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AERC and Mak School of Economics discuss shaping Africa’s future in research and development

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On Friday 23rd May 2025, a delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) visited Makerere University to strengthen partnership with the School of Economics through re-engineering economic research, capacity building, policy formulation and collaboration to impact Africa’s development and transformation.

The Engagement meeting focusing on shaping Africa’s future in research and development brought on board academic and administrative staff from the School of Economics under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) and the AERC delegation comprising: Prof. Victor Murinde-Executive Director, Dr. Charles Owino-Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation, Ms Anna Owino-Personal Assistant to the Director and Ms Veronica Nanyanzi from State House-Uganda.

Underscoring the importance of the engagement meeting, Prof. Murinde said, “Following the keen observation of the recent global economic shifts and geopolitical uncertainty, the AERC seeks strategic partnerships with African governments and institutions to chart the roadmap through research and co-production of evidence-based economic solutions.”

Following the theme, Understanding the future of research and training collaboration with AERC, Prof. Murinde explained that the interaction also presents an opportunity to discuss the AERC Strategic Plan (2025-2035) titled, “Re-inventing the AERC for Delivering Africa’s Economic Prosperity, in which AERC is embarking on a comprehensive reform agenda, designed to strengthen research excellence, enhance policy impact and secure long-term institutional sustainability.

Prof. Victor Murinde, Executive Director of AERC (Left) and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean, School of Economics (Right). Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) strengthening partnership with the School of Economics through re-engineering economic research, capacity building, policy formulation and collaboration to impact Africa’s development and transformation, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Victor Murinde, Executive Director of AERC (Left) and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean, School of Economics (Right).

Concerned about the visibility and recognition of African researchers, Prof. Murinde reported that AERC will ensure that they are acknowledged with their names included in the publications. On the issue of network membership, EARC is considering the following categories: The distinguished service award, AERC Fellows, AERC Associates, and AERC Affiliates.

  • Distinguished service award-Presented to those individuals who started the work in 1988
  • AERC Fellows-Researchers who are active in research and capacity building
  • AERC Associates-For Mid-Career researchers
  • AERC Affiliates-For Masters’ and PhD students

The AERC was established in 1988, when a group of African scholars and Africanists voiced concern over the disconnect between economic research and policy formulation in Africa. According to the Executive Director, the founders of AERC observed that much of the existing economic research was either inapplicable to Africa’s economic challenges or inadequately utilized in local policymaking. Consequently, the group conceptualized a framework for fostering high-quality economic research tailored to Africa’s specific needs.

The collaboration between the AERC and Makerere University through its School of Economics started in 1988, and has led to impactful economic research in Africa, notable publications, increase in the number of faculty with PhDs at the School of Economics as well as mentorship.

Acknowledging Makerere University School of Economics as a key stakeholder in AERC, Prof.  Murinde said, “Without your participation over the last 37 years, AERC would not be here.”

Some of the staff participating in the engagement meeting. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) strengthening partnership with the School of Economics through re-engineering economic research, capacity building, policy formulation and collaboration to impact Africa’s development and transformation, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the staff participating in the engagement meeting.

The Executive Director described AERC as a network of members and universities focused on providing evidence based research for policy making in Africa. Stating the key achievements, Prof. Murinde said, “A framework has been put in place to conduct research and collaboration, with AERC providing a network to work with economists across Africa. He added that the AERC has linked up the various Deans in the Member Universities in Africa both in research and the common programmes that they conduct.

Reflecting on the AERC’s journey, he noted that in 1988, the School of Economics could mention one or two members of faculty with PhDs. Over the years, with AERC’s support to research and capacity building, the School of Economics has built a critical mass of faculty with PhDs. He highlighted that some Ugandan economists have worked with the EARC Secretariat and the EARC Board. He pointed out that the most active Ugandan economists in the AERC network are based at the following entities: Makerere University (School of Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences), Bank of Uganda, Economic Policy Research Centre (the think tank), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, National Planning Authority, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and Uganda Development Bank.

In his remarks, the Dean of the School of Economics, Associate Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu credited AERC for its continued collaboration, which has significantly contributed to the growth of the School. He appreciated EARC for supporting research, scholarships provided to Masters’ and PhD fellows, support for ICT infrastructure development, and contribution towards the construction of the School of Economics building.

Stressing AERC’s contribution to research at the School of Economics, Prof. Okumu said, “AERC provided opportunities to ‘fresh’ fellows to write proposals. AERC would focus on building the idea. AERC has nurtured most of us into professional researchers/scholars.”

