Business & Management
EfD-Uganda Holds Inaugural AGM: Celebrates Milestones and Outlines Future Plans
The EfD-Mak Centre Uganda held its first Annual General Meeting since its establishment in Honai Vietnam in 2018 and official launch at Makerere University in October 2019. The meeting aimed to highlight the Centre’s achievements and outline strategic objectives for the next five years. Four key resolutions were generated during the meeting.
The AGM, held on July 18, 2024, at Glory Summit Hotel in Hoima, was officially opened by EfD Mak Board advisory member Assoc. Prof. Eria Hisali. The event was attended by Centre Directors, deans, research fellows, and the Centre’s core team.
In his opening remarks, Hisali praised the EfD Mak Centre for its achievements over the past five years, acknowledging the dedication of its leadership, research fellows, and partners. “It has been five years of very productive work. So congratulations to the leadership and everyone who has been part of this journey,” he stated.
Professor Hisali emphasized the critical nature of environmental issues, particularly for developing countries where livelihoods are deeply intertwined with natural resources. “The efforts that you people are doing are crucial to assure us that we will live to see another day. It is a matter of survival, security, and harmony,” he said.
Highlighting the Centre’s contributions to knowledge creation and policy engagement, he noted, “The EfD Mak Centre has contributed tremendously to the visibility of Makerere University. We appreciate you.” He acknowledged the Centre’s role in research, outreach, and interactions with policymakers as key to its success.
Hisali Calls for Expanded Role and Sustainability Measures for EfD Mak Centre
Looking forward, Professor Hisali called for strategic interventions to ensure the Centre’s sustainability over the next decade. He proposed that the Centre be fully integrated within Makerere University to secure financial stability, suggesting that the university should cover salaries and operational costs. He also advocated for exploring government support and incorporating the Centre into the national budget to ensure continued funding.
Additionally, he recommended that the Centre enhance its outreach and policy activities, aiming to become a central figure in parliamentary discussions on natural resources and budgeting. “We should be positioning ourselves in such a way that nothing can be discussed in this country regarding matters of the environment without our input,” Professor Hisali asserted.
Professor Hisali also stressed the importance of robust governance structures and urged the Centre to review its board composition for improved responsiveness to policy needs. “The five years have not been for nothing, and we can pick many lessons from there. What gaps do we identify from the governance level?” he questioned.
To further strengthen the Centre’s impact, Hisali encouraged expanding partnerships beyond the EfD network, including collaborations with commercial banks and other stakeholders. He also highlighted the need for ongoing capacity building, suggesting the integration of environmental and climate change issues into university curricula and the development of new degree programs with a focus on the environment. “Capacity building is increasingly important in formal and informal settings to ensure a unified understanding of environmental issues,” he concluded.
In his closing remarks Prof. Hisali appreciated the people and government of Sweden for the support given to this initiative, extending gratitude to the university management, the research fellows, students and Hoima district leadership for input and engagements.
“We have taken note of the emerging issues that require attention and the centre will not allow to fail and that should be out of the picture. Issues raised directly impact on our lives and the country. Any failure means letting down the people who have sacrificed a lot for us to be who we are”, the professor pledged.
Hisali appealed to the centre leadership and research fellows to provide a platform within the seminar series for the process of thought generation on issues of environment and not to wait for research output to go for seminars.
He encouraged research fellows to create time, meet monthly just with notebooks and pens to think , imagine and explain the phenomena as seen not as described in books , models and theories.
“Use EfD as a platform that enable us to conceptualize because then policy makers will take us serious for dealing with reality not as an academic exercise”, Hisali advised.
Dean of School of Economics Applauds EfD Mak Centre’s Success and Collaborative Spirit
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, congratulated the EfD Mak Centre for its successful review, highlighting the centre’s fulfillment of the terms agreed upon with EfD and Sida in Sweden. Dr. Okumu praised the collaborative efforts between the two colleges involved, noting the smooth interaction as a positive indicator of the centre’s effective partnership.
