Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS) and Makerere University’s School of Business have successfully co-hosted their inaugural Research Conference, bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academia, researchers, and students to discuss and showcase research that can transform Uganda’s financial sector.
The conference, held under the theme “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: Research as a Driver of Financial Sector Transformation,” featured panel discussions, academic paper presentations, and the unveiling of the UIBFS Research Agenda and Book of Abstracts.
Speaking at the conference, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, Chief Executive Officer of UIBFS, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between research and industry application. “This conference represents more than just a meeting of minds; it is a call to action for academia and industry to work hand in hand. Research must not remain on shelves—it must drive policy, innovation, and practice across our financial sector,” she said.
Mr. Michael K. Mugabi, Board Chair of UIBFS and Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, reiterated the institute’s role in building a strong research culture for the financial sector. “As UIBFS continues its transformation, this conference symbolizes our commitment to thought leadership and to shaping a financial services industry that is informed by data,” he said.
The Governor of Bank of Uganda, Mr. Michael Atingi-Ego, delivered the keynote address, affirming the central bank’s support for initiatives that link research to sector-wide stability and innovation.
The Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development officially opened the conference, commending the organizers for providing a platform that will shape future policy, product development, and sustainable financial sector growth.
Key thematic areas discussed during the conference included Digital Finance & Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change and Monetary Policy, and the Role of Research in Driving Financial Sector Growth.
With this initiative, UIBFS and Makerere University reaffirmed their joint commitment to building a Research Centre of Excellence that will support knowledge creation, capacity building, and applied solutions for Uganda’s and the region’s financial sector.
The conference was made possible through the support of sponsors, including Bank of Uganda, Centenary Bank, Pride Bank, Insurance Training College, and Bank of Tanzania.
