Business & Management
Activists Urge Government to Integrate Gender Mainstreaming in Public Policy Making
Activists have called on the government to incorporate gender considerations in public policy making to achieve economic transformation and social sustainability. This appeal was made during a policy dialogue at Makerere University on May 21, organized by the College of Business and Management Sciences in collaboration with American University.
Ms. Safia Nalule Jjuuko, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in social and public policy enactment. She highlighted that for Ugandans to fully benefit from government initiatives, gender considerations must be central to policy planning.
“Gender extends beyond male and female. It encompasses various societal groups, including the disabled and the poor. Government institutions must consider these groups to effectively plan for all Ugandans through policies that serve the best interests of all citizens,” Nalule stated. She added that thorough knowledge of the population is crucial for effective planning.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom and Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, reiterated the need for gender to be a fundamental element in all policy endeavors. “Institutions should establish units dedicated to gender mainstreaming to address societal challenges,” he said. Muvawala pointed out that addressing gender disparities is essential for social, political, and economic development. “When examining employment, a gender perspective reveals much about societal progress,” he noted. He warned that neglecting gender considerations in policy making risks losing the diverse experiences and realities of individuals.
Dr. Anna Ninsiima from the School of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University identified institutional failures to provide quality services as a major barrier to gender equality. She stressed the need to strengthen health, education, and human resource institutions, highlighting that gender dynamics must not be overlooked. “For instance, girls are dropping out of school due to a lack of sanitary towels,” Dr. Ninsiima said. She also called for the implementation of policies, noting that many remain unexecuted.
Ms. Agnes Kisembo, the Programme Specialist at UN Women, said the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place a strong emphasis on gender equality and the importance of gender mainstreaming in policy making. Specifically, SDG 5: Gender Equality, is dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. She urged government to prioritize gender-responsive policies and programs to ensure the full realization of women’s rights and participation in decision-making processes. Ms. Kisembo emphasized the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and other stakeholders to address gender disparities effectively.
Dr. David Mpiima, from the School of Gender and Women Studies, Makerere University, emphasized that it is crucial to recognize that gender mainstreaming goes beyond just addressing disparities but also involves promoting equality, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of society. By understanding the dynamics of power and influence, stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all individuals, regardless of gender.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was a significant topic of discussion at the dialogue. SSP Irene Adibaa, representing the Uganda Police Force, noted that domestic violence is predominantly reported by women, who often bear the primary caregiving responsibilities for children. She acknowledged that men also report cases of domestic violence, albeit less frequently, due to societal norms.
“Some women are the source of conflict in their homes, which is why we see a high number of domestic violence cases linked to financial issues,” Adibaa said. She urged men to participate actively in combating gender-based violence and mentioned the recruitment of men into the Child and Family Protection Unit to encourage more open communication among men.
The 2023 Police Crime Report revealed 14,681 domestic violence cases reported nationwide. Of these, 1,520 cases went to court, with 10,792 involving adult female victims, 3,243 adult male victims, 505 male juveniles, and 644 female juveniles. Additionally, 242 murders due to domestic violence were reported, with 122 cases going to court, 16 not pursued, and 104 still under investigation. North Kyoga recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases, followed by Aswa and Rwizi regions, each with 28 cases.
Citing a 2019 UNFPA report, Ms Elisabeth Kemigisha from FIDA said Uganda loses USD77 billion to gender based violence. She stressed the importance of investing in gender equality initiatives to not only reduce economic losses but also to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for Uganda. Ms. Kemigisha also highlighted the need for comprehensive policies and programs that address the root causes of gender-based violence in order to effectively combat this issue.
Sharing experiences from South Africa, Dr. Jamela B. Hoveni, from the Institute for Economic Justice, South Africa said South Africa’s Policy on Gender-Based Violence, through the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSPGBVF) and other legislative measures, focuses on a multi-faceted approach to prevent and respond to GBV. It emphasizes strong leadership, coordination, prevention through education, justice system improvements, comprehensive support for survivors, economic empowerment, and robust data management. These policies aim to create a society where all individuals can live free from violence and discrimination, ensuring that survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
Prof. Eria Hisali, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, acknowledged steps taken by Parliament to ensure inclusive policy making. He emphasized the need for continuous efforts to integrate gender considerations into all aspects of public policy to address the complex challenges faced by society.
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre Concludes 4th Cohort Training on Financial Implications Guidelines
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.
For more updates on PIMCoE programs and upcoming training sessions, visit PIMCoE’s official website.
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.
Business & Management
Study Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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