Business & Management
Strengthening Europe-Africa Higher Education Collaboration through the NEAR-ER Project
Published
2 months agoon

Makerere University in Uganda, is implementing the Network on Europe and Africa Relations-Education and Research (NEAR-ER) project, which seeks to strengthen collaboration in higher education through dialogue, events, scholarly debates, exchange of best practices, and dissemination of research and techniques.
The NEAR-ER is a Jean Monnet policy network of 20 higher education institutions; 7 in Europe and 13 in Africa. The thematic areas include: Shared Peace, Shared Prosperity and Shared Spaces as expounded below:
Shared Peace-Democracy, Rule of Law, Justice and Positive Peace Initiatives; Shared Prosperity-Trade Relations, Development Cooperation and Sustainability; and Shared Spaces-Climate Change, Energy Cooperation and Population Movement
The implementation of the three year (December 2024 to November 2027), NEAR-ER project co-funded by the European Union, follows a successful response, to a call for proposals by researchers based at the School of Statistics and Planning under the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS). The NEAR-ER research team consists of the following: Dr. John M. Mushomi – Principal Investigator, Dr. Patricia Ndugga, Dr. Elizabeth Nansubuga, Dr. Olivia Nankinga, Dr. Nicholas Tunanukye and Dr. Fred Maniragaba.

Early Career Researchers and Graduate Students’ Dialogue
On 16th June 2025, Makerere University hosted the NEAR-ER dialogue targeting early career researchers and graduate students from higher education institutions in Uganda.
Featuring remarks from Makerere University officials, an overview of the NEAR-ER project, a panel discussion on the career prospects in the EU, and an interactive question and answer session, the dialogue presented an opportunity to participants to engage with leading scholars in Europe-Africa relations, network with academics across continents, explore research and career prospects in EU-Africa partnerships, contribute to meaningful discussions on contemporary challenges affecting both continents, and gain insights into current trends and future directions in Europe-Africa cooperation.
The following members of the NEAR-ER project tipped early career researchers and graduate students on Africa and Europe relations including research, partnerships, academics, access to scholarships, mobility, networking, and among other important aspects: Prof. Muller Gustavo-the Overall Principal Investigator from KU Lueveni, Prof. Chris Nshimbi-Africa Principal Investigator from University of Pretoria, and Dr. John A. Mushomi-Principal Investigator at Makerere University.
Tour of Makerere University Innovation Pod
Prior to the dialogue, the NEAR-ER delegation toured the Makerere University Innovation Pod (Mak Unipod). Reflecting on the tour, Prof. Muller Gustavo lauded the level of innovation, describing it as a promising space for African-centered academic advancement.

NEAR-ER delegation Courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor
The delegation participated in a courtesy meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The following University officials participated in the courtesy meeting held in the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room: Associate Prof. James Wokadala-Deputy Principal-College of Business and Management Sciences, Associate Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu-Dean, School of Economics, Dr. Margaret Banga-Dean, School of Statistics and Planning, and Dr. John A. Mushomi-Principal Investigator of the NEAR-Project at Makerere University.

Official Opening of the NEAR-ER dialogue
Opening the NEAR-ER Dialogue on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, underscored the significance of the event, as a defining moment in research collaboration in Africa and Europe. He emphasized that the academic convening provided a strategic platform for deep reflection, meaningful reconnection, and a renewed commitment to joint scholarship that promotes peace, shared prosperity, and inclusive development.
Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi noted that the activities of the NEAR-ER project were aligned with Makerere University’s strategic vision as well as Uganda’s national development agenda. He expressed optimism that the deliberations would spark innovative thinking, strengthen solidarity between Africa and Europe, and help shape a future rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and purposeful collaboration.
He encouraged the participants in the NEAR-ER dialogue to ensure that Africa embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution through optimizing digitalization systems and processes. He challenged the participants to view the dialogue, as a call to action, and a catalyst for cultivating transformational African leaders equipped with relevant digital skills and employable knowledge. He stressed that the continent’s future hinged on preparing the next generation to confidently navigate and address the demands of the digital age.