Engagement meeting in session. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) strengthening partnership with the School of Economics through re-engineering economic research, capacity building, policy formulation and collaboration to impact Africa’s development and transformation, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Engagement meeting in session.

The Dean disclosed that in addition to research, some of the personalities nurtured by AERC took on academic leadership positions and have significantly contributed to the growth of the College/School. Some of the personalities include: Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu-former Principal and Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Eria Hisali-former Principal of the College, Prof. Bruno Yawe-former Deputy Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale-Principal of the College, Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana-Executive Director, Economic Research Policy Centre, and among others.

Presentation of the AERC strategic plan (2025-2035)

The remarks set the pace for the gist of the engagement meeting, which focused on presentation of the areas of transformation and the new research programmes respectively.

In the presentation, Prof. Murinde explained that AERC was reconfiguring its strategic direction in 2025-2035, to concentrate on the key strategic reform options organized around eight (8) core areas. They include: Research Offerings, Graduate Training, Policy Engagement for research impact, The Consortium structure and governance, Entrenching network membership, Enhanced resource mobilization for financial sustainability, Geographical inclusion, and Possible risks to the planned reforms and how to mitigate them.

Regarding the policy engagement for research impact, Prof. Murinde noted that the ground had shifted with policy makers advocating for the need to embed research into their operations. He reported that the governance structure was going to change to a more inclusive and participatory approach bringing on board stakeholders in research and capacity building.

Prof. Murinde highlighted that the new strategic plan would focus on the following new research programmes:

  • Security, Governance and Economic Fragility in Africa
  • Industrial Policy and Growth Strategies in Africa
  • Unlocking Africa’s Digital Potential for Economic Prosperity
  • Africa in a Changing World: Jobs through Trade and AfCTA
  • Informal Cross Border Trade (ICBT) in Africa: measurement and welfare of women, youth and their families
  • Human Capital, Labour Markets and Migration
  • Climate Change: Food Systems, Climate Finance, Climate Risk and Resilience
  • Africa’s Trade and Investment Strategy on China
  • Macroeconomic Modelling, Management and Policy Reform

Input into the AERC Strategic Plan

The participants observed that the proposed linkage between policy makers and the private sector as well as the approach of co-designing research with policy makers, would contribute significantly to research uptake.

L-R: Ogwal Denis, Proscovia Taaka and Diphus Tugume, Graduate Students participating in the Engagement meeting. Delegation from the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) strengthening partnership with the School of Economics through re-engineering economic research, capacity building, policy formulation and collaboration to impact Africa’s development and transformation, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), 23rd May 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
L-R: Ogwal Denis, Proscovia Taaka and Diphus Tugume, Graduate Students participating in the Engagement meeting.

Discussing the new research programmes, the participants suggested that AERC incorporates the following aspects: Integration of Natural resources management into economic modelling; Environmental Management; Interlinkages of Youth unemployment and the Green economy; Value Chains and Emerging threats such as fake products; Urbanisation; Youth and Substance Abuse; Health economics; the Informal Sector; and Agricultural Production.

Voices of the Graduate Students

Contributing to the discussion, the graduate students namely Proscovia Taaka, Diphus Tugume and Denis Ogwal urged AERC to continue supporting the collaborative Masters programme (CMAP) in Economics.

Way forward

Prof. Murinde thanked the participants for the valuable contributions that will definitely enrich the AERC strategic plan. He indicated that some of the proposed themes/ideas, would be considered as work streams within the different research programmes. The future is centered on PhD students at Makerere University and other member Universities formulating research questions in line with the new research programmes. AERC is working on a database of researchers in Africa to facilitate speed-dating in research. AERC plans a twinning programme for African universities, which will enhance joint supervision for PhD students. He pointed out that on completion of the PhD, there will be an opportunity for a post-doc Fellowship. He emphasized that researchers who win “big” projects will be encouraged to have work streams. He revealed a plan for each School of Economics in Africa to access publications across the entire membership.

Ritah Namisango
Ritah Namisango

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Uganda Urged to Embrace Community-Based Conservation Approaches to Tackle Biodiversity Crisis

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Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Over 40 Ugandan government officials have been called to integrate communities into biodiversity conservation following a two-day high-level training (August 20–21, 2025) at Makerere University.

Organized by EfD Uganda, the workshop focused on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks. Led by renowned environmental economist Prof. Edwin Muchapondwa, the training emphasized aligning conservation efforts with community involvement for lasting impact.

Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa facilitating the workshop at Makerere University. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edwin Mchapondwa facilitating the workshop at Makerere University.

“Communities must be seen not just as beneficiaries but as co-managers of biodiversity,” said Prof. Muchapondwa. “Policy frameworks need to devolve rights to local people to increase their stake in conservation outcomes.”

