On November 11, 2024 the School of Business held a research dissemination workshop led by Dr. Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, a lecturer and researcher whose study focused on “Managing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Operating Environment for Sustainable Service Delivery in Uganda’s Tourism Sector.” The event also featured research by his student, Simon Peter Kyomuhendo, who presented findings on “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector.”

Both studies, which delve into the role of PPPs in two crucial sectors—tourism and health—aim to provide insights into how strategic partnerships between public and private entities can address pressing service delivery challenges in Uganda. Dr. Mugarura’s study in the tourism sector emphasized the importance of a stable operating environment for PPPs, highlighting the need for clear policies, regulatory support, and sustainable practices that allow both public and private stakeholders to thrive. His research suggests that a conducive PPP environment is essential for Uganda’s tourism sector to achieve sustainability, attract international visitors, and create job opportunities, while preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage.

Kyomuhendo’s research, titled “Public Private Partnership Adoption, Local Content Utilization, and Value for Money in the Ugandan Health Sector,” explored how PPPs can improve value for money (VFM) in healthcare delivery by encouraging local content utilization. His findings revealed a positive correlation between PPP adoption and VFM in healthcare, suggesting that well-structured partnerships can enhance efficiency and service quality. However, he noted that while PPPs support infrastructure development and resource allocation, local content utilization does not always have a strong moderating effect on VFM, indicating potential areas for policy improvement to ensure meaningful local engagement.

Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, lauded the researchers for their dedication to tackling critical issues in Uganda’s development sectors. “These studies bring much-needed evidence to the table, demonstrating the potential of PPPs to transform our tourism and health sectors,” Prof. Akileng remarked. He emphasized that such research is pivotal to Makerere University’s commitment to producing actionable knowledge that aligns with Uganda’s national development goals.

Prof. Akileng extended his gratitude to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for supporting these projects, acknowledging that their funding was instrumental in advancing impactful research. “The generosity of our donor has enabled us to conduct thorough research and share insights that will inform policy and guide sustainable development efforts in Uganda,” he added.

The workshop encouraged discussion among participants, including policymakers, private sector representatives, and university staff, on the importance of PPPs in creating a resilient service delivery model. Dr. Mugarura highlighted the need for continual assessment of the PPP framework to adapt to evolving economic and social demands. He recommended that the government prioritize regulatory improvements and capacity building for local firms to enhance their role in PPP projects.

The dissemination workshop concluded with a collective call for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors. Both researchers emphasized that strategic partnerships hold the key to addressing Uganda’s service delivery challenges and achieving sustainable growth in tourism and healthcare.

In a momentous handover ceremony on Friday, November 8, 2024, Dr. James Wokadala, the outgoing Dean of the School of Statistics at Makerere University, officially transferred the mantle of leadership to his successor, Dr. Margaret Banga. This transition marks not only the end of a progressive five-year tenure by Dr. Wokadala but also the dawn of a promising new chapter under Dr. Banga’s stewardship.

Reflecting on his tenure from 2019 to 2024, Dr. Wokadala proudly recounted significant strides made in academic programming and graduate training. “We have made tremendous progress in reviewing and introducing new academic programs, including the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics and PhD in Population Studies,” he shared. His focus on graduate training has indeed paid off, with an increase in the number of master’s graduates—a testament to the school’s commitment to advancing statistical and quantitative expertise.

Dr. Wokadala also highlighted the school’s success in building partnerships with key organizations such as Prudential Assurance Uganda, the World Bank, and esteemed international universities. Yet he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in staff development and school structure. “We must incentivize our staff to move up the career ladder,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent to secure the school’s future growth.

As he bid farewell, Dr. Wokadala expressed deep gratitude to Makerere University’s management, staff, and student leaders for their invaluable support throughout his tenure. He assured Dr. Banga of his continued support and stressed the importance of fostering research, community engagement, and academic innovation as she steps into her new role.

In her address, Dr. Banga, the newly appointed Dean, conveyed a vision centered on collaboration, teamwork, and excellence. She expressed appreciation for Dr. Wokadala’s dedication and pledged to build on his legacy. “I request that we all work together,” she urged. “We cannot move the School of Statistics forward if we are divided.” Dr. Banga committed to strengthening relationships with key collaborators, including ISTAC and the World Bank, as well as exploring new partnerships.

Dr. Banga’s priorities also include the professional development of staff, particularly assistant lecturers working towards PhDs. She acknowledged the unique challenges they face in balancing teaching responsibilities with research and pledged her support to ease their path. “I will work with them, identify areas needing help, and seek support from college management,” she promised.

As she takes the helm, Dr. Banga has also committed to supporting student welfare, aiming to be a “mother” figure as advised by her predecessor. “I’ll work with students where I can, and when necessary, involve the ‘father’—the principal,” she remarked with a smile.

The ceremony saw congratulatory remarks from various university leaders, each reflecting on Dr. Wokadala’s achievements and extending warm wishes to Dr. Banga. Professor Edward Bbaale, Principal of the College of Business and Management Studies (CoBAMS), commended Dr. Wokadala for a seamless transition and praised his leadership as a model for future deans. “Handing over office peacefully is not easy; it’s a big deal, a day to celebrate and thank God,” he said. Prof. Bbaale emphasized the crucial role of deans as academic and research leaders and encouraged Dr. Banga to carry forward the school’s legacy of excellence.

Luwaliza Aggrey, the university’s Internal Auditor, praised the school’s clean financial record during Dr. Wokadala’s tenure, attributing it to transparent and accountable management. “We pray for a conducive environment to move forward,” he said, underscoring the importance of continuity.

Dr. Wokadala will now take on the role of Deputy Principal at CoBAMS, where he is expected to continue contributing to the university’s vision and mission.

As Dr. Banga embarks on her journey as Dean, her commitment to unity, collaboration, and academic excellence bodes well for the future of the School of Statistics. With the foundation laid by Dr. Wokadala and the support of faculty, students, and university leaders, she stands poised to lead the school to new heights.

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.