Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Uganda’s academic community are celebrating the conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) upon Dr Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury.
Dr Ggoobi received his PhD in Economics from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in South Africa, joining the ranks of senior Ugandan economists whose academic work continues to shape national policy.
MUBS congratulated three of its senior colleagues—PSST Dr Ggoobi, Dr Robert Turyamwijuka and Dr Shakillah Nagguja—for earning their doctorates, describing the achievement as a proud moment for Uganda’s premier business school.
MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika also extended warm congratulations, praising Dr Ggoobi for advancing Uganda’s intellectual footprint in international research.
At MoFPED, where Dr Ggoobi has served since July 2021, the celebration was equally enthusiastic. “Warmest congratulations, PSST Dr Ggoobi, on your well-deserved academic feat. You have made us proud and inspired the entire MoFPED team,” the ministry said in an official statement.
A Scholar–Technocrat With Deep Policy Roots
Dr Ggoobi’s latest milestone adds to an academic journey anchored at Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Policy and Planning and later a Master’s degree in the same field (2012). Before joining the Treasury, he lectured on economics at MUBS, becoming known for his policy-focused approach to teaching and research.
Inside the PhD: What Drives Uganda’s Industrial Growth?
His doctoral thesis, titled “The Determinants of Industrial Sector Growth in Uganda,” offers fresh evidence-based insights on the factors shaping the country’s industrialisation ambitions.
Key findings include: Four major constraints holding back industrial growth
High lending rates – A small rise in interest rates causes industrial activity to fall nearly three times more than the rate increase.
Trade openness – High levels of import penetration reduce output in local industries.
Weak local linkages – Many foreign firms import the bulk of their inputs, limiting spillover benefits to Ugandan suppliers.
Skills mismatch – Industries face a shortage of appropriately skilled labour, affecting productivity.
Impact of foreign investment
The study found that for every 1% increase in foreign investment, Uganda’s industrial output falls by 0.15%, largely because foreign firms are not sourcing locally, reducing opportunities for domestic value addition.
What boosts industrial growth
Positive drivers include fixed capital formation, population growth, access to domestic credit and stable inflation.
What holds it back
Negative influences include: Foreign direct investment (FDI) under current conditions, High lending rates, Trade openness and poor regulatory quality.
Dr Ggoobi’s research comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying efforts to grow its manufacturing sector, expand exports, and strengthen local production under initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and import substitution.
His findings are expected to enrich policy debates within government and across the economic sector. For now, colleagues across academia, government and the private sector are celebrating a scholar whose work bridges research, public service and national development.