“We have not witnessed any rift in marriage that is typical of many collaborations, and this is a seal of approval for the nature of our collaborative efforts,” Dr. Okumu remarked. He underscored the importance of this seamless cooperation in reflecting the centre’s commitment to its mission and goals.
Reflecting on the impact of the EfD Mak Centre, Dr. Okumu highlighted its potential to influence graduate-level research and seminars within the School of Economics. “As a research cluster, it is poised to affect research output within the school significantly. We anticipate that the centre will start having a visible influence on the nature and characterization of our graduate research,” he said.
Dr. Okumu also emphasized that the funding from EfD Sweden should be viewed as a foundational support and a testament to the centre’s collaborative success. He encouraged leveraging this partnership to compete for additional grants in climate change, environmental, and natural resource economics, extending beyond the current affiliations.
Looking forward, Dr. Okumu expressed hope that the AGM discussions would foster broader resource flow and establish a sustainable framework for the centre, particularly if Sida’s support were to diminish. He urged participants to engage openly and freely, emphasizing that such openness would enhance the centre’s effectiveness.
“We are all researchers here,” Dr. Okumu concluded, “and the freer we are in our discussions, the better EfD Mak will become.”
Celebrating Achievements and Planning Future Directions (2019 – 2024)
The Deputy Director Prof. Johnny Mugisha highlighted the EfD-Mak Centre’s notable accomplishments and future plans. Representing the Centre’s Director, who was away on EfD-related duties, Prof. Mugisha shared insights into the Centre’s evolution since joining the Environment for Development (EfD) network in 2018.
“The EfD-Mak Centre has made substantial strides in environmental economics research and policy impact,” Prof. Mugisha noted. The Centre, based at Makerere University, operates under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Since its formal inauguration in August 2019, the Centre has focused on advancing transdisciplinary research and policy translation.
Prof. Mugisha detailed the Centre’s institutional development, emphasizing its strategic start with an official join date of November 5, 2018, and its inauguration event in August 2019. The Centre, operating within Makerere University‘s Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, is committed to addressing environmental and developmental challenges through innovative research and community engagement.
The Centre’s organizational structure includes a 9-member Advisory Board, chaired by Associate Professor Umar Kakumba, and a dedicated team of 26 research fellows. This framework supports its research and policy initiatives, guided by a robust management team including the Vice Chancellor and key faculty members.
EfD-Mak Centre’s vision is to lead in research excellence and policy influence in environmental economics. The Centre’s mission includes conducting high-quality research to inform policy and enhancing visibility through strategic collaborations. Prof. Mugisha highlighted the Centre’s strategic plan for 2025-2029, focusing on strengthening research capacity, expanding policy engagement, and fostering collaborations with national and international institutions.
The Centre’s policy engagement has been proactive, involving regular dialogues and hosting the 16th EfD Annual Conference in Kampala in 2022. These efforts facilitate collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and local communities, addressing issues such as natural resource governance and energy transitions.
Prof. Mugisha also outlined the Centre’s collaborative partnerships, which span national and international institutions. Key collaborations include government bodies, local governments, and international organizations such as the University of Gothenburg and Duke University. Funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has supported the Centre’s research and policy initiatives.
Over the past five years, EfD-Mak Centre has conducted significant research on sustainable agriculture, energy transitions, water management, and climate change. The Centre has published over 142 papers in peer-reviewed journals and secured 11 competitive research grants. Notable projects include studies on renewable energy, climate resilience, and gender dynamics in environmental economics.
Looking ahead, EfD-Mak Centre’s strategic direction includes strengthening institutional capacity, expanding policy engagement, and enhancing collaborations. The Centre will focus on themes such as energy transition, climate change adaptation, and water resources management.