Participants from ministries and agencies explored Uganda’s biodiversity challenges—including habitat loss, agricultural expansion, poaching, and climate change. Sessions covered conservation principles, legal frameworks, ecosystem valuation, and regulatory tools to integrate biodiversity into national planning.

A section of participants. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of participants.

Valuing Nature to Shape Policy

A central theme was the economic valuation of ecosystems—putting monetary value on biodiversity to inform policy and investment decisions.

“When we reduce everything to a common metric, we can make objective, evidence-based decisions—especially when weighing development against conservation,” Prof. Muchapondwa said.

Participants in a group discussion. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants in a group discussion.

Officials practiced applying valuation methods like contingent valuation and payment for ecosystem services in real-world policy settings, including environmental impact assessments and Uganda’s National Development Plan III.

Despite strong conservation policies on paper, implementation remains weak. “The issue isn’t policy absence but execution,” he noted. “We must adapt successful community-based models from Southern Africa to Uganda’s context.”

A section of participants. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A section of participants.

Tourism and Development: A Delicate Balance– Prof. Edward Bbaale

Speaking at the opening, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the EfD–Mak Centre, emphasized collaboration between academia and government to support tourism development and sustainable resource use.

He praised Prof. Muchapondwa as a “pillar of the Environment for Development network” and highlighted the urgent need for research that connects tourism, conservation, and economics.

Prof. Edward Bbaale opening the training. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale opening the training.

“We’ve had little research from Makerere on tourism and natural resource valuation,” Bbaale said. “Yet this is exactly where government seeks advice.”

Bbaale underscored Uganda’s ambition to grow GDP tenfold—from $50 billion to $500 billion—through sectors like tourism, agro-industrialization, and manufacturing, urging researchers to support this growth with evidence-based insights.

Prof. Edward Bbaale during the introductions. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Edward Bbaale during the introductions.

Makerere houses the highest concentration of PhDs in this country,” he said. “If this research isn’t happening here, where else should it happen?”

The event concluded with a renewed call for stronger partnerships among academia, government, and communities to ensure conservation and development go hand-in-hand.

Mchapondwa presenting at Makerere University Uganda. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mchapondwa presenting at Makerere University Uganda.

Public Sector Must Rethink Economic Policy Through Biodiversity Lens– Dr. Peter Babyenda

Uganda risks jeopardizing its natural wealth if it continues to undervalue its ecological resources, warned Dr. Peter Babyenda, Research Fellow and Policy Engagement Specialist at EfD–Mak Centre.

“Our forests, wetlands, and ecosystems are routinely excluded from GDP calculations due to limited technical capacity and funding,” he said. “Kenya has made progress—Uganda must catch up.”

Peter Babyenda Policy Engagement specialist. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Peter Babyenda Policy Engagement specialist.

To bridge the gap, EfD–Mak Centre, with support from SIDA, has launched a training program for technical staff from ministries and agencies like the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and NEMA.

“These are the people who draft policy,” Dr. Babyenda said. “We’re training them to use data and evidence, not emotion, when defending policies.”

Some of the group presentations. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the group presentations.

He cited recent transport policy missteps—such as a speed enforcement proposal that failed due to lack of public engagement—as an example of why community participation is essential.

“Especially with human-wildlife conflicts, you must involve locals,” he said. “Solutions like electric fencing must be safe and community-driven.”

Conservation vs. Economic Growth

Uganda’s ambitious goal to grow its economy from $50 billion to $550 billion by 2040 presents risks to biodiversity, particularly from agricultural expansion. Dr. Babyenda stressed the need to balance development with environmental preservation.

“We must promote agriculture without destroying forests and wetlands,” he said. “Our tourism sector, which depends heavily on biodiversity, must also be protected.”

Prof. Mchapodwa delivering the lecture at EfD Uganda. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Mchapodwa delivering the lecture at EfD Uganda.

He urged officials to present conservation as an economic asset. “If you show that every additional dollar invested in tourism marketing creates jobs and boosts GDP, people will listen.”

Aligning with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, Dr. Babyenda called for cross-sector policy coherence.

Some of the group presentations. Two-day high-level training for 40 Ugandan government officials on biodiversity conservation, community-based natural resource management, and economic valuation of national parks Organized by EfD Uganda, 20th-21st August 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the group presentations.

“Tourism, agro-industry, and mineral development must be guided by sound, evidence-based policy,” he concluded. “Otherwise, we risk losing it all.”

