In a bid to keep abreast with the changing trends in the business sector, staff of the School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), led by the Dean Dr. Akileng Godfrey on November 3, 2021 spent the day interacting with players in the private sector. The staff undertook the capacity building as part of their continuous professional development.Â
The staff heard from Mr. Kakande Robert, the MD of Finca Uganda who shared an analysis of the performance of the financial sector in Uganda. The participants learnt that despite the Covid–19 pandemic, the banks saw an increase in cash deposits by 20% and a decline in the loan portfolios by 14%. This was attributed to the decline in trade, owing to the travel restrictions. This was also compounded by the fact that Ugandans are generally a risk averse population. Many people, about 49%, borrow from informal lenders such as friends, family and investment groups. It was noted that only 11% of the population keep their money in banks. About 43% keep money in saving groups, 27% keep it at home while 23% keep it on mobile phones.
This, Mr. Kakande said calls for a national financial inclusion strategy. Some of the emerging and contemporary issues in the financial sector include digitization. The world is growing exponentially, which calls for new ways of doing things. The development of the internet, artificial Intelligence, Internet of things has forced banks to digitize all their services. This Mr. Kakande said, has helped improve customer experiences and reduce the number of people transacting in the banking hall. Today, Uganda has 28 million mobile phone users, 12.1 million internet users and 3.6 million social media users. This means the financial sector also has got to evolve and meet the demands of these customers. This has seen the development of online banking, bank to phone transactions, which have greatly improved the financial sector.
The participants learnt that Bank of Uganda, had issued new regulations for commercial banks, in an effort to secure depositors money. This, Mr. Kakande called the BASEI 11 Capital Accord Framework. Commercial banks are now required to have operating capital of Shs150 billion up from Shs25 billion, while tier 4 institutions such microfinance institutions are required to have capital of Shs5billion up from Shs500 million. BOU has also set out to regulate the Mobile Money business which is being run by the telecommunication companies.
Another emerging issue is Bancassurance. This is a relationship between a bank and an insurance company that is aimed at offering insurance products or insurance benefits to the bank’s customers. In this partnership, bank staff and tellers become the point of sale and point of contact for the customer. Agency banking is another contemporary trend that the financial institutions have adopted. This has also been done in an effort to extend the bank to the clients.
On the issue of high interest rates charged by the banks, Mr. Kakande said, this is because the credit risk among the population is high. The emergence of Infrastructure bonds is something the financial sector players also have to look at in the future.
The staff also got an opportunity to interact with Mrs. Immaculate Ngulumi, the Marketing Manager of Centenary Bank. She shared how the service industry has been able to attract and retain clients. Mrs. Ngulumi said that because service is not a tangible product, the service providers have to appeal to the emotions of people. This, she said calls for investment in 3 Ps (People, processes and physical evidence). The people/staff, she said, have to be well trained, motivated and treated well, so that they can pass on this positivity to the clients. The processes have to be quick and seamless while the ambiance must be good. She shared with the team, the 4 aspects of managing services
Managing customer relationships
Managing service quality
Managing service productivity
Managing staff and positioning services
Mrs. Ngulumi concluded by saying that in the service industry, the customer does not buy a product, they buy the experience, so give them the best experience.
Other topics discussed included the International Financial Reporting Standards and the role of the private sector in public sector procurement.
The Dean School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akileng thanked the participants for attending and the facilitators for making time to share with his team.
Betty Kyakuwa is the Principal Communication Officer, CoBAMS
Over 30 Stakeholders from Uganda’s transport and energy sectors convened at the Kolping Hotel, Kampala, for a workshop aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric mobility (e-mobility) as a strategy for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. Organized by the Environment for Development (EfD)-Mak Centre, the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, transport operators and users, as well as  private sector players to address challenges and opportunities in Uganda’s e-mobility transition.
Promoting Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
The workshop, led by Dr. Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Specialist  at EfD-Mak, centered on the theme “Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions in Uganda’s Transport Sector.” Dr. Babyenda highlighted the environmental and economic importance of transitioning to e-mobility, stating, “Transforming Uganda into a modern society as envisioned under Vision 2040 demands that we address the environmental challenges in the transport sector, a major carbon emitter.”
