General
Minister Kasaija Calls for Strategic Public Investments to Drive Uganda’s Economic Transformation at Inaugural PIM Conference
The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, has outlined Uganda’s economic growth prospects through strategic public investments aimed at achieving sustainable development and transforming lives, particularly for the youth. He highlighted this vision during the inaugural Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference, held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Makerere University.
“Public investment is clearly the backbone of our nation’s development, particularly in building the infrastructure, human capital, and institutions necessary to elevate Uganda to middle-income status and beyond,” Kasaija remarked. He called for increased investments to propel Uganda’s economy from its current $50 billion in the 2022/2023 financial year to $500 billion over the next 15 years.
The conference, organized under the theme “Navigating the Landscape of Public Investment Management in Uganda: Current Realities and Future Outlook,” underscored the need for partnerships in the investment sector. The Minister emphasized how infrastructural development can catalyze economic growth and create new job opportunities.
“Investments in infrastructure such as roads, energy, and digital connectivity can stimulate economic growth and attract private sector investment, leading to job creation,” Kasaija emphasized.
He also highlighted the importance of integrating public investment management with government welfare programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and small business recovery funds, which offer critical financing for entrepreneurship. The government is committed to enhancing the efficiency of public spending, focusing on a fiscal consolidation strategy to restore fiscal discipline and reduce public debt.
“Fiscal consolidation does not mean cutting back on investment, but rather optimizing spending by prioritizing high-impact projects that directly contribute to economic growth. Our public investment must align with this strategic direction,” Kasaija added.
To maximize the value of government investments, Kasaija called for a public management system capable of delivering inclusive and sustainable socio-economic transformation, with resilience to issues such as climate change and sustainable development goals.
The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, also addressed the conference, focusing on the government’s efforts to improve the quality of projects at their inception. He noted the establishment of a dedicated department of project analysis and public investment within the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the ongoing PIM reform process.
Mr. Ggoobi mentioned that the ministry has developed and disseminated guidelines and standardized manuals for project preparation and appraisal. “Our objective is to build the center’s capacity for research that will inform policy changes in PIM,” he said.
He highlighted the positive impact of these reforms, noting that the quality of projects submitted by ministries and agencies has significantly improved. However, Ggoobi stressed the need for more stringent monitoring, especially regarding the low execution rates of externally funded projects, which continue to face delays.
“Cost and time overruns are common, and projects are often poorly executed, which shortens their lifespan. To address this, we are developing a framework for tracking project implementation, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement,” Ggoobi revealed.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, advised that the government should focus on constructing the Standard Gauge Railway to ensure that every Ugandan benefits from the infrastructure development. He emphasized that this would be a transformative project for the entire country.
Ms. Barbara Magezi Ndamira, a Senior Public Sector Specialist from the World Bank, pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in Uganda’s PIM is accountability. “The biggest issue for me in the value chain of PIM is accountability. Who is holding the whip to ensure that a five-year project is completed within the set timeframe?” she asked, raising concerns about the lack of stringent oversight mechanisms.
Adding to Ms. Magezi’s concerns, Dr. Asuman Lukwago, Permanent Secretary of the Education Service Commission, suggested that every project should be implemented with a service standard in place, prescribing the timeframes for minor and major audits to ensure sustainability. This, he noted, would help track the progress and quality of project execution.
Dr. Callist Tindimugaya, the Acting Director of Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Water and Environment, emphasized the importance of writing holistic projects that include not only their core functions but also ways in which the public can benefit economically. “We want to explore how a water project can improve household incomes,” he said, highlighting the Ministry’s focus on integrating economic benefits into public projects.
The keynote speaker, Professor Glenn P. Jenkins from Queens University in Canada, shared insights on the current state and future of Uganda’s Public Investment Management System, established in 2016. Jenkins emphasized Uganda’s leadership in Africa in creating a modern PIM system, which integrates financial, economic, and social criteria into public sector decision-making.
“A modern PIM system is more than just investment appraisal—it’s a comprehensive decision-making framework for the public sector,” Prof. Jenkins explained. He also discussed the system’s IT capabilities, which track and capture all project-related data as it progresses.
Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, called on all stakeholders to collaborate and develop strategies to address gaps in public sector investments. He urged government officials, academics, development partners, and practitioners to use the conference platform to align strategies, share experiences, and explore new approaches to improve Uganda’s public investment outcomes.
“This platform is an opportunity for us all to come together and develop prudent solutions that will elevate our economy,” Prof. Nawangwe stated.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) at Makerere, praised the alignment of the conference theme with the mission of Makerere University’s Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE). The Centre has been at the forefront of providing transformative training and research for key stakeholders in Uganda’s public sector.
“Since its inception, the Centre has focused on building the capacity of Uganda’s public sector to manage public investments effectively and ensure value for money,” Prof. Bbaale said. He noted that over 200 public service officials have been trained in essential areas such as public investment management, financial and risk analysis, project implementation, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E), equipping them with the practical skills needed to enhance project appraisal and evaluation.
In conclusion, the Public Investment Management Conference provided a critical platform for government officials, academics, and development partners to explore strategies for improving the efficiency and impact of Uganda’s public investments. As highlighted by the Minister of Finance and other key speakers, the focus on accountability, fiscal discipline, and inclusive socio-economic transformation is essential for driving the country towards middle-income status. With ongoing reforms and strengthened partnerships, Uganda’s public investment management system holds great potential to elevate the nation’s development trajectory.
Staff and students at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) have been sensitized on Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy (GEP) and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), in an engagement aimed at strengthening awareness of staff rights and responsibilities and promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful University environment.
The two-hour sensitization session, held on Friday, 30th October 2026 in the Chemistry Boardroom, was organized by the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD) and led by its Director, Dr Euzobia Baine.
The engagement provided staff with an opportunity to understand the purpose and scope of the two policies, their role in promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment, as well as the mechanisms available for reporting and addressing cases of sexual harassment within the University.
Sensitization on the Gender Equality Policy
The Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, originally adopted in 2009 and amended in 2022, provides a broad institutional framework for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. It seeks to integrate gender considerations into the University’s core functions, including teaching and learning, research and innovation, institutional management, recruitment, staff development and leadership.
The policy also promotes equal opportunity and non-discrimination, equitable participation and progression of students, increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making, and a gender-responsive, inclusive and secure University environment.
The Policy Against Sexual Harassment
Staff were also sensitized on PRASH, which provides the institutional framework for preventing and responding to sexual harassment at Makerere University. The policy establishes mechanisms for sensitization, reporting, investigation and management of complaints, while providing for accountability and protection of members of the University community.
The policy applies to members of the University community, including academic, administrative and support staff, students, contractors, partners and visitors to University premises. Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours and other unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
The sensitization highlighted the complementary role of the two policies. While the GEP provides the broader framework for gender equality, equity and inclusion across the University, PRASH specifically addresses sexual harassment and establishes measures for its prevention and response.
Implementation and Institutional Commitment
Mr. Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer in Makerere University’s Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, briefed staff on progress in implementing MakPRASH, sharing experiences and lessons learned, as well as the consequences of persistent sexual harassment.
On behalf of CoNAS, the Deputy Principal, Prof. Godwin Kakuba, welcomed the initiative and called for continued sensitization of staff and students on the policies.
Prof. Kakuba pledged support towards ensuring that the policies are understood and observed, noting that regular awareness and engagement are important in creating a respectful and safe working and learning environment.
The sensitization forms part of the University’s ongoing efforts, through the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, to strengthen implementation of its gender-related policies and promote a University community where all members can participate, work and learn in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and other forms of gender-based harm.
Staff and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) were encouraged to embrace gender-responsive practices as a key step towards building an inclusive, equitable, and productive academic environment.
The call was made during a gender sensitization workshop held on October 28th, 2026, organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, which brought together members of the CoVAB community to deepen their understanding of gender issues and their relevance in higher education institutions.
Principal Calls for Active Participation
A section of the participants that included academic and administrative staff listen attentively
Welcoming participants to the workshop, CoVAB Principal Prof. Clovice Kankya thanked the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming for choosing the College to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take advantage of such learning opportunities.
