Makerere University Business School is poised to commence the construction of a cutting-edge modern teaching facility, following the government’s approval of a capital development grant amounting to shs77 billion.
The new Central Teaching Facility (CTF) will feature a fully equipped, air-conditioned conference auditorium, video rooms, student learning halls, a sports recreation complex, a student restaurant, staff offices, and comprehensive fencing around the campus, in addition to the completion of the internal campus road network, among other enhancements.
In an exclusive interview with The Ugnewsonline, MUBS Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi disclosed that the government, through the ministries of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as Education and Sports, has agreed to provide capital development support of shs77 billion for the construction of the CTF. This initiative is designed to enhance the learning environment at MUBS.
He also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataha, who serves as the Minister of Education and Sports, for their confirmation of his position as principal of this esteemed institution.
The founding principal of the school was Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, who dedicated nearly 27 years to the institution.
On November 3, 2023, Muhwezi assumed the role in an acting capacity until his official confirmation.
He expressed his commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to provide high-quality education to the nation’s citizens, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become self-sustaining individuals who contribute to the country’s economic development agenda.
He praised the government for allocating shs77 billion, which he stated would significantly aid in transforming MUBS into a modern educational hub that produces graduates capable of creating their own employment.
Additionally, Muhwezi disclosed that they have developed a specialized business model aimed at assisting beneficiaries of the PDM program, which can be implemented across all parishes in the country to empower individuals in utilizing these resources effectively and enhancing their businesses without misappropriating funds.
“We have a program that is designed to train the potential beneficiaries of the PDM program as a deliberate strategy of minimizing wastage or diversion of funds but enable them maximize benefits in terms of profits,” he added.
He said the country has over 10,594 parishes and that MUBS has capability and potential of mobilizing over 20, 000 of its former graduates that can be deployed at each parish to offer technical entrepreneurship skills to the PDM beneficiaries.
Muhwezi revealed how they are working closely with the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) of the ministry to take up former students who failed to attain the desired grades to join higher education institutions by allowing them enroll for short strategic practical hands on courses like carpentry, tailoring, plumbing and electrical among others to secure qualifications such as diplomas that helps them become professionals acceptable to work at any site.
Muhwezi thanked the Makerere University boss Prof.Barnabs Nawangwe for signing an agreement with MUBS which effectively grants permission to MUBS students to access the research and innovation study resources opportunities which is a shs5bn Innovation research fund (IRF) for Makerere.
He pointed out that MUBS students who desire to carry out research and innovation studies in various professional fields and disciplines shall be free to access the Makerere University IRF resources free of charge with a view to embolden them become citizens of high academic value that add value to the economic development agenda of the country.