The agenda included discussions on the status of energy efficiency, the role of women in e-mobility, and strategies to promote the adoption of electric motorcycles and buses.
Rising Numbers and the E-Mobility Transition
According to survey findings by the EfD researchers, Uganda’s transport sector has seen an unprecedented rise in vehicle and motorcycle usage. The number of vehicles in the country has more than doubled, increasing from 739,036 in 2012 to 1,355,090 in 2018. Motorcycles have seen an even sharper increase, growing from 354,000 in 2010 to over one million by 2018. This growth has intensified emissions and air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Kampala, which was ranked the world’s fifth most polluted city in 2020.
Electric mobility is emerging as a viable solution. Over 400 electric motorcycles, introduced by private sector players such as Zembo, GOGO, and Spiro, are already on Uganda’s roads. These e-motorbikes offer cost savings on fuel and maintenance, zero emissions, and enhanced security. Dr. Babyenda described them as a step forward in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint, though he acknowledged the challenges of limited charging stations, counterfeit batteries, and insufficient awareness.
Government Policy and Infrastructure Development
Eng. David Birimumaso, Principal Energy Officer at the Ministry of Energy, detailed the government’s efforts to support e-mobility. These include developing charging infrastructure, establishing policies for electric vehicle adoption, and training technicians and operators.
“Transport contributes 16% of energy-related emissions,” said Eng. Birimumaso. “Through partnerships with private players like Zembo and Kiira Motors, we are promoting e-mobility by building charging stations and offering capacity-building programs for stakeholders. By 2030, we aim to ensure 100% electricity access, making e-mobility viable for all Ugandans.”
So far, the Ministry has piloted electric vehicle charging at Amber House in Kampala and supported the establishment of four charging stations along the Masaka Road corridor. These efforts are part of the broader energy policy, which emphasizes the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy sources.
Economic and Gender Inclusion in E-Mobility
The workshop also highlighted the importance of economic and gender inclusion in e-mobility. Dr. Babyenda noted that while women are increasingly involved, barriers such as cultural stigmas, inappropriate vehicle designs, and limited training opportunities persist.
“Encouraging women to take up roles as drivers and technicians in the e-mobility sector is essential for a holistic transition,” Dr. Babyenda remarked. Participants recommended vehicle redesigns to accommodate women and initiatives to encourage female participation in the sector.
Key Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the promise of e-mobility, several barriers hinder its widespread adoption in Uganda. One major challenge is the limited availability of charging stations and battery-swapping points, which restricts the operational range and convenience of electric vehicles. The prevalence of counterfeit batteries further undermines reliability, discouraging potential users. Additionally, the high upfront costs of electric vehicles and motorcycles present a significant financial barrier for many Ugandans. Insufficient public awareness and persistent misconceptions about e-mobility also contribute to slow adoption, highlighting the need for targeted education and sensitization campaigns.
To address these challenges, participants recommended expanding charging networks, introducing subsidies for electric vehicles, enforcing quality standards for batteries, and conducting nationwide sensitization campaigns. Hybrid vehicles were also suggested as a transitional solution to address range anxiety.
Workshop’s Relevance to National Goals
This workshop was part of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) program, a regional initiative funded by Sida through the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Since its inception in 2020, the program has trained over 25 fellows across East Africa, focusing on green transitions and evidence-based policymaking.
The 2024 workshop theme aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, which prioritize energy efficiency and emission reductions in the transport sector.
As the workshop concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism about Uganda’s e-mobility potential. Dr. Babyenda emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, “Achieving energy efficiency requires collective effort. We must involve everyone, from boda boda riders to policymakers, to ensure a successful transition to clean, efficient transport.”
With over 400 electric motorcycles on Uganda’s roads and a growing network of charging stations, the country is making strides in its journey toward sustainable mobility. However, much work remains to achieve widespread adoption and integration of e-mobility solutions. The workshop served as a vital platform for collaboration and innovation in this critical sector.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer at EfD Uganda
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, successfully concluded the training of its 4th cohort of public officers on November 15, 2024. This capacity-building program focused on the User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, a critical process mandated by Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 2015.
