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
Government Officials Equipped with Critical Skills in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis
A two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) concluded today April 11, 2025 at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel in Jinja. The training, delivered under the Programme on Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) and spearheaded by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, sought to bridge long-standing capacity gaps in the preparation, appraisal, and review of public sector projects.
The event was officially closed by Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera, representing the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Dr. Ssebukeera highlighted that the training was designed in response to a comprehensive needs assessment, which revealed persistent gaps in government officers’ abilities to carry out cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, and to prepare or assess pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
“Many government projects have not been properly appraised due to limited internal capacity,” Dr. Ssebukeera stated. “Too often, we rely on external consultants to prepare feasibility studies, yet our officers are not adequately equipped to interrogate or validate those studies.” He expressed confidence that participants now possess practical skills to analyze topics such as risk analysis, financial modelling, discount rates, project finance, and consumer surplus. “You are now in a position to not only prepare but also critically evaluate complex project documentation,” he added.
Ms. Esther Ayebare, Acting Assistant Commissioner in the Public Investment Management Department at MoFPED, acknowledged the participants’ dedication and active engagement. “As the unit that hosts the Development Committee, we are pleased that this training has added critical skills to help you prepare and submit viable public projects,” she said, calling on the participants to be part of building a sustainable pipeline of investment-ready projects.
In his remarks, Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, emphasized that this training is only the beginning. “While we’ve now completed the financial appraisal component, the next step is Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis—where we evaluate a project’s broader impact on society and the economy,” he said. He also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda, particularly MoFPED, for funding the training, as well as to Ms. Esther Ayebare and other facilitators for their unwavering commitment.
Prof. Eria Hisali, who represented the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, praised the participants for navigating what would typically be a semester-long course within just two weeks. “This is a practical, work-oriented training. The knowledge you’ve gained here should be applicable immediately,” he said. He further invited the graduates to attend the upcoming Public Investment Management Conference in August 2025 to share their experiences and provide feedback.
Participants also expressed their gratitude. One quoted the Quran, saying, “Whoever gives you knowledge has given you everything,” in appreciation of the facilitators and the opportunity to learn.
The PIAR program, jointly implemented by Makerere University, MoFPED, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), includes two modules: the just-completed Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis, and the upcoming Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis. As Uganda continues to push for better value from public investments, trainings like this are building a critical mass of experts who will ensure that every shilling invested delivers real impact.
Business & Management
Makerere and MoFPED Resume Training of Government Officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, brings together public officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Uganda.
The training was officially opened by Ms. Esther Ayebare, who represented the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening public sector capacity under the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) framework.
Ms. Ayebare underscored the importance of the training in building the technical capacity required for sound investment decision-making. “This training will empower you to make informed decisions, assess financial viability, and identify risks that could impact investment outcomes,” she noted.
Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, he expressed appreciation to MoFPED for its financial support and strategic collaboration in organizing the training and nominating participants. “Your continued support is instrumental in enhancing the skills and capacity of government workers in Public Investment Management,” he said. He further acknowledged the role of Vice Chancellors, Permanent Secretaries, and CAOs in nominating participants and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to delivering transformative learning through a blend of theory and hands-on project appraisal.
Participants in the training will engage with real-world projects in sectors such as roads, health, energy, and education. Upon successful completion, they will receive a prestigious tripartite certificate from Makerere University, MoFPED, and Queen’s University in Canada.
The training features facilitators from Cambridge Resources International, the International Growth Centre, the National Planning Authority, and MoFPED, offering a curriculum rooted in global best practices.
Participants were encouraged to not only apply the knowledge in their respective roles but also to mentor colleagues, thereby broadening the reach and impact of the program.
The PIM CoE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s public investment landscape through research, advisory services, and outreach. Recent milestones include the revision of the Development Committee guidelines and the convening of a national PIM conference in October 2024.
With the resumption of this training, Uganda takes yet another step toward fostering a skilled public sector capable of steering high-impact investments for sustainable national development.
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