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Makerere Presents Nepal’s Community Forest Management Model to Government Agencies

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In 2023, the Ugandan team comprising Dr. Peter Babyenda of Makerere University EfD-Mak Centre, Christine Mugyenyi and Rukundo Tom from the National Forest Authority went to Nepal to study the Community Forest Management Model. The study tour was funded by EfD Global Hub and the National forestry Authority Uganda.

The study tour  was one of the activities of EfD Forest Collaborative Peer Learning Project on Community Forestry aimed at deepening the understanding on community-based forestry management and  sharing ideas and experiences regarding forestry among the participant countries.

This study was timely given the current efforts by Ugandan government to increase the forest cover to 24% by 2040. Through community forest management, the people of Nepal have been able to increase their forest cover to 45% from 29% in 1992.

A section of participants in the ministry boardroom. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of participants in the ministry boardroom.

As such, Nepal provides a practical example of how the community can be empowered to manage forests and significantly contribute to the general growth of forest cover in the county. The leadership of the forest user groups also act as training ground for the national leadership and as a result, the national leadership also participates in the sustainable utilization of forests.

Nepal presents an interesting scenario demystifying practices in many other countries where local people are seen as enemies of forests. Through Community Forest User Groups (CFUG), Nepal’s model demonstrates how local people, are at the forefront of protecting forests in Nepal.

The experiences from Nepal should act as the guide to successful forest management in other countries including Uganda. In addition, the study tour was informative with vast knowledge attained from different stakeholders on implementation of community forestry.

A participant discussing during the question and answer session. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A participant discussing during the question and answer session.

The study tour involved meetings with the different stakeholders, field visits in some of the community forests and experiencing the Nepalese culture through visiting religious and cultural sites. The 5 days program was under the guidance  of the Forest Action – Nepal and coordinated by Professor Randy.

The tour started with the visit to Kalopani Community Forestry User Group (CFUG), which is in a mountainous site in Kavre District. The team visited a second CFUG on the way to our meeting with the Kavre Divisional Forestry Office, which has jurisdiction over Kalopani CFUG. The team also visited Kavre Divisional Forestry Office and held discussions with the Dean of the Tribhuvan University Institute of Forestry.

EfD-Mak centers disseminates study findings to government agencies

Research fellows from EfD-Mak centre from Makerere University on 27th February 2024, went to the Ministry of Water and Environment to disseminate information on lessons learnt from Nepal’s community forest management.

Mr. Stephen Mugabi (Right) chaired the meeting and officially opened the workshop. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Stephen Mugabi (Right) chaired the meeting and officially opened the workshop.

The workshop hosted by the ministry’s headquarters in Luzira, was attended by over 30 forestry officials from government ministries, departments and agencies including the National forest Authority, Uganda world life Authority and National Environmental Management Authority.

While officially opening the workshop on behalf of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water and Environment, The Commissioner, Environment Sector Support Services Stephen Mugabi hailed the EfD Mak center for the continued partnership that was initiated with the ministry.

Noting that the mandate of managing the environment lies within the ministry, Mugabi said it was the right decision that the centre decided to link up with the ministry.

Mr. Stephen Mugabi, also Member of EfD-Mak  Advisory board chaired the meeting.
Mr. Stephen Mugabi, also Member of EfD-Mak Advisory board chaired the meeting.

“When you generate information and you don’t share it, and archive it, it will not be useful. Once information is disseminated and gets to the stakeholders, they get knowledge that is then transformed into action. And the moment knowledge is transformed into action, then we see the knowledge changing livelihoods of communities”, He explained adding that:

“Today you have been recruited as ambassadors of the EfD-Mak Centre. You are receiving information how people in Nepal manage their forests and we expect you to disseminate it further to the people whom you live with.” Mugabi emphasised

Mugabi expressed the need for participants to understand the definitions of a community forest away from the standard definition of a forest on grounds that the way the community understands the forest is far different and has many values attached.

Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) delivering his speech as the PS representative Mr. Stephen Mugabi (Right) listens. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale (Left) delivering his speech as the PS representative Mr. Stephen Mugabi (Right) listens.

