The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED), recently launched an intensive training program aimed at enhancing public officers’ skills in assessing the financial implications of proposed policies and legislation. This training, sanctioned by MoFPED, is being led by experts from both PIM CoE and the Infrastructure and Social Services Department of MoFPED.

Over the course of three weeks, more than 360 public officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will participate in the training, divided into cohorts to facilitate focused learning. Each cohort undergoes a two-day training session designed to build a deeper understanding of financial implication assessments, which are critical for informed policy-making.

The primary objective of this program is to equip public officers with the analytical tools necessary for assessing the financial viability of policies and legislative proposals. This capacity-building initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader goal of ensuring that government policies are fiscally responsible and contribute to national development priorities.

Several participants expressed their satisfaction with the skills acquired through this training. Mr. Avu Elly Biliku, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Works and Transport, praised the training, noting that it had increased his confidence in conducting financial implications analysis for policies and bills. “I now feel more confident in undertaking Clearances for Financial Implications (CFIs) for all the bills and policies under my review,” Mr. Biliku stated. He also recommended that more public officers receive similar training to enhance the analytical capacities across MDAs.

Ms. Eunice Namara, an economist at MoFPED, highlighted that the program had significantly boosted her ability to thoroughly evaluate policies and bills. “I am now equipped to prepare detailed bills and policies with all necessary attachments, including the Statement of Financial Implications,” Ms. Namara said, underscoring how the training strengthened her capacity to contribute to evidence-based policy review and formulation.

At the close of the first cohort’s training, Mr. Paul Patrick Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED, emphasized the importance of aligning policy decisions with national priorities. He noted that the ministry’s renewed guidelines were informed by a comprehensive survey that identified key gaps in existing policy evaluation processes. “The new guidelines address these gaps by introducing regulatory cost-benefit analysis, and enhancing capacity in financial, economic, risk, and stakeholder analysis,” Mr. Mwanja explained.

Mr. Mwanja also urged the trainees to apply their new skills to drive positive transformation within their respective MDAs. “This commitment to capacity building is essential to not only improve policy processes but also to deliver policies that are equitable, effective, and attuned to the needs of all Ugandans,” he said, stressing the need for continuous professional development in the public sector.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Mwanja extended his gratitude to the PIM Centre of Excellence for its role in delivering this valuable training, which he described as a cornerstone in advancing Uganda’s policy-making capacity.

As Uganda continues to strengthen its public financial management systems, initiatives like this training program play a crucial role in developing the analytical expertise of public officers. With a more rigorous approach to assessing financial implications, Uganda’s government aims to foster transparent, efficient, and responsive governance that meets the evolving needs of its citizens.

At the recent Makerere University Entrepreneurship Congress 2024, held under the theme “Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth”, Uganda’s State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, highlighted the transformative power of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship promotes social mobility, fosters innovation, and empowers young people,” he said, emphasizing its role in addressing unemployment, limited opportunities, and inequality.

The event, organized by the Entrepreneurship and Outreach Center (MakEOC) under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), focused on providing young people with practical skills and strategies for entrepreneurial success. Hon. Barugahara shared his entrepreneurial journey, urging young entrepreneurs to “start small, dream big, understand their market, and surround themselves with mentors.”

Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of CoBAMS, who represented the Vice Chancellor, emphasized that entrepreneurship is vital for Uganda’s economic growth and development, particularly in tackling underemployment. “We aim to reinforce that growth must be inclusive, equitable, and accessible, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he remarked. He encouraged students and faculty to leverage the university’s resources to turn ideas into marketable products.

The Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, underscored the role of entrepreneurship in achieving Uganda’s sustainable development goals, describing it as a crucial path for economic empowerment. “Through this congress, we aim to prepare students not only to create jobs for themselves but also to drive change and innovation that can uplift communities,” he stated.

Dr. Jude Mugarura, Head of the Department of Marketing and Management, commended the congress’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and noted the department’s role in developing well-rounded graduates. “Our goal is to produce graduates who can innovate, create, and manage businesses and also employ others,” he said, emphasizing the shift from “job-for-life” careers to “portfolio careers.”

