A bold new chapter unfolds at Makerere University, as the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) takes a giant leap towards becoming a research powerhouse. With the launch of the inaugural CoBAMS Working Paper Series 2025, the university marks a significant milestone in its research trajectory.
This event, officiated by the esteemed Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, showcased an impressive array of over 60 research papers, many of which have already found acceptance in internationally renowned journals.
The papers delve into critical national issues, offering insights on unemployment, climate change, taxation, entrepreneurship, population dynamics, corruption, refugee livelihoods, and the green economy.
Prof. Ssali hailed CoBAMS for its transformative impact on scholarship at Makerere, stating, "Today is a landmark moment in the life of our university. This Working Paper Series is a testament to our strategic transformation and a product of our deliberate investment in research."
She emphasized the intentional shift towards a research-intensive identity, a decision that has borne tangible results. "A few years ago, we made a bold choice to reorient the University towards research and innovation, and today's launch is proof that this decision has paid off, especially within CoBAMS."
Prof. Ssali applauded the College's initiative of allocating modest annual research grants to faculty members, which resulted in an impressive harvest of over 60 papers in the 2024/2025 cycle. "This is a testament to the commitment, rigor, and intellectual curiosity of our faculty," she said.
But here's where it gets controversial... Prof. Ssali urged the College to go beyond working papers and invest in institutional journals, suggesting that with the volume of research produced, they could easily launch their own journals. "Journals raise our visibility and H-index, ensuring that anyone researching Uganda finds our homegrown scholarship."
She also highlighted the need for research to address key national challenges, including unemployment, elite overproduction, and informality. "When we celebrate entrepreneurship, we often celebrate survival. These are the questions this Series must help us confront."
Prof. Ssali emphasized the impact of research on national discourse, stating, "We cannot ignore the issues of hunger and unemployment. Research must shape our national dialogue."
The Principal of CoBAMS, Prof. Edward Bbaale, described the Series as a testament to the College's strong research culture. "What we celebrate today is the result of your collective effort. This Working Paper Series is a nursery for future scholarly outputs, including journal articles and book chapters."
He revealed ambitious plans for the upcoming academic year, expecting to produce over 80 working papers. Prof. Bbaale highlighted the role of the College's four research centers in knowledge creation, providing a solid foundation for high-level research, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Associate Prof. James Wokadala, Deputy Principal, traced the Series' origins to a small but impactful internal research grant introduced in November 2024. "This Series is a product of our internal efforts and resources, and today is a significant day for us."
Dr. William Tayeebwa, Managing Editor of Makerere University Press, praised the scale and quality of research from CoBAMS, calling it a "powerhouse of knowledge production." He committed the Press to supporting the transformation of working papers into high-quality academic outputs, including journal articles and book volumes.
Ms. Sylvia Namujjuzi, representing postgraduate students, emphasized the importance of peer networks, stating, "The PhD journey can be lonely, but our Forum brings students together to network and support each other."
The Working Paper Series aligns with global and national strategies, including the UN SDGs, Uganda's ATMS, and Makerere's 10-year Strategic Plan.
Prof. Ssali concluded with a call for continuity, "As we strive to position Makerere among leading research institutions, initiatives like this Series bring our strategic vision to life. May it inspire a new generation of researchers and continue to grow and mature."
So, what do you think? Is this a bold step towards a research-intensive future for Makerere University? Share your thoughts in the comments!
