Makerere University’s Department of Construction Economics and Management at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) has announced a new collaboration with the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), marking a milestone in academia-industry partnerships.
Speaking at a meeting held recently at CEDAT, Dr. Nathan Kibwami, Head of the Department, emphasized the importance of community engagement in the university’s strategic vision. “We have been trying to push the collaboration with Uganda Securities Exchange for a while. We are grateful the USE took the initiative and made a commitment to support us.Makerere is working hard towards becoming research-led, but staying in touch with communities and the field remains paramount,” he said.
The partnership will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with plans to roll out a three-month certificate program. The program will involve collaboration with the College of Business and Management Studies and is expected to get to approvals by the college academic board.
Mr. Paul Bwiso, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda Securities Exchange and Chairperson of the East African Securities Exchanges Association represented some members of staff from the USE Academy team, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. Habasa described the partnership as “a great milestone,” while highlighting key areas requiring clarity such as module design, mobilization, branding, cost and revenue sharing, and trainer payments.
Both institutions are working towards an October launch, with stakeholders keen to accelerate preparations. The collaboration is expected to enhance knowledge transfer, strengthen industry-academia ties, and provide practical skills to learners while boosting visibility for the USE Academy.