Prof. Nixon Kamukama Arinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), seated fourth from the right, with participants of the 29th AIMC 2025 at Imperial Golf Course Hotel, Entebbe.
September 24, 2025- Day Two of the MUBS Annual International Management Conference 2025, held on September 24, focused on the academic and research agenda, drawing scholars, researchers, and students from various institutions. The keynote address, delivered by Prof. Nixon Kamukama Arinaitwe, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), emphasized strategic approaches to academic publishing.
In his presentation titled “The Unwritten Rules of Scholarly Publishing: Strategies to Go from Rejection to Recognition,” Prof. Kamukama advised researchers to align their work with relevant journals and understand the expectations of their target audiences.
“I strongly believe that skills-based education for Uganda is different from that of Washington. We must adopt methodologies that reflect the African context. That’s why this year’s conference theme focuses on employability,”
“Knowing your audience can significantly guide your writing style and research focus. Aligning your work with the right journal increases your chances of acceptance,” he said. He further noted that timing is critical in academic publishing, especially around major conferences when journals receive a high volume of submissions. “There are hidden norms in publishing that aren’t mentioned in author guidelines. Understanding these can make the difference between rejection and acceptance,” he added.
The session also featured a keynote speech from Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) who called for stronger collaboration between academia and the business sector to ensure research and education address real-world challenges. “As academicians, we do not have all the answers, the industry does. There should be a point of connection between academia and the business community to find those answers,” Prof. Muhwezi stated.
Prof. Muhwezi reiterated MUBS’ commitment to fostering employability and entrepreneurship through skills-based education tailored to Uganda’s unique development needs. “I strongly believe that skills-based education for Uganda is different from that of Washington. We must adopt methodologies that reflect the African context. That’s why this year’s conference theme focused on employability,” he explained.
Some of the MUBS staff who attended the 29th AIMC in a group photo
Prof. Muhwezi noted that MUBS is undertaking comprehensive curriculum reforms focused on competency based development, experiential learning, and strategic partnerships with industry. He emphasized the School’s dedication to equipping students with the hands-on skills necessary for driving innovation and sustainable development across the continent. Prof. Muhwezi further explained that MUBS has already embedded hands-on training into several of its academic programs. “The goal of MUBS as a business institution is to produce graduates who are capable of creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully to society,” he noted.
He added that practical training in ICT, business communication, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving has been integrated into the curriculum to ensure that students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also the competencies needed to lead, innovate, and make a tangible impact.
Prof. Muhwezi also urged researchers to prioritize the dissemination of their findings, ensuring that academic work reaches policymakers, communities, and the wider public. “Makerere University produces over 2,000 research articles annually, half from the medical field. If this research were used by policymakers, it could create real impact. We need to be more aggressive in sharing our findings. Instead of hard copies, we could use social media or even recorded audios,” he suggested.
Prof. Muhwezi’s remarks and Prof. Kamukama’s presentation set the tone for a day filled with engaging discussions, paper presentations, and workshops focused on equipping future business leaders and researchers with tools to address real-world challenges.