Prof. Mugisha concluded by expressing gratitude to all supporters and partners, emphasizing the Centre’s commitment to advancing research and policy for sustainable development. “Together, we will continue to make meaningful strides towards a healthier, more sustainable planet,” he said
Resolutions of the AGM
The meeting resolved to appreciate the center leadership for the last five years and governance structure, the university and other stakeholders for the support given to the center.
Second, the meeting agreed to formalize the AGM as an integral part of the structure of the EfD Mak centre and also from the, name of AGM annually. Since the meeting will be held annually, the centre should provide updates on progress made and address the resolutions of the previous AGM.
The meeting further resolved to confirm the results for election of the Director and Deputy Director of the EfD Mak centre. And, four to review and expand the pertinent aspects of the strategic outlook of the EfD Mak centre and, all given suggestions, remarks, reports be taken care of, taking in all issues that emerged from the deliberations.
Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma’s productivity at Makerere University unearths the potential of postdoctoral fellowships
September 02, 2026: The College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) through the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD at Mak Centre) hosted a farewell event to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma as he concluded his postdoctoral fellowship at Makerere University.
About Dr Gemeda
Dr Gemeda Olani Akuma from the University of Cape Town, South Africa has served as a Postdoctoral fellow at Makerere University from July 2025 to September 2026.
During the Postdoctoral fellowship, Dr Gemeda has made significant contributions to research on water systems, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in Uganda. He has collaborated closely with Makerere faculty members on several research projects, with two scientific manuscripts currently under review for publication.
Beyond research, Dr Gemeda played an instrumental role in mentoring graduate students (Master’s and PhD students) by providing technical guidance on their research projects and dissertations.
A Fellowship Built on Learning and Collaboration
Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Dr Gemeda appreciated the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) for supporting his postdoctoral fellowship at Makerere University.
Specific to his postdoctoral fellowship, Dr Gemeda said: “I was focused on my work. I came here to learn, understand the wider research dynamics, enrich my experience, widen my international networks. It has been a very productive engagement. Two papers have been written, submitted to journals, and they will be published soon.”
Reflecting on his experience, he appreciated the professional relationships and academic networks built during his stay, describing them as a strong foundation for future collaboration.
“The EfD community has been like a family to me. It has been very welcoming and supportive, and it made me feel at home throughout my fellowship,” he said.
He acknowledged the support and cordial working relationship that he received from Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr Peter Babyenda, and Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo.
Dr Gemeda described his fellowship at the EfD-Makerere Centre as a productive engagement that enriched his research experience, expanded his international exposure, and created valuable opportunities for future collaboration.
He pledged to remain an ambassador for Makerere University by sustaining the academic and professional relationships established during the fellowship. He expressed commitment to pursuing future joint research initiatives and invited colleagues to Ethiopia to further strengthen academic collaboration.
Sustaining Networks for Future Research
The Principal, College of Business and Management Sciences and Director-EfD Makerere Centre, Prof. Edward Bbaale, commended Dr Gemeda for his remarkable contribution to the College’s research agenda and graduate training.
“Dr. Gemeda’s work demonstrated the value of postdoctoral fellows in strengthening research and scholarly publication at Makerere University. He described his research outputs as scientifically rigorous, well disseminated, and of significant academic value,” he noted.
Underscoring the experience gained from Dr Gemeda’s productive postdoctoral fellowship, Prof. Bbaale called upon Makerere University to strengthen and institutionalize the postdoctoral programme to significantly contribute to its research intensive strategy. Prof. Bbaale articulated that postdoctoral fellowships have a great potential including deepening collaboration between researchers in Uganda and institutions abroad.
Prof. Bbaale highlighted that Makerere University should tap into the experience gained from programmes such as Dr Gemeda’s postdoctoral fellowship to improve its institutional frameworks and encourage more academic units to host postdoctoral researchers.
He commended the EfD-Makerere Centre for providing a supportive research environment and emphasized the importance of sustaining the academic networks established during the fellowship to foster future research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint scholarly initiatives.
