The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with Makerere University’s School of Business, has co-hosted its first-ever Research Conference under the theme “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: Research as a Driver of Financial Sector Transformation.”
The landmark event convened policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academia, researchers, and students to explore how evidence-based research can practically reshape Uganda’s financial services industry.
Speaking at the opening session, the Chief Executive Officer of UIBFS, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, emphasized the urgency of turning research into actionable industry solutions. She described the conference as a milestone in the Institute’s transformation journey, especially with the launch of the Research Fund to support industry-driven research initiatives.
“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,” Mrs. Masadde said.
Board Chair of UIBFS and Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, Mr. Michael K. Mugabi, reinforced the Institute’s role in cultivating 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,” Mr. Mugabi stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Mr. Michael Atingi-Ego, affirmed the central bank’s support for initiatives that integrate research into policy and practice, strengthening sector stability and innovation. He commended UIBFS and Makerere University for institutionalizing financial sector research.
Representing government, the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, who served as Guest of Honour, officially opened the conference. The Minister hailed the organizers for creating a platform that will shape future policy formulation, product development, and sustainable growth in the financial sector.
The one-day conference featured a rich programme of panel discussions, academic paper presentations, and the unveiling of the UIBFS Research Agenda alongside the Book of Abstracts. Key thematic areas included Digital Finance & Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change and Monetary Policy, and the Role of Research in Driving Financial Sector Growth.
The event also set the stage for the establishment of a Research Centre of Excellence, jointly spearheaded by UIBFS and Makerere University, to advance knowledge creation, capacity building, and applied solutions for Uganda and the wider region’s financial sector.
The conference was supported by a number of strategic partners and sponsors, including Bank of Uganda, Centenary Bank, Pride Bank, Insurance Training College, and Bank of Tanzania.