The Director EfD-Mak centre who is also Director, Directorate of Makerere University Graduate Research and Training Prof. Edward Bbaale appreciated the EfD Global hub funded by Sida, for sponsoring the Peer Learning Project for Community Forestry for policy makers and researchers, with a visit to Nepal.

“Today marks a significant moment as our colleagues share insights from their visit to Nepal’s community forest model, a success story empowering communities to manage nearby forests sustainably.

Nepal’s model granting legal rights to use and manage forest resources, stand as an exemplary solution against deforestation – a lesson we find particularly relevant given Uganda’s challenges”, Bbaale said.

Prof. Edward Bbaale addressing participants in the Ministry boardroom. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale addressing participants in the Ministry boardroom.

Prof. Bbaale also noted that with 70% of the total forest cover under private land and the prevalent use of firewood and charcoal, Uganda faces alarming rates of forest losses.

“The presentation today is timely source of inspiration for policy makers and researchers, demonstrating the positive impact of involving local communities in decision making and forest management, addressing both environmental concerns and social inequalities,” Bbaale stressed.

He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Water and Environment for hosting the engagement at their headquarters and commended the enduring collaboration between EfD-Mak Centre and the Ministry.

Bbale also extended appreciation to the ministry and government for supporting the Inclusive Green Economy program for senior public servants. The Director, Stephen Mugabi represents the Ministry on the EfD-Mak Advisory Committee. The ministry appointed   Commissioner Moreen Anino on the first cohort of the IGE fellows.

Dr.  Peter Babyenda speaking during the dissemination meeting. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Babyenda speaking during the dissemination meeting.

Uganda’s Inclusive Green Economy Engagement Specialist and research fellow Dr. Peter Babyenda said, in 2023, the team went for a study tour in Nepal to learn on the successful community forest management practices that Nepal had employed to increase their forest cover 29% in 1990 to 45% in 2013.

Contrary, Uganda’s forestry cover has decreased from 24% in 1990 to now 13% and, in 2010, the forest cover had further decreased to 9%.

He said, it was deemed appropriate to share the study findings with the ministry’s agencies who hold the country’s natural resources in trust of the people of Uganda.

“We learnt that that once you organise the people, tell them what to do and the importance and gains from the forest, they will take care of the forest, and if you do something detrimental to the forest, you are punished as a community member.

Dr. Peter Babyenda makes a presentation during the dissemination meeting. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Babyenda makes a presentation during the dissemination meeting.

Communities that stay near forests have records of everyone including their photos and they will get to know who does what. They have a well organised inclusive leadership comprising 50% men and female, very transparent with books of accounts that are audited.

We even visited the university that trains leaders so they do capacity building of their leaders together with the department of forestry and wild life and ministry of forestry”, Babyenda explained.

Nepal has about 22,000 community forest user groups benefiting about 2.9million households. The community manages about 2.2million hectares of forest.

Babyenda reported that the community forest management model in Nepal has contributed to forest restoration and made it easy to mobilize the community to ensure that degraded forests are restored. This , he added was evidenced by the increase in the forest cover from 29% in 1992 to the current 45%.

An Environmental Police Officer participates during the meeting. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
An Environmental Police Officer participates during the meeting.

The model according to Babyenda, has contributed to community infrastructure and livelihood benefits because CFUGs are used as a vehicle to community development evidenced by several community development projects seen.

Further, Babyenda explained that not only does Nepal’s model contribute to ecosystem functioning and protection, it has contributed to mitigation and adaptation to climate change largely, due to the maintenance of forests that absorb carbon but also regulates temperature.

“The model contributes to household income generation through the sale of forest products in a sustainable way. The households are aware of the consequences of mismanaging forests and thus utilize them in a sustainable way.

A participant making an input during the discussions. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A participant making an input during the discussions.

This is commendable and other countries like ours need to take lessons”. Babyenda noted and commended Nepal for the inclusive leadership with at least half of the leadership of the user groups being female.

