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Scholars Advocate for Private Sector Expansion to Boost Youth Employment

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In light of recent findings from a comprehensive study on the effects of digitalization on youth employment, scholars, including Dr. Matovu Fred, the Principal Investigator, are calling for a significant expansion of the private sector to address the rising unemployment rates among educated youth. The research, which delves into how the youth in Uganda are adapting to technological advancements, highlights several key areas that require urgent policy intervention.

The study reveals that Ugandan youth are increasingly adapting to technological changes through self-education, peer-to-peer learning, and continuous formal education. Despite their proactive approach, only a few organizations are offering necessary training for technological adaptation, leaving many youths to navigate these changes on their own.

Dr. Fred Matovu, the PI. Comprehensive study on the effects of digitalization on youth employment, Dr. Matovu Fred, Principal Investigator, Research Dissemination Workshop, 23rd May 2024, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Fred Matovu, the PI

Importantly, the youth have shown a strong willingness to invest in acquiring digital skills to remain competitive in the job market. Many see the digital trend not as a threat but as an opportunity to secure more decent jobs, including remote work opportunities and the ability to undertake multiple jobs simultaneously.

Policy Recommendations

Based on these findings, the researchers have put forward several policy recommendations:

  1. Expansion of the Private Sector: There is a pressing need to expand the private sector to absorb the growing number of educated youth entering the job market. This expansion is critical to providing more employment opportunities and leveraging the skills of the young workforce.
  2. Improving Internet Connectivity: To support uninterrupted use of digital systems in workplaces, it is essential to improve the reliability of internet connectivity. This improvement will ensure that digitalization efforts are not hampered by technical issues, enabling smoother and more efficient work processes.
  3. Reducing Data Costs: Lowering subscription fees and the cost of data is crucial to expanding bandwidth availability, which is necessary for activities such as big data analytics. Affordable internet access will empower more youths to engage in digital learning and work.
  4. Enhancing Cybersecurity: The research underscores the need for central coordination of cybersecurity safeguards. Implementing early warning systems for hackers and related threats will protect company systems and bolster the digital economy’s integrity.
  5. Reliable Data Protection Systems: Ensuring that data protection systems are trustworthy is vital. Building trust in enterprise data among third-party users and government agencies, such as the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), will encourage more businesses to digitize their operations.

Government and Private Sector Collaboration

The study’s authors emphasize that collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to implementing these recommendations effectively. By working together, they can create an environment that not only supports the digital adaptation of the youth but also drives economic growth and job creation.

Group photo of the participants that attended the dissemination workshop. Comprehensive study on the effects of digitalization on youth employment, Dr. Matovu Fred, Principal Investigator, Research Dissemination Workshop, 23rd May 2024, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Group photo of the participants that attended the dissemination workshop.

In response to these findings, government officials and private sector leaders are urged to prioritize these policy recommendations. Expanding the private sector and improving digital infrastructure will play a critical role in harnessing the potential of Uganda’s youth, fostering innovation, and securing a brighter economic future for the nation.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these strategic measures will ensure that Uganda’s youth are not left behind but are instead at the forefront of the country’s economic transformation.

The research was funded by the government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund.

The research team

PI: Fred Matovu:  Principal Investigator (PI), Makerere University

Susan Kavuma: Co-PI, Makerere University

Hassan Mbaziira:  Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

Richard Sebaggala: Uganda Christian University, Mukono

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

PIM CoE Magazine Issue 1: Jul-Dec 2024

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Cover page of the Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) Magazine Issue 1: July - December 2024. College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Center of Excellence (PIM CoE) was conceived as a result of the 2016 PIM Diagnostic study done by the World Bank and Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development with support from Makerere University School of Economics that discovered inefficiencies in PIM in Uganda.

This report highlights the work, achievements and prospects of the Center. The Center plans to start offering Advanced level training through Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in PIM and Master of Science in Economic and Investment Modelling (MEIM). I am pleased to introduce this report to the public for use by all stakeholders.

I would like to appreciate PIM CoE Secretariat, partners, staff and well-wishers for technical support, daily running of the Center and their role in the realization of these achievements.

Special thanks go to Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Cambridge Resources International (CRI) and Makerere University for the overwhelming support rendered towards the development of the Center.

Prof. Edward Bbaale
Principal & Principal Investigator, CoBAMS/PIM CoE

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Somali Officials Complete Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management at CoBAMS

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Prof. Edward Bbaale (Seated 2nd Left) with training facilitators and the six Somali Government officials pose for a group photo. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Six Somali government officials have successfully completed a three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). The training, funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), took place from January 27 to 29, 2025, and aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management.

The training brought together senior civil servants and policymakers from Somalia, equipping them with practical knowledge and strategies for sustainable infrastructure asset management. It also fostered valuable cross-border collaboration, facilitated by UNCDF Uganda, which played a crucial role in connecting Makerere University with the Government of Somalia.

