Business & Management
Makerere University Launches CoBAMS Working Paper Series, Marking a major Leap in Research Excellence
On 4th December 2025, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali launched the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) Working Paper Series, a research product aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Uganda’s 10-fold National Economic Growth Strategy (ATMS), and the Makerere University Strategic Plan.
The Series consists of over 60 research papers, many of which have already been accepted in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. The publications cover a broad spectrum of national priorities, including unemployment, climate change, population dynamics, taxation, entrepreneurship, public investment, corruption, refugee livelihoods, and the green economy.
A landmark moment for Makerere University
Addressing the participants comprising invited guests, staff, students and the media, who convened at the CoBAMS Conference Hall to witness the launch, Prof. Ssali commended the College leadership and staff for championing Makerere’s research vision. “Today is a landmark moment in the life of Makerere University,” she declared. She emphasized that Makerere’s move toward a research-intensive identity was deliberate. “A few years ago, we made a bold and historic decision to reorient the University toward research and innovation. Today’s launch is evidence that this decision has taken root—especially within CoBAMS.”
Prof. Ssali praised the College for providing a modest annual research grant to faculty members, an initiative that produced more than 60 working papers in the 2024/2025 financial year.
She urged the College to transition the Working Paper Series into homegrown journals, adding: “If you can produce 60 papers this year and 80 next year, you have enough content for at least three journals. Journals raise our visibility, raise our H-index, and ensure that anyone researching Uganda finds homegrown scholarship.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) highlighted pressing national issues requiring academic inquiry. “Uganda’s economy grows, but unemployment remains high. When we celebrate entrepreneurship, we are often celebrating survival. These are questions this Series must help confront.”
She also pointed to the importance of research in shaping national discourse: “If people are hungry and unemployed, they will go to the streets. We cannot sit here speaking English and pretend these issues will disappear.”
We are proud of this collective achievement
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the Series as a major achievement rooted in collective effort and consistent commitment to research excellence. “What we are celebrating today is the result of your collective effort,” he told faculty. “This Working Paper Series is a nursery bed for journal articles, book chapters, and future scholarly outputs.”
He revealed that for the upcoming(2026) paper series, the College has funded over 90 research concepts and expects to produce more than 80 working papers in the 2025/2026 cycle.
Prof. Bbaale emphasised that the College’s four research centres—in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Statistics and Demography, Public Investment Management, and the Environment for Development Initiative—form a strong foundation for sustained knowledge production. “These centres anchor high-level research, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They are the backbone of our research ecosystem.”
This journey started with a modest grant
Associate Professor James Wokadala, the Deputy Principal, traced the origins of the Series to a small but impactful College research grant introduced in November 2024. “This afternoon is a very important day for us. This Series is the product of our internal efforts and internal resources,” he said. “By May this year, the working papers had already been finalised by the various principal investigators.”
He noted that each paper went through school-level presentations, editorial checks, and harmonisation before being accepted into the Series. “Today, we are launching 60 of those papers, with many more to follow.”
CoBAMS is a powerhouse of knowledge production
Dr. William Tayeebwa, Chief Managing Editor of Makerere University Press, praised the College’s output and pledged the Press’s support in transforming the papers into high-quality books and journal articles. “The topics and issues contained in the Working Paper Series confirm that CoBAMS is truly a powerhouse of knowledge production.”
He committed to working closely with the College: “We can convert these working papers into journal articles, special issues, and thematic book volumes within six months. Makerere University Press stands ready to support you.”
Dr. Tayeebwa highlighted the broad range of topics covered—refugees, Myooga, malaria, tax compliance, corruption, and more—describing the Series as “a rich intellectual nursery bed.”
PhD Forum: Building the next generation of researchers
Speaking on behalf of postgraduate students, Ms. Sylvia Namujjuzi, Assistant Lecturer and Vice President of the CoBAMS PhD Students Forum, emphasised the importance of peer support in research training. “The PhD journey can be lonely,” she said. “This Forum brings students from the three Schools together to network, share knowledge, organise seminars, and hold mock defences.”
A milestone for Makerere’s research future
Prof. Ssali reaffirmed the University’s commitment: “As Makerere University positions itself among leading research institutions globally, initiatives such as the CoBAMS Working Paper Series give concrete meaning to our strategic vision.”
