The Journey of Waswa Balunywa: Shaping Uganda’s Premier Business School

Early Academic Career at Makerere University

Professor Waswa Balunywa began his academic journey at Makerere University in 1983, initially as a lecturer in the Department of Commerce. His commitment to education and passion for business studies quickly became evident. In 1987, he was appointed Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Banking, and Finance. By 1991, he had risen to the position of Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, a role he held until 1998. During this period, he recognized the need for a more specialized institution to cater to the growing demand for business education in Uganda.

Founding and Leadership of MUBS

In 1997, Professor Balunywa spearheaded the creation of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) through the merger of the Faculty of Commerce at Makerere University and the National College of Business Studies (NCBS) in Nakawa. This strategic move aimed to create a more focused and autonomous institution dedicated to business education.

At the inception of MUBS, Professor Balunywa served as the first Director, a position that was later upgraded to Principal in 1998. Under his leadership, MUBS began to establish its identity as a premier institution for business studies in Uganda.

Entrepreneurship Reforms and Educational Vision

A cornerstone of Professor Balunywa’s vision for MUBS was the integration of entrepreneurship education into the curriculum. He believed that for Uganda to achieve sustainable economic growth, it was essential to produce graduates who were not only knowledgeable but also innovative and capable of creating their own enterprises.

This approach led to the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Incubation and Innovation Centre (EIIC) at MUBS, which has been instrumental in nurturing young entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation among students.

Challenges and Advocacy for Autonomy

Despite the progress made, MUBS faced administrative challenges, particularly concerning its autonomy. Initially, MUBS was a constituent college of Makerere University, which sometimes led to conflicts over governance and resource allocation. Professor Balunywa was a vocal advocate for MUBS to gain full autonomy, believing that this would allow the institution to better serve its students and contribute more effectively to national development.

His advocacy culminated in 2012, when MUBS was granted autonomy by the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports, allowing it to operate as an independent institution affiliated with Makerere University.

Legacy and Impact

Professor Balunywa’s tenure at MUBS was marked by significant achievements, including the expansion of academic programs, the establishment of the EIIC, and the enhancement of the institution’s infrastructure. His leadership transformed MUBS into a leading center for business education in Uganda.

Even after his retirement in 2022, Professor Balunywa’s influence continues to be felt. MUBS remains a testament to his vision and dedication to advancing business education in Uganda.