Under the PFMA, every bill presented to Parliament must include a Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). The preparation of the Statement of Financial Implications (SFI), which forms the basis for the CFI, is the responsibility of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This statement provides detailed revenue and expenditure estimates and projected savings over a minimum of two years’ post-enactment.
Empowering MDAs with Essential Skills
The training sessions, which began last week and will continue into the following week, aim to equip MDAs with the skills required to prepare robust SFIs. These competencies are essential for MoFPED Budget Analysts to review and draft CFIs or Letters of Financial Clearance effectively.
The 4th cohort comprised officers from key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda Land Commission, Ministry of Local Government, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and the Ministry of Kampala, among others.
A Step Toward Transparent and Accountable Governance
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Moses Sonko, Principal Economist at MoFPED, commended the initiative and acknowledged the value it brings to Uganda’s public policy and legislative processes. Representing the Permanent Secretary of MoFPED, Mr. Sonko highlighted the importance of the training in strengthening governance frameworks.
“This training was developed to equip us with tools and knowledge essential for our roles in ensuring that Uganda’s policy and legislative proposals are financially sound, transparent, and align with national priorities,” Mr. Sonko remarked. He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance policy preparation and implementation.
He also emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the training, which enables officers to identify the financial, social, environmental, and economic impacts of proposed bills and policies.
Participant Feedback
Participants expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training. Mr. Davis Kwizera from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) shared his positive experience, stating: “This training has offered a wealth of knowledge and an in-depth understanding of policy processes. It will significantly enhance our ability to prepare relevant policy documents. If you’ve taken the courses on Financial and Risk Analysis as well as Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis, this program completes the package.”
The new guidelines for the clearance of financial implications will officially take effect in July 2025. PIMCoE remains committed to building the capacity of public officers to ensure that Uganda’s legislative and policy frameworks are underpinned by sound financial and risk analyses, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainable development.
In a pivotal workshop held at Makerere University on November 12, stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM). This transformative model, conceptualized by Prof. Ezra Suruma, aims to tackle some of Uganda’s most pressing socio-economic challenges: poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.
Prof. Suruma, the architect of PDM, underscored the crucial role of researchers in creating wealth-empowering strategies for Ugandans. “The PDM is designed to eradicate poverty, promote economic inclusion, improve service delivery, and modernize agriculture,” Prof. Suruma stated. He highlighted that the model not only provides a pathway for Uganda’s rural households to participate in the economy but also aims to address the underlying issues that leave many citizens unable to afford basic needs.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, commended Prof. Suruma’s visionary leadership and the significant impact PDM is expected to have on communities across Uganda. “The PDM stands as one of the largest government interventions aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting communities,” he remarked. Prof. Nawangwe also emphasized Makerere University’s commitment to supporting PDM through the PDM Lab hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which serves as a hub for real-time data analysis to guide the implementation of PDM activities across the country.
The PDM Lab at CoBAMS, led by Prof. Eria Hisali and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is instrumental in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that can shape PDM policies at the grassroots level. During the workshop, Dr. Suruma extended his appreciation to UNDP for their support and acknowledged the researchers for their efforts in generating valuable insights into the effectiveness of PDM.
Despite Uganda’s notable economic growth in recent years, poverty remains a persistent challenge, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates, especially among youth, are high, limiting economic opportunities for the country’s largest demographic. Access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, is another critical issue, with many Ugandans unable to afford or reach essential medical services. These challenges underscore the need for initiatives like the PDM that are designed to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve household incomes, and ensure equitable access to services.
“PDM seeks to empower households to create wealth, ultimately reducing dependence on subsistence farming and encouraging local economic development,” Prof. Suruma emphasized. He believes that the model’s holistic approach will foster greater self-sufficiency among Uganda’s communities by addressing poverty from multiple angles, including agricultural modernization, financial literacy, and service accessibility.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about PDM’s potential to drive sustainable change. Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere University’s dedication to supporting this national initiative, affirming that the PDM Lab will continue to play a key role in assessing and enhancing the model’s effectiveness.
The Parish Development Model offers a beacon of hope for millions of Ugandans striving for a better quality of life, aligning with Uganda’s broader aspirations for economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.