The Policy & Economic Data Centre at Mbarara University of Science and Technology has launched a landmark collaboration with the Uganda Manufacturers Association and Wazalendo SACCO aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and advancing evidence-based economic research in Uganda.

The partnership, unveiled yesterday at the university in Mbarara, brings together academia, industry, and financial institutions to jointly explore strategies that support inclusive economic development and sustainable growth.

Focus on Financial Inclusion

A key pillar of the collaboration is advancing financial inclusion through engagement on critical components of the ATM framework. The initiative seeks to enhance access to inclusive financial services, particularly for businesses and communities that remain underserved by traditional financial systems.

By leveraging the strengths of each partner institution, the collaboration aims to identify practical approaches that improve access to financial products and services, enabling individuals and enterprises to participate more effectively in the formal economy.

Joint Economic Research on the Parish Development Model

The partnership will also focus on joint economic research, with particular attention to evaluating the impact of the Parish Development Model on local economies.

Researchers from the Policy & Economic Data Centre will work alongside stakeholders from UMA and Wazalendo SACCO to assess how the program contributes to sustainable economic growth and development across communities in Uganda.

The findings from this research are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners, helping shape more effective economic policies and programs.

Strengthening the Link Between Data, Policy, and Industry

Through this collaboration, the Policy & Economic Data Centre at Mbarara University of Science and Technology continues to strengthen the connection between data, policy, research, and industrial development.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to promoting evidence-based decision-making and generating data-driven insights that can support Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda.

By combining academic research capacity with industry knowledge and financial sector experience, the initiative positions the partners to play a meaningful role in shaping sustainable growth and inclusive development across the country.