Advancing Research, Policy and Graduate Mentorship
Moderating the ceremony, Dr Peter Babyenda, Policy Engagement Coordinator at College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), applauded Dr Gemeda for advancing research and policy engagement with Government of Uganda ministries and agencies.
He praised Dr Gemeda’s mentorship of Master’s and PhD students and his contribution to Natural Capital Accounting research, noting that his fellowship had made a lasting impact on research, policy engagement, and capacity building at Makerere University.
Farewell Messages from Colleagues and Participants
During the farewell ceremony, Dr Nicholas Kilimani, a research fellow at EfD and member of faculty at CoBAMS thanked Dr Gemeda for his support to Environment for Development (EfD). He expressed hope for continued collaboration, wishing him productivity and success in his next chapter.
Dr Florence Lwiza, a faculty member at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) described Dr Gemeda as approachable and highly productive, particularly in strengthening the visibility of collaborative research. She wished him success and expressed confidence that their professional collaboration would continue.
Ms Rhoda Kahita, a member of staff at the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling (CEACM), praised his diligence and willingness to support colleagues, describing him as hardworking, approachable, and always ready to assist despite his demanding schedule.
Mr. Gyaviira Ssewankambo, Manager of the Environment for Development Initiative (EfD)-Makerere Centre, commended Dr Gemeda’s exceptional commitment and dedication to collaborative research.
“That experience reflected his passion, determination, and commitment to producing quality work,” Ssewankambo said.
Ms Alice Nalweera, a researcher at the EfD-Makerere Centre, appreciated the Centre for hosting Dr Gemeda and highlighted his positive attitude and teamwork, noting that he made a significant contribution to the Centre’s collaborative research environment.
Ms Ritah Namisango, Principal Communication Officer at Makerere University, applauded Dr Gemeda for advancing the University’s vision of “Building for the Future” through research, partnerships, grant writing, and international collaboration.
To re-kindle the Makerere University spirit and friendship, Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), and some of the Master’s and PhD students he has mentored presented to Dr Gemeda commemorative Souvenirs amidst applause from the audience.
The ceremony was attended by several Makerere University officials and members of the EfD-Makerere Centre, including Prof. Edward Bbaale-Principal-College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and Director-EfD Makerere Centre, Dr Peter Babyenda- Policy Engagement Coordinator at CoBAMS, Gyaviira Ssewankambo-Manager-EfD Makerere Centre, researchers, and members of faculty who have worked closely with Dr Gemeda.
“I have enjoyed working with educated and brilliant people,” remarked Mr. Peter Mubiru at the handover of the office of the College Bursar held on 31st August 2026 at the College of Business and Management Sciences.
Reflecting on his career journey at Makerere University, which commenced in 1998, Mr. Mubiru who has served with dedication and distinction said: “Professionalism is key in management success.”
Mr. Mubiru reached the mandatory retirement age on 25th August 2026, marking the end of a career spanning nearly three decades in Makerere University’s audit and financial management functions. In his 28 years of service, which he described as a rich and rewarding experience, Mr. Mubiru held the following positions: Assistant Internal Auditor, Head of Revenue and Expenditure Office, Principal Accountant, and College Bursar.
Addressing the College leadership and staff as well as University officials from the Directorate of Internal Audit, and the Directorate of Finance who convened to witness the colourful handover ceremony to Mr. George Lusiba, Mr. Mubiru appreciated the different offices at the University for their cooperation throughout his years of service.
In a very special way, he was delighted to note that Mr. George Lusiba who was taking over the mantle as the new College Bursar has worked with him closely in the execution of several tasks and activities within the Directorate of Finance. “To Mr. Lusiba, I wish you the best of luck in the position of the College Bursar,” said Mr. Mubiru.
