CONVENED BY
Trade, Investment and Economic Transformation. Co-convened by Yobel Biashara Initiative and CASTLE Think Tank, hosted by Makerere University.
DATE
30 September 2026
VENUE
Makerere University, Kampala
GUEST OF HONOUR
Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba
Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda
About the Conveners
Yobel Biashara Initiative is a Ugandan organisation founded to build enterprises that transform communities, industries, and nations. Since our inception, we have convened Uganda’s business leaders, investors, and government around the country’s growth and investment landscape. In 2026, we step into a new role as a thought leader in Uganda’s economic sphere, using this platform to shape not just enterprise, but also the policy environment on which enterprise depends
CASTLE Think Tank
The Centre for Advanced Strategic Leadership (CASTLE) is a think tank established to provide research and consultancy addressing the challenges to Africa’s advancement. Created by the Institute for National Transformation (INT), CASTLE exists to close the gap between research and practice through bringing rigorous policy analysis to the decisions shaping Africa’s transformation.
Makerere University
Makerere University is East Africa’s oldest and most distinguished institution of higher learning, with a long history of producing the scholarship and leadership that has shaped the region. Makerere brings academic rigour to the dialogue; co-hosting sessions, nominating faculty as discussants, and ensuring the country’s next generation of economic thinkers has a seat at the table.
PROGRAMME
Africa and the new global economic architecture. As global alliances shift and multilateral institutions are renegotiated, this pillar asks what a seat at the table actually requires and how Uganda positions itself before the rules are set and not just after.
From resource extraction to economic transformation. Oil, gas, and critical minerals draw investment but extraction alone rarely builds an economy. This pillar examines what it takes to convert resource wealth into industry, jobs, and lasting national capacity.
Making AfCFTA work for Uganda and the region. This pillar asks what it takes in practice for Ugandan businesses to trade, compete, and grow across African borders.
Finance, currency and economic self-determination. Debt pressure, currency volatility, and the rise of digital finance all test a nation’s economic independence. This pillar looks at how African central banks navigate that area without surrendering control of it.
Africa’s intellectual leadership in global discourse. Africa remains under-represented in the research and ideas that shape its own policy. This pillar makes the case for African institutions to lead that conversation and not just respond to it.
WHO’S IN THE ROOM
GUEST OF HONOUR. PROPOSED
Opening remarks reflecting the centrality of monetary policy and institutional leadership to Uganda’s economic agency.
Keynote addressTHINK PIECE PRESENTER
Dr. James Magara
Futurist & Chairman, Yobel Biashara Initiative
PANELIST
Senior Government Policymaker
Office to be confirmed
PANELIST
Regional Economist
Institution to be confirmed
PANELIST
Private Sