By Tracy Joy Asiimwe and Ritah Namisango
On 28th September 2026, the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) held its Careers Day under the theme, “Innovation Meets Opportunity: Building Careers Beyond the Degree.”
Organized by the 92nd CoBAMS Government, the Career Day brought together students, professionals, and practitioners from the world of work. Held in the Main Hall at Makerere University, the Careers Day reminded students that a degree opens the door, but what they build beyond the degree determines their employability, entrepreneurship, career paths, and destiny.”
The Career Day began with a prayer, followed by a session exploring students’ career expectations, three presentations from insightful speakers who shared practical lessons on building meaningful careers beyond academic qualifications, as well as, a Question and Answer Session.
Innovation, Opportunity and Career
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority (NPA), in a speech read by Mr. Rashid Tugonza, emphasized three key areas for students: Innovation, Opportunity, and Career.”
Dr Muvawala who articulated that education provides the basics, implored the students to continuously add value to their academic qualifications through upskilling and adapting to changing trends.
Prayer, Hard work and Discipline
Addressing the students, Mr. Rashid Tugonza shared the PHD principle: Prayer, Hard Work and Discipline. He highlighted time management, consistency and commitment as essential elements of discipline.
Volunteering, Continuous Learning and Networking
The Director, Seth Pro Uganda Limited, Mrs. Fatuma Nagawa reminded the students that a degree is only a starting point.
She encouraged the students to build their careers intentionally through volunteering, continuous learning, networking and personal development.
She emphasized the importance of skills, character, knowledge, reputation and relationships, noting that while AI is transforming the world, qualities such as emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills remain essential. She advised the students to continue building their personal brands.
Turning Problems into Opportunities
The Co-founder of Vestafi, Mr. Ronald Hakiza challenged the students to view innovation differently. He explained that innovation does not always require something extraordinary; it begins with identifying problems and turning them into opportunities.
He also demonstrated how AI can be used to simplify tasks, improve productivity and create new possibilities.
Interactive Engagement
The speakers also engaged students through a question-and-answer session, creating an opportunity for deeper conversations about careers, skills and the changing world of work.
Vote of Thanks
On behalf of the student leaders, the Chairperson of the 92nd CoBAMS Government, Aaron Mwesigye, applauded the students for their active participation.
In the same vein, Mwesigye appreciated the College administration under the leadership of Prof. Edward Bbaale, and the Deputy Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala, for the support extended to them during the planning, coordination, and execution of the Careers Day.