Business & Management
Swedish Ambassador Calls on Uganda to Lead Africa’s E-Mobility Revolution
By Monica Meeme and Jane Anyango
Kampala, July 2, 2025
The 4th Cohort of the Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) Fellows 2024–2025 has graduated with certificates at a colorful ceremony held at the Kampala Kolping Hotel. The new IGE cohort 2025–2026 was also introduced during the event. The fellows—senior public servants from five key government institutions—completed a year-long training on green economic transformation, focusing on reducing emissions in Uganda’s transport sector. The participating institutions included the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (specifically the new Climate Finance Unit), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Planning Authority, and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
The IGE Fellowship, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), is a capacity-building initiative coordinated by the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with Uganda’s Makerere University. This year’s program brought together senior officials from Uganda’s public sector to address policy and practical challenges in promoting e-mobility and reducing transport emissions.
The graduation ceremony attracted over 120 participants from Uganda’s ministries and agencies in water, minerals, and energy, as well as private sector players, academia, and civil society organizations. Dignitaries from Makerere University, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, several deans, and commissioners were present. Also in attendance were representatives from Kira Motors, UETCL, and other stakeholders in Uganda’s emerging e-mobility sector. The event was presided over by the Swedish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Maria Håkansson, as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero; the Vice-Chancellor’s representative, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (also Academic Registrar and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs); and the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who also leads the Uganda IGE program.
Sweden’s Call to Action
H.E. Maria Håkansson commended Uganda’s efforts to transition to a green economy and urged the country to lead Africa’s e-mobility revolution. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Håkansson emphasized the importance of clean transport solutions for achieving climate goals and driving national development.
“It is a pleasure and honor to celebrate a cohort of professionals now better equipped to shape Uganda’s green economy,” she said. “This year’s focus on e-mobility is not just timely—it’s essential.”
She stressed that transitioning to electric mobility is more than a technological shift—it’s a paradigm change with broad social, economic, and environmental implications.
“Uganda, with its abundant renewable energy resources—solar, hydro, and bioenergy—is uniquely positioned to lead this transition,” she noted. “Clean energy must power clean transport.”
Drawing on Sweden’s experience, Håkansson said Swedish companies have set global benchmarks in electric vehicle technologies and infrastructure. She reaffirmed Sweden’s readiness to support Uganda in building a sustainable e-mobility ecosystem.
“Investment in charging infrastructure, incentives for EV production and use, and public awareness campaigns are essential to making this work,” she said.
She also called for a whole-of-society approach, urging collaboration between government, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
“It’s inspiring to see multi-sectoral representation here. This is exactly what’s needed to move from policy to impact,” she added.
A Message to the Graduates: Be the Pioneers
Addressing the 2024 IGE Fellows directly, Ambassador Håkansson described them as pioneers of Uganda’s green transformation.
“You have the knowledge, the skills, and the platform to influence policy, drive innovation, and lead by example,” she said. “Embrace that responsibility with passion and determination. Uganda’s future is in your hands.”
She concluded by congratulating the fellows and reaffirming Sweden’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s green economy agenda.
“Your achievements are not just personal milestones; they are part of a broader mission to ensure a better, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all.”
Minister Musenero Urges Integration of STI and Economic Policy
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, called for urgent alignment of science, technology, and innovation (STI) with economic policy to transition Uganda into a sustainable green economy.
She emphasized the role of public sector leadership in combating climate change through e-mobility, energy efficiency, and adaptive economic strategies.
“This cohort has shown what’s possible when we equip our civil service with tools and knowledge beyond traditional silos,” she said. “STI alone cannot transform our economy. Without the right incentives and economic policies, even the best innovations may not scale.”
E-mobility was central to the fellows’ training. From motorcycles to buses, Uganda’s electric vehicle transition was presented as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Kira Motors Corporation was highlighted as a standout example that has inspired regional interest.
“Our transport sector is a major emitter,” said one program coordinator. “But through e-mobility and better planning, we can make real progress. That’s why we brought together not only policymakers but also private sector players, utility providers, and boda-boda operators.”
The IGE Program operates in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. It combines technical training, peer learning, and national policy engagement.