The congress explored four core areas of modern entrepreneurship:

1. Starting and Scaling a Small Business – Vision, resilience, and strong teamwork.
2. Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mindset – Adaptability and comprehensive business planning.
3. Technological Trends – Utilizing AI and data to fuel entrepreneurial growth.
4. The Digital Hustle – Mastering digital presence, content creation, and engagement.

The event also featured insights from a range of panel speakers. Spera Atuhaire, Country Director of BRAC Uganda, discussed their mentorship-driven employment programs designed to empower young people. “Our initiatives focus on social economy, mentorship, and savings, helping youth overcome barriers to success,” she noted, adding that BRAC provides affordable credit to address financial challenges for young entrepreneurs.

Diana Ninsiima Kibuuka, Country Director of BNI Uganda, highlighted the importance of networking and understanding the values behind each network. “Each network serves a purpose, and you must understand that purpose,” she said, sharing her personal experience transitioning from law to entrepreneurship through her connection with BNI.

CK Japheth, founder of Innovation Village, emphasized the importance of testing business ideas for viability. “How do you reduce the time spent proving an idea is viable?” he asked, encouraging entrepreneurs to validate ideas through trial and error. “Find out by trying,” he advised, reminding participants that good ideas don’t automatically lead to successful businesses.

Diana Njuguna, an Associate Partner at Nyota Capital, discussed the challenges entrepreneurs face in securing funding, pointing to issues such as poor financial structure, inadequate governance, and complacency. “Strong financial management and qualified personnel are essential,” she said, urging young entrepreneurs to prioritize growth and avoid getting too comfortable in “lifestyle businesses.”

The Congress culminated in a well-attended Students’ Expo at Freedom Square, showcasing innovative student-led products and services. Dr. Sarah Bimbona, Director of Makerere University’s Entrepreneurship and Outreach Centre, praised the event, saying, “This year’s theme resonated deeply, addressing pressing challenges in Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The Makerere University Entrepreneurship Congress 2024 succeeded in inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs, promoting discussions on innovative solutions, and fostering partnerships that support Uganda’s socio-economic growth and development.

October 29, 2024 – Makerere University, Kampala

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has inaugurated a research lab, aimed at boosting collaboration between URA and the academic community. The lab, which opened in 2022 with support from the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics
Research (UN-WIDER), was officially launched at a recent event attended by URA officials, faculty members, and students. Mr Gerald Agaba, a research Assistant said the lab provides researchers and students with access to URA’s rich datasets, advancing data-driven research to inform policy and economic growth strategies.

Mr. Nicholas Musoke, URA’s Manager of Research and Statistics, underscored the importance of the lab, particularly in fostering awareness among Makerere University staff and students. He noted that while access currently requires an in-person visit to URA’s headquarters, virtual access for researchers is under consideration. The lab has already been utilized by researchers from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), including Dr. Susan
Kavuma and Dr. Ismail Kintu.

Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal College of Business and Management Sciences, expressed appreciation to URA for selecting Makerere University as a strategic partner, highlighting the lab’s potential to bridge academia and public policy. He stated, “Access to administrative data is essential for high-quality research. This lab provides a unique platform for both faculty and students to apply theoretical concepts in a practical, impactful way, enabling them to engage in empirical research that addresses real-world economic challenges.”

Prof. Bbaale emphasized that the lab will empower students and faculty to conduct groundbreaking research in taxation, public finance, and fiscal policy. He called on students and faculty to embrace this opportunity and produce meaningful research that can inform evidence-based policy-making in Uganda.

The URA Research Lab is envisioned as a catalyst for greater collaboration and insight into Uganda’s tax system and economic structure, fostering the production of research that can enhance revenue mobilization and economic resilience.

The lab launch marks a significant step toward creating a partnership model between Uganda’s tax authority and academia, with hopes of expanding access and engagement with more researchers across the country.