Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is Uganda’s premier public institution for business and management education. With its motto “Enabling the Future”, the school provides training at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.
Located at Plot 21A Port Bell Road in Nakawa Division, Kampala, the urban campus is a hub for over 15,000 students (as of 2021). MUBS is affiliated with Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest university, and has become a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied research in East Africa.
History
The roots of MUBS trace back to the 1960s, when it was founded as the National College of Business Studies (NCBS). Initially, it specialized in diplomas such as the Uganda Diploma in Business Studies and the Higher Diploma in Marketing.
In 1997, the Faculty of Commerce at Makerere University merged with NCBS to form MUBS, bringing staff and students together at its 45-acre campus in Nakawa.
By 2001, MUBS was transformed into a public tertiary institution affiliated with Makerere University. However, duplication of courses between the two institutions led to tensions, and MUBS began pushing for full independence. In 2012, the Ministry of Education and Sports granted the school autonomy, paving the way for its recognition as a standalone public university in the future.
Faculties
As of 2022, Makerere University Business School hosts a wide range of faculties:
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Computing and Informatics
- Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Marketing and International Business
- Faculty of Economics, Energy and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Procurement and Logistics Management
- Faculty of Tourism, Hospitality & Languages
- Faculty of Science Education
- Faculty of Vocational and Distance Education
- Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Outreach Centres
To strengthen its impact beyond traditional academics, MUBS runs specialized centres:
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation Centre
- ICT Centre
- Leadership Centre
- Microfinance Centre
- MUBS Career and Skills Development Centre
- MUBS Centre for Executive Education
These centres help link students with industry, encourage innovation, and enhance employability.
Notable Scholars
MUBS is recognized by AD Science rankings among Uganda’s top three research institutions. Notable academics include:
- Prof. Joseph M. Ntayi
- Prof. Stephen Nkundabanyanga
- Prof. Laura Orobia
- Prof. Twaaha Kigongo Kaawaase
- Prof. Muhammed Ngoma
- Prof. Geoffrey Kituyi Mayoka
- Prof. Musa Bukoma Moya
Past leaders like Prof. Waswa Balunywa and current principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi have been instrumental in shaping the school’s reputation.
Notable Alumni
MUBS has produced many prominent Ugandans in politics, business, academia, and entertainment.
- Anita Annet Among – Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda
- Ramathan Ggoobi – Permanent Secretary & Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance
- Xavier Kyooma – Member of Parliament (Ibanda North)
- Dorcus Inzikuru – World champion athlete in steeplechase
- Davis Kamoga – First Ugandan medalist at the World Championships (1997)
- Mariam Ndagire – Celebrated Ugandan artist
- Quiin Abenakyo – Miss Uganda 2018 and Miss Africa 2018
Importance of MUBS
The Makerere University Business School continues to play a vital role in:
- Training Uganda’s business leaders through its MBA and entrepreneurship programs.
- Driving research and innovation in management sciences.
- Nurturing entrepreneurs through incubation and startup support.
- Producing policy leaders in government and civil service.
With its blend of academic rigor and practical skills training, MUBS is positioning itself as a leading business education hub in East Africa.
