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Building Resilience: Makerere Leads Climate Finance Training for Finance Officials

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In a significant step towards enhancing Uganda’s resilience against the economic impacts of climate change, Makerere University has partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London and the World Resources Institute (WRI) to launch the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP). This initiative aims to equip officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of climate finance.

RAMP is part of a broader international effort to strengthen the capacity of governments, particularly in vulnerable and low- to middle-income countries, to manage the economic risks posed by climate change. Led by the WRI and supported by a network of 20 universities from Africa, Asia, and the West Indies, RAMP focuses on integrating climate adaptation strategies into the core operations of ministries of finance. This integration ensures that economic development priorities are aligned with climate adaptation needs, thereby enhancing access to adaptation finance.

Inaugural Training in Entebbe

The first training session under RAMP held in Entebbe started on July 23, bringing together policymakers and financial experts. Dr. Ulrich Volz from SOAS University of London highlighted the program’s emphasis on promoting high-quality teaching and research on climate adaptation economics and finance. “Working with local universities allows us to scale up the program effectively,” he noted. The network’s diverse range of institutions, including the University of the West Indies, University of Dar es Salaam, and University of Nairobi, underscores its global reach and commitment to building local capacity.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, officially opened the 5-day training session. He urged participants to leverage this opportunity to develop their skills in sustainable finance and incorporate these practices into daily decision-making processes. Prof. Bbaale praised SOAS University of London and WRI for their partnership and the extensive training provided to the faculty in Ghana and Nairobi. He highlighted the critical role of education in equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to address climate-related challenges in the financial sector.

Dr. Harald Heubaum and other participants. Makerere University partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London and the World Resources Institute (WRI) to launch the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP) training Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) officials to navigate the complex landscape of climate finance, 23rd July 2024, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.

Dr. Harald Heubaum, Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London, added that the program provides interdisciplinary training for policymakers, focusing on macro-fiscal policies, budgeting, financial sector supervision, trade, and public financial management. “We hope to use this workshop to build a shared understanding of the economics and finance of climate change adaptation,” he said.

Highlighting the Importance of Climate Finance

Mr. Bradley Kratzer, Adaptation Finance Associate at WRI, stressed the importance of integrating climate change considerations into financial decision-making processes. He called for collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations to address climate change challenges. “Integrating climate risk assessments into economic planning and budgeting is crucial for sustainable development,” he emphasized.

Mr. Sam Mugume and Dr. Harald Heubaum. Makerere University partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London and the World Resources Institute (WRI) to launch the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP) training Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) officials to navigate the complex landscape of climate finance, 23rd July 2024, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.

Mr. Sam Mugume from MoFPED’s department of macro-economic policy expressed gratitude for the training, underscoring that climate change is not just an environmental issue but an economic one that requires proper management. He advocated for proactive measures such as investing in resilient infrastructure and promoting green finance initiatives to mitigate economic risks.

Climate Change Effects on Uganda

Uganda faces significant climate change impacts, including increased temperatures, erratic rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These changes threaten agriculture, water resources, and overall economic stability. The agricultural sector, which employs a large portion of the population, is particularly vulnerable, with crop yields and livestock production expected to decline. This not only affects food security but also increases poverty levels, Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu shared during his presentation.

Dr. Mike Ibrahim Okumu speaks. Makerere University partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance at SOAS University of London and the World Resources Institute (WRI) to launch the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP) training Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) officials to navigate the complex landscape of climate finance, 23rd July 2024, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.

RAMP’s efforts to build resilience and adaptation capacities in Uganda are thus timely and essential, Dr. Mugume added. By empowering government officials with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program aims to ensure that Uganda can effectively manage the economic challenges posed by climate change and safeguard its developmental gains.

The Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program represents a crucial step forward in the global fight against climate change. By fostering collaboration between leading academic institutions and government bodies, RAMP is setting the stage for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

ERASMUS+ KA171 International Credit Mobility 2024-2027

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An aerial photo of the School of Statistics and Planning (Right) and other colleges CEDAT, CoNAS, CAES, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Arising from an existing Memorandum of Understanding (September 2021) between University of Padova, Italy (UniPd) and Makerere University (Mak), the two institutions partnered and were jointly granted funding for the Erasmus+ KA171 international credit mobility for students and staff, 2024-2027. At Mak, the Departmental Flow Coordinator is Felix Wamono (PhD) and the project Principal Investigator is Saint Kizito Omala (PhD), both of Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science (DSMAS).

In this regard, the Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Science wishes to announce opportunities for students and staff credit mobility to the Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy for the Winter Semester, October 2025 – February 2026.

The selection process shall entail five-steps:

Step 1: Submission of documents by candidates for nomination, with an internal deadline of April 21st, 2025, 05.00 p.m. (EAT) to allow for time to process nomination applications;
Step 2: Nomination of candidates who would have applied for nomination;
Step 3: Submitting the list of nominated candidates, by April 28th, 2025, to the International Projects and Mobility Office of the University of Padua, Italy;
Step 4: Eligibility check and communication to successful candidates by the International Projects and Mobility Office of the University of Padua, Italy; and
Step 5: Application for the Mobility opportunity by successful candidates.

Inquiry

Reach out to Dr. F. Wamono on +256 772 467206 Dr. S.K. Omala via +256 772 491545 before April 21st, 2025.

See below for detailed advert.

Mak Editor

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Government Officials Equipped with Critical Skills in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis

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Participants, facilitators and officials from MoFPED pose for a group photo after the training on 11th April 2025. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 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, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.

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.

One of the participants receives a certificate from Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera who represented the PSST, as Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner PAP and Prof. Eria Hisali Look on. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 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, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.
One of the participants receives a certificate from Dr. Hennery Ssebukeera who represented the PSST, as Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner PAP and Prof. Eria Hisali Look on.

“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.

Participants attending the training. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 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, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.
Participants attending the training.

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 attending the training. Close of two-week intensive training in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis for government officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) 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, 11th April 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja Uganda, East Africa.
Participants attending the training.

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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Makerere and MoFPED Resume Training of Government Officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis

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Professor Edward Bbaale officiates at the opening ceremony of the training in Jinja. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, Uganda with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), East Africa.

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.

Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, Uganda with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), East Africa.

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.

Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has resumed its in-depth training program for government officials in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis. The two-week training, held in Jinja, Uganda with Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), East Africa.

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.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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