Political Economy To Become Compulsory, Says Makerere University

Makerere University has announced that political economy will become a mandatory course for all students, regardless of their academic discipline.

Political economy is the study of the intersection between politics and economics, examining how political structures and processes influence economic outcomes, and how economic factors impact political decisions and power dynamics.

This move aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to address Uganda’s socio-economic challenges and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.

The move, revealed by Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga during the university’s 75th graduation ceremony, is aimed at equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle Uganda’s socio-economic challenges.

The decision aligns with a recent directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who has long advocated for the inclusion of political economy in the curriculum of Uganda’s leading institution of higher learning.

President Museveni has emphasised the importance of understanding the intersection of politics and economics to enable students to contribute to the nation’s development.

Kiyonga highlighted that Makerere’s initiative is part of a broader global trend where educational curricula are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Institutions worldwide are incorporating courses like ICT, ethics, and communication to prepare graduates for the challenges of a dynamic global landscape.

“Uganda’s pressing issues, including high unemployment, malnutrition, and the underutilization of our resources, are rooted in political and economic systems,” Kiyonga said. “Political economy is key to understanding how these systems impact our nation, and Makerere must take the lead in generating solutions for sustainable development.”

He pointed out that nearly half of Uganda’s arable land remains untapped, underlining the need for a better understanding of political and economic frameworks to address such challenges.

In addition to academic reforms, Kiyonga emphasized Makerere’s progress in research and innovation, noting that the university has invested over UGX 30 billion through its Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF).

He called for further strategic partnerships with the private sector to commercialize the university’s innovations and turn research into tangible societal benefits.

In his address to the graduates, Kiyonga encouraged them to embrace innovation, create businesses, and contribute to Uganda’s development.

He stressed the importance of self-discipline and lifelong learning, urging those struggling to find employment to consider entrepreneurship.

“The knowledge and skills you have gained here are more than enough to launch your own ventures,” he said.

First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, speaking through Minister of State for Primary Education Moliku Kaduccu, acknowledged the challenges of Uganda’s job market, which cannot accommodate all graduates each year.

However, she emphasized that graduates represent a valuable force for innovation and job creation through entrepreneurship, particularly in the agricultural and service sectors, which the government has prioritized.

Museveni urged graduates to leverage their networks and ideas, drawing inspiration from Israel’s success in innovation driven by young entrepreneurs. “You too can follow this path.

The skills and networks you’ve built at university can turn into thriving ventures,” she concluded.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe also highlighted Makerere’s growing reputation as a research-led institution.

He noted that 16% of this year’s graduates were postgraduates, reflecting the university’s increased focus on research.

With support from the government, Makerere has conducted over 1,300 research projects, many focused on national priorities such as youth unemployment and the Parish Development Model.

The graduation ceremony, which continues throughout the week, will see a total of 13,658 students receive degrees and diplomas.

Among them, 143 will earn PhDs, 1,813 will graduate with Master’s degrees, and 11,454 will receive Bachelor’s degrees.

Notably, 53% of the graduands are female, with 44% of the PhD graduates being women, while 491 students will be awarded First Class degrees.

END.