17th June 2026: Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in partnership with Rounding Up The Edges (ROUTE) International and SLS Solutions Limited held a productive engagement meeting aimed at equipping students with Soft Skills and Professional Competencies.
The trainings and capacity building programmes will enhance access to student opportunities, and equally empower them in the aspects of Career readiness, Creativity and Innovation.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Associate Prof. James Wokadala-the Deputy Principal of the College, Prof. Yawe B. Lule-Department of Economic Theory and Analysis at Makerere University, Dr. Jane Kengeya Kayondo-the founder ROUTE International, Stellah Atizuyo-CEO ROUTE International, Kadde Patience Patricia and Hannah Arinaitwe representing SLS Solutions Limited, and Ritah Namisango-Public Relations and Communications Specialist at Makerere University.
Formalizing the Collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding
Welcoming the participants, the Deputy Principal, Associate Prof. James Wokadala stated that the meeting was building up on earlier discussions aimed at translating shared ideas into concrete actions.
He acknowledged Prof. Yawe Bruno Lule for bringing the parties together. Prof. Yawe has played a significant role in mobilizing students from Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (MakCoBAMS) to participate in the online training sessions organized by SLS solutions and ROUTE International.
The Deputy Principal highlighted the importance of formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noting that a structured agreement would provide a clear framework for implementation while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.
He clarified that while the MoU would provide the broad framework for cooperation, individual projects and activities could be implemented through separate contracts or activity-specific agreements.
He called upon stakeholders to identify practical areas for collaboration and explore opportunities for scaling up joint initiatives that would create meaningful impact for students and the university community.
Expanding Industry Engagement through a Business Consortium
During the discussion, Prof. Yawe Bruno Lule, proposed establishing a formal collaboration, with discussions centered on expanding the initiative beyond SLS Solutions into a wider business community consortium where companies can support student development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.
“The model would enable companies to collectively support programmes that prepare graduates for the realities of the workplace,” he added.
Empower UG Mentorship Series
In line with its Corporate Social Responsiblity (CSR), SLS Solutions Limited in partnership with ROUTE International is scheduled to host the upcoming Empower UG Mentorship Series on 30th June 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. The online training will focus on Personal Branding for Career Growth and Leadership.
The parties rallied the MakCoBAMS leadership and staff to publicise the series, and also mobilise the student community to participate in the online mentorship series.
Way Forward
During the meeting, the participants agreed to focus initially on student transformation through training in soft skills, employability, workplace readiness, interview techniques, mindset development, and purpose-driven leadership. They also highlighted the success of the Empower UG Mentorship Series in connecting students with industry professionals and creating opportunities for career growth.
The partners agreed to prioritize the documentation processes and submit the required information for legal review.
The engagement marked a significant milestone in a growing relationship that seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.
Monica Meeme contributed to this story as a Guest Writer. Monica Meeme is a student pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University.