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Empowering Rural Women Through Financial Literacy: A Spotlight on the FAAL Project

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Introduction

In the heart of Luweero District, a transformative initiative is making waves, empowering rural women with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve financial independence. On July 31, 2024, the Financial Awareness and Literacy Leadership (FAAL) project led by Dr. Hellen Namawejje from the Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Sciences held a dissemination event to share its findings and celebrate the success of its efforts. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local leaders, community members, and the very women whose lives have been touched by the project.

Dr. Hellen Namawejje, Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Sciences, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Financial Awareness and Literacy Leadership (FAAL) project, empowering rural women with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve financial independence, research dissemination, 31st July 2024, Luweero District, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Hellen Namawejje.

A Community United

The event was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Dignitaries such as the District Deputy Mayor Prince Juuko Patrick, the Semuto SACCO Manager, the Community District Officer, and three chairpersons from the study villages were in attendance, alongside over 50 women participants. The atmosphere was one of hope and excitement, as stakeholders gathered to discuss the impact of financial literacy on rural women’s lives.

Some of the participants keenly follow proceedings. Dr. Hellen Namawejje, Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Sciences, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Financial Awareness and Literacy Leadership (FAAL) project, empowering rural women with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve financial independence, research dissemination, 31st July 2024, Luweero District, Uganda, East Africa.

Prince Juuko Patrick, the District Deputy Mayor, inaugurated the event with a message of gratitude and encouragement. He praised the FAAL project for its dedication to improving financial literacy and urged the attendees to apply the insights gained to better their financial well-being. Other stakeholders echoed his sentiments, highlighting the critical role of financial education in fostering economic independence and community development.

Study Objectives and Key Findings

The primary aim of the FAAL project was to assess the financial awareness and literacy levels among rural women in Luweero District. The study included a comprehensive needs assessment, financial literacy training, and efforts to connect women farmers with various local associations, including healthcare, insurance, agricultural, banking, and women’s associations.

Key Findings:

  1. Financial Literacy Training: The training programs significantly enhanced participants’ abilities to make informed financial decisions regarding budgeting, saving, spending, and investing. This improvement is poised to elevate their standards of living over time.
  2. Financial Education: The study underscored the importance of accessible financial education at all life stages. It also revealed that business ownership and financial influence from family and school are vital in boosting financial literacy among rural women.
  3. Role of Associations: Membership in village savings and loan associations (VSLA) and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) was found to be positively associated with higher financial literacy levels.

Recommendations for the Future

Based on the study’s findings, the FAAL project put forward several key recommendations:

  1. Continuous Training Programs: Implement ongoing financial literacy training to sustain and build upon the skills acquired by the women.
  2. Community-Level Financial Literacy Curriculum: Introduce a structured financial literacy curriculum at the community level to ensure consistent and comprehensive education.
  3. Community Sensitization: Raise awareness about government initiatives related to financial literacy and empowerment to enhance community engagement and participation.
  4. Encourage Family Financial Education: Promote the teaching of financial matters within families to instill good financial habits in children from an early age.

Transformative Impact

The FAAL project highlights the profound impact that financial education can have on rural women, empowering them to achieve greater economic independence. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, these women are better positioned to support themselves, their families, and their communities.

Dr. Hellen Namawejje, Department of Statistical Methods and Actuarial Sciences, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, Financial Awareness and Literacy Leadership (FAAL) project, empowering rural women with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve financial independence, research dissemination, 31st July 2024, Luweero District, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Hellen Namawejje.

Speaking on the sidelines of the training, Dr. Namawejje appreciated the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York through the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) at the University of Pretoria for the support. She appreciated her mentor Prof. Bruno Yawe for his invaluable guidance and support.

Conclusion

The dissemination event in Luweero District was more than just a presentation of findings; it was a celebration of progress and a call to action. The FAAL project serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right support and education, rural women can transcend financial barriers and contribute significantly to their communities’ development. As Uganda continues to embrace initiatives like FAAL, the future looks brighter for rural women striving for financial independence and a better quality of life.

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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