Key Lessons from Nepal’s Community Forest Management Model for Uganda

The existence of a legal body, (FECOFUN- Federation for Community Forestry Users, Nepal) has enabled voicing the rights of community adjacent groups. The CSO has played a very important advocacy role on the rights of women, elders, and marginalized groups. It has also played an important role of influencing forest related polices in Nepal.

UNETCOFA a CSO was established in Uganda in 2006, to unite CFMs but lacked legal barking and has not done much work in relation to CFM networks. The lesson learnt is to involve the Ministry of Water and Environment to revive UNETCOFA.

FECOFUN has created a strong network with the CFUGs, and this enables the groups implement their roles and responsibilities which has minimized non-compliance to the operational plans of the community forests. Commitment by the CFUGs households to protect, restore and conserve forests has largely been informed by previous calamities like earthquakes and floods which is not the case for Uganda.

Value addition on forest products like timber, fodder and herbs has increased the income and created some jobs for the CFUGs.

Community Forestry in Nepal has thrived on many different models for instance knowledge production and knowledge use in forestry and the presence of homogenous society. Improving livelihoods where forest conservation meets the demands of local communities provides an overall incentive for sustainable conservation including safeguarding essential ecosystem services.

Christine Mugyenyi one of the study beneficiaries (Right) sharing experiences from Nepal. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Christine Mugyenyi one of the study beneficiaries (Right) sharing experiences from Nepal.

Having a dynamic, diverse, and respected leadership within community groups increases chances of success as is the case for some CFUGs in Nepal. Involvement of women in use of forest resources recognizes the importance of having women represented in decision- making and giving women a voice has allowed them to actively participate in conservation activities.

Benefit sharing through wealth ranking to target the poor for support is very key and can minimize elite capture. In addition, sharing of benefits/ income accrued from sale of forest products in percentages for instance 25% is invested in forest management was a key lesson to learn.

CFUGs coordination with local government to put up infrastructural development like schools or road construction from the income attained from the sale of forest resources was a key lesson learnt.

Community Forestry has contributed to ecosystem functioning through provision of fresh water supply to the households and for agricultural purposes. Most forest adjacent communities in Nepal access piped water from the forest for both domestic uses including watering animals and irrigation of crops. This has enabled conservation of water sources and regulation of waste discharge.

One of the participants makes his contribution during the discussion. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the participants makes his contribution during the discussion.

Alternative energy/ biomass source in Nepal is at 60%. People are increasingly using LPGs, electricity, petroleum gas etc. This has decreased fuelwood usage in Nepal. The lesson is  that GoU need to reduce costs of gas and electricity to enable less dependency on fuelwood from forests.

Activities implemented during the study tour

Babyenda reported that, activities implemented during the Nepal study tour involved meeting the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal (FECOFUN) executive members during which it was noted that FECOFUN was founded and legally recognized in July 1995 as a social movement organized which later became a civil society organization. It was formed after the legal recognition of Community Forestry in Nepal in 1992 and realization for the urgency to advocate for the rights of the people. It is established in all the 77 districts in the country with over 22,000 Community Forest User Groups are affiliated to FECOFUN and managing 2.2m ha that is; 25% of the forest cover which is contributed under community forestry of the overall forest cover of 45% with 2.9million H/Hs benefiting from community forestry.

The team also held a meeting with the departments of Forests and Soil Conservation-Nepal and Department of National Parks and Wildlife conservation. The forest management model indicated that Community Forests are part of the National Forests handed over to the traditional users for its conservation, utilization, and management guided by the Forest Act, 2076(2019AD), Forest Regulation 2079 (2023AD) and community guideline 2071.

Moreen Anino one of the pioneer IGE Fellows (Right) closing the meeting. Makerere University EfD Centre Nepal Community Forest Management Visit Lessons Dissemination, Ministry of Water and Environment, Luzira, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Moreen Anino one of the pioneer IGE Fellows (Right) closing the meeting.

The department   guides the CFUG in facilitation done through formation of forest user groups and implementing biological diversity, conservation and climate change adaptation related activities and Legal support through identifying, developing, and managing potential forest areas in accordance with the prevailing laws, rules and policies, Community Forest user group registration and Community Forest handover.

