Kampala — Makerere University and the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile Centre of Excellence for Private Sector Development, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening Uganda’s private sector through research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The Centre will act as a national platform for policy dialogue, enterprise development, and applied research, supporting solutions that contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation.
It also honours the legacy of the late Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, celebrated for his pivotal role in economic reform.
At the signing, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Chairman of the Tumusiime Mutebile Foundation, said: “Uganda’s future prosperity will depend on the strength, competitiveness, and creativity of its private sector. Research, innovation, and entrepreneurship are critical to building a stronger, more resilient economy.”
He emphasised that the collaboration would leverage both academic insight and policy experience to empower entrepreneurs and policymakers alike.
Prof. Sarah Ssali, Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, described the agreement as more than a formal partnership.
“As we sign this MoU today, we are not simply exchanging documents; we are making a shared promise to Uganda’s entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers. Together, we will nurture innovation, strengthen policy thinking, and inspire the next generation of economic leaders,” she said.
The Centre will be hosted by Makerere University, utilising the institution’s research capacity and innovation ecosystem to translate ideas into actionable policies and enterprise solutions.
This collaboration marks a new chapter in academia-policy partnerships, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and government experts to support a knowledge-driven approach to Uganda’s private sector growth.
