MUBS Don Starts Innovative Approach to Drive Positive Change, Empower Researchers in Uganda

By Francis Otucu

KAMPALA, UGANDA: In a personal crusade to make a positive impact in society, Barbara Kayondo, a lecturer at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), has introduced a new approach to driving positive change in Uganda called ‘Effective Altruism’ (EA) philosophy.

Effective Altruism is a philosophy and approach that seeks to maximize the positive impact of one’s actions in order to alleviate suffering and promote well-being in the most effective way possible.

It involves using evidence, reason, and careful analysis to determine the most effective ways to make a difference in the world, whether through direct actions, career choices, or charitable giving.

The central idea behind Effective Altruism is to focus on achieving the greatest overall good and to prioritize interventions that can have a substantial and long-lasting impact.

This often involves identifying pressing global issues, such as poverty, disease, animal welfare, and existential risks, and then using rigorous analysis to identify the interventions that are most likely to effectively address those problems.

Effective Altruists emphasize the importance of evidence-based decision-making and strive to use resources efficiently to generate the maximum benefit.

This can involve researching and supporting highly effective charities, advocating for policy changes, pursuing careers in high-impact areas, and applying critical thinking to philanthropy and social change efforts.

Of particular interest to students will be the emphasis on Effective Thesis, to help students choose thesis topics that have the potential to significantly improve the world.

“It will provide students with resources, support, and connections to experts in their field. It believes that research is one of the most effective ways to improve the world, and we will be committed to helping students choose research topics that will have a real impact,” she said.

class="wp-block-heading">How it all started:

After encountering the philosophy and approach during her PhD studies at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, Kayondo, who also hails from MUBS’ Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Applied Computing and Informatics, embraced the idea of using evidence and research to maximize the effectiveness of one’s actions.

Now, as the President of EA Kampala, Kayondo is spreading the message, recruiting others, and striving to create awareness about the power of Effective Altruism in the country.

Areas of focus include: Governance of Artificial Intelligence, Global health, Mental Health, Alternative Protein, Animal Welfare, Pandemic Preparedness, and Climate Change, among others.

The Launch:

During a presentation on “Discovering the Power of Effective Altruism: A Personal Odyssey towards Greater Impact” at the Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kayondo revealed why she embraced EA.

“In the remote Kishenyi fishing village of Rubirizi District, where schools and healthcare facilities were scarce, I was born with limited opportunities. However, a remarkable moment occurred when my maternal aunt, Mrs Scholatica Tiguryera Tinyinekabi, visiting from Kampala, was captivated by the simplicity and warmth of our village. Overwhelmed by a sense of compassion, she approached my parents with an extraordinary request—to take me to Kampala and provide me with a chance for a better future. With boundless generosity, she offered me everything I needed to thrive. Trust me, I was raised like a princess and went to the best schools in Uganda, including Shimoni Demonstration School and Bweranyangi G.S.S.S. Her only request was that I pay it forward and touch as many lives as I could.

That transformative encounter left an indelible mark on my journey. Today, as I stand before this esteemed gathering of trainees at the launch, I find myself deeply inspired by my aunt’s words and the profound impact they have had on my life. In my pursuit of effective altruism, I perceive it as a way to give back to my community, to honor the selfless act of my aunt, and to fulfill her belief in the power of making a difference.

From that humble fishing village, I carry the torch of gratitude and the responsibility to uplift others. I strive to create positive change, not just within my community but also in the lives of countless individuals. The principles of effective altruism resonate with me—utilizing reason, evidence, and compassion to identify opportunities for the greatest impact. It is through this approach that I aspire to fulfill my aunt’s vision and create a ripple effect of transformation, touching lives far and wide.

As I embark on this path, I am driven by a deep-rooted desire to address the pressing needs and challenges faced by communities like Rubirizi. By leveraging the resources, knowledge, and connections available, I am committed to making a meaningful difference and living up to the profound trust my aunt bestowed upon me.

Together, let us embrace the ethos of effective altruism, channeling our collective efforts towards empowering others, fostering social progress, and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity.”

EA Kampala:

The birth of Effective Altruism Kampala took place in the living room of Kayondo and her husband, Moses Tuhame. Since then, the movement has grown, attracting nearly a hundred members, including students, colleagues, and friends. Over 65% of those who participated in an introductory course on Effective Altruism were awarded certificates, showcasing the increasing interest in the movement. Kayondo now plans to establish EA chapters in universities, launch impactful projects in Uganda, and seek funding to further support their initiatives.

The Effective Altruism movement holds great potential for Uganda, inspiring individuals to make a significant difference by combining evidence-based approaches, research, and collaborative efforts. With its focus on maximizing impact and addressing pressing challenges, Effective Altruism offers a path towards creating positive change and transforming lives in the country.

What EA does to persons and communities:

Effective Altruism encourages individuals to consider the long-term consequences of their actions, to think beyond immediate emotional responses, and to be open to revising their strategies based on evidence and new information. By applying principles of reason and compassion, Effective Altruism aims to create a more compassionate and rational approach to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.