Putting across a strong case for African institutions to take on leadership in the co-production of knowledge, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi said: “Africa’s development trajectory depends on homegrown ideas, African-led innovation, and the strategic harnessing of global partnerships to address local and global challenges.”
Highlights by the College Principal
The Principal, Prof. Edward Bbaale represented by the Deputy Principal, Associate Prof. James Wokadala, described the NEAR-ER project as a foundational moment in the redefinition of global academic cooperation from the heart of Africa. The Principal called upon the participants to utilize the dialogue to form enduring partnerships.
He underscored the College’s central role in advancing global academic collaboration, within the framework of EU-Africa partnerships in education and research. He noted that the dialogue marked a significant milestone through positioning CoBAMS as a vital conduit for strengthening cross-continental partnerships. He highlighted that the NEAR-ER network’s emphasis on education and research strongly aligned with the College’s mission to foster robust academic linkages between the Global North and South.
The Deputy Principal acknowledged CoBAMS’ unwavering dedication to advancing Makerere University’s agenda of becoming a global academic e-hub, particularly within the evolving landscape of EU-Africa relations. He reported that the College was actively undertaking strategic initiatives to deepen international engagement—initiatives designed to foster mutual learning, catalyze collaborative research, and create meaningful career development pathways.

“The College leadership has prioritized supporting young researchers and postgraduate students, thus empowering the next generation of scholars to thrive in an increasingly interconnected academic ecosystem,” he said.
Highlights from the Principal Investigator
Focusing on the critical role of students in academic institutions, Dr. John A. Mushomi, the Principal Investigator of the NEAR-ER project at Makerere University, said: “Our students are our main customers. We should therefore nurture and empower our learners through global research and engagements.”
Dr. Mushomi highlighted the importance of providing a “safe engagement space” for students and researchers. Reflecting on his academic journey, and postdoctoral fellowship, he acknowledged the relevance of seeking mentorship, citing it as an instrumental step in his path to the NEAR-ER network.

He also acknowledged the long-term collaborative efforts that led to the successful NEAR-ER grant proposal, notably involving both Makerere University and Kyambogo University.
Overview of the NEAR-ER project
Presenting the Overview of the NEAR-ER project, Prof. Muller Gustavo, a Senior Researcher at the London Centre for Global Government Studies underscored the critical importance of collaborative research and education between Europe and Africa. He noted that holding the first African convening/dialogue at Makerere University was both strategic and symbolic of the growing academic ties between the two continents.
Delving into the origins of the project, Prof. Gustavo revealed that the idea for the network was conceived approximately three years prior, where they envisioned a platform that would encourage dialogue, research, and exchange on topics central to Europe–Africa relations. They rallied scholars from diverse institutions, forming a vibrant and interdisciplinary consortium.
“Over the last three years, we put together a group of universities to foster and facilitate research and communication on relationships between Africa and Europe. The goal of the consortium is to disseminate the research and education practices, the best practices of education in Africa, in Europe, but also worldwide,” he said.
Prof. Gustavo highlighted that the NEAR-ER project will serve as a vehicle to foster best practices in education, research dissemination, and policy-relevant collaboration. He noted that the network intentionally included universities and institutions representing diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, affirming their commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive regional representation. According to Prof. Gustavo, this diversity strengthens the network’s mission to bridge educational and research gaps between the global north and south.

Beyond institutional collaboration, Prof. Gustavo emphasized the network’s commitment to public engagement and knowledge dissemination. He detailed a range of outputs already in motion, including research blogs, podcasts, newsletters, webinars, policy surveys, and country-specific forecasts.
Prof. Gustavo urged the students and young scholars to become active contributors to the NEAR-ER platform. He explained that the network is open to ideas from emerging voices—whether through blogs, podcasts, or other digital formats—and provides a unique opportunity for students to share perspectives and shape global discourse.
“There might be opportunities here for some of you that are interested in further increasing your knowledge on European integration, African integration, and the relationship between those two processes. You may be a student who has an idea on how to improve the relationship and looking at a particular aspect to get that idea out to the world, we can offer that destination platform for you as well,” Prof. Gustavo mentioned.
Remarks by the Dean, School of Statistics and Planning
Dr. Margaret Banga, the Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning, informed the participants, that the dialogue was a space to unite the varied disciplines and backgrounds present, all in pursuit of a shared vision for the future.
“The NEAR-ER initiative is more than a research collaboration. It is a bridge of solidarity between Europe and Africa—a platform where shared learning leads to shared solutions. It is not about the North teaching the south, but it is about learning from one another,” Dr. Banga said.
Standing as a firm believer in the transformative power of research, innovation, and youthful curiosity, Dr. Banga, underscored the importance of structure and strategy in translating ideas into impact. She encouraged the audience to treat planning as the bridge between possibility and progress. She stressed that without a clear methodology, timeline, partners, and budget, even the most brilliant ideas can fade into obscurity, but with a solid plan, those same ideas can evolve into funded projects, published policy briefs, and life-changing solutions.

