Business & Management
CoBAMS Faculty to Support Uganda’s First Digital Census 2024
In a significant leap toward harnessing technology for national planning and development, Uganda is set to conduct a landmark digital census starting with 9th May 2024 as the Census reference night and the enumeration period scheduled for 10th-19th May 2024. As specified in the Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD), the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) is carried out by Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) led by the Census Commissioner (CC) who is the Executive Director (ED) Dr. Chris Mukiza. The digital census will be carried out using Computer Assisted Personal interview (CAPI) tablets and use of Global Positioning System (GPS). The census information can be used in leveraging government programs including Parish development model, youth livelihood program and also in the development of NDP IV, as we aim at becoming a middle income economy as stipulated in Vision 2040.
Distinguished staff members from Makerere University, School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), College of Business and Management Sciences (COBAMS) have played a pivotal role in supporting the census preparation phase and enumeration phases to ensure a successful digital census. This engagement aims to ensure the collection of accurate, timely, comprehensive data to guide the country’s policies, planning and vision.
The selected team comprises Dr. Odur Bernard, Dr. Nansubuga Elizabeth, Dr. Nankinga Olivia, Dr. Patricia Ndugga and Dr. Margaret Banga. The selected staff members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, making them ideal contributors to the national census’s success. These were been deployed to different areas as District or City Census Commissioner’s Representative. Their role involves providing oversight, supervision and ensuring the smooth running of the census exercise in these districts in collaboration with UBOS.
Pivotal to this exercise, the faculty also trained district and sub-county officers of which information the officers would later use in training the enumerators and the parish/ward supervisors on the entire census process and data collection.
Makerere University through the school of statistics and planning has also been represented at the Census Technical Advisory Committee (CTAC) by Assoc. Prof. James Wokadala. The CTAC is composed of members of the Inter-Agency Committee of the Plan for National Statistics Development (PNSD) and other co-opted members from Academia, Media and Research institutions. Further, the involvement of Makerere University‘s staff brings a level of expertise and dedication that will undoubtedly contribute to the census’s success. With their support, Uganda is poised to set a new standard in data collection and analysis, paving the way for a more informed and progressive nation.
Bridging Academia and National Development
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has a standing partnership with Makerere University, as represented by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi a staff member of SSP who was appointed by Cabinet as member of the UBOS Board of Directors as representative of all academic institutions in Uganda teaching statistics. The partnership between Makerere University and UBOS underscores the importance of collaboration between academia and government in achieving national development goals.
To support the 2024 Census, Makerere University adjusted the Semester and Examinations excluding 8th– 10th May 2024 to enable staff and students participate in the national exercise resuming on 11th May 2024. The university is applauded for revising the semester for this important 2024 digital census represents a significant step toward modernizing Uganda’s data collection practices, allowing for more efficient analysis, timely dissemination for better-informed decision-making.
Dr. Kabagenyi, mentioned that the overall aim of the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024 was to provide benchmark information on the spatial population distribution, age and sex structure, as well as other key socio-economic and demographic characteristics. She further said the Department of Population Studies, part of the School of Statistics and Planning, has over the years trained scholars in different methodologies of Collecting population Data and the national population Census being one of them. The Census provides information on the country’s population size, distribution, demographic and the socio economic characteristics of a county’s population.
Further by “leveraging on digital technologies, we can collect more accurate, detailed and timely data, which is crucial for national planning. Our team is excited to contribute to this historic event and support Uganda’s journey toward a more data-driven future.” She further applauds Makerere University Council and Management for adjusting Semester II 2023/2024 for a critical government national program.
Sharing some insight into the census process, Dr. Kabagenyi said if one is not at home, another person who is knowledgeable enough to respond to the census questionnaire can be interviewed.
“It Matters to be counted”
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.
