President Museveni Appoints Professor Moses Muhwezi as New Principal of Makerere University Business School

*By John Kusolo*

In a significant move for one of Uganda’s leading business education institutions, President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Professor Moses Muhwezi as the new substantive Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS). Professor Muhwezi’s appointment is effective immediately and marks the beginning of a five-year term. This appointment, made under Article 172(1) of the Ugandan Constitution, was formally announced through a presidential instrument.

"In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Article 172(1) of the Constitution of Uganda, I hereby appoint Professor Moses Muhwezi as Principal of Makerere University Business School," the official statement from the President read.

Professor Moses Muhwezi brings with him an impressive academic and professional background. He holds a PhD in Public Procurement, an area in which he has conducted extensive research and contributed valuable insights. Alongside this, he holds an MBA in Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce degree, giving him a solid foundation in business management and financial expertise. His deep understanding of business education, combined with his experience in academia, positions him well to drive MUBS forward in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Prior to this new role, Professor Muhwezi had been serving as the interim Principal of MUBS following the expiration of Professor Wasswa Balunywa’s contract. He has held several key roles at the institution, including serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business Administration and later as the Deputy Principal of MUBS. His leadership as interim Principal had already seen the institution maintain its academic standards and focus on enhancing the quality of education and research. Professor Muhwezi’s promotion to Principal is viewed as a strategic decision that ensures continuity, stability, and a progressive approach to MUBS’ growth.

As the new Principal, Professor Muhwezi has set his sights on enhancing the academic programs offered at MUBS. His priorities include strengthening existing undergraduate and postgraduate offerings, such as the flagship Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as the Master of Science in Accounting & Finance and the Master of Science in Human Resource Management. He aims to build on MUBS’ reputation as a center of excellence in business education, ensuring that graduates are equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge that align with the demands of the modern workforce.

Professor Muhwezi has emphasized the importance of continually updating the curriculum to meet international standards and to prepare graduates for regional and global job markets. Additionally, he plans to increase support for faculty research and encourage partnerships with industry players to offer students more hands-on experience through internships and collaborative projects.

One of the strengths of MUBS lies in its regional reach, with campuses located in Arua, Jinja, Mbale, and Mbarara. These campuses play a critical role in providing educational opportunities to students across Uganda and East Africa. Under Professor Muhwezi’s leadership, MUBS aims to further develop these campuses, ensuring they offer the same high-quality education and resources as the main campus in Kampala. This decentralization aligns with Uganda’s vision of improving access to higher education across the country and nurturing a skilled workforce that can contribute to regional economic development.

Professor Muhwezi’s official appointment marks the start of a new chapter for Makerere University Business School. His strong background in business education, proven leadership skills, and familiarity with MUBS’ strategic goals make him well-suited to lead the institution in achieving its mission of delivering high-quality education and fostering entrepreneurship. His track record suggests he will champion innovative approaches that not only enhance academic programs but also build a stronger connection between MUBS and Uganda’s business community.

As MUBS looks to the future under Professor Muhwezi’s leadership, there is a shared optimism among faculty, staff, and students that the institution will continue to evolve as a premier business school in East Africa.