Kampala, Uganda- Kenneth Mugambe, the former National Budget Director at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, has acquired a Doctorate in Economics from the prestigious Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Dr Mugambe made a life-changing decision to pursue his academic dream of obtaining a PhD in Economics in 2021 when he resigned his job.
His research project, titled “Analysis of export performance and its determinants in Uganda,” has earned him a doctorate degree which questions Uganda’s export policy framework and makes practical policy recommendations for the nation’s effort to increase its export base.
The Ugandan economist believes that his knowledge gained from the Eastern Cape comprehensive university will help the country achieve economic advancement through improved export performance.
Mugambe’s research aimed to address the obstacles that have been hindering Uganda from reaching its objective of a 40% export performance to GDP ratio.
FINDINGS
His work found that developing countries’ transition from developing to developed status can only occur if they build a strong export base.
“One of the key findings in my study is that whereas Uganda has prioritised gross capital formation, ironically there is an inverse relationship between gross capital formation in Uganda and export growth” he told www mandela.ac.za
Uganda, like many developing countries, lacks a practical and sustainable export promotion strategy, which limits economic advancement. To this he says;
“This calls for a complete reassessment of the export promotion policy and strategic framework.”
Mugambe observed that despite existing export strategies, many countries do not implement them effectively.
Governments prioritize gross capital formation, but Mugambe noted an inverse correlation between gross capital formation and export growth.
His research highlights the need for a complete reassessment of export promotion policy and strategic frameworks.
The former budget director hopes to use his qualifications to advise his former colleagues and peers on policy options in export markets, helping to identify the specific context of Uganda.
Dr. Mugambe said, “I am now in an improved position to advise my peers and former colleagues on policy options in export markets within the specific context of our country.”
Mugambe also expressed his desire to continue his academic pursuit and is considering further options in part-time teaching and research.
He aims to contribute his knowledge in export performance and economics, which is fundamental in a developing country like Uganda.
Mugambe’s hard work, passion, and dedication delighted Professor Leward Jeke, his PhD supervisor at Nelson Mandela University.
According to Jeke, Mugambe is an outstanding, rigorous, and excellent researcher, adding that he was motivated by the strict timelines the university sets.
The researcher believes that Nelson Mandela University was an excellent choice for his studies, based on recommendations from friends in academia.
He noted that the University challenged him to accomplish his PhD within two years, a timeline that is uncommon in his homeland.
Mugambe’s decision was not easy since he had to sacrifice his senior government position and retire early to pursue his academic dreams.
His career spanned almost 30 years, where he rose through the ranks to become the Director, National Budget, in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.
Although the position was highly significant in the political economy of the country, Mugambe knew that his academic dream was paramount.
He said, “It therefore took immense courage and sacrifice to forego it, in pursuance of an academic dream whose immediate benefits were shrouded in mystery.”
Now having achieved his dream, Mugambe is confident of having at least 20 active years ahead of him to use his qualifications to address challenges facing Uganda as it seeks to elevate its economic status.
He believes that “all options remain open” in his pursuit of a better future for his country.
For additional reporting see: https://news.mandela.ac.za/News/-GRADUATION2023-Ugandan-economist-makes-his-acad
About The Author