She officially launched the Series with a call for sustained excellence: “May it grow, mature, and inspire a new generation of researchers. May it elevate Makerere University’s intellectual footprint.”
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has officially opened a one-week training for Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs (MoKCC&MA) officials on Integrating and Managing Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) Safeguards in Procurement.
The training, conducted by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence, is funded by the World Bank and brings together officials from KCCA, metropolitan and municipal authorities under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) programme, alongside officials from central government ministries and agencies.
Opening the training, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that safeguarding is a critical pillar of sustainable development and accountable public service delivery.
“If we get things wrong in Kampala, we affect the entire country. Everything done in this city must be well planned, socially responsible, and environmentally sound,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Drawing from his professional background as an architect, the Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of environmental, social, and safety safeguards, noting that failure to address these issues at planning and procurement stages can lead to loss of life, stalled projects, and massive financial waste. He cited international examples where projects were halted or countries faced global pressure due to neglect of environmental and social considerations.
Prof. Nawangwe commended the World Bank for its continued partnership with Makerere University, particularly in supporting the establishment and growth of the PIM Centre of Excellence, which he described as one of the University’s flagship initiatives with visible national impact.
“I see the work of the PIM Centre in government processes, in reports, and even in Development Committee meetings. That is real impact,” he noted, adding that strengthening in-country capacity through Makerere reduces reliance on costly external consultants.
He reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to supporting government through research, training, and policy-relevant knowledge, stressing that continuous professional development is essential in a rapidly changing world.
The Under Secretary, Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Ms. Monica Edemachu Ejua, welcomed the training, describing it as timely and necessary given the challenges faced during project implementation, particularly in road construction.
Ms. Ejua, revealed that the training was informed by real and painful experiences, including fatal accidents on construction sites, some of which could have been avoided with stronger environmental and social safeguards.
“Environmental, social, and health and safety issues must never be downplayed. These considerations must begin at procurement planning, not at implementation,” she said.
She highlighted that procurement officers, engineers, planners, accountants, and administrators must all understand safeguards, noting that infrastructure development is inherently multidisciplinary.
“Development must be a blessing to communities—not a burden,” she added.
Ms. Ejua praised Makerere University for hosting the training and the World Bank for supporting government efforts to build institutional capacity, adding that learning does not end at graduation.
World Bank: Strong Country Systems Are Key to Development Impact
Presenting on behalf of the World Bank, Ms. Christine Kasedde, a Senior Environmental Specialist, explained that the training is part of a broader effort to strengthen country systems for managing environmental and social risks in development projects.
She noted that while the World Bank has committed over USD 4 billion to projects in Uganda, weak safeguards and capacity constraints have affected implementation and disbursement.
“Environmental and social safeguards are legally binding commitments. When they are not addressed properly, issues escalate to the highest levels of government,” Ms. Kasedde explained.
She outlined how the collaboration with Makerere University has led to the development of several short professional courses across CoBAMS, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). These courses address gaps in social risk management, environmental sustainability, health and safety, climate risk, and procurement.
Ms. Kasedde also revealed that the partnership has culminated in the establishment of an Environmental and Social Sustainability Centre at Makerere University, which will serve as a hub for training, research, advisory services, and independent assessments.
Procurement as a Tool for Sustainable Development
Representing the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Ms. Mercy Kyoshabire, Director for Procurement and Disposal Capacity Building, emphasized that public procurement accounts for over 60 percent of government expenditure and must therefore be leveraged as a tool for sustainable development.
She reminded participants that environmental, health, and social safeguards have been embedded in standard bidding documents since 2019, urging procurement professionals to integrate sustainability throughout the procurement cycle.
“Sustainability is about the three Ps—People, Profit, and Planet. Procurement decisions made today should not compromise future generations,” she said.
Ms. Kyoshabire reaffirmed PPDA’s commitment to collaboration and capacity building, particularly with centres of excellence such as Makerere University.
A Model of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The training also drew strong support from the Principal of CAES, represented by Dr. Patrick Byakagaba and, Principal CHUSS, Prof. Helen Nkabala, who emphasized Makerere University’s shift away from siloed approaches toward interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing national development challenges.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal Investigator of the PIM Centre of Excellence, noted that the training responds to critical gaps identified at the pre-investment and procurement stages of public projects, particularly as Uganda pursues an ambitious growth agenda amid climate and social risks. Dr. John Sseruyange, the manager of PIM Centre of Excellence said, the week-long training is expected to strengthen the capacity of KCCA and GKMA implementing entities to integrate and manage environmental, social, health, and safety safeguards across the procurement and project implementation cycle, ultimately improving service delivery and protecting communities.
