On Friday 31st October 2025, Professor Edward Bbaale, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, at Makerere University, was inducted into the prestigious fellowship of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
With this induction into UNAS, Professor Bbaale adds to his numerous national and international awards, the title- Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS).
Professor Bbaale’s induction as a distinguished Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences reflects his outstanding scholarly achievements and leadership in advancing research, policy, mentorship and academic development.
The 2025 Induction Ceremony of Fellows symbolizes UNAS’ continued commitment to recognizing and harnessing local intellectual excellence in driving the nation’s path toward self-reliance and sustainable growth.
The induction ceremony provided a platform to celebrate academic excellence, scientific innovation, and national contribution as 27 distinguished scholars were formally received into the prestigious fellowship of the Academy — 9 female and 18 male inductees representing four key disciplines namely: Medical Sciences, Social Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
Some of the scholars and researchers from Makerere University who were inducted as Fellows include: Professor Edward Bbaale, Professor Helen Nambalirwa Nkabala, Professor Rev. Sr. Dominica Dipio, Associate Professor Egeru Anthony, Professor Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye, Associate Professor Arthur Tugume, Associate Professor Jackie Bonabana and Associate Professor Frank Mugagga.
According to the UNAS Vice President, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the process leading to the fellowship is strictly merit-based, stressing that individuals do not apply for fellowship themselves, specifying that they are nominated in recognition of their exceptional contributions to science and society. She disclosed that when the call is publicized, existing members/fellows propose qualified candidates who meet the set criteria. Highlighting UNAS’s commitment to quality assurance, she revealed that the vetting process is meticulous and time-intensive. “When the vetting is completed, a report is submitted to another committee for further scrutiny before final approval by the UNAS Council,” she explained.
Nomination of Professor Edward Bbaale as Fellow of UNAS:
For induction into the UNAS fellowship, Professor Edward Bbaale was nominated by Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, an Associate Professor and Dean at the School of Economics at Makerere University. The nomination was seconded by Professor Ronald Bisaso, the Deputy Principal of the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University. Their endorsement highlighted Professor Bbaale’s distinguished academic record, strategic leadership, and impactful contribution to research and economic policy, which have significantly shaped higher education and national development discourse.
Presentation of Professor Edward Bbaale for Induction:
Professor Ronald Bisaso said: “I have the honour to present to you-Professor Edward Bbaale for Induction.”
Edward Bbaale is a Professor of Economics, with research focusing on development microeconomics, holding a PhD in Economics from Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria, and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Economics from Makerere University. Professor Bbaale, the Principal of CoBAMS, has previously served as Director of Research and Graduate Training, Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, and currently leads the Environment for Development Center, the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence, and coordinates the Inclusive Green Economy Program. He also serves as Council Member and Chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences Committee of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), and as Council Member of Makerere University Business School (MUBS).
“His research focuses on development microeconomics, with over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has undertaken numerous research projects in collaboration with government and international agencies and has made significant contributions to resource mobilization through competitive grant writing, research support, training, and policy engagement initiatives that advance science and development in Uganda and beyond.
Professor Bbaale commits to advancing research, innovation, scholarship and mentorship:
Following his induction, Professor Edward Bbaale expressed profound gratitude for the honor of being admitted as a UNAS Fellow. He described the recognition as both humbling and deeply inspiring, thanking his nominator, seconder, and the entire UNAS leadership for the confidence and trust they had bestowed upon him. Professor Bbaale noted that being named a Fellow was not merely a personal achievement, but a reaffirmation of his lifelong commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge through research, innovation, and mentorship.
Professor Bbaale reflected on the significance of the honor as a renewed responsibility to contribute even more meaningfully to Uganda’s scientific and socio-economic transformation. He emphasized that the role of scientists extends beyond academia, underscoring the need to apply research and evidence-based insights to address real societal challenges and inform national policy.
Professor Bbaale pledged to continue fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and excellence among emerging scholars, particularly those in the fields of economics, development, and public policy. He thus dedicated his induction to the next generation of scientists, affirming his commitment to guide and empower them to use science and knowledge as powerful tools for national progress and sustainable development.
“I am greatly humbled for this honor. To me, this confidence and trust is a unique call to contribute more in science and research, and also to nurture and build up the next generation of scientists,” stated Professor Bbaale.
UNAS Fellows tasked to be agents of national and community development:
The President of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS), Professor Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, congratulated the newly inducted Fellows and officially welcomed them to the Academy, urging them to remain active and committed to advancing science and service to society. She commended the new Fellows for their remarkable achievement, noting that induction into UNAS is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Having accepted and signed our book of records, I officially congratulate and welcome you as new Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences . May you always remember this occasion and strive to live up to the aims and ideals of this Academy in all your professional and personal endeavors,” said Prof. Bantebya Kyomuhendo.
Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo reminded the new fellows that the honor of induction carries the enduring responsibility to use their knowledge and influence to serve the country and uplift their communities, “After being inducted as members of UNAS, please remain in touch and active. As UNAS, we want to use science to serve our country and our communities. We must give back to society,” she urged.
UNAS President highlights the importance of trust, core responsibilities and obligations:
Reflecting on the UNAS Annual Scientific conference theme, “Renewal from Our Roots: Uganda’s Path to Self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency,” Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo encouraged participants to draw strength from Uganda’s cultural and intellectual heritage, noting that the nation already possesses within itself the foundation for growth through its culture, heritage, and shared history, which she said form the roots from which self-reliance and self-sufficiency can be nurtured.
She underscored the importance of trust as a cornerstone for development and progress. “The concept of trust has come up a lot — trust at individual, family, community, and national levels. As we move forward, we must build and strengthen trust, for it is through trust that we can harness the potential within us and the resources around us,” she said.
Professor Bantebya Kyomuhendo outlined to the newly inducted fellows the core responsibilities and obligations that come with being a Fellow of the Academy. She highlighted that fellowship is both an honor and a responsibility, requiring dedication to scientific excellence, ethical leadership, and service to the nation. She emphasized that Fellows must uphold the UNAS Constitution, contribute to the Academy’s mission, vision and objectives. She urged them to remain active in their fields, participate in Academy activities, maintain high standards of conduct, and foster positive relationships within the scientific community and the public.
UNAS Vice President elaborates the quality assurance measures for selection of Fellows:
Speaking about the induction process, Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, the UNAS Vice President articulated the thorough and transparent procedure followed in identifying and approving new Fellows. She explained that the Fellows and Membership Committee, guided by the UNAS Constitution, works closely with the Secretariat to open a window for nominations, during which existing members propose qualified candidates who meet the set criteria. She noted that each nomination is supported by a nominator and a seconder and accompanied by detailed documentation demonstrating the nominee’s qualifications and contributions.
“When we advertise, members of UNAS nominate those who are eligible to become inductees. We have a nomination form that outlines all the criteria and requirements for one to be considered. This form is filled by the nominee, with the assistance of the nominator, and it is usually supported by a seconder. Once the documentation is complete, it is submitted to us,” the Vice President explained.
She extended her appreciation to the Secretariat and organizing team for their dedication in ensuring the success of the UNAS Annual Scientific conference and induction ceremony. She lauded the excellent panels, engaging discussions, and the spirit of collaboration that characterized the event, emphasizing that it was through collective effort that the meeting had been successful.