Fellows visited institutions in Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia to exchange experiences and showcase Uganda’s successes—particularly the Kira EV initiative, which has become a regional benchmark.
Dr. Musenero emphasized Uganda’s commitment to using STI to meet its climate goals but cautioned against fragmented efforts.
“Africa may contribute less than 4% of global emissions, but we suffer disproportionately,” she said. “This is our moment to lead—not just through innovation, but by creating the right environment for innovation to flourish.”
Musenero Warns Against Passive Technology Adoption
Dr. Musenero urged African nations to stop passively receiving technology and instead harness it for economic sovereignty and relevance.
She argued that unless African countries take control of their role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they risk falling into cycles of dependency.
“We now have enough PhDs, institutions, and qualified leaders,” she said. “So it’s unacceptable that Africa receives this revolution as it did the last—awed by foreign inventions but unable to replicate them.”
While e-mobility is often framed as a climate solution, she urged fellows to focus on wealth creation, job generation, and manufacturing.
“Thriving means growing despite challenges. Harnessing is using innovation as a launchpad for prosperity. That’s the mindset we need.”
She warned that Uganda’s green transition must go beyond emissions reduction to address economic transformation.
Dr. Musenero offered a historical account of how past industrial revolutions left Africa behind—not due to lack of technology, but due to lack of understanding.
“The first industrial revolution didn’t start with a master plan—it started small and grew. But countries that embraced it changed forever. Africa, meanwhile, was herding cattle,” she said.
Now, with digital technology, AI, biotechnology, and green energy, Africa must act decisively.
“We were unprepared then. But now we have the tools, the minds, and the responsibility.”
She concluded with a call for internships and deeper policy engagement, suggesting that all IGE Fellows be seconded to her ministry.
“We need you to think—not just about policies, but about the why. Why e-mobility? Why now? What does it mean beyond emissions?”
Makerere University Urges Fellows to Champion Uganda’s Green Future
Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, representing the Vice-Chancellor, urged the graduates to become ambassadors of the green economy, leading transformative change.
He praised the year-long training as timely and vital for addressing regional environmental and economic challenges.
“Technology never solves problems without creating others,” he said. “As we develop, we must manage the disruptions that come with it.”
The program, supported by Sida and hosted by Makerere University, equips senior government officials with tools for green policy-making. This year’s fellows came from finance, energy, environment, and planning sectors—central to Uganda’s development.
Prof. Buyinza highlighted the inclusion of climate finance officers, planners, and engineers, noting that cross-sector collaboration is key.
“This is how we build a green industrial economy,” he said. “Green skills, green jobs—that’s the call of the time.”
He celebrated the program’s regional scope, involving fellows from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, and stressed knowledge-sharing across borders.
“This transition from diesel to electric vehicles offers real opportunities to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and modernize transport.”
He concluded by reminding graduates of their duty:
“You are our ambassadors. We count on you to deliver transformative, scalable programs that shape Uganda’s future.”
Prof. Edward Bbaale: “Seeds of Transformation”
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the IGE Programme, described the initiative as a model of interdisciplinary excellence.
“You are seeds of transformation,” he said. “You’ve not just completed a course—you’re now champions of Uganda’s green transition.”
Fellows were drawn from five key institutions and focused on reducing transport emissions through energy efficiency and e-mobility.
Prof. Bbaale emphasized the need for cross-sector dialogue and noted that e-mobility is not just about technology—it’s also about infrastructure, incentives, and economics.
“Scientific breakthroughs must be matched by sound economic policy,” he said. “Without the right tools—taxes, subsidies, regulation—green initiatives may stall.”
He pointed out that Africa, though contributing less than 4% of global emissions, suffers disproportionately, demanding urgent and pragmatic responses.
He lauded the regional scope of the program and Uganda’s leadership, particularly the Kira EV model, which has drawn admiration across East Africa.
Prof. Bbaale credited Sida, the University of Gothenburg, Makerere leadership, and Dr. Musenero for bridging the gap between science and economics.
“Be the voice of change. Let your work reduce emissions, create jobs, and improve lives,” he urged the graduates.
The Journey of the 2024 IGE Fellows
When the 2024 IGE Cohort began in April, few anticipated the scale of transformation—both professionally and personally.