From Internal Audit to Financial Management
Mr. Mubiru joined the University service in 1998 as Assistant Internal Auditor, a position that he held for one year. During this period, Mr. Mubiru prepared a report examining the collection and management of revenue at Makerere University.
According to Mr. Mubiru, the recommendations in the report impressed the University Management and Council. Consequently, he was transferred from Internal Audit to the Finance Department, where he served as Head of Revenue and Expenditure, presenting to him an opportunity to contribute directly to implementing some of the recommendations. He was later promoted to Principal Accountant, which positioned him to serve the College of Business and Management Sciences, and a key specialist in financial management and implementation within the University and beyond.
At the College level, Mr. Mubiru has been responsible of overseeing the financial functions within the college, management of the college annual budgeting processes, preparing financial reports at the university and college level, and ensuring compliance with financial guidelines of the university.
He acknowledged the tremendous support received from the following members of staff whom he has been supervising at the College level: Mr. Charles Ssuna, Ms. Florence Amoding, and Ms. Mary Taaka.
Recognition of impactful service
The Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Prof. Edward Bbaale, applauded Mr. Peter Mubiru, for his dedicated service and contribution to the College over the years.
He welcomed the incoming College Bursar, Mr. George Lusiba, and expressed the readiness of the College leadership and staff to work with him to ensure an efficient and effective financial management function. “Through his service, Mr. Lusiba will contribute to the continued growth and effective administration of the College,” said the Principal.
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
The Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng praised Mr. Peter Mubiru for the outstanding service, leadership, and mentorship.
“Mr. Mubiru is a straightforward and dedicated professional whose contributions had left a lasting impact on the School of Business and the wider university community,” he added.
He encouraged Mr. Mubiru to embrace retirement as an opportunity to pursue new ventures, wishing him good health, fulfillment, and God’s abundant blessings.
Compliance and Continuity in Office Transitions
Mr. Patrick Akonyet, the Head of the Internal Audit Directorate at Makerere University, highlighted the Public Service Standing Orders that govern the handover of office. He noted that these guidelines provide the minimum standards for conducting a lawful and transparent handover, accountability and safeguarding of public resources, as well as promoting continuity in institutional operations.
Collaboration, Accountability and Financial Stewardship
Delivering his acceptance remarks, Mr. Lusiba pledged to work with the College leadership, staff and stakeholders in the execution of the financial management function.
“I am deeply honoured to take on the responsibility of the College Bursar. I thank the College leadership and staff for the warm welcome and I pledge to collaborate with everyone to strengthen financial stewardship, accountability and service to excellence.”
The handover ceremony was witnessed by following university staff: Prof. Edward Bbaale-Principal, Associate Professor James Wokadala-Deputy Principal, Dean, School of Business-Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, Dean, School of Economics-Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean, School of Statistics and Planning-Dr. Margaret Banga, Mr. Patrick Akonyet-Head of Internal Audit, Mr. George Turyamureeba-Deputy University Bursar, Ms Racheal Ikiriza-College Human Resource, Mr. David Ikoma-College Procurement Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango-Principal Communication Officer, Ms. Stella Butamanya-School Registrar, Mr. Joseph Ikarokok-Chief Custodian, Mr. Julius Muhwezi-Planning Officer and among other members of staff at the College level.
Pleased with Mr. Peter Mubiru’s record of a service, Dr John Bosco Oryema, a member of faculty at the College of Business and Management Sciences said: “Congratulations upon reaching the mandatory retirement. You served with a smile and dedication. I remember when you were the Chief Cashier in the Main Building, you supported many of us in processing the Staff Development Fund. Enjoy the fruits of the hard work.”
Goodwill messages from staff and colleagues
Dr Jude Mugarura: It was a great service coupled with commitment and professionalism. Well done my dear brother, Mr. Peter Mubiru.
Dr Faisal Buyinza: Dear Peter Mubiru, congratulations upon your dedicated service to Makerere University.
Dr Zaina Nakabuye: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru upon reaching this milestone.
