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PIM Basic training 4: Building Capacity of public officers

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This week once again, the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence is contributing to capacity building of government officers. The center is offering basic Public Investment Management training to a group of forty (40) Economists from different MDAs. Key focus areas has been on how to develop project concept notes and project Profiles in their respective MDAs, use of the Integrated Bank of Projects, Introduction to integrated investment appraisal, key considerations in the Environment and Social Risk management, Monitoring & Evaluation of the projects as well as the Public Private Partnerships in the design and execution of the projects. 

Speaking during the open of the training on September 25, 2023, Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, the Dean School of Economics, appreciated the government of Uganda for the support rendered to the center. He also thanked the participants for making the time to undertake the one-week intensive training. 

Participants hold a group discussion during the PIM Basic Training.
Participants hold a group discussion during the PIM Basic Training.

He said he was happy to see participants from Ministries, Agencies, departments, NGOs and academic institutions. “Having university participants gives me the confidence that we as trainers are contributing to curriculum development and review in these institutions,” he said. “Having public and private officers trained shows that we shall have a country that not only works for its self but also for its people”.

He encouraged the participants to participate in the other two modules; Financial modeling and Economic Modeling which will take place in November 2023 and February 2024.

Participants follow proceedings during the training.
Participants follow proceedings during the training.

The Centre Manager, Dr. Willy Kagarura, shared with the trainees the reasons for the creation of the center. He shared that the center was formed to create capacity for PIMs in an effort to reduce losses in public investments. This followed a World Bank study which found that Uganda was losing 6 cents of every dollar invested. This was attributed to poor project management, write from the concept stage to implementation.  The PIM center has over the last 2 years undertake capacity building, research and advisory services in the areas of PIM. Over 150 public officers have acquired the training. The center hopes to train more than 500 individuals over the next 5 years.

The over 40 trainees who attended the PIM Basic training received certificates following the one-week rigorous training. Speaking during the award ceremony on September 29, 2023, Mr. Joseph Ahaisibwe from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, also one of the trainers was hopeful that the trainees would use the new knowledge acquired to better their performances at work. He called on the officers to ensure that their organizations have functional Project Preparation Committees in an effort to improve PIM. The officers requested that the heads of these government entities also be invited to undertake this training such that they too get this important knowledge. This, Mr Ahaisibwe said the ministry would consider.

Some of the 40 Economists from different MDAs that took part in the training.
Some of the 40 Economists from different MDAs that took part in the training.

The Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University and also the Principal Investigator of the PIM centre of Excellence, Prof. Edward Bbaale on his part thanked the government of Uganda through MoFPED for the funding to the centre. Their support he said has been instrumental in efforts to enhance the skills and knowledge of government workers in the field of Public Investment Management (PIM).

He appreciated the dedicated faculty members who have contributed to the success of this training program. The experts are drawn from Makerere University, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, the National Planning Authority, and PEMBROKE Consultants.

The PIM Centre Manager, Dr. Willy Kagarura (2nd Left) with trainers and participants.
The PIM Centre Manager, Dr. Willy Kagarura (2nd Left) with trainers and participants.

Prof. Bbaale also appreciated the participants for making the time to undertake the course.  “I implore you to view this training as the initial step in your journey through Public Investment Management. We invite you to consider advanced training phases in PIM, such as Financial Analysis and Economic Analysis, where we delve deeper into financial and economic modeling. These advanced courses offer a blend of theory and hands-on experience, allowing you to work on real-world projects in sectors like roads, electricity, water, and energy,” he said.

The trainer (Left) and participants during one of the sessions.
The trainer (Left) and participants during one of the sessions.

The trainees will be expected to undertake two more intermediary courses; Financial and Economic Analysis. 

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines

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Group photo of participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.

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.

A section of participants. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.

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.

Mr Sonko addresses trainees at the close of the training. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIMCoE), hosted by the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, training of its 4th cohort of public officers on User Acceptance Training on Guidelines for Clearance of Financial Implications, November 15, 2024.
Mr Sonko addresses trainees at the close of the training.

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.

For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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CoBAMS Hosts Workshop to Review Parish Development Model

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Participants pose for a group photo after the workshop. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Prof. Ezra Suruma (Right) and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Left) at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Part of the audience at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Part of the audience at the event. Stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers workshop to discuss the progress and emerging issues in the implementation of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), 12th November 2024, Council Room, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Study Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors

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Prof. Akileng addresses the participants of the workshop. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

On November 11, 2024 the School of Business held a research dissemination workshop led by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, a lecturer and researcher whose study focused on “Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector.” The event also featured research by his student, Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, who presented findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.”

Both studies, which delve into the role of PPPs in two crucial sectors—tourism and health—aim to provide insights into how strategic partnerships between public and private entities can address pressing service delivery challenges in Uganda. Dr. Mugarura’s study in the tourism sector emphasized the importance of a stable operating environment for PPPs, highlighting the need for clear policies, regulatory support, and sustainable practices that allow both public and private stakeholders to thrive. His research suggests that a conducive PPP environment is essential for Uganda’s tourism sector to achieve sustainability, attract international visitors, and create job opportunities, while preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Dr. Jude making his presentation. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Jude making his presentation.

Kyomuhendo’s research, titled “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector,” explored how PPPs can improve value for money (VFM) in healthcare delivery by encouraging local content utilization. His findings revealed a positive correlation between PPP adoption and VFM in healthcare, suggesting that well-structured partnerships can enhance efficiency and service quality. However, he noted that while PPPs support infrastructure development and resource allocation, local content utilization does not always have a strong moderating effect on VFM, indicating potential areas for policy improvement to ensure meaningful local engagement.

Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, lauded the researchers for their dedication to tackling critical issues in Uganda’s development sectors. “These studies bring much-needed evidence to the table, demonstrating the potential of PPPs to transform our tourism and health sectors,” Prof. Akileng remarked. He emphasized that such research is pivotal to Makerere University’s commitment to producing actionable knowledge that aligns with Uganda’s national development goals.

Group photo of the participants. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group photo of the participants.

Prof. Akileng extended his gratitude to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for supporting these projects, acknowledging that their funding was instrumental in advancing impactful research. “The generosity of our donor has enabled us to conduct thorough research and share insights that will inform policy and guide sustainable development efforts in Uganda,” he added.

The workshop encouraged discussion among participants, including policymakers, private sector representatives, and university staff, on the importance of PPPs in creating a resilient service delivery model. Dr. Mugarura highlighted the need for continual assessment of the PPP framework to adapt to evolving economic and social demands. He recommended that the government prioritize regulatory improvements and capacity building for local firms to enhance their role in PPP projects.

Participants listen to the presentation. Research dissemination workshop by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, lecturer and researcher, study "Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector" and Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.” 11th November 2024, Conference Room, Room 2.2B, Level 2, School of Business, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants listen to the presentation.

The dissemination workshop concluded with a collective call for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. Both researchers emphasized that strategic partnerships hold the key to addressing Uganda’s service delivery challenges and achieving sustainable growth in tourism and healthcare.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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