To the young scholars, Dr. Banga issued a powerful call to action. “You are the thinkers who will unlock Africa’s economy,” she said. “You are the innovators who will shape climate resilience. You are the analysts and planners who will rethink development—not as something done for us, but as something shaped by us.”
With conviction and hope, Dr. Banga reminded the young scholars that they were not mere students, but emerging leaders, and agents of change. She urged them not to wait for some future moment of “expertise” before stepping up. She offered a critical reminder that every question they pose, every network they build, and every inquiry they pursue is already shaping the world, “Your research is not small because you are just starting out, your work has the power even now to improve lives and influence generations. Don’t just study the world. Change it.”
A voice from the PhD Students
Ms. Claire Cheremoi, President of the PhD Fellows at Makerere University, expressed her appreciation for the spirit of unity and collaboration fostered by the NEAR-ER dialogue. “Our voices matter. Coming together as students is powerful,” she said.
Ms. Cheremoi emphasized the value of collective engagement, stressing that such platforms were essential in facilitating the sharing of knowledge, fostering meaningful networks, and sparking critical discussions on the issues that matter most to young scholars. She stated their commitment to engaging in conversations on research funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and broader academic partnerships.

A statement from the representative of undergraduate students
Mr. Ssozi Fahad Batte, Chairperson, Students Guild Council, College of Business and Management Sciences acknowledged the students had the zeal to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully. In his view, the most significant outcome of such dialogues was the ability to extract value—something “to take home.”
He stated the critical role of documentation, urging fellow participants to write down their ideas, strategies, and action points in order to share them beyond the event. He also highlighted the importance of networking, stressing that connections and collaborations were central to growth in academia and beyond.

Panel discussion on Career Prospects in the EU
In a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Robert Ojambo from Kyambogo University, several international scholars shared invaluable insights on navigating academic and professional opportunities abroad—particularly for students and researchers from the Global South.
The panel discussion offered a wealth of practical insights for young scholars seeking academic and professional opportunities across borders. The panelists emphasized the importance of building trust-based networks, as well as, going beyond emails to form genuine relationships with professors, peers, and institutions.
Strategic planning emerged as a recurring theme during the panel discussion—highlighting the need to research language requirements, living costs, and cultural differences when selecting destinations. Participants encouraged scholars from the Global South to view their unique backgrounds as assets that contribute to valuable perspectives to global discourse.

Opportunities such as Intra-Africa Academic Mobility programs, and summer schools were also presented as transformative pathways that combine education, exposure, and networking. The discussion also stressed the power of initiative—actively reaching out, applying, volunteering, and making oneself visible in digital academic spaces. Importantly, career success was linked not just to passion, but to aligning one’s skills with institutional needs and being open to unpaid roles such as voluntary service that build experience and credibility. The overall message was clear: international academic success requires preparation, adaptability, and the courage to take the first step.
As participants engaged across these thematic areas, the NEAR-ER dialogue underscored the central role of universities in bridging regions, amplifying diverse voices, and generating research-driven responses to global emergencies. The NEAR-ER dialogue held at Makerere University was not just a reflection of academic solidarity—it was a declaration of shared purpose and a call to action in re-imagining a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future across continents.
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Business & Management
Uganda Urged to Embrace Community-Based Conservation Approaches to Tackle Biodiversity Crisis
Published
2 days agoon
August 22, 2025By
Jane Anyango
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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.

“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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

“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 2040 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.
Business & Management
Strengthening Capacity in Public Investment Management: Two-Week Training Underway in Fort Portal
Published
5 days agoon
August 18, 2025
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Business & Management
Makerere Hosts 2nd Public Investment Management Conference on Overcoming Implementation Barriers
Published
6 days agoon
August 18, 2025By
Eve Nakyanzi
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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