Prof. Waswa Balunywa Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at HR Conference

*By John Kusolo*

Renowned academic and leadership expert, Professor Waswa Balunywa, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the Annual HR Conference hosted by the Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda (HRMAU). The event took place at Serena Hotel, Kampala, attracting top human resource professionals, corporate leaders, and industry experts.

The award recognized Prof. Balunywa’s exceptional contributions to leadership development, human resource capacity building, and education in Uganda. His relentless dedication to nurturing talent and empowering individuals has cemented his legacy as a transformative leader in the country’s academic and corporate sectors.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Balunywa expressed deep gratitude, saying:

"I am honored to have received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda. Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted. This is a vote of confidence that good work is always appreciated. Keep doing good and have the desire to see others succeed."

The acknowledgment highlights Prof. Balunywa’s decades-long impact in shaping Uganda’s workforce through his leadership at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where he served as Principal. Under his guidance, MUBS has become a leading institution for business education and a hub for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.

Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Balunywa has championed the development of human resource management by:

*Promoting Leadership Education:*

Through innovative programs at MUBS, he has nurtured thousands of professionals, equipping them with skills to excel in competitive environments.

*Advocating for Business and Management Excellence* :

His academic initiatives have bridged gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical application in organizational management.

*Inspiring Future Leaders:*

Prof. Balunywa’s mentorship and motivational insights have empowered many young professionals to embrace ethical leadership and pursue excellence.

*Significance of the HR Conference*

The Annual HR Conference, hosted by HRMAU, served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, trends, and innovations in the human resources field. Key discussions focused on pressing workforce challenges such as talent retention, employee engagement, and the integration of technology in HR practices.

A major theme of the conference was the call for corporate boards to go beyond their traditional roles of governance and risk management to actively address human capital challenges. This strategic shift, experts argued, is essential for fostering employee well-being and organizational growth.

*Celebrating Excellence and Vision*

Prof. Balunywa’s recognition was a fitting highlight of a conference designed to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and growth in the HR profession. His contributions not only align with the conference’s mission to shape the future of HR but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across Uganda.

*The Legacy of Prof. Waswa Balunywa*

With his Lifetime Achievement Award, Prof. Balunywa joins an elite group of visionaries whose work has profoundly influenced Uganda's development. His philosophy of promoting shared success—“Have the desire to see others succeed”—resonates as a guiding principle for human resource managers and leaders alike.

As Uganda continues to evolve in the global business landscape, leaders like Prof. Balunywa exemplify the transformative power of education, mentorship, and strategic leadership in shaping a prosperous future.