Participants Reflections from the Training

Adson Tumwebaze – National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
As someone working in the Research and Innovations Unit at NEMA, this training was a timely eye-opener. We’ve gained valuable insights into how economic valuation can be integrated into our research and planning frameworks. Understanding the tangible benefits ecosystems provide—and knowing how to quantify those benefits—equips us with the tools to make informed decisions when balancing development and conservation.

For us at NEMA, this goes beyond theory. It supports our mandate of protecting ecosystems and helps us align our work with national policies such as the National Biodiversity Action Plan and BISAP. One of my key takeaways is that you cannot talk about implementing a project on an ecosystem without understanding its value. Once we can economically define these benefits, we can also justify conservation measures, influence policy, and guide budgeting processes more effectively.

Alice Nalweera – Economic Policy Researcher
This training brought clarity to a challenge many of us are grappling with: the growing threats to biodiversity in the face of urbanization, climate change, and population pressure. As we pursue economic development and strive for goals like those outlined in the 2050 export-oriented strategy, we must ask: Can biodiversity and development coexist?

Tourism is one of Uganda’s biggest earners, and it’s entirely dependent on biodiversity—the parks, wildlife, flora, and fauna. Without protecting these resources, our economic aspirations could collapse. What struck me most is the urgent need for accurate data. We can’t conserve what we haven’t identified or valued. Accounting for our natural resources is not optional—it’s essential.

Arthur Ebong – National Planning Authority
From the national planning perspective, this training helped bridge a crucial gap between policy and implementation. While NDP III and NDP IV highlight biodiversity mainstreaming, they often lack depth in practical conservation measures. We used to insert the term “biodiversity” into plans, but lacked the tools to truly value and integrate it.

Learning about valuation methods like hedonic pricing and travel cost analysis opened new avenues for making biodiversity count—literally—in our national plans. And beyond the technical tools, this session also promoted inter-agency collaboration. With stakeholders like NEMA, UWA, and the Ministry of Water in the same room, we can now work more cohesively toward a shared goal.

The training has also inspired curriculum reviews. If we want future planners and policymakers to value biodiversity, we must train them early—through revised academic programs and capacity-building initiatives. This is not just about today’s policies, but the long-term socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

Gertrude Kirabo – Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
At UWA, we face the challenge of balancing conservation with increasing economic pressure around protected areas. This training has been invaluable in helping us understand how to defend conservation efforts using data-driven economic valuation.

Previously, arguments for protecting a forest or wetland often sounded emotional or abstract. Now, we can present facts—cost-benefit analyses that compare the long-term value of ecosystem services with short-term economic gains. This also supports practical decisions like adjusting park permit fees or advocating for higher conservation budgets.

Personally, this training served as a wake-up call. It made me realize how often we’ve given away resources without truly valuing them. I strongly recommend that more field officers and institutional planners go through this kind of training. It’s one thing to learn these concepts in school, and another to see their real-world application. It’s time we started backing conservation with data and strong economic logic.

Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda.

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Strengthening Capacity in Public Investment Management: Two-Week Training Underway in Fort Portal

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Dr. Willy Kagarura conducts one of the training sessions on 18th August 2025 in Fort Portal. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), two-week intensive training on Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis for public officers from MDAs in Fort Portal, August 18 to 29, 2025, Final Module of the Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) II Course.

Fort Portal, August 18, 2025 — The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), has kicked off a two-week intensive training on Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis for public officers from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The training, taking place from August 18 to 29, 2025 in Fort Portal, marks the final module of the Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) II Course.

Dr. John Sseruyange from PIM CoE. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange from PIM CoE

In his opening remarks, the Manager of PIM CoE, Dr John Sseruyange, welcomed participants and commended them for their commitment to completing the course. He emphasized that the training was designed to deepen participants’ skills in investment appraisal and ensure that government projects deliver tangible benefits to society. “This training is essential for understanding the impact of development initiatives on people’s welfare. I encourage you to give your undivided attention throughout these two weeks,” he noted. 

Prof. Eria Hisali.
Prof. Eria Hisali.

Speaking at the same event, Prof. Eria Hisali, Co-Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, highlighted the centrality of this program to Uganda’s development agenda. He urged participants to appreciate the training not only for their personal growth but also for the wider benefit of the country. “Upon completion, you will be expected to add value by ensuring that only projects with the highest returns on investment and the greatest benefit to the economy are developed and implemented,” he said. 

Delivering the remarks of the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Principal Analyst-Ms. Esther Ayebare reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Public Investment Management System (PIMS). She noted that the training would empower participants with critical tools for evaluating the economic and financial viability of projects in line with the PIMS framework.

Ms. Esther Ayebare. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) launch of five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), 19th May 2025, CoBAMS Conference Hall, Makerere University, Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Esther Ayebare.

