the 21st century worldwide are increasingly being subject to a number of changes in their operating environment majorly due to rapid technological advancement, changing student demographics, intensifying financial pressures, and heightened accountability demands from governments, donors, and society. Makerere University, as Uganda’s oldest and flagship institution has not been spared the effects of these changes. As such, the increasing need to support national development priorities in the midst of evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing stakeholder scrutiny and expectations necessitates not just response but proactive transformation.
“While graduation numbers and publication counts remain important indicators, our reporting must illuminate Makerere’s transformative impact on Uganda’s development trajectory” remarked the Chairperson of Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara as she delivered her communication at the Top Management Capacity Building Training for Makerere University on 14th August 2025.
The training running from 13th to 15th August 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo is aimed at building excellence in 21st Century University Leadership at Makerere through two objectives namely; Strategic Budget Mastery and Implementation Excellence, and Comprehensive Management Excellence and Skills Enhancement. “We must explicitly demonstrate how our work advances Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV priorities, especially the four-way growth strategy,” rallied Mrs. Magara.
The Chairperson of Council was making reference to Government’s earmarking of Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mining and minerals development, as well as Science, Technology and Innovation (ATMS) as priority areas to propel Uganda’s economy to a US$500billion one by 2040. Describing the workshop as timely in enabling Makerere appreciate her role in these national aspirations, Mrs. Magara who had in an earlier engagement met with College Principals called for increased collaboration across various disciplines.
“This afternoon’s conversations with our College Principals reaffirmed my confidence in the calibre of leadership we have; their energy, commitment – and we have made some commitments, and candid reflections demonstrate the openness and determination needed to keep Makerere at the forefront of higher education” she affirmed.
Quoting world-renowned Management Consultant Peter Drucker who said “What gets measured gets managed” she added, “However, at Makerere, we elevate this principle and say, ‘what creates impact gets sustained’.” In this, she drew attention to the fact that budget execution is a shared responsibility of all leaders who beyond ensuring accountability for funds allocated ought to adopt results-oriented management.
“Traditional reporting that merely chronicles expenditure and activities is insufficient” said Mrs. Magara, adding that “we require evidence of tangible impact.” She further noted that every leader invited to take part in the training by virtue of their position holds a critical multiplier effect that ought to be felt by those they lead. “Everything rises and falls on leadership” she reminded, citing John Maxwell’s 21 irrefutable laws of leadership.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who officially opened the training noted that Makerere is already fulfilling her part in terms of producing quality human resource for the region and increasing her research output in partnership with leading institutions globally. He nevertheless underscored the need for the training, which is aimed at nurturing transformational excellence in leadership and strategic management. This excellence, according to the training objective, ought to be demonstrated through strategic budgeting and budget execution, human resource management, statutory reporting and compliance, procurement optimisation, and comprehensive legal compliance frameworks.
Prof. Nawangwe who appreciated the good work currently done by staff in line with achieving institutional and national objectives nevertheless encouraged participants to continue working with diligence. “Continue loving Makerere, continue working well for Uganda, for Africa, so that we can move our people out of poverty in the shortest time possible.”
Subsequent sessions following the official opening covered; Key issues and lessons from the Financial Year (FY) 2024/2025 budget execution, Highlights of the approved Budget for FY 2025/26, Budget execution guidelines for FY 2025/26, and focus on key budget outputs and reporting.
Tackling key issues and lessons from the recently concluded Financial Year, the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda outlined technical challenges such as: Budget transitions that moved funds for allowances from teaching units, Budget credibility in relation to cashflow planning, Adherence to approved budgets and workplans, Accountability for funds disbursed versus quarterly deadlines, Budget reporting in line with approved workplans, and Responsiveness to audits, and the need to do better in the present financial year.
Highlighting key issues from the approved budget for FY 2025/2026, the University Bursar, Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha noted that Makerere’s allocations are aligned with NDP IV and are aimed at fostering growth in the four priority areas (ATMS). “How do we ensure that we support these areas as Makerere University?” he prompted.
Delving into a few specifics, the University Bursar noted that Government allocated approximately 33.9billion shillings to the Development budget. This, he noted will cover; the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Infrastructure Expansion, Acquisition of Computers for Colleges, Administrative Units and Smart classrooms, Furniture for Colleges and Administrative Units, E-resources for the Library, Renovation of CCE Hall, Office Equipment, Renovation of selected Halls or Residence, Repairs at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resourses and Biosecurity (CoVAB) Building, ICT Equipment, Digitalisation of Financial Management, Extension of Street lighting and Automation of switching system, among other undertakings.
Sharing Budget execution guidelines for the current financial year, the Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito outlined the need for Units to adhere to policy directives regarding; fiscal consolidation in terms of following workplans to the letter and ensuring timely collection of non-tax revenue (NTR) such as payment of tuition. Also emphasized was the need for units to honour timely payment of taxes and statutory deductions such as pay as you earn (PAYE), value-added tax (VAT) and withholding tax (WHT).
In line with administrative guidelines, Mr. Kizito urged colleges to ensure that their finance committees meet before any expenditure is approved. He equally urged units to avoid getting into situations that necessitate virement and change of workplans, noting that this was heavily discouraged by the line Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Handling the day’s final topic; focus on key budget outputs and reporting, the Acting Deputy Chief, Planning and Development, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike emphasized the need for units to quantify what they seek to achieve, the budgets required to achieve expected results, and at the end of the budgeting period, a report on what was done, and the reasons for variation of expected performance, if any. On how this can be achieved, Mr. Kitamirike proposed; the need for University Secretary’s Office to share copies of final approved planning, reporting and budget documents with the implementing units, as well as the need for unit heads to examine workplans and begin the reporting process early, and where necessary revise workplans for upcoming quarters.
The highlight of the day’s sessions was an opportunity for Mrs. Lorna Magara to bask in the limelight as participants sung Happy Birthday to their Chairperson of Council. Council Member and Head of the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Prof. Sarah Ssali who moved a vote of thanks appreciated Mrs. Lorna Magara for choosing to spend a significant amount of time on her special day speaking to Principals and staff.
The final day of the training will cover Human Resource Matters, with special communication from the Chairperson Appointments Board, Mr. Edwin Karugire. Also set to be covered are the procurement function of public entities and key legal matters in university operations.
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University
Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi
Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.
“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.
Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.
“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.
The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.
Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.
“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”
Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.
“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”
From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”
“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.
He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.
Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.
He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.
To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:
- Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
- Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
- Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.
He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.
The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.
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