One fellow, Charles Ochen from the Ministry of Water and Environment, described it as “a lived experience in real policy transformation.”
Fellows engaged in immersive workshops, field visits, and practical sessions grounded in Uganda’s development context. A solar-powered facility visit early in the program emphasized the feasibility of renewables.
The cohort’s focus—“Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions in Uganda’s Transport Sector”—was timely. They studied everything from electric motorcycles to EV infrastructure.
Doreen Ankunda identified key barriers:
- Unpredictable tax exemptions
- Lack of standards for charging infrastructure
- Limited fiscal incentives
- Low public awareness
Their policy proposal included:
- National charging infrastructure guidelines
- Stable EV-related tax policies
- Incentives for local assembly
- Public education campaigns
Fellows also participated in peer learning across the region. Uganda’s Kira Motors was praised, while insights from Kenya and Rwanda enriched their understanding.
Charles Ochen emphasized: “You can’t bring policy without bringing stakeholders.”
Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks
Panelists highlighted both opportunities and challenges in Uganda’s e-mobility sector.
Kira Motors, Uganda’s flagship EV manufacturer, reported progress: nine electric buses in operation, over 300 operators trained, and expansion plans underway.
However, challenges persist:
- Low rural awareness and misinformation
- Shortage of trained EV technicians
- Limited charging infrastructure
- High EV costs for ordinary users
Policy gaps also remain. Drafts on EV standards and battery recycling await approval.
Commissioner Dr. Brian Isabirye stressed institutional alignment: “If Parliament can fund fuel cars, why not electric buses?”
Sweden’s ambassadorial team praised the IGE platform for uniting voices across sectors.
“Too often, we work in silos. This forum proves that dialogue leads to action.”
Monica Meeme is an Internee and Jane Anyango is the Communication Officer EfD Uganda
Business & Management
PIM Centre Makerere, Graduates Second Cohort of Certificate in Financial Implications – Integrated Regulatory Cost-Benefit Analysis
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Ashaba reaffirmed MoFPED’s commitment to working closely with the Centre to strengthen Uganda’s public investment capacity.
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 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.
Business & Management
Dissemination Workshop: Government and Regulators urged to formalize the informal sector
On 29th August 2025, researchers from Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences and the Copenhagen Business School, in partnership with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association disseminated the key findings and policy recommendations aimed at impacting both the informal and formal sectors in Uganda.
The dissemination workshop follows an intensive and participatory research project, which presents insights from a large scale study of over 1,100 small-scale firms across Uganda. Hosted at Makerere University, the dissemination workshop on Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development, brought on board key stakeholders including regulators, policy implementers, researchers, industry partners, the private sectors, manufactures, the academia, business men and women from the informal sector, and the media.
Approximately 90% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa operate in the informal sector. Uganda’s informal economy employs the majority of workers, but is characterized by low productivity and unsustainable practices. In Uganda, nearly 78% of the working population operate in the informal economy, spanning from street vendors to large unregistered businesses. Firms may choose to remain informal to hinder the accessibility of tax information, which consequently affects the government’s ability to mobilize domestic revenue. While informality provides livelihoods and informal firms may enjoy a significant degree of adaptability and flexibility, they typically face low productivity, limited worker protection, and environmentally harmful practices.
In 2022, an interdisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners embarked on research to examine the informal sector, gain a deeper understanding of the informal sector, as well as, its impact on sustainable development. The research team conducted field experiments and survey-based studies between 2022-2024 to evaluate the links between formalization and sustainable development.
Led by Prof. Marcus M. Larsen as the Principal Investigator, the research team consisted of the following the members: Prof. Faisal Buyinza-Local Principal Investigator, Dr. John Seruyange-Makerere University School of Economics, Dr. Ismail Kintu and Dr. Yusuf Kiwala-Makerere University School of Business, and Prof. Rebecca Namatovu-Copenhagen Business School. The research was funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
“Our research shows that formalization can promote sustainable development, but outcomes differ by type: URA tax registration drives the most meaningful improvements in business, labour, and environmental practices, while URSB business registration mainly boosts legitimacy and local government licensing lags behind. To realize Uganda’s green and inclusive growth goals, formalization must be coupled with sustainability incentives, targeted reforms, and strong support from government, business associations, and civil society. From the policy perspective, the government needs to simplify the legitimization process through increased proximity of the registration centres for SMEs to leverage the benefits of formalization.”
