Uganda hosted the Common Wealth Heads of Government meeting in Kampala in November 2007. As part of the Main CHOGM, the Commonwealth Business Forum was launched by H.E Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda and Prime Minister of Malta, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi.

The Business Forum aimed at global business leaders, particularly from Commonwealth, Africa, Asia and Europe. Speakers and Panelists included Heads of Government, Ministers of Finance, Trade and Development, Chairmen and executives of Business and other industry leaders.

Makerere University Private Sector Forum and Makerere University in Particular was recognized at the launch as CBF 2007 partner.

The Commonwealth Business Council (CBC London) put Makerere University high on its agenda to spearhead some of its projects that will promote the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) involvement in fostering private sector competitiveness in East Africa region.

Makerere University through its partnership with the Private Sector actively participated through presentations, exhibition, Networking and connectivity with international delegates.

Specifically;

Makerere was given a full session on Higher Education and its role in private sector Development on the programme as one of the thematic areas. The session on theme: Redefining Education: link with the private sector, was chaired by Makerere University. This was an opportunity for Makerere to articulate their concerns and interests to be captured by the wide spectrum of corporates in Commonwealth.

One-on-one meetings to share experiences of other universities on University-industry Partnerships and business partners were duly achieved.

Makerere through MUPSF was linked to high profile corporate firms and international agencies in the commonwealth which resulted into partnership agreements between:

Mak and ARUP Partners international UK, for the establishment of the African Institute of Sustainability and the Science and Technology Park at Makerere University.

Mak and Commonwealth Business Council Academy CBCA London for spearheading Joint Action Learning Programmes in Uganda.   

Makerere University remains committed to building partnership with Private Sector; to enhance quality assurance in training and research; infrastructure development; resource mobilization and internationalization of the University.