Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with Makerere University’s School of Business, has held its first-ever Research Conference aimed at strengthening the link between academia and industry in driving Uganda’s financial sector transformation.
The conference, held on Friday at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, ran under the theme “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: Research as a Driver of Financial Sector Transformation.”
It attracted policymakers, regulators, financial industry leaders, scholars, researchers, and students, all united in the quest to make research more impactful in shaping financial sector policy and innovation.
UIBFS Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, described the gathering as a landmark in the institute’s transformation journey, noting the launch of the Research Fund as a deliberate effort to support industry-driven inquiry.
“Research must not remain on shelves—it must drive policy, innovation, and practice across our financial sector,” she said, calling for stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
The Board Chair of UIBFS and Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, Mr. Michael K. Mugabi, emphasized the institute’s commitment to fostering a strong research culture.
“This conference symbolizes our commitment to thought leadership and to shaping a financial services industry that is informed by data,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego reaffirmed the central bank’s support for initiatives that connect research to sector-wide stability and innovation.
He applauded UIBFS and Makerere University for institutionalizing financial sector research.
The State Minister of Finance in charge of general duties, Henry Musasizi commended the organizers for creating a platform that will shape future financial policy, product development, and sustainable growth.
The conference featured panel discussions, academic paper presentations, and the unveiling of the UIBFS Research Agenda alongside a Book of Abstracts. Discussions covered critical areas such as digital finance and artificial intelligence, climate change and monetary policy, and the role of research in driving sector growth.
With this initiative, UIBFS and Makerere University reaffirmed their joint commitment to establishing a Research Centre of Excellence that will drive knowledge creation, capacity building, and practical solutions for Uganda and the wider region.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
