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.
General
Makerere University and World Bank Sign Partnership to Strengthen Environmental and Social Sustainability Capacity
On 5th March 2026, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Development Association (IDA), the financing arm of the World Bank Group, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening environmental and social sustainability systems in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The collaboration brings together Makerere University through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and the World Bank to jointly advance training, research, and policy advisory in environmental and social sustainability.
The three-year agreement provides a framework for cooperation focused on building national capacity to manage environmental and social risks associated with large-scale development investments.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Knowledge Partnerships
The partnership will be anchored in the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre (ESSC) at Makerere University, a national hub established to promote applied research, policy engagement, and professional training in environmental and social governance.
Through the Centre, the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen Uganda’s ability to plan and implement development projects in ways that safeguard communities and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, the World Bank Country Manager emphasised that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support sustainable growth.
“This partnership with Makerere University is an important step in strengthening Uganda’s systems for environmental and social sustainability. By working through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we aim to build the capacity of professionals across government, the private sector, and development institutions to better manage environmental and social risks and deliver investments that promote sustainable growth while protecting people and the environment.” Ms. Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager, Uganda, noted.
The partnership will support training, research, and policy advisory activities through the ESSC, helping Uganda pursue a development trajectory that promotes economic growth while protecting people and the environment.
Building National Capacity for Environmental and Social Risk Management
Uganda’s development agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan prioritises large-scale investments in infrastructure, agro-industrialisation, energy, and science and technology. However, such investments require strong environmental and social risk management systems to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The new partnership, therefore, focuses on building a skilled workforce capable of applying international best practices in environmental and social governance.
Under the MoU, Makerere University will design and deliver demand-driven short-course training programs targeting public sector officials, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector actors implementing major projects.
Seven certificate-level short courses have already been developed and approved across multiple colleges at the University. These courses cover areas such as environmental and social risk management, climate risk assessment, construction health and safety, and integrating environmental and social considerations into investment cycles.
“Makerere Universityis proud to partner with the World Bank in strengthening Uganda’s capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development investments. Through the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre, we have already developed and approved seven certificate-level short courses across multiple colleges, designed to equip professionals in government, the private sector, and development institutions with practical skills to plan and implement sustainable projects. This collaboration reflects Makerere’s commitment to providing knowledge-driven solutions that support Uganda’s development while safeguarding communities and the environment.” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted.
Strengthening Collaboration between Academia and Development Partners
As part of the agreement, the World Bank will support the development and delivery of the training programs, including conducting Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Bank’s Environment and Social Standards and international best practices.
The Bank will also leverage its convening power to encourage participation from development partners, government institutions, and project implementers, while supporting impact monitoring of trained professionals to document improvements in project performance and job creation.
The collaboration will further promote professional networking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of knowledge hubs containing environmental and social tools, databases, and resources for practitioners.
Positioning Makerere as a Regional Knowledge Hub
Through this partnership, Makerere University seeks to position the Environment and Social Sustainability Centre as a leading knowledge hub for environmental and social governance in Africa.
By combining academic expertise with the World Bank’s global experience in development financing and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to strengthen the institutional capacity required to deliver sustainable and climate-resilient investments in Uganda.
The partnership also aligns with the World Bank’s broader commitment to supporting Uganda’s development agenda and strengthening country systems for environmental and social sustainability.
Together, the two institutions aim to equip professionals across government, the private sector, and development organizations with the skills required to ensure that Uganda’s development pathway remains inclusive, responsible, and environmentally sustainable.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
General
Makerere University Explores Expanded Partnership with Stanbic Bank to Advance Innovation and Investment
On 5th March 2025, the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa. The purpose of the visit was to explore areas for further collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
The engagement reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to explore how academia and the financial sector can work together to unlock opportunities for students, staff, alumni, and the broader Ugandan community.
Discussions during the meeting focused on innovation and entrepreneurship support, student development programs, infrastructure partnerships, and investment opportunities linked to the University’s strategic development agenda.
Driving Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship
During the engagement, the Vice Chancellor highlighted Makerere’s continued efforts to position itself as a research-led and innovation-driven university, emphasising the importance of partnerships with industry in translating academic research and ideas into practical solutions.
He underscored the need to empower young people with the skills and support required to create enterprises and generate employment opportunities, given Uganda’s fast-growing population, particularly the mushrooming young population. According to UBOS, by 2024, the young population was approximately 22.8 million persons out of a total population of 45.9 million people.
“If we do not support young people to innovate and create enterprises, we risk facing serious economic and social challenges. The employment of the future will increasingly be created by young people themselves,” he noted.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of establishing a Stanbic-supported innovation competition, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and providing a platform for students and young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Such an initiative could build on existing innovation and incubation programs run at Makerere and Stanbic Bank while strengthening collaboration between academia and the private sector in supporting enterprise development.
Expanding Strategic Collaboration
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Makerere University.
He noted that while the bank has long provided financial services to the university and its staff, there is a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration in areas that generate broader societal impact.
“As an institution, we are interested in partnerships that go beyond financial services to create meaningful impact in society through the Stanbic Bank positive impact agenda. Education is one of the most important sectors through which we can drive that impact,” he noted.
The CEO also highlighted Stanbic Bank’s National Schools Championship program, which promotes innovation among secondary school students across Uganda, noting that a similar approach could potentially inspire initiatives at the university level.
Exploring Investment and Infrastructure Opportunities
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in investment and commercialisation initiatives linked to university infrastructure and land assets.
University representatives shared insights into ongoing efforts to explore public–private partnership (PPP) models for strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure and unlocking value from underutilised university assets.
Potential development opportunities discussed include projects related to hospitality facilities, commercial spaces, and other revenue-generating infrastructure within and around the university. Such initiatives could provide sustainable revenue streams for the university while creating opportunities for private sector participation in campus development.
Supporting Students, Staff, and Alumni
Additional discussions focused on expanding programs that benefit the wider Makerere community. These include financial literacy initiatives for students, expanded internship and graduate training opportunities, and collaborative programs to support student entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration in alumni engagement, leveraging Makerere’s extensive global alumni network to strengthen partnerships between the university and industry.
Programs aimed at improving financial preparedness and retirement planning for staff were also discussed, alongside potential housing and asset financing solutions tailored to the needs of university employees.
“Through this partnership, we are exploring opportunities that support the entire Makerere community, from financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs for students to internship pathways, alumni engagement, and financial preparedness initiatives for staff. These efforts will be anchored within the renewed collaboration framework between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank Uganda,” said Mr Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Advancement Officer.
The Chief Advancement Officer further noted that these initiatives are expected to be anchored within a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Makerere University and Stanbic Bank.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Both institutions expressed optimism about the potential of the partnership to contribute to national development by supporting innovation, enterprise creation, and the development of future leaders.
As Makerere University continues to strengthen its role as a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, partnerships with forward-looking institutions such as Stanbic Bank Uganda remain critical in advancing the university’s mission of generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and driving solutions that address national and global challenges.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University
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