Business & Management
PIM Centre completes training of 23 Officers in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis
Approximately 23 officials from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as from the Civil Society have completed training in the Program on Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR). The trainees received training in Basic Public Investment Management (PIM), Financial and Risk Analysis and finally Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis. The training culminated in the award of Certificates jointly awarded by Makerere University, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Recourses International.
The two-weeks training, which took place in Mbarara attracted participants from Ministries, Agencies, Academia and the Civil Sector. Speaking during the closing ceremony, Prof. Eria Hisali, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences where the PIM Centre of Excellence is hosted, said the Centre aims at creating a pool of experts who can write proposals and approve public investments.
He cautioned the public officers to clearly identify projects that can deliver economic growth and also encouraged them to work together. He said the Centre would organize an experience sharing workshop to do an M&E on all the trainees to see how effectively they are utilizing the acquired knowledge. He informed participants that the University Senate had approved the proposed PIM Masters, “Masters in Economic and Investment Modeling,” and encouraged them to apply once the program is approved by the National Council for Higher Education. He said the Centre was also in the process of drafting a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Investment Management. Prof. Hisali appreciated the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development for providing financial support to the Centre as well as CRI and NPA for the partnership in training.
Dr. Willy Kagarura, the Centre’s manager said he was confident that the knowledge given to the participants will go a long way in ensuring they write the accurate investment proposals for the government to review.
He emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with the necessary skills to make informed investment decisions which will ultimately contribute to the economic development of the Country. Dr. Willy also highlighted the practical nature of the training, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for real-world scenarios in investment modeling.
Ms. Gertrude Aerone Basiima, the Assistant Commissioner of the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department emphasized the importance of the training, saying the goal of a project appraisal is to prevent bad projects from going ahead and good projects from being rejected. “This training is therefore aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders including Public Officials, Private Sector and Civil Society analysts develop and appraise investment projects in order to promote the economic and social wellbeing of the country,” she said.
She said the training arose out of the needs assessment that identified critical gaps by Officers in different MDAs with regard to undertaking Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, preparation and cross-examination of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies.
“I hope that the training you have attained during the last 3 training sessions has equipped you with skills to conduct and review feasibility studies by putting into considerations the different perspectives of Banker/Lender, Project Owner, Country and Distribution of Externalities. While you are undertaking project development and appraisal, please remember these perspectives,” Ms Basiima said. Ms Basiima emphasized the importance of considering various perspectives during project development and appraisal to ensure a comprehensive feasibility study. She encouraged participants to apply the skills acquired in the training sessions to conduct thorough analyses and make informed decisions.
She further appreciated the dedicated faculty team comprised of CRI resource persons, Hassan and Christiania. The Ugandan Faculty consisting of Dr. Willy Kagarura, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. John Sseruyage, Dr. Vincent Ssajjabi, Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dr Ibrahim Mukisa, and Mr. Edwin Sentumbwe from Makerere University PIM CoE, Mr. Musimeta Hannington from NPA and, Mr. Ahaisibwe Joseph and herself from MoFPED
On his part, Mr. Hannington Musimenta, one of the faculty members from the National Planning Authority, emphasized the importance of the study, saying the NDPIII evaluation showed that the Country performed only to the tune of 17% because of poor projects. With this training and knowledge acquired by the different public officers, he was positive that the implementation of projects in NDP IV would be more successful and impactful leading to greater development outcomes for Uganda.
As part of the training, the team visited one government project in Kiruhura and Mbarara District titled the Reconstruction of Kyeshema Earth Dam. The dam was reconstructed to supply water to the cattle corridor during the dry seasons. The participants were able to evaluate a real-world project in relation to the theory obtained during training.
The training was opened on April 22, 2024, by the Director of the PIM Centre of Excellence, Prof. Edward Bbaale, who called on the trainees to fully engage in the training sessions and actively participate in discussions to maximize their learning experience. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to their work in order to achieve tangible results and make a difference in their workplaces. The director also highlighted the significance of networking and collaboration among participants, as this would foster a supportive environment for sharing best practices and innovative ideas. “By fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge exchange, the training program aims to empower individuals to drive sustainable development in Uganda”. He appreciated the MoFPED for the financing of the training and the nomination of the right people to train. The director emphasized the importance of participants actively engaging in discussions and practical exercises during the training sessions to maximize their learning experience. Additionally, he encouraged participants to take advantage of the resources and support provided by the program to implement their new skills and knowledge effectively in their respective roles.
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence awards certificates to 30 Officials
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence at the College of Business and Management Sciences, has successfully concluded a five-day training workshop for public officers from various government agencies and universities. The training, held in Jinja, was attended by 30 participants who received certificates of completion at a closing ceremony on July 5, 2024. The event was graced by the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, who delivered closing remarks and awarded the certificates.
In his closing address, the Principal expressed deep gratitude and pride, thanking the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) for their generous financial support, which made the training possible. He highlighted the Ministry’s crucial role in identifying and nominating participants from various government bodies, emphasizing the importance of professional development in improving public investment efficiency and effectiveness.
The Principal also extended special thanks to the Permanent Secretaries, Vice Chancellors, and Executive Directors of the participating institutions for recognizing the significance of the training and nominating their staff to attend. He commended the dedication of the faculty members from Makerere University, MoFPED, and the National Planning Authority for their expertise and time, which ensured a fruitful learning experience for the participants.
