Juma Waswa Balunywa, commonly known as Waswa Balunywa, (born 3 December 1955) is a Ugandan economist, banker, humanitarian, scholar in management, leadership and entrepreneurship. He served as Principal of Makerere University Business School from 1991-2023.[1][2]
Waswa Balunywa | |
|---|---|
| Born | 3 December 1955 |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Alma mater | University of Delhi University of Stirling |
| Occupation | Academic administrator |
| Years active | 1983 — present |
| Known for | Academics |
Balunywa has been credited with spearheading the private students' scheme in Uganda that has become a model for many universities across the country and region.[3] Balunywa is the founder of the Balunywa Foundation, which is based in Iganga District, whose aim is to ensure the community around Iganga has better living standards through education. The foundation has sponsored and helped many young people succeed in life through education and hands-on skills, including tailoring, farming, saving schemes, and computer skills.[citation needed]
Balunywa built the AKB Memorial hospital in Iganga District. The hospital provides free health services to people in Iganga District.[citation needed] The Balunywa Leadership Academy under the Balunywa Foundation, offers life skills mentorship to young people.[citation needed]
Background and education
editBalunywa was born in Kasolo Village, Bulamagi County, in Iganga District, on 3 December 1955.[4] He attended Mwiri Primary School for his elementary schooling. He transferred to Jinja College for his O-Level education and studied at Namasagali College, for his A-Level studies.[4]
Balunywa holds a Bachelors of Commerce degree obtained in 1979 from the University of Delhi in India. He also has a Master of Business Administration, awarded by the same university in 1981.[5] His Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship was awarded in 2009, by the University of Stirling, in the United Kingdom.[6]
Career
editBalunywa started his academic career as lecturer in 1983, in the then Department of Commerce at Makerere University. In 1987, he was appointed a senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Banking and Finance, also at Makerere, serving there from 1987 until 1990.[4] He then served as Dean Faculty of Commerce, Makerere University from 1991 to 1998. In 1997, he was instrumental in the creation of Makerere University Business School (MUBS). MUBS was created in 1997 by the merger of the former faculty of Commerce at Makerere University and the then National College of Business Studies, Nakawa. Balunywa headed MUBS at its inception in 1997 as the school's first Director. In 1998, the position of Director was changed to Principal.[7] In June 2018, Waswa Balunywa began another three-year term as the Principal of MUBS.[2]
Balunywa served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Uganda, the country's central bank and national banking regulator, from 2001 until 2012.[8] He was the serving board chairman of Uganda Airlines, at the time of its liquidation in 2001.[8][9] Balunywa is the Patron of the Balunywa Foundation in memory of his father who disappeared under mysterious circumstances during Idi Amin's regime. The foundation focuses on helping needy youth and women in obtaining vocational skills for self sustenance.[10]
References
edit- ^ Damali Mukhaye (5 June 2023). "End of An Era As Balunywa Leaves MUBS After 26 Years". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
- ^ a b Stephen Otage (30 May 2018). "Balunywa Lays Plans For New Term As MUBS Boss". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Gee Mukama (12 September 2015). "MUBS Principal, Prof. Waswa Balunywa Set to Retire". Howwe.biz. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ a b c Muhame, Giles (14 September 2014). "Prof. Balunywa: Uganda's Education Strongman". Kampala: Chimpreports.com. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ LSEAfricaSummit (3 June 2018). "About Professor Waswa Balunywa". LSEAfricaSummit. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Waswa Balunywa. "Portfolio Entrepreneurs and Economic Growth: The Case of Uganda" (A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy). Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom: University of Stirling. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
- ^ Atuhaire, Alex (15 September 2015). "Balunywa to step down as MUBS Principal". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
- ^ a b Kyokwijuka, Alexander (19 May 2017). "Why Makerere Needs A Dynamic, Innovative and Visionary VC". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
- ^ Rwothungeyo, Billy (16 May 2015). "Uganda Airlines should not be revived – Balunywa". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
- ^ Balunywa Foundation (4 June 2018). "About Balunywa Foundation". Iganga: Balunywa Foundation. Retrieved 4 June 2018.