Babyenda said the team made field visits to Kalapani community forest and in Shiba Community Forest and the CFUG members. The Community members mainly utilize forest resources like firewood, fodder, grass, timber, and medicinal plants and performs various roles.

In a meeting at the Institute of Forestry- Nepal with the Dean of forestry and the college staff. Babyenda explained that they shared information on Community forestry on how Community forestry has contributed to forest restoration, community infrastructure and livelihood benefits and ecosystem functioning among others.

Detailed report on study findings is attached.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda

Jane Anyango

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PIM Centre Awards Certificates to Over 35 Officials Trained in Essentials of Public Investment Management

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The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University has awarded certificates to more than 35 public officials who successfully completed a three-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM).

The training, held from September 23rd to 26th, 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences, aimed at strengthening the capacity of government officials to effectively identify, prepare, and implement public projects.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Ms. Belinda Bisamaza, who represented the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury (PS/ST). In her remarks, Ms. Bisamaza commended participants for their commitment, noting that the training had offered a solid foundation in the entire PIM cycle — from project conceptualization and profiling, through monitoring and evaluation (M&E), to the use of the Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP), Environmental and Social Risk Management, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Prof. Eria Hisali

“With these skills, you can contribute meaningfully to improving the quality of proposals submitted to the IBP, ensure better risk management, and enhance implementation through robust monitoring frameworks,” she said, adding that participants were now better prepared for advanced modules on financial appraisal, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Representing the PIM Centre, Prof. Eria Hisali highlighted the need for well-prepared projects that directly contribute to economic growth. “We must move away from the practice of developing projects only when funding is required. Instead, we should create a strong bank of quality projects from which government can easily draw,” he said.

Training participants in session.
Training participants in session.

The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, expressed gratitude to the participants and trainers for their dedication. He noted that the facilitators were drawn from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Dr. Sseruyange also revealed that the Centre would be rolling out further in-depth training modules and creating opportunities for alumni to engage in consultancy and research work. The PIM Centre hosts the training as part of broader efforts by Makerere University, MoFPED, and NPA to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems, ensuring value for money, improved service delivery, and sustainable economic development.

Betty Kyakuwa
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PIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis

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Seated: Mr. Paul Mwanja (Centre), Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu (2nd Left) and Dr. John Sseruyange (Right) with trainers at participants in Jinja on 5th September 2025. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

Jinja, September 5, 2025 

Thirty-one government officers from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have successfully completed a two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. The certification ceremony was held at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, marking another milestone in Uganda’s efforts to institutionalize evidence-based and fiscally responsible policymaking.

The training, delivered by the Makerere University Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), and National Planning Authority equipped participants with practical skills to evaluate policy and legislative proposals for their financial, economic, and social implications.

Mr. Paul Mwanja. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Paul Mwanja.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Paul Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED, who represented the Permanent Secretary, commended the officers for their commitment at a time when government institutions are finalizing the Auditor General’s audits, implementing the FY2025/26 budget, rolling out the National Development Plan IV’s tenfold growth strategy, and preparing for the 2026 General Elections.

“Your participation affirms a collective commitment across Government to strengthen the quality, transparency, and credibility of public policymaking in Uganda,” Mr. Mwanja said. He urged graduates to return to their institutions as champions of reform, share their knowledge with colleagues, and drive the change needed in Public Finance Management. He also announced that the next cohort of the training will take place in January 2026.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, delivered the graduation address, highlighting the certificate’s importance in addressing Uganda’s triple challenge of scale, scarcity, and speed.

“This program does something unique. It teaches you not only to ask whether a policy or project is beneficial, but also whether it is affordable and resilient under real fiscal constraints,” Prof. Okumu noted. He challenged graduates to apply their skills at project, portfolio, and policy levels—ensuring value for money and enhancing public trust in government spending.

Participants make a group presentation. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants make a group presentation.

He further emphasized that Uganda’s pioneering approach to integrated CFI-CBA positions the country as a leader in Africa and beyond: “You, Uganda’s first CFI-CBA graduates, are now part of a global brain trust. Your work will speak to investors, parliaments, development partners, and above all, the Ugandan people.”

Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, expressed appreciation to participants for their active engagement throughout the training and thanked MoFPED and the faculty drawn from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Energy for their technical support.

Dr. John Sseruyange. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange.

The Certificate of Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis was introduced following the Revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance, effective July 1, 2025. The guidelines require MDAs to prepare their own financial implications statements, subject to rigorous cost-benefit analysis, thereby strengthening linkages between fiscal responsibility and regulatory impact assessments.

With the successful completion of the second cohort, Uganda is steadily building a critical mass of professionals capable of embedding cost-benefit thinking across government, ensuring every shilling delivers maximum impact for citizens.

A female participant receives her certificate. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
A female participant receives her certificate.

A male participant receives his certificate. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
A male participant receives his certificate.

Betty Kyakuwa
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PIM Centre of Excellence Steering Committee Charts Way Forward

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Members of the PIM CoE Steering Committee pose for a group photo during their meeting on 4th September 2025. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University held its Steering Committee meeting on 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The session, attended by all members, focused on reviewing progress, reflecting on achievements from the past financial year, and charting the way forward for the Centre.

About the PIM Centre of Excellence

The PIM CoE was established in March 2022 at Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Its purpose is to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system through training, research, and advisory services.

The Steering Committee plays a critical role in oversight, review, coordination, and advisory functions, guiding the Centre’s work and ensuring that public investment processes align with national development priorities.

Dr. Joseph Muvawala. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala.

Highlights from the Meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, praised the October 2024 Annual PIM Conference for expanding perspectives on project design and delivery. He emphasized the importance of shifting from theory to practice in training, advocating for students and officials to engage with real-world projects. He also underscored the Centre’s new autonomy—transitioning from a subvention to a vote—which gives it greater independence but also demands stronger financial accountability. Dr. Muvawala further called for a permanent physical home for the Centre, noting that sufficient resources are available to make this possible and that negotiations with government are underway.

Mr. Ashaba Hannington, Director Budget at MoFPED, shared key achievements from the 2024/25 financial year. He noted that the Annual PIM Conference, organised jointly by MoFPED and the Centre, provided a vital platform for stakeholders to reflect on progress in public investment management.

Steering Committee Members and part of the Secretariat at the meeting. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Steering Committee Members and part of the Secretariat at the meeting.

Mr. Ashaba reaffirmed MoFPED’s commitment to working closely with the Centre to strengthen Uganda’s public investment capacity.

Prof. Eria Hisali (Left) and Mr. Hannington Ashaba (Right). Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eria Hisali (Left) and Mr. Hannington Ashaba (Right).

Prof. Eria Hisali, Co–Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, outlined strategies to increase the Centre’s vibrancy and impact. He emphasized direct project engagement, advisory services, and peer reviews as ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Looking ahead, he revealed plans for a Master’s program in Economic and Investment Modelling, a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative, and deeper practical capacity-building efforts.

Prof. Hisali also noted several successful trainings from the past year, including:

  • 46 staff from MDAs trained in Essentials of PIM.
  • 59 participants across two cohorts trained in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis.
  • 25 participants trained in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis.

He proposed the introduction of a “trailer feasibility test” to evaluate whether completed projects deliver benefits as projected and to address optimism bias in project planning.

Dr. John Sseruyange (Centre) with Prof. Tonny Oyana (Left) and Ms. Alice Nakimbugwe (Right). Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange (Centre) with Prof. Tonny Oyana (Left) and Ms. Alice Nakimbugwe (Right).

Dr. John Seruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the Centre’s growing regional footprint. Beyond Uganda, six central government officers from Somalia have been trained in Infrastructure Asset Management, generating further interest in advanced training from Somalia, Zimbabwe, and Somaliland. To position itself as a regional hub, the Centre is preparing a prospectus to market its courses across Africa and beyond.

Why It Matters

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the PIM CoE remains a leading think tank and capacity-building hub for government and regional partners. By improving the appraisal, financing, and implementation of public projects, the Centre is strengthening accountability, enhancing service delivery, and contributing to Uganda’s broader development goals.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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