Education
UIBFS, Makerere Partner to Drive Financial Sector Transformation Through Research
The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) has partnered with Makerere University’s School of Business to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application in the financial sector. The collaboration was unveiled at the inaugural research conference held in Kampala under the theme “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: Research as a Driver of Financial Sector Transformation.”
The conference attracted a cross-section of policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and academics, who engaged in dialogue on how evidence-based research can fuel innovation, policy reforms, and growth in Uganda’s financial industry.
Goretti Masadde, CEO of UIBFS, described the event as a milestone in the institute’s transformation journey. She announced the launch of a dedicated Research Fund aimed at financing studies that offer practical solutions to industry challenges. “Research must not remain on shelves—it must drive policy, innovation, and practice across our financial sector,” Masadde said.
Michael K. Mugabi, UIBFS Board Chair and Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, reiterated the institute’s commitment to advancing data-driven growth. “This conference demonstrates our resolve to shape a financial services industry that is informed by knowledge and empirical evidence,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego endorsed the initiative, praising it as a bold move toward institutionalising financial sector research. He noted that a stronger research culture would enhance decision-making, competitiveness, and sustainability within Uganda’s economic ecosystem.
The one-day forum featured panel discussions, paper presentations, and the unveiling of the UIBFS Research Agenda. Key focus areas included Digital Finance and Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change and Monetary Policy, and the role of research in driving inclusive financial growth.
Looking ahead, UIBFS and Makerere plan to establish a Research Centre of Excellence to anchor knowledge creation and applied innovation for Uganda and the wider region. The conference was supported by several partners, including the Bank of Uganda and Centenary Bank.
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