Economic Policy Research Centre

What is it that needs to be done to ensure family-owned businesses continuity in Uganda? Read our brief here: https://eprcug.org/publication/from-generation-to-generation-key-facts-on-family-business-survival-in-uganda/

Less than 10% of Uganda’s family firms rarely survive founders -EPRC A new EPRC study exposes structural cracks threatening the future of Uganda’s most influential enterprises. Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Uganda’s most common business structure—the family enterprise—is facing a quiet but severe generational crisis. Fewer than 10% of family-owned busine...

The survival rate of Ugandan family businesses is bleak: less than 10% continue past founding generation. What is hindering their continuity? EPRC hosted business leaders to disseminate study fundings on the status of family businesses in Uganda: https://eprcug.org/press-releases/from-generation-to-generation-ugandan-family-owned-businesses-urged-on-continuity/

Our July to Sept quarter Uganda Business Climate Index survey revealed moderate improvement in overall environment despite intensified political activities. Key concerns, including power stability and perception of multiple taxation were raised. Report in today's The New Vision . Read the survey report here: https://eprcug.org/publication/ugandas-business-climate-improves-amidst-declining-manufacturing-and-agricultural-sector-performance/

Many enterprises in Uganda remain critically informal, severely limiting these businesses' ability to thrive, exposes workers to precarity and exploitation. Why has informality persisted in Uganda? Join or follow us this Thursday to discuss this issue.

Work with us: https://eprcug.org/opportunities/vacancy-announcement-volunteer-research-associate/

EPRC, Mak School of Economics Commit to Deeper Collaboration

The Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) Senior Management Team (SMT), led by Executive Director Dr. Sarah N. Ssewanyana, paid a courtesy visit to the Makerere University School of Economics.

Discussions focused on reinvigorating institutional collaboration and partnerships in areas of mutual interest. Areas identified include joint research, resource mobilisation for research, hosting of joint annual policy dialogues and forums, and student internships and supervision.

Prof. Ibrahim Okumu, the School of Economics Dean, underscored the meeting's importance, noting that the strength of both institutions lies in what they can achieve together.

The Centre joined Aquaculture Cottage Industry Business Symposium organised by Gudie Leisure Farm in Kira where Dr Swaibu Mbowa, a senior research fellow, presented about opportunities in aquaculture industry, noting uniqueness of the sector: export volumes fall but earnings grow.
The symposium was attended majorly by district leaders from Acholi sub-region. Dr. Mbowa showed that capture fishery was a particularly virgin and viable economic activity that youth can pull resources together and invest in.

Our September 2025 newsletter update is out. Read about our policy dialogue with and find studies on the Ugandan economy: https://mailchi.mp/eprcug.org/eprc-september-2025-newsletter

EPRC, Indian High Commission Host Dialogue on Strengthening India-Uganda Trade Ties

The Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), in partnership with the High Commission of India in Uganda, successfully hosted a public dialogue focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Uganda. The event, held on October 2, 2025, at the Kabira Country Club Hotel, focused on exploring "Opportunities for Trade, Investment, and Collaboration" under Uganda's Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV).

The dialogue brought together leaders from key sectors of both economies, including manufacturing, banking, trade, pharmaceuticals, and academia.

In her welcome remarks, EPRC Executive Director Sarah Ssewanyana highlighted the significance of the event's theme, calling it "a call to strategic action." She emphasised that the discussion was informed by rigorous evidence and objective analysis conducted by the EPRC.

High Commissioner of India to Uganda, H.E. Upender Singh Rawat, officially opened the event, positioning it as a platform to showcase industry opportunities and signal business reforms to improve the investment climate. He stressed the need for Uganda to streamline approvals and provide clarity to address investment bottlenecks.

Mr. Rawat acknowledged the significant role of the Indian community in Uganda's economy, noting that while they constitute only about 1% of the population, they provide strong economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Chairman of the Indian Business Forum, highlighted Indian businesses' contributions to the national economy. He recalled that during the 2022 Afro-India Summit, Ugandan and Indian investors signed deals worth USD 470 million, showcasing India's strong role in Uganda's economic landscape.

Ministry of Finance Director of Economic Affairs Moses Kaggwa stated that the dialogue came at an opportune time, coinciding with the launch of the NDPIV and Uganda's ambitious ten-fold growth strategy. This blueprint aims to rapidly expand the country's economy.

A key highlight was the presentation by Aidah Natabbi, a Research Analyst at EPRC. She outlined promising investment opportunities for the Indian business community, specifically highlighting agriculture and agro-industrialization, education and skills development, and technology and innovation.

The event featured dynamic panel discussions with representatives from both the Ugandan government and the private sector, along with members of the Indian business community. The sessions were moderated by Richard Mubiru, Corporate Affairs Director for Nytil Uganda/Picfare, and Dr. Richard Okot Okello, the Acting Commissioner for External Trade at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC).

Closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. He underscored the importance of human capital, skills development, and innovation in driving high-quality trade interactions between Uganda and India.

Prof. Nawangwe also noted India's leadership in important sectors like science and technology, presenting a valuable learning opportunity for Uganda.

Dr Isaac Shinyekwa, EPRC Senior Research and Head of Trade and Regional Integration Department, moderated the dialogue.

This Thursday October 2, 2025, in partnership with the High Commission of India in Uganda, we'll host a dialogue on strengthening India-Uganda ties in trade, investment & collaboration.