Dr Aisha Nanyiti: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru on your dedicated service.
Dr Susan Namirembe Kavuma: Well done Mr. Peter Mubiru, we wish you the best in your new chapter of your life.
Dr Issa Sekatawa: My brother, you have served. We enjoyed our brotherhood before I joined Makerere University
Dr Christopher Muganga: Mr. Peter Mubiru, for your great service to Makerere University and humanity at large, and all the best in your upcoming engagements.
Agnes Ssempebwa: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru on your dedicated service, I wish you od’s blessings in your new chapter of life
Geoffrey Nuwagaba: Thank you Mr. Peter Mubiru for serving us diligently and retire with flowers. I pray that more gates open for you in the next endeavours.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru on your diligent service. Best wishes ahead.
Emmanuel Ssemuyaga: Congratulations on your retirement. It has been a pleasure and privilege working with you. I truly enjoyed the time we interacted, and your contribution, warmth, and collegiality made the experience both exciting and memorable.
Peter Kisaakye: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. Wishing you well.
Dr Sarah Bimbona: Congratulations. Wishing you all the best in the new Chapter.
Dr Godfrey Akileng: Congratulations. Thank you for completing your tour of duty in building for the future. Your diligent contribution and professionalism leaves a mark. You have been a brother. May the good Lord bless you abundantly.
Dr Kasim Sendawula: Well done Mr. Peter Mubiru. We have indeed enjoyed your dedicated service. May the Almighty God bless you as you embark on a new chapter of life.
Dr Marion Nanyanzi: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. May the Almighty God bless and guide you as you begin a new chapter.
Dr John Mushomi: Well done Mr. Peter Mubiru. Thanks for keeping young and cool. I am sure work has just started at yours as you retire. The world needs your service more than ever before.
Tadeo Masimengo: May you be blessed as you retire from Makerere University
Dr Peter Babyenda: Thank you for the work well done. Best wishes.
Chris Alioni: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. You have served well.
Dr Stephen Wandera: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. You have served us well. I will miss this great partnership and collegial work ethic.
Dr Lillian Tukahirwa: You have served Makerere University with dedication. To God be the glory for the accomplishments and good work.
Jude Sebuliba: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. I wish you a successful and fruitful re-engagement.
Patience R. Mushengyezi: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. May God guide you in your next phase.
Paneah Asiimwe: You are a good man. Mr. Peter Mubiru, enjoy your retirement.
Dan Kiganda: Congratulations Mr. Peter Mubiru. Thank you for the dedicated service.
Eric Tumwesigye: Enjoy your next deployments because definitely, you are going for fresh and awesome deployments.
Pictorial:
The Gambia is looking to deepen its public investment management (PIM) systems by drawing lessons from Uganda, with a high-level delegation from the West African country visiting Makerere University’s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence to benchmark Uganda’s experience.
The delegation, led by Mr Baboucarr Jobe, Permanent Secretary in The Gambia’s Ministry of Finance, visited Makerere University’s Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence to learn from Uganda’s approach to project conceptualisation, appraisal, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
The visit is part of wider reforms being undertaken by The Gambia to strengthen its economic, judicial and institutional systems, with public investment management identified as a critical area for improvement.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Jobe said The Gambia had embarked on PIM reforms in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which advised the country to benchmark its systems against countries with relevant experience.
“Several countries were recommended, but we ultimately chose Uganda. I am happy to say that we are glad we selected Uganda for this assignment,” he said.
He noted that although the delegation initially intended to focus specifically on public investment management, the visit had exposed them to broader areas with potential for cooperation between Uganda and The Gambia.
The delegation also visited Makerere University’s Innovation Centre, where it explored initiatives that could support collaboration between the two countries in advancing economic development.
Mr Jobe said institutions in The Gambia, including the University of The Gambia and the Civil Service University, could potentially collaborate with Makerere University and its Innovation Centre.
