About Professor Waswa Balunywa

Professor Waswa Balunywa is a distinguished academic, visionary leader, and corporate strategist whose influence has shaped business education, leadership development, and economic growth in Uganda and beyond.

For over two decades, he served as Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he transformed the institution into Uganda’s foremost center for business and management education. He pioneered entrepreneurship education, ensuring that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop practical skills to create enterprises and drive national development. Under his leadership, MUBS expanded its programs, partnerships, and impact, producing thousands of graduates who have become influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across Africa.

Beyond academia, Professor Balunywa has played a central role in corporate governance and national development. He has served on numerous boards, offering strategic guidance and strengthening institutional frameworks. His board service includes:

  • Bank of Uganda – contributing to financial oversight and stability

  • Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) – promoting private sector growth and competitiveness

  • Uganda Airlines (Interim Board) – guiding the revival of the national carrier

  • Kakira Sugar Works – advising one of Uganda’s largest agro-industrial firms

  • MTN Uganda – supporting growth and strategic development in telecommunications

He is also the founder of the Balunywa Leadership Academy (BLA), a platform dedicated to mentoring and grooming the next generation of African leaders. The Academy equips young people with values, vision, and skills to lead with integrity, innovate boldly, and serve society effectively.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to education, leadership, and national development, Professor Balunywa was awarded the Distinguished Order of the Source of the Nile — Class One by the President of Uganda during the Labour Day celebrations in Namutumba in 2023. This honor is one of Uganda’s highest civilian awards, highlighting his lasting impact on the nation.

Professor Balunywa’s legacy is defined by scholarship, mentorship, and transformative leadership. Through his academic work, corporate governance, and leadership development initiatives, he continues to inspire a new generation of leaders who will drive Africa’s growth, innovation, and prosperity.