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PIM Centre of Excellence Launches KCCA Training in Public Investment Management

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May 19, 2025 |


The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Makerere University, has launched a five-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM) for officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

This specialized training marks a significant milestone—not only in advancing professional capacity within KCCA, but also in reinforcing strategic collaboration between academia, local government, and national planning institutions. The training was officially opened by Ms. Esther Ayebare, Assistant Commissioner of the Project Analysis and Public Investment Department (PAP), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED).

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.

A Commitment to Professionalization

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Ayebare emphasized the importance of investing in PIM capacity as a cornerstone of Uganda’s development agenda. “The government is committed to building a pool of skilled professionals who can design, appraise, and manage viable public projects. This training is part of a broader strategy to ensure that public investments deliver real value for money,” she said.

She encouraged the participants to actively engage with the course content, especially the hands-on and practical components that simulate real-world project scenarios.

Participants follow proceedings at the launch. 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.
Participants follow proceedings at the launch.

Strategic Investment by KCCA

In his remarks, Mr. Edson Masereka, Manager for Research and Business Development at KCCA, expressed gratitude to the PIM Centre of Excellence and MoFPED for facilitating the training. He noted that KCCA has over 30 projects currently in the pipeline and stressed the need to equip staff with the right skills to manage them effectively.

“This training is timely. It will strengthen our internal capacity to design, prepare, and execute public investments. We hope the quality and impact of our projects will improve significantly as a result,” he said.

Mr. Edson Masereka. 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.
Mr. Edson Masereka.

A Unique Cohort with a Strong Message

Prof. Edward Bbaale, the Principal Investigator of the PIM Centre of Excellence, praised the training as both unique and transformative. “This is the first cohort fully sponsored by KCCA itself—a testament to the authority’s commitment to internal capacity building and professional excellence,” he said.

He also recognized the visionary partnership between Makerere University and MoFPED, which has made it possible to establish the PIM Centre of Excellence as a leading hub for training, research, and policy advisory in Uganda’s public investment space.

Prof. Edward Bbaale. 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.
Prof. Edward Bbaale.

“Beyond training, we are also working on revising the Development Committee Guidelines, assessing public investment performance since NDP I, and producing knowledge to inform decision-making,” Prof. Bbaale noted.

The trainees will undertake three core PIM modules during the five-day session:

  • Project Identification and Preparation
  • Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP) and Execution
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Assessment, with a strong emphasis on climate, environmental, and social safeguards.
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 the coming months, participants will have the opportunity to enroll in advanced modules on financial and economic appraisal, delivered in collaboration with Cambridge Resources International and Queen’s University (Canada), leading to a prestigious international certification.

Building a National Cadre of PIM Experts

The training reflects broader national efforts to build a robust and professional cadre of PIM practitioners capable of driving Uganda’s development goals through effective project management. Participants will receive joint certification from Makerere University and MoFPED, underscoring the academic and policy rigor of the programme.

Prof. Bbaale encouraged the participants to be active contributors in this journey:

A facilitator addresses participants. 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.
A facilitator addresses participants.

“This workshop is just the beginning. You are the future champions of effective public investment. Engage fully, learn deeply, and take these skills back to your institutions to make a difference.”

The PIM CoE at Makerere University remains committed to providing high-quality capacity building, evidence-based research, and technical support that enhances Uganda’s ability to implement impactful public investment projects.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

Business & Management

PIM Centre Awards Certificates to Over 35 Officials Trained in Essentials of Public Investment Management

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The Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence at Makerere University has awarded certificates to more than 35 public officials who successfully completed a three-day training in the Essentials of Public Investment Management (PIM).