 The PSST encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to engage, share expertise, and apply the knowledge gained in their professional roles to strengthen Uganda’s public investment outcomes.

Dr. Kagarura conducts one of the training sessions. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), two-week intensive training on Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis for public officers from MDAs in Fort Portal, August 18 to 29, 2025, Final Module of the Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) II Course.
Dr. Kagarura conducts one of the training sessions.

The PIM CoE expressed gratitude to all partners for their continued collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to building strong institutional and individual capacities for effective public investment management in Uganda.

The course content will cover a wide range of areas including:

  • The role of Economic and Stakeholder Analysis in Investment Appraisal.
  • Economic Analysis of Education, Human Capital, and Infrastructure Projects.
  • Practical tools and frameworks for assessing the viability of public investments.
A section of participants listen to Dr. Kagarura. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Cambridge Resources International (CRI), two-week intensive training on Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis for public officers from MDAs in Fort Portal, August 18 to 29, 2025, Final Module of the Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) II Course.
A section of participants listen to Dr. Kagarura.

Participants will be guided by a team of expert facilitators from CRI, MoFPED, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and Makerere University, ensuring a blend of theoretical rigor and practical application. 

Betty Kyakuwa
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Makerere Hosts 2nd Public Investment Management Conference on Overcoming Implementation Barriers

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Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi addresses the 2nd Public Investment Management Conference hosted by Makerere University on 14th August 2025. Photo: X/@MoFPEDU. 2nd Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference convened by Makerere University in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, August 14, 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, convened the 2nd Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference on August 14, 2025, at the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

Running under the theme “Overcoming Implementation Barriers in Public Investment Management for Fiscal Sustainability”, the conference brought together government officials, academics, development partners, and policy experts to reflect on Uganda’s investment journey, exchange knowledge, and strengthen implementation capacity across projects.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. 2nd Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference convened by Makerere University in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, August 14, 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

In his opening remarks, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi emphasized the importance of public investment management in driving sustainable economic growth while safeguarding fiscal responsibility. He stressed the need for large-scale, high-impact investments in infrastructure, industrialization, human capital, and social services—projects that are not only ambitious on paper but also practically implementable and measurable. Professor Buyinza also highlighted Makerere University’s role through its Public Investment Management Centre, which has trained public officials, revised government guidelines, and advanced evidence-based policy engagement. He reaffirmed the University’s continued commitment to training, research, and policy advocacy in investment planning.

Mr. Hannington Ashaba. 2nd Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference convened by Makerere University in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, August 14, 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Hannington Ashaba.

Budget Director Mr. Ashaba Hannington placed the discussion within Uganda’s broader ambitions, pointing to the country’s target of expanding its economy from USD 16 billion to USD 500 billion. Achieving such transformation, he noted, requires a strong public investment management system to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of projects. He cited the Cabinet’s recent approval of the National Public Investment Management Policy (2025), which provides a comprehensive framework to enhance efficiency across the entire investment cycle. The revised guidelines now integrate climate change considerations, enforce social and environmental safeguards, and streamline implementation to overcome bottlenecks.

Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi. 2nd Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference convened by Makerere University in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, August 14, 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, reflected on challenges undermining project delivery, such as delays, cost overruns, and inefficiencies that erode public trust. He stressed the urgent need for accountability, performance-driven leadership, and stronger institutional coordination. He also underscored the role of the private sector and civil society, whose capacity and innovation can complement government efforts in ensuring effective implementation.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former President of the African Development Bank, placed Uganda’s challenges in a broader African context. He pointed out the continent’s persistent resource gap and urged governments to adopt smarter policies, strengthen institutions, and expand domestic revenue mobilization to reduce reliance on aid. He highlighted the importance of strategic investments in education, health, and infrastructure, while reminding participants that good policies must be not only technically sound but also politically feasible and practically implementable. Dr. Kaberuka further emphasized the need to focus on outcomes rather than outputs, optimize public spending, and seize emerging opportunities in climate resilience, digital innovation, and demographic dividends.

Dr. Donald Kaberuka delivers the keynote address. 2nd Public Investment Management (PIM) Conference convened by Makerere University in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, August 14, 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Donald Kaberuka delivers the keynote address.

The conference closed with a call for renewed commitment to fiscal discipline, robust policy frameworks, and effective execution of investment projects. With Uganda’s ambitious economic aspirations, participants agreed that overcoming implementation barriers will require accountability, innovation, and collaboration between government, academia, and development partners. The 2nd PIM Conference reaffirmed Makerere University’s role as a hub of research and capacity building in shaping the country’s investment future.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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