Addressing the participants, the Principal lauded their commitment and resilience throughout the week-long training. He noted that the program equipped them with essential skills and knowledge in Public Investment Management (PIM), including project preparation, execution, procurement, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), monitoring and evaluation, and integrating climate change, social, and environmental risk management in project preparation.
He encouraged the participants to view this training as the first step in their journey to becoming experts in PIM, emphasizing the importance of continuing education through advanced modules in Financial and Economic appraisal of projects. The advanced training, conducted in collaboration with Cambridge Resources International (CRI) and Queens University in Canada, offers a tripartite certificate from Makerere University, MoFPED, and Queens University.
In his remarks, the Principal highlighted the broader scope of the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, which extends beyond training to include research, outreach activities, and advisory services to the government. He announced the Centre’s ongoing efforts to revise the Development Committee guidelines for MoFPED and assess the performance of projects selected since the first National Development Plan (NDP I). Additionally, he proposed organizing a one-day Public Investment Management Conference in October 2024 to evaluate the current state of public investments in Uganda and develop future strategies.
The Principal concluded by congratulating the participants on their achievement and expressing confidence in their ability to effect positive change in the management of public investments in Uganda. He acknowledged the invaluable support of the faculty, mentors, and coaches, as well as the excellent work of the PIM CoE Secretariat, headed by Dr. Willy Kagarura.
As the training workshop came to a close, the participants left with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to enhancing public investment management practices in Uganda, contributing to the country’s economic development and prosperity.
Scholars from Makerere University, in partnership with researchers from Europe, have launched the Remaking of the Family in East Africa (FamiLEA) project, focusing on 2000 households in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. This 3-year research initiative, which began on July 1st, includes households in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono Districts and will continue until mid-2027.
The FamiLEA project examines families and the factors influencing changes in family structures. This research responds to the rapid and significant changes in family dynamics across Africa, including innovative kinship practices.
Dr. Stephen Wandera, the Principal Investigator (PI) from Makerere University, stated that enumerators will conduct door-to-door data collection using structured questionnaires. “Our enumerators are students from Makerere University’s Population Studies program, both undergraduate and postgraduate. We expect them to gain valuable field experience and provide validated results,” Dr. Wandera explained during the training.
The study focuses on household changes such as marriage, divorce, intermediate relationships, and networks to understand the reasons behind family changes in East Africa. Following data analysis, dissemination meetings will be held with stakeholders, including government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Earlier this year, a stakeholders’ meeting in Kampala included representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. Researchers will submit reports to policymakers and prepare policy briefs to support informed policy-making and programming.
Yonatan N. Gez, Co-Principal Investigator from ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal, highlighted that the FamiLEA project is being conducted in both Kenya and Uganda, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. This interdisciplinary project involves scholars from demography, anthropology, political science, geography, and history, collaborating with universities from Switzerland, France, Kenya, Canada, and Portugal, with Makerere University as the key collaborator.
Gez noted, “We will conduct extensive surveys using both qualitative and quantitative methods in Nairobi and Kampala. Given the project’s focus on family structures and their transformation, religious and cultural leaders will play a key role in the study.”
The survey will include parents and guardians from 2000 randomly selected households, targeting individuals aged 18 to 64. The questionnaires will cover topics such as intermediate networks, emotional connections, and the impact of these factors on family changes.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), officiated the training. He emphasized the alignment of this research with Makerere University’s strategic direction of being a research-led institution. “This research is within our university’s strategic direction, and I congratulate all the principal investigators for securing the grant,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Prof. Bbaale also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in research, encouraging scholars to pursue similar research projects. He advised enumerators to exercise patience, intelligence, and care in the field to ensure high-quality research findings.
On behalf of the university, he thanked the African Population and Health Research Centre for their collaboration with Makerere University. “Engage with line ministries and the private sector to ensure the implementation of the research project’s recommendations,” Prof. Bbaale urged researchers.
Business & Management
Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence at Makerere University Trains Over 30 Public Officers
The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence at Makerere University has launched a five-day intensive training program for over 30 public officers from various government agencies. This significant event is being held in Jinja, aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of public officers in effective investment management.
The training program was officially opened on July 1, 2024 by the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, under which the Centre of Excellence operates. In his opening remarks, the Principal emphasized the importance of building capacity within public institutions to ensure efficient and effective management of public investments.
“We are committed to equipping our public officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage public investments efficiently. This training is a testament to our dedication to excellence in public service,” stated the Principal.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Ms. Getrude Basiima from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the funding agency for this training program. Ms. Basiima highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives that contribute to the country’s economic development.
“The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is proud to support this initiative. We believe that investing in the professional development of our public officers is crucial for the sustainable growth of our nation’s economy,” Ms. Basiima remarked.
Proper Public Investment Management (PIM) is critical for ensuring that government resources are used effectively to achieve development goals. It involves rigorous planning, allocation, and monitoring of public funds to maximize socio-economic benefits and minimize wastage. Effective PIM leads to improved infrastructure, better public services, and enhanced economic growth, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of citizens.
Throughout the five-day training, participants will engage in a series of interactive sessions and practical exercises designed to enhance their competencies in public investment management. The training covers various topics, project proposal writing including project planning, financial analysis, risk management, and performance evaluation.
This initiative by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence at Makerere University underscores the institution’s role as a leader in fostering professional development and enhancing the capacity of public sector professionals in Uganda.
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