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 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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