He described the meeting as one of his first major engagements with members of the College community since assuming office and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and participation in institutional programs.
“Opportunities such as these should not be taken for granted. When experts come to share knowledge and experiences, it is important that we make time to attend, listen, and learn,” he said.
Prof. Kankya noted that he was one of the staff training gender in the past and noted that to date, there were many gender experts who together work towards ensuring the student community gains the needed knowledge and skills to mainstream gender concerns in the college activities.
Gender Concerns Everyone
Some energizers to keep the participants fully engaged
Addressing common misconceptions about gender-related discussions, the Principal emphasized that gender is not exclusively a women’s issue but one that concerns all members of society.
“Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles, responsibilities, and relationships that shape our lives and workplaces. Understanding these issues helps us create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone,” he explained.
Drawing from his academic experience, Prof. Kankya noted that gender considerations cut across disciplines and sectors and remain an important component of sustainable development efforts worldwide. He urged participants to appreciate the role of gender mainstreaming in fostering equal opportunities, promoting respectful working relationships, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) recently hosted a gender sensitization session aimed at increasing awareness of Makerere University’s gender policies and gathering stakeholder feedback to support their effective implementation.
Organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, the engagement brought together staff and students to discuss gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and the role of university stakeholders in fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Principal Welcomes Gender Mainstreaming Directorate
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Principal CoVAB – made welcome remarks, acknowledging the importance of gender in all areas
The session was officiated by the new CoVAB Principal, who thanked the Directorate for selecting CoVAB to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take full advantage of opportunities that contribute to professional and personal growth. While challenging the common misconception that gender discussions are solely women’s affairs, he emphasized the importance of participation in university activities, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities to learn, share experiences, and contribute to institutional development. “Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles and responsibilities that shape our interactions and work environments. Understanding these issues is important for all of us.”, he stated.
Disseminating University Gender Policies
R-L: The Director of the Gender mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University Dr. Euzobia Baine, and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye facilitated the session.
Facilitators from the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming led by Dr. Euzobia Baine explained the purpose and scope of Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment. Dr. Baine said the sensitization session aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the University’s gender policies and to obtain feedback from stakeholders to guide their implementation and continuous improvement.
Participants were informed that the policies apply to students, academic staff, administrative staff, and all other individuals who study, work, or undertake activities within university spaces. The Directorate also highlighted its mandate to coordinate policy implementation and provide technical support to colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units across the University.
Promoting Gender Equality across University Functions
The meeting highlighted the broad scope of the Gender Equality Policy, which seeks to integrate gender considerations into teaching, learning, research, outreach, partnerships, and institutional management.
Participants learned that the policy promotes the integration of gender perspectives into curricula and research activities, equitable access, participation, retention, and progression for students and staff, increased participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and leadership positions, Gender-responsive community engagement and university partnerships and a university culture founded on respect, inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity. The facilitators emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a stand-alone activity but a responsibility that should be incorporated into all university programs and operations.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in University Spaces
A key component of the sensitization focused on the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment. Participants were informed that the policy was developed in response to evidence showing that sexual harassment was affecting members of the university community and that stronger preventive and response mechanisms were needed.
It was explained that the policy provides guidance on prevention, reporting, investigation, and management of sexual harassment cases while promoting safe and respectful learning and working environments for all and that the was commited to supporting colleges and administrative units in implementing the policy and creating awareness among staff and students.
Gender and Equity in Planning and Budgeting
The session also highlighted the growing importance of gender and equity considerations in institutional planning and resource allocation. Participants were informed that the Public Finance Management Act requires public institutions to mainstream gender and equity concerns in their plans and budgets. They also learned that the Equal Opportunities Commission assesses institutional performance in implementing gender and equity commitments. The discussion prompted reflection on how colleges can strengthen compliance with these requirements and address existing gaps in implementing gender-responsive activities.
Fostering an Inclusive University Community
The sensitization session provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback on the implementation of the University’s policies. Participants welcomed the engagement, noting that it enhanced their understanding of gender issues and underscored their role in promoting a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for both staff and students.
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