Makerere University has launched two new taught Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in Management and Accounting and Finance, with university leaders urging the inaugural cohort to pursue research that generates practical solutions for Uganda, Africa and the world.
The programmes, [PhD in Management (by coursework) and PhD in Accounting and Finance (by coursework)], introduced by the School of Business under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), were launched on August 4, 2026, during a three-day orientation programme for the pioneer PhD students running from August 4-6.
The launch was presided over by Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Sarah Ssali, who challenged the new scholars to view doctoral training as a responsibility to solve societal problems through evidence-based research.
“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 told the students.
She said doctoral studies should go beyond producing academic papers and instead generate knowledge, policies, services and innovations that improve people’s lives.
“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 encouraged the students to constantly ask themselves the problems their research seeks to solve. “As PhD students, you should ask yourselves: ‘What problem am I trying to solve?’” she said.
She added that Uganda’s challenges in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, taxation, technology, energy and governance provide opportunities for researchers to develop solutions.
“Research should not stop at identifying problems. It should propose practical, implementable solutions,” Prof. Ssali said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor also urged the scholars to embrace critical thinking, independence and academic integrity throughout their doctoral journey.
Research-led university agenda
Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal of CoBAMS, described the launch as a major milestone in Makerere University’s transformation into a research-intensive institution.
He said the PhD programmes in Management and Accounting and Finance are among the first taught doctoral programmes in the country in the respective disciplines. “These are among the first taught PhD programmes in these disciplines in Uganda, and we are very proud of this achievement,” he added.
Prof. Bbaale said the programmes represent a strategic investment in developing a new generation of researchers, innovators and academic leaders.
“Developing and launching a doctoral programme is not a small undertaking. It requires vision, commitment, teamwork and an unwavering dedication to academic excellence,” he said.
He explained that graduate training is central to Makerere’s ambition of becoming a research-led university. “If we want to become a true research university, graduate training must be at the centre of that transformation,” Prof. Bbaale said.
He told the pioneer students that they carry the responsibility of shaping the reputation of the new programmes. “You are the first cohort of these two programmes. This gives you a unique responsibility. The reputation and future success of these programmes will, to a large extent, be shaped by your performance,” he said.
Prof. Bbaale urged them to complete their studies on time, publish in reputable journals and produce research that informs policy and business development.
“A PhD is not simply about passing examinations. It is about creating knowledge,” he said. “The key outcome of doctoral training is knowledge creation that transforms businesses, informs public policy and contributes to socio-economic development in Uganda, Africa and the wider world.”
Building doctoral capacity locally
The Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, said the new programmes demonstrate Makerere’s growing capacity to provide world-class doctoral education locally.
He welcomed the students to what he described as a demanding but rewarding academic journey. “We hope that you will stay with us throughout the next three years of your PhD studies,” Prof. Akileng said.
He said the school has assembled a strong team of academics with expertise in finance, accounting, management, economics, marketing and procurement to support the students.
“Instead of every Ugandan scholar travelling abroad to pursue doctoral studies, we are building the capacity to provide world-class doctoral education here at Makerere University Business School,” he said.
Prof. Akileng reminded students that a PhD is not merely about earning the title of “Doctor” but about becoming contributors to knowledge. “It is about becoming a contributor to knowledge. It is about transforming yourself. It is about solving problems. It is about making an impact,” he said.
He challenged the students to focus on originality, research contribution and intellectual growth. “Your contribution will introduce you to the world,” Prof. Akileng said.
Students urged to build research networks
Dr Caroline Twongirwe, an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance, encouraged the new PhD students to begin building research networks early in their academic journey.
She said collaboration is critical for producing quality research and accessing international opportunities. “For us to produce quality research, generate new ideas and contribute to knowledge, we need collaboration,” Dr Twongirwe said.
She advised students to develop intentional networks based on their research interests rather than simply collecting contacts.
“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.
Dr Twongirwe also encouraged students to engage with supervisors, attend research seminars and participate in conferences.
Students advised on academic responsibilities
Dr Alfred Tingo from Makerere University’s Directorate of Graduate Training advised the new scholars to understand university regulations, complete registration requirements and remain engaged throughout their studies.
He reminded students that registration is the foundation of their relationship with the university. “Unless you are registered, you are not officially a student of Makerere University,” Dr Tingo said.
He also encouraged students facing challenges during their studies to seek support rather than disappear from the programme. “If you experience difficulties that affect your studies, report to your Dean immediately. Do not disappear,” he advised.
The new PhD students will undergo orientation covering research methodologies, academic regulations, publishing, supervision, research networks and strategies for completing their doctoral programmes successfully.