Left to Right: Prof. Edward Bbaale, PIM CoE Manager-Dr. John Sseruyange and some of the officials follow proceedings. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The program was delivered by experienced faculty from Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), alongside experts from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). A special session was also led by the Makerere University Bursar, offering practical insights into financial management in infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Mr. Ncube Mkhululi, the Regional Technical Advisor for UNCDF emphasized the importance of infrastructure asset management in driving sustainable economic growth. He highlighted UNCDF’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives in developing economies, noting that effective infrastructure planning and management are critical to national development. He also expressed confidence in Makerere University’s expertise in delivering high-impact executive training programs for government officials.

Principal CoBAMS-Prof. Edward Bbaale (Right) presents a certificate to one of the officials. Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

During the closing ceremony, Prof. Bbaale Edward, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences expressed gratitude to all partners, including UNCDF, Makerere University management, and the PIM CoE faculty, for their commitment to making the training a success. He emphasized Makerere University’s ongoing efforts to internationalize its research-led agenda, positioning itself as a hub for regional knowledge exchange.

UNCDF Program Manager, Mr. Joel Mundua, the commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to share the acquired knowledge with fellow officials in Somalia. This was reaffirmed by one of the participants, who pledged to apply and disseminate the learnings within their respective departments.

UNCDF Program Manager0Mr. Joel Mundua (Left) and UNCDF Program Officer-Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti (Right). Six Somali government officials three-day Executive Training in Infrastructure Asset Management, held at Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), 27th-29th January 2025, aimed to enhance regional capacity in infrastructure planning and management, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Mr. Sunday Denis Aliti, the Program Officer at UNCDF highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure asset management strategies are practical, adaptable, and aligned with national development goals. He commended Makerere University for its leadership in knowledge transfer and regional training and encouraged continued collaboration between universities, governments, and international development partners to strengthen institutional capacity.

Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, applauded both the participants and the expert trainers who contributed to the program. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to advancing infrastructure asset management through continued training and collaboration with regional stakeholders.

As the training concluded, participants departed with valuable insights and practical tools to improve infrastructure management in Somalia and beyond. The success of this initiative highlights Makerere University’s role as a leading institution in public investment management, fostering capacity-building efforts that drive sustainable development across Africa.

Betty Kyakuwa
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Staff of School of Statistics undertake training in Data Science

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Dr. Margaret Banga (2nd Row Right) with participants and facilitators at the kick-off of the training. Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members kick off Monday, 20th January 2025 facilitated by experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and will run until 24th January 2025. Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more.

The Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training kicked off on Monday, 20th January 2025, and will run until 24th January 2025. This training, an initiative by the college, aims to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members.

Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more. The training is facilitated by expert data scientists from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP).

The SDS Working Group comprises academic staff at the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP) whose research interests focus on statistical learning and AI.

Some of the participants follow proceedings. Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members kick off Monday, 20th January 2025 facilitated by experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and will run until 24th January 2025. Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more.

On January 21, 2025, Mr. Kiyingi Simon Peter and Mr. Tusubira Brian from URA led an engaging session on the practical applications of machine learning algorithms in day-to-day activities. They demonstrated how components fed into ML models are used to classify taxpayers into high-risk and low-risk categories, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in optimizing operations.

Dr. Margaret Banga, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), emphasized the transformative impact of the training on both the academic and professional development of the participants. She commended the expert trainers from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and other partnering institutions for their practical and insightful contributions to the sessions. Dr. Banga noted that the training is a significant step toward enhancing the teaching methodologies and research capabilities of the faculty. “By equipping our staff with advanced skills in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, we are empowering them to deliver cutting-edge knowledge to our students and conduct impactful research that addresses real-world challenges,” she remarked.

Dr. Margaret Banga (2nd L) with participants. Statistics and Data Science (SDS) Working Group training to build capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) among its members kick off Monday, 20th January 2025 facilitated by experts from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Housing Finance Bank, and the School of Statistics and Planning (SSP), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa and will run until 24th January 2025. Participants are being equipped with a wide range of skills, covering topics such as text mining, unsupervised learning, neural networks, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and more.

The training is a testament to the SSP’s forward-thinking approach to education and research in statistics and data science. The integration of topics such as neural networks, text mining, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) underscores the need for multidisciplinary expertise in an increasingly data-driven world. Dr. Banga highlighted that this capacity-building effort aligns with the college’s strategic objectives of fostering innovation and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving fields of data science and statistical learning.

The Dean further stressed the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Uganda Revenue Authority and Housing Finance Bank, which provide invaluable industry perspectives. These collaborations ensure that academic training is not only theoretical but also applicable to practical challenges in sectors such as taxation, finance, and public administration.

In conclusion, Dr. Banga reaffirmed her commitment to continuous learning and development within the School of Statistics and Planning. She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained through the training would translate into improved academic delivery, enriched research output, and a stronger contribution to societal and economic transformation through the application of advanced data science methodologies.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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