Opening the dissemination workshop, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences-Prof. Edward Bbaale represented by the Deputy Principal, Professor James Wokadala, emphasized the significance of the study in shaping Uganda’s development agenda. He underscored that Makerere University is committed to undertaking research with partners to drive inclusive growth and sustainable economic development. The Deputy Principal noted that the interdisciplinary research team combining the global north and global south expertise, positions the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University, to produce impactful research to influence policy and practice at the national and global levels.
Unpacking the key concept in the research project, Ms. Veronica Namwanje, the Director of Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) explained that formalization goes beyond business registration. “Formalization is about strengthening enterprises to grow sustainably,” she articulated. Commending the partnership between USSIA and the School of Economics at Makerere University, Ms. Namwanje stated that this collaborative learning experience will strengthen SME’s in Uganda. “This research will significantly impact Uganda’s economy. 75% of the labour force is employed in the non-formal sector. The research will support over 12,000 member SMEs across Uganda,” she said.
Building on the remarks from the College Principal and the Director of USSIA respectively, the Moderator of the dissemination workshop, Dr. Anthony Tibaingana called upon the project Principal Investigator, Prof. Marcus Larsen from Copenhagen Business School, to present to the audience, the gist of the research on formalization and sustainable development.
Prof. Larsen commenced his presentation by acknowledging the Local Principal Investigator, Prof. Faisal Buyinza and Makerere University researchers in Economics and Business for their commitment and dedication. “This project started in 2022. You have worked with me wholeheartedly. Thank you for being true partners,” he remarked. Prof. Larsen explained that this research exposed him to the beautiful country called Uganda, its fine weather and hospitable people. As this particular research project comes to an end, he leaves Uganda and Makerere University with good memories, of working with people, committed to the transformation of society.
Setting the pace into his presentation that provided a strong case for formalization of business given its contribution to inclusive growth and development of any country, Prof. Larsen provided a comparison between the Global north where formalization is a norm. “The Global North has zero tolerance for informal practices. In the Global North, you must be formally registered to operate a business,” he reported.
In the Global South, Prof. Larsen disclosed that the research studies proved that the number of firms under the informal sector was quite high. Through the research project, Firm Formalization and Sustainable Development in Uganda, they observed that many small scale businesses operate without any form of registration, from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
With over 78% of the working population employed in the informal economy through numerous establishments (ILOSTAT, 2024), Prof. Larsen stressed that the situation in Uganda, necessitates a combined effort to ensure formalization of businesses/firms. He notified the audience about Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.3, which encourages the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises. He also made reference to Uganda’s 4th National Development Plan, which states, and I quote: “This dual nature of informality contributes to low productivity, survival and growth of enterprises, as well as, limiting effectiveness of government policy incentives.”
Prof. Larsen argued that addressing high firm informality in the Global South through formalization can unlock growth, enable access to resources, spur sustainable development, drive inclusive growth, and contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Examining SMEs and the environment, Prof. Larsen reported that the research findings indicated that that environmental issues are given less attention by SMEs. “Informal workers are particularly affected by and affect climate change. Most of the interactions proved that informal workers use environmentally unfriendly practices,” he stated. Prof. Larsen together with the research team advocated for a transition to formalization of firms, which leads to environmental sustainability with decent workers.
The research team observed that informal workers suffer from job insecurity, and in most cases, their employers do not remit their social protection funds. For instance, in Uganda, most of the workers in the informal sector did not have any contributions with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Presenting the key research insights, Prof. Larsen focused on the formalization and practices, interpretation for policy makers, and SME survival and sustainability. Formalization and Practices provided hints on URSB (business registration), URA (Tax Registration) and Local Government (Trading Licenses).
