UIBFS on Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge and Practice
The Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), in partnership with the School of Business, Makerere University, co-hosted its inaugural Research Conference under the theme “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: Research as a Driver of Financial Sector Transformation.”
This event brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academia, researchers, and students to discuss and show case research that can practically transform Uganda’s financial sector.
Speaking at the conference, the Chief Executive Officer of UIBFS, Mrs. Goretti Masadde, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between research and industry application. She emphasized the conference as a key milestone in the Institute’s transformation journey, highlighting the launch of the Research Fund as an initiative to support industry-driven research.
“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,” she said.
The Board Chair of UIBFS and Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, Mr. Michael K. Mugabi reiterates the institute’s role in building 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,” he said.
Representing the regulator, the Governor of Bank of Uganda, Mr. Michael Atingi-Ego, delivered the keynote address, affirming the central bank’s support for initiatives that link research to sector-wide stability and innovation. He applauded the Institute and Makerere University for taking a bold step towards institutionalizing financial sector research.
The Guest of Honour, the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, officially opened the conference and commended the organizers for providing a platform that will shape future policy, product development, and sustainable financial sector growth.
The one-day conference featured panel discussions, academic paper presentations, and the unveiling of the UIBFS Research Agenda and 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.
With this initiative, UIBFS and Makerere University reaffirm their joint commitment to building a Research Centre of Excellence that will support knowledge creation, capacity building, and applied solutions for Uganda’s and the region’s financial sector.
The sponsors that contributed to the success of this event are: Bank of Uganda, Centenary Bank, Pride Bank, Insurance Training College and Bank of Tanzania.