Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has urged the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) to prioritize evidence-based economic policy research and analysis to support Uganda's ambition of building a $500 billion economy by 2040.

Musasizi made the remarks during a meeting with the Board and Management of the Economic Policy Research Centre at the Ministry of Finance, where he emphasized the importance of research in shaping policies that drive the country's socio-economic transformation.

The minister said evidence-based research is critical in enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. He noted that there is a need for more research to ensure that the country's Anchor Sectors (ATMS) effectively contribute to delivering Uganda's Tenfold Growth Agenda.

The Economic Policy Research Centre was established in 1993 by the Ministry of Finance and Makerere University to build Uganda's in-country policy research capacity. Since its establishment, the Centre has become one of the country's leading economic policy think tanks.

Musasizi said the Centre has an important role to play in generating research and policy analysis that supports government planning and decision-making as Uganda pursues its long-term economic development objectives.

Speaking during the meeting, EPRC Executive Director Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to supporting evidence-informed policymaking and contributing to national development strategies.

She said EPRC's work is fully aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the government's Tenfold Growth Strategy, underscoring the Centre's continued focus on providing research that informs public policy.

Dr. Ssewanyana added that EPRC is also strengthening stakeholder engagement to enhance the uptake of research findings while advancing the digitization of research dissemination and knowledge management.

The meeting highlighted the role of research institutions in providing evidence that supports policy formulation and implementation as Uganda works towards achieving its target of a $500 billion economy by 2040.