Providing the interpretation for policy makers, Prof. Larsen elaborated as follows: URSB formalization mainly signals legitimacy, but has limited impact on deeper practices; URA formalization, though resisted initially, delivers the strongest and broadest improvements in business, worker and environmental practices once firms adopt it; and Local government licensing is associated with negative or weak outcomes indicating a need to reform systems to better incentivize sustainability.
On SME Survival and Sustainability, the key research insights include the following:
Financing: MSMEs that started with external financing were 12% more likely to survive than those using internal funds.
Gender: Male owned MSMEs had a higher survival rate (+13%) due to greater access to resources, though firms owned by females reported stronger sustainability orientations.
Location: Urban-based firms had 10-20% higher survival than rural firms, though rural enterprises displayed higher sustainability practices overall.
Education: Owners with university education had survival rates 17 to 24% higher than those with primary schooling.
Business associations: Female-owned MSMEs in associations had 13 to 16% higher survival rates
Registration effects: Surprisingly, longer registration with URA/URSB was associated with slightly lower survival rates (1 to 4%), pointing to burdens of compliance.
The Local Principal Investigator, Prof. Faisal Buyinza, advocated for multi-faceted policies to empower SMEs in Uganda for instance, through simplifying registration, providing green tax incentives, protection of workers and guarding against counterfeit products. Prof. Buyinza presented the following policy recommendations:
- Raising sustainability standards in business formalization
- Building green and fair fiscal systems
- Strengthening social protection and green employment
- Enhancing entrepreneurial skills for sustainability
- Promoting youth and ago-led green innovation
- Advancing women’s leadership in sustainable enterprises
- Digital transformation for green formalization
- Civil society and employer advocacy for just transition
The participants delved into an interactive question and answer session moderated by Prof. Eria Hisali, former Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, who provided strategic guidance and oversight at the inception of the research project.
Prof. Hisali called upon the participants and key stakeholders to contribute to the discussion, when he said: “The informal sector is not abstract. The informal sector is with us. I therefore call upon you to share lived experiences and practices on this matter.”
Taking on the form of a plenary, the following ideas were raised:
- Financial constraints are a major blow to SMEs. This is further complicated by the payments required through registration, licensing, taxation, and other formalization processes including the high cost for online operations that require access to the Internet.
- Power outages in Uganda significantly affect business operations. When power is on and off, SMEs incur losses due to the nature of their activities.
- URA has a close working relationship with Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA). This partnership should be leveraged to reach out to business owners in the informal sector.
- The government should provide tax incentives to local investors. This incentive will positively impact formalization of businesses.
- URBS should come up with tough measures on standards in order to safeguard Ugandans from counterfeit products.
- URA and URSB should note that majority of players in the informal sector are not educated, and, as such, should come up with specialized awareness programmes delivered in a language that they can understand.
- Noting that despite the benefits of formalization, entrepreneurs fear to formalize their business, those concerned should invest time and resources to identify the reasons behind this attitude.
- Create awareness by deliberately popularizing the benefits of formalizing a business, and the incentives that accrue to someone who has formalized his or her business.
- Commending the stakeholder mapping and segmentation with respect to policy recommendation, the participants requested for the involvement of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
- Tackling the policy recommendation on digital transformation, the participants recommended the involvement of NITA-Uganda.
- Formalization of businesses and registration is affected by the high cost of Internet services and subscriptions. The participants reported that the high costs of Internet deter online operations.
Reflecting on the ideas raised during the plenary sessions, Prof. Hisali observed differences in the level of awareness regarding business formalization. He called upon the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association and Makerere University to continue the discussion with key stakeholders to conduct periodic awareness creation and training sessions.
On a positive note, the participants and stakeholders were notified that URA was in advanced stages of according tax holidays to SMEs. Prof. Faisal Buyinza, who interacted with URA, during the course of the research project (2022-2024), highlighted that effective July 2026, start-up business up to UGX 300million, will not be taxed. Such start up business, will enjoy a tax holiday of three years.”
The submission from Prof. Faisal Buyinza was supported by officials from URA who were physically present in the dissemination workshop held in the Conference Hall, at the College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University.
The participants were thoroughly engaged during the dissemination workshop, which entailed remarks from the College Principal, presentation by USSIA, project purpose and findings, research presentation, policy implications, question and answer session, and final reflections.
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