Closing gaps in public investment
Mr Jobe identified project conceptualisation, project evaluation, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation as some of the major gaps in The Gambia’s public investment management system.
He said the delegation was particularly impressed by Uganda’s systematic approach to managing public investments and the collaboration among institutions involved in the process.
“What has impressed us in Uganda is the manner in which the public investment management process is carried out step by step,” he said.
The Gambian delegation also observed collaboration among key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the President and other stakeholders.
Mr Jobe said such institutional collaboration was an important lesson that The Gambia would seek to replicate.
The delegation had an opportunity to participate in a Development Committee meeting, where they observed how different government offices work together to advance Uganda’s development priorities.
Makerere Centre plays key role
The visit was hosted by the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence, which is integrated into Uganda’s broader public investment management system.
Prof. Edward Bbaale welcomed the Gambian delegation and said the visit provided an opportunity for peer learning and exchange of practical experiences between the two countries.
He said countries were at different stages of strengthening their public investment systems, making peer learning an important avenue for identifying approaches that could be adapted to different institutional contexts.
“We hope to share not only what has worked well, but also some of the challenges we have encountered and the lessons we have drawn from them,” Prof. Bbaale said.
He encouraged the delegation to engage openly with the Makerere team, ask questions and share their own experiences to ensure that the benchmarking exercise was practical and mutually beneficial.
Building capacity for better investments
Prof. Eria Hisali, who presented an overview of the Centre, emphasised the importance of strengthening public investment systems to ensure that limited public resources are used effectively.
He explained that capital investments remain a key driver of economic growth, but governments often face resource constraints that make it impossible to implement every proposed project.
A strong public investment management system, he said, enables governments to assess and select projects based on their potential returns and development impact.
The Centre aims to support this process by building a pool of well-prepared projects at different stages of development, enabling government to make informed decisions about which projects to finance and implement.
The PIM Centre of Excellence was established with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Trust Fund and the Government of Uganda. It initially operated as a project before being mainstreamed into the Government of Uganda, with its resources now coming directly from government.
Since its establishment, the Centre has trained 526 public-sector officials in areas related to public investment management.
Its training programmes cover key stages of the PIM cycle, including project conceptualisation, integrated analysis, feasibility studies, financial and economic appraisal, risk analysis, project execution, procurement and evaluation.
Strengthening South–South cooperation
For Mr Jobe, the visit was also an opportunity to challenge the tendency of African countries to look outside the continent for solutions to development challenges.
He argued that African countries operate in broadly similar environments and face many common challenges, making the continent an important source of knowledge and practical solutions.
“We need to move away from always looking outside Africa for solutions. There are many valuable initiatives being undertaken by our African brothers and sisters, and it is important that we learn from one another,” he said.
He proposed stronger partnerships between institutions in Uganda and The Gambia, including possible collaboration between universities and civil service training institutions.
“This visit is one step in that direction. South–South cooperation needs to be further strengthened,” he said.
Investing limited resources for greater impact
The Gambian delegation’s interest in public investment management is closely linked to the country’s development challenges.
According to Mr Jobe, The Gambia’s GDP is currently just under US$3 billion, with annual economic growth estimated at between five and six per cent. Inflation has declined significantly from double-digit levels to approximately seven per cent, although poverty remains high at more than 50 per cent.
He said strengthening public investment management was therefore essential to ensuring that the country’s limited public resources generate tangible benefits for citizens.
“This visit will help us ensure that public investment and the limited public resources available to us are utilised efficiently and provide benefits to the average Gambian,” he said.
He added that achieving value for money from public resources would enable citizens to experience greater benefits from government investments and contribute to poverty reduction. The visit marked an important step towards strengthening institutional cooperation between Uganda and The Gambia, while positioning Makerere University and its PIM Centre of Excellence as a potential partner in building public-sector capacity beyond Uganda.
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