Business & Management
Building Skills for Better Public Investments: PIM Centre Trains Public Sector Economists
Away from the bustle of the city, in the calm setting of Mbarara, over 30 public service economists have gathered with a shared purpose: to strengthen the skills that shape how public resources are invested and how national development priorities are realised.
The two-week executive training on Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis, organised by the Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, officially commenced this week, bringing together public officers from across government, academia, state agencies, and civil society. At its core, the programme seeks to answer a fundamental question—how can Uganda ensure that every shilling invested in public projects delivers maximum economic and social value?
The training draws expertise from Makerere University, Cambridge Resources International (CRI), the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), and the National Planning Authority (NPA), reflecting a strong partnership between academia, policy makers, and development practitioners. Participants represent a wide cross-section of institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda Tourism Board, MoFPED, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso Local Government, Kyambogo University, Makerere University, UEDCL, UNCST, UDC, the Uganda Police Force, Parliament of Uganda, and several civil society organisations.
Opening the programme on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Commissioner PAP, Ms. Gertrude Basiima, explained that the choice of venue was intentional. Holding the training away from the city, she noted, allows participants to concentrate fully and engage more deeply with the intensive content. Previous trainings held in similar settings, she added, had yielded positive results.
Ms. Basiima highlighted that the training is part of a long-standing strategic partnership between the Ministry of Finance and the PIM Centre of Excellence at Makerere University, housed in the School of Economics. Established in 2016, the collaboration was informed by diagnostic assessments that revealed persistent gaps in Uganda’s public investment management system—particularly in project identification, appraisal, selection, and implementation.
“These gaps are not merely technical,” she observed. “They determine whether public investments truly transform communities or fall short of their promise.”
The training builds on earlier modules in financial appraisal, equipping participants with advanced competencies in economic appraisal and stakeholder analysis. Through practical case studies and hands-on exercises, participants will explore demand forecasting, economic pricing, and sector-specific appraisal techniques applicable to energy, water, transport, and agriculture. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to competently conduct cost-benefit analyses and assess whether proposed projects merit inclusion in the national budget.
Ms. Basiima emphasised that while many feasibility studies are prepared by consultants, public officers must be able to interrogate, quality-assure, and defend these studies before decision-making bodies such as the Development Committee. The training, she said, is designed to position participants to do exactly that.
For Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, the training comes at a critical moment in Uganda’s development journey. With the country implementing ambitious programmes under the National Development Plan IV and the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, public investment has become a central driver of socio-economic transformation.
Across the country, Uganda is investing heavily in transport infrastructure, energy generation and transmission, irrigation systems to respond to climate change, industrial parks, digital infrastructure, education, and health facilities. Yet, as Prof. Bbaale cautioned, the success of these investments depends less on the volume of funding mobilised and more on the quality of project preparation and appraisal.
“Economic appraisal must be seen not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a strategic tool for national transformation,” he said. “It enables government to prioritise projects with the highest economic and social returns, minimise fiscal risks, and ensure value for money.”
Prof. Bbaale also underscored the strength of the multi-institutional partnership supporting the programme, noting that it blends global best practices with Uganda’s policy realities. At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive a tripartite certificate jointly issued by Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, and Queen’s University, recognising their enhanced expertise in public investment management.
For the Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Dr. John Sseruyange, the training is as much about mindset as it is about technical skills. He encouraged participants to remain disciplined, engage fully, and build professional networks that will endure long after the two weeks in Mbarara.
“The skills you gain here will not only strengthen you as individuals,” he noted, “but will directly influence the quality of public investment decisions made across Uganda.”
As the sessions unfold over the next two weeks, the training stands as a testament to Makerere University’s enduring contribution to national development—building capacity, shaping policy, and preparing public servants to make decisions that drive sustainable growth, economic resilience, and shared prosperity for all Ugandans.
Beyond training, the PIM Centre of Excellence continues to play a broader national role through research and policy advisory services. The Centre has supported the review of Development Committee guidelines and convened national dialogue through its annual Public Investment Management Conference, including last year’s conference themed “Overcoming Implementation Barriers in Public Investment Management for Fiscal Sustainability.”
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