The training, held from September 23rd to 26th, 2025 at the College of Business and Management Sciences, aimed at strengthening the capacity of government officials to effectively identify, prepare, and implement public projects.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Ms. Belinda Bisamaza, who represented the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury (PS/ST). In her remarks, Ms. Bisamaza commended participants for their commitment, noting that the training had offered a solid foundation in the entire PIM cycle — from project conceptualization and profiling, through monitoring and evaluation (M&E), to the use of the Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP), Environmental and Social Risk Management, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Prof. Eria Hisali

“With these skills, you can contribute meaningfully to improving the quality of proposals submitted to the IBP, ensure better risk management, and enhance implementation through robust monitoring frameworks,” she said, adding that participants were now better prepared for advanced modules on financial appraisal, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Representing the PIM Centre, Prof. Eria Hisali highlighted the need for well-prepared projects that directly contribute to economic growth. “We must move away from the practice of developing projects only when funding is required. Instead, we should create a strong bank of quality projects from which government can easily draw,” he said.

Training participants in session.
Training participants in session.

The Manager of the PIM Centre, Dr. John Sseruyange, expressed gratitude to the participants and trainers for their dedication. He noted that the facilitators were drawn from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority (NPA), and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Dr. Sseruyange also revealed that the Centre would be rolling out further in-depth training modules and creating opportunities for alumni to engage in consultancy and research work. The PIM Centre hosts the training as part of broader efforts by Makerere University, MoFPED, and NPA to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management systems, ensuring value for money, improved service delivery, and sustainable economic development.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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PIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis

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Seated: Mr. Paul Mwanja (Centre), Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu (2nd Left) and Dr. John Sseruyange (Right) with trainers at participants in Jinja on 5th September 2025. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.

Jinja, September 5, 2025 

Thirty-one government officers from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have successfully completed a two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. The certification ceremony was held at the Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, marking another milestone in Uganda’s efforts to institutionalize evidence-based and fiscally responsible policymaking.

The training, delivered by the Makerere University Public Investment Management (PIM) Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), and National Planning Authority equipped participants with practical skills to evaluate policy and legislative proposals for their financial, economic, and social implications.

Mr. Paul Mwanja. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Mr. Paul Mwanja.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Paul Mwanja, Commissioner for Infrastructure & Social Services at MoFPED, who represented the Permanent Secretary, commended the officers for their commitment at a time when government institutions are finalizing the Auditor General’s audits, implementing the FY2025/26 budget, rolling out the National Development Plan IV’s tenfold growth strategy, and preparing for the 2026 General Elections.

“Your participation affirms a collective commitment across Government to strengthen the quality, transparency, and credibility of public policymaking in Uganda,” Mr. Mwanja said. He urged graduates to return to their institutions as champions of reform, share their knowledge with colleagues, and drive the change needed in Public Finance Management. He also announced that the next cohort of the training will take place in January 2026.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu.

Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics at Makerere University, delivered the graduation address, highlighting the certificate’s importance in addressing Uganda’s triple challenge of scale, scarcity, and speed.

“This program does something unique. It teaches you not only to ask whether a policy or project is beneficial, but also whether it is affordable and resilient under real fiscal constraints,” Prof. Okumu noted. He challenged graduates to apply their skills at project, portfolio, and policy levels—ensuring value for money and enhancing public trust in government spending.

Participants make a group presentation. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Participants make a group presentation.

He further emphasized that Uganda’s pioneering approach to integrated CFI-CBA positions the country as a leader in Africa and beyond: “You, Uganda’s first CFI-CBA graduates, are now part of a global brain trust. Your work will speak to investors, parliaments, development partners, and above all, the Ugandan people.”

Dr. John Sseruyange, Manager of the PIM Centre of Excellence, expressed appreciation to participants for their active engagement throughout the training and thanked MoFPED and the faculty drawn from Makerere University, the National Planning Authority, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Energy for their technical support.

Dr. John Sseruyange. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange.

The Certificate of Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis was introduced following the Revised Guidelines for Financial Clearance, effective July 1, 2025. The guidelines require MDAs to prepare their own financial implications statements, subject to rigorous cost-benefit analysis, thereby strengthening linkages between fiscal responsibility and regulatory impact assessments.

With the successful completion of the second cohort, Uganda is steadily building a critical mass of professionals capable of embedding cost-benefit thinking across government, ensuring every shilling delivers maximum impact for citizens.

