Uganda’s banking and financial services industry reached a turning point last Friday as the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with Makerere University’s School of Business, convened its first-ever research conference at Mestil Hotel.
Under the theme “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: Research as a Driver of Financial Sector Transformation,” the gathering drew policymakers, academics, financial leaders, and students to deliberate on how evidence-based research can shape the future of Uganda’s financial system.
Speaking at the opening, UIBFS Chief Executive Officer Goretti Masadde described the event as a landmark in the institute’s evolution, unveiling a new Research Fund designed to support sector-focused studies. “Research must not remain on shelves, it must drive policy, innovation, and practice,” she emphasized, pledging that the fund would nurture inquiry that responds to real-world challenges.
Michael K. Mugabi, Chairperson of the UIBFS Board and Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, echoed the call for data-driven decision-making. He noted that the partnership with Makerere University signals a long-term commitment to building a financial sector anchored in research and innovation.
In his keynote address, Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego praised the initiative, saying that institutionalizing financial sector research will help strengthen stability, encourage innovation, and enhance resilience in an increasingly digital and globalized economy.
The Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, who officiated as Guest of Honour, commended the platform for providing a bridge between scholarship and industry practice, stressing that the outcomes of such research must influence government policy, product development, and sustainable growth strategies.
Beyond speeches, the conference featured panel discussions and paper presentations on themes ranging from digital finance and artificial intelligence to climate change and monetary policy. Delegates also witnessed the launch of the UIBFS Research Agenda and a Book of Abstracts, offering a roadmap for future research priorities.
Looking ahead, both UIBFS and Makerere University pledged to establish a Research Centre of Excellence, which will serve as a hub for thought leadership, capacity development, and practical solutions for Uganda and the wider region.
This inaugural conference has set a new precedent, signaling a shift toward a financial sector that is not only policy-driven but also research-informed, poised to meet the evolving needs of Uganda’s economy and its people.