September 22, 2026: The Dean, School of Economics at Makerere University, Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, has urged doctoral students to prioritise research rigor, originality and intellectual integrity as they pursue their academic and professional journeys.
Addressing participants on the first day of the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Annual International Management Conference (AIMC), Associate Professor Okumu challenged the doctoral candidates to focus beyond completing their theses. He implored them to develop the intellectual discipline required to produce credible, original and relevant knowledge.
Organized under the theme, The Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa, the AIMC is scheduled to run from the 22nd to 25th September 2026.
The doctoral symposium was officially opened by the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, who called for greater use of evidence, research and specialised knowledge in government decision-making.
“Uganda’s economic transformation will increasingly depend on the country’s ability to translate knowledge and innovation into productivity,” he emphasized.
The Minister urged policymakers to ensure that proposals presented for policy consideration are supported by credible evidence rather than opinions, noting the importance of evidence-based decision-making in shaping effective policies.
Emphasizing the importance of research, human capital development, innovation, information and connectivity in enhancing productivity, developing competitive exports and sustaining economic growth, Hon. Musasizi implored researchers and academics to cultivate specialised areas of expertise rather than attempting to cover every subject.
He also called for stronger partnerships between research institutions, Government and the private sector to advance industrialisation, agricultural productivity, manufacturing and job creation.
“The knowledge and innovation agenda is aligned with Uganda’s 10-fold growth strategy, which identifies science, technology and innovation among the anchor sectors of the economy,” he stated.
In his keynote address titled “Beyond the Thesis: Rigor, Originality and the Making of a Scholar,” Associate Professor Okumu said a PhD is not primarily a test of how much a student knows or the ability to produce a lengthy thesis, but rather training in how to produce knowledge that deserves to be believed.
He urged doctoral candidates to build long-term research agendas rather than merely accumulate publications. He advised them to remain connected to real-world problems, with the ability to learn from rejection and criticism, and to protect their intellectual integrity.
Addressing the pressure to publish, Associate Professor Okumu called upon scholars to prioritize the quality and credibility of their contributions rather than publication numbers. He stressed that the ultimate purpose of scholarship is to produce knowledge that can withstand serious scrutiny and earn the trust of researchers, policymakers and society.
Follow the link below to access the detailed keynote speech.
The doctoral students also listened to insights from the Principal of MUBS, Professor Moses Muhwezi who described the conference as a significant platform for advancing research, innovation and knowledge sharing. “As a key pillar of the MUBS strategic plan, AIMC reflects the commitment of MUBS to connecting academia with government, the private sector, development partners and professional bodies to translate knowledge and research into practical solutions that drive sustainable economic and society.