A female participant receives her certificate. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
A female participant receives her certificate.

A male participant receives his certificate. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), in partnership with the Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE), Makerere University, Kampala, successful completion of two-week intensive training in the Certificate of Financial Implications (CFI) – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis. September 5 2025, Pearl on the Nile Hotel, Jinja, Uganda, East Africa.
A male participant receives his certificate.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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PIM Centre of Excellence Steering Committee Charts Way Forward

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Members of the PIM CoE Steering Committee pose for a group photo during their meeting on 4th September 2025. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) at Makerere University held its Steering Committee meeting on 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The session, attended by all members, focused on reviewing progress, reflecting on achievements from the past financial year, and charting the way forward for the Centre.

About the PIM Centre of Excellence

The PIM CoE was established in March 2022 at Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). Its purpose is to strengthen Uganda’s public investment management system through training, research, and advisory services.

The Steering Committee plays a critical role in oversight, review, coordination, and advisory functions, guiding the Centre’s work and ensuring that public investment processes align with national development priorities.

Dr. Joseph Muvawala. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Joseph Muvawala.

Highlights from the Meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, praised the October 2024 Annual PIM Conference for expanding perspectives on project design and delivery. He emphasized the importance of shifting from theory to practice in training, advocating for students and officials to engage with real-world projects. He also underscored the Centre’s new autonomy—transitioning from a subvention to a vote—which gives it greater independence but also demands stronger financial accountability. Dr. Muvawala further called for a permanent physical home for the Centre, noting that sufficient resources are available to make this possible and that negotiations with government are underway.

Mr. Ashaba Hannington, Director Budget at MoFPED, shared key achievements from the 2024/25 financial year. He noted that the Annual PIM Conference, organised jointly by MoFPED and the Centre, provided a vital platform for stakeholders to reflect on progress in public investment management.

Steering Committee Members and part of the Secretariat at the meeting. Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Steering Committee Members and part of the Secretariat at the meeting.

Mr. Ashaba reaffirmed MoFPED’s commitment to working closely with the Centre to strengthen Uganda’s public investment capacity.

Prof. Eria Hisali (Left) and Mr. Hannington Ashaba (Right). Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Eria Hisali (Left) and Mr. Hannington Ashaba (Right).

Prof. Eria Hisali, Co–Principal Investigator of the PIM CoE, outlined strategies to increase the Centre’s vibrancy and impact. He emphasized direct project engagement, advisory services, and peer reviews as ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Looking ahead, he revealed plans for a Master’s program in Economic and Investment Modelling, a Training of Trainers (ToT) initiative, and deeper practical capacity-building efforts.

Prof. Hisali also noted several successful trainings from the past year, including:

  • 46 staff from MDAs trained in Essentials of PIM.
  • 59 participants across two cohorts trained in Financial Appraisal and Risk Analysis.
  • 25 participants trained in Economic Appraisal and Stakeholder Analysis.

He proposed the introduction of a “trailer feasibility test” to evaluate whether completed projects deliver benefits as projected and to address optimism bias in project planning.

Dr. John Sseruyange (Centre) with Prof. Tonny Oyana (Left) and Ms. Alice Nakimbugwe (Right). Public Investment Management Centre of Excellence (PIM CoE) Makerere University Steering Committee meeting, 4th September 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. John Sseruyange (Centre) with Prof. Tonny Oyana (Left) and Ms. Alice Nakimbugwe (Right).

Dr. John Seruyange, Manager of the PIM CoE, highlighted the Centre’s growing regional footprint. Beyond Uganda, six central government officers from Somalia have been trained in Infrastructure Asset Management, generating further interest in advanced training from Somalia, Zimbabwe, and Somaliland. To position itself as a regional hub, the Centre is preparing a prospectus to market its courses across Africa and beyond.

Why It Matters

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the PIM CoE remains a leading think tank and capacity-building hub for government and regional partners. By improving the appraisal, financing, and implementation of public projects, the Centre is strengthening accountability, enhancing service delivery, and contributing to Uganda’s broader development goals.

Eve Nakyanzi

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