Business & Management
Farmers’ Preferences Drive Success in Tree-Planting, Duke Scholar Finds
Study Finds Farmers Prefer Boundary Tree Planting, Challenging Conventional Afforestation Programs
UK-based Duke University Postdoctoral Scholar Dr. Danny Tobin has highlighted the crucial role of farmers’ preferences in shaping successful tree-planting programs. Speaking at Makerere University’s Environment for Development (EfD) Centre, Tobin presented findings from a study on smallholder farmers in southern India, exploring why they choose certain tree species and planting systems within an NGO-led afforestation program.
The study titled, “Guiding Private Afforestation to raise public-Goods Provision : Exploring Farmers preferences for trees within an NGO Tree planting program in Southern India” was presented to a research seminar at Makerere University on March 9, 2026.
Dr. Tobin presented what drives communities to take up different kinds of tree species, and even the planting system that they use, either planting on the boundary, intercropping, or cluster planting these different trees, either forest trees, timber trees, or the fruit and medicinal plants.
The study revealed that smallholder farmers strongly prefer planting trees along farm boundaries rather than within their crop fields, a finding that could significantly reshape the design of afforestation and agroforestry programs aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. The research examined how farmers make decisions about tree planting on private agricultural land and found that preferences vary widely depending on farmers’ economic conditions, farming practices, and environmental challenges. The study emphasizes that tree-planting initiatives must be carefully designed to align with farmers’ priorities if they are to deliver both environmental and livelihood benefits.
The research focused on smallholder farmers living within five kilometers of two protected areas in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Using a structured survey method known as a discrete choice experiment, the study collected responses from 400 farmers who were presented with different tree-planting options, including timber, fruit, mixed species, and medicinal trees arranged in various planting patterns such as farm boundaries, intercropping within fields, or clustered plots. The results showed a clear preference for planting timber trees along farm boundaries, which farmers viewed as the least disruptive to crop production and farm management.
According to the study findings, most farmers were willing to adopt boundary planting even without financial incentives. In contrast, options that required planting trees within crop fields such as fruit intercropping or clustered mixed-species plantations generally required compensation to encourage adoption. Programs that aimed to create dense clusters of mixed trees to support biodiversity would require the highest level of incentives, as these arrangements compete directly with agricultural land use.
The study also identified several factors that influence farmers’ willingness to plant trees. Farmers with better resources such as higher income levels, irrigation systems, and higher education were generally more willing to adopt tree planting. Conversely, farmers with smaller land holdings, lower incomes, and harsher environmental conditions were less likely to adopt tree planting options. These results highlight how economic capacity and farm productivity shape decisions about integrating trees into agricultural landscapes.
Another important finding relates to human-wildlife conflict, a major challenge for farmers living near protected areas. The study found that farmers experiencing frequent wildlife damage were significantly less interested in planting fruit trees along their farm boundaries because fruit trees could attract animals such as elephants and wild boar. Instead, these farmers preferred timber trees, which they believed might help shield crops from wildlife intrusion.
Despite the overall preference for boundary planting, the research also revealed a surprising opportunity for biodiversity-focused interventions. About one-third of the farmers surveyed indicated that they would be willing to plant fruit trees inside their fields through intercropping or orchard-style arrangements without requiring compensation. This group represents a key target for programs seeking to increase tree cover and habitat connectivity in agricultural landscapes.
Based on these findings, the study recommends that afforestation programs avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead of targeting farmers based on observable characteristics such as age, income, or land size which the study found to be unreliable predictors of preferences the research suggests offering farmers a menu of tree-planting options. This flexible approach would allow farmers to choose arrangements that best fit their land, resources, and risk tolerance while still contributing to environmental goals.
The study concludes that successful tree-planting programs must balance environmental objectives with farmers’ economic realities. By incorporating farmers’ preferences into program design and offering flexible participation options, policymakers and environmental organizations can increase adoption rates, improve tree survival, and enhance the long-term benefits of afforestation initiatives for both rural livelihoods and the environment.
In his welcome remarks the Director EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, underscored the importance of aligning environmental programs with farmers’ needs if afforestation initiatives are to succeed.
Prof. Bbaale said the EfD committed to rigorous research at the intersection of environment, natural resources, and economic development. He noted that the centre regularly organizes research seminars to create a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, present ongoing research, and engage in constructive academic dialogue on pressing development challenges.
Welcoming Dr. Tobin to the seminar, Bbaale highlighted the longstanding collaboration between the EfD Mak Centre and Jeffrey Vincent, Professor of Forest Economics and Management at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. He explained that the partnership has produced important research on forestry, land use, and rural livelihoods over the past several years.
He pointed to a recent joint study conducted under the leadership of Patrick Byakagaba, a Senior Research Fellow at the EfD MakCentre, which examines the livelihood impacts of forest plantations on state-owned land. The research, titled Differential Livelihood Impacts of Eucalyptus and Pine Plantations on State-Owned Land, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Forest Economics, marking what Prof. Bbaale described as the culmination of more than four years of collaborative work involving data collection and analysis.
According to Bbaale, the seminar by Dr. Tobin builds on this strong partnership and reflects the growing collaboration between Makerere researchers and international scholars. He said the study being presented was co-authored with Prof. Vincent and addresses an issue of growing global and regional importance—how tree-planting programs can be designed to meet both environmental goals and the livelihood needs of farmers.
“The topic is highly relevant, not only to the global agenda on climate change mitigation and landscape restoration, but also to policy discussions taking place in Africa and Uganda in particular,” Prof. Bbaale said. He explained that as countries expand afforestation and reforestation initiatives, it is essential to understand farmers’ incentives, preferences, and livelihood realities to ensure that such programs achieve their intended ecological and social outcomes.
He noted that research like Dr. Tobin’s provides valuable insights into how private land-use decisions can be guided to generate both private benefits for farmers and broader public goods such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and improved ecosystem services.
Prof. Bbaale also emphasized that the seminar reflects Makerere University’s growing focus on internationalization and research partnerships as the institution strengthens its position as a research-led university. He said collaborations with global institutions such as Duke University are critical for advancing knowledge, producing impactful research, and addressing complex environmental and development challenges.
He welcomed Dr. Tobin’s visit to Uganda as an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and engagement with students and researchers at the university. Prof. Bbaale concluded by expressing appreciation for the continued collaboration with Duke University scholars and said the centre looked forward to further joint research initiatives in the future.
Call for Stronger Research–Private Sector Linkages in Environmental Conservation
The Deputy Director of the EfD Mak Centre, Dr. Alice Turinawe, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between researchers, the private sector, and other stakeholders to ensure that environmental conservation research translates into practical solutions.
Speaking during the closing session, Dr. Turinawe thanked participants for their active engagement and highlighted the importance of sharing research widely so that it can be improved through feedback and dialogue. She noted that meaningful environmental solutions emerge when research findings are openly discussed and refined by diverse stakeholders.
Dr. Turinawe also commended the seminar presentation by visiting researcher Dr. Tobin, which explored conservation approaches and partnerships with farmers. She said the presentation underscored the importance of examining both private and public benefits in environmental interventions. According to her, such partnerships are essential for ensuring that conservation initiatives are both economically viable and socially beneficial.
She stressed that the EfD Mak Centre places strong emphasis on research that bridges the gap between academic work and real-world application. “One of our key goals is to ensure that the research conducted in our offices and in the field is connected to the private sector and other stakeholders who can implement the findings,” she said.
Dr. Turinawe further encouraged researchers to ensure that their findings are disseminated widely through platforms that can influence policy, development programs, and community practices. She noted that the impact of research depends largely on how effectively the results are shared and utilized.
She concluded by appreciating the scholars and participants who attended the seminar despite their busy academic schedules, noting that their engagement keeps the centre’s research community vibrant and productive.
The EfD Mak Centre, based at Makerere University, focuses on generating evidence to support environmental and natural resource policy decisions. The centre brings together academia, policymakers, and practitioners to strengthen the use of economic evidence in addressing environmental challenges.
Practical and Policy-Relevant Insights Appreciated
Overall, participants noted that the seminar provided both practical and policy-relevant insights into understanding farmers’ preferences, improving tree-planting programs,and supporting sustainable environmental and economic outcomes.
EfD-Mak Centre Manager Gyaviira Ssewankambo said the study offered valuable insights into what motivates farmers to adopt different tree species such as forest trees, timber varieties, and medicinal plants. He explained that the research also addressed challenges faced by farmers, including the risks posed by wildlife. In some cases, farmers living near game parks avoid planting fruit trees for fear that animals such as elephants could destroy their crops. According to Ssewankambo, these experiences mirror situations in communities near protected areas in Uganda, suggesting that lessons from India could help shape local strategies for promoting afforestation.
“Dr. Danny Tobin presented a very insightful study from India about forestry—what drives communities to take up different tree species, and the planting systems they use, whether on boundaries, intercropping, or cluster planting. We hope our Ugandan community can learn lessons, especially on issues like wildlife affecting fruit tree planting near game parks.”
He added that the study also examined the economic trade-offs farmers face when allocating land to trees rather than crops. While tree planting offers environmental and long-term economic benefits, farmers must weigh these gains against the immediate need for space to grow food crops. Ssewankambo expressed optimism that once the research is fully completed, it could provide important lessons for Uganda, just as EfD previously drew inspiration from forestry experiences in Nepal.
For Joab Wamani, an assistant lecturer at the School of Economics, the seminar was particularly valuable for its methodological insights. He noted that beyond the presentation’s clear communication, the research design and conceptualisation stood out. Wamani said the way the study framed its research questions and selected methods offered important learning points for researchers seeking to conduct rigorous environmental economics studies.
“His slides were clear and inspiring, but what really interested me was the research design—the way he conceptualised the topic, developed his research questions, and chose his methods. That was the main knowledge I took away.”
Students who attended the seminar also reflected on practical lessons for farming and environmental management. Nyeko Francis, a Master’s student in Economic and Investment Modelling, said the discussion encouraged him to view tree planting as a routine agricultural activity rather than something done only for environmental protection.
“I learned that tree planting can be normalised like any other crop activity. For example, planting mangoes or oranges in a designated area can be planned and managed like a crop garden. Tree planting is more than just protecting boundaries—it can be integrated into regular farming for better yield.”
Similarly, doctoral student Mansur Sewali, a development economist specialising in economic policy and planning, said the seminar highlighted the broader benefits of afforestation. While tree planting brings direct returns to farmers, he noted that the environmental benefits extend to society as a whole, illustrating the connection between private investment and public good.
“Despite tree planting benefiting the individual farmer, these benefits can also pass on to society at large. That was the key point I took from the seminar.”
EfD research fellow Aisha Nanyiti emphasised the importance of incentives in promoting tree planting. She explained that countries like Uganda, where forests are rapidly being depleted, can benefit from policies that encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Nanyiti said the study showed that many farmers prefer planting trees along farm boundaries, though some also favour intercropping trees with other crops. She added that continuous training and community sensitisation are essential to ensure both the adoption and survival of trees.
“Farmers in India appreciated planting trees along boundaries and in intercropping systems. The key takeaway is that incentivising farmers is essential for adoption, but ongoing training and community sensitisation are equally important to ensure tree survival and environmental restoration.”
Another student, Nichirange Edida, said the seminar reinforced the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change and environmental conservation. He noted that boundary planting and intercropping allow farmers to maintain crop production while also protecting the environment. Inspired by the discussion, Edida said he hopes to apply these practices in his own farming activities.
“This seminar taught me how farmers can address climate change through planting trees, especially on boundaries and through intercropping. It conserves the environment while allowing farmers to grow fruit and timber trees. I believe I can apply this in my own farming.”
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer, EfD-Mak Centre
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.
-
General2 weeks agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
General2 weeks ago72 Makerere University Students Admitted to 2026 Millennium Fellowship
-
Business & Management2 weeks agoMakerere University Inaugural Conference on Noonomy Paves way for Centre of Excellence in Africa
-
Law2 weeks agoMakerere University School of Law Finishes Second at 35th Christof Heyns All Africa Human Rights Moot Competition
-
General1 week agoMakerere University Welcomes a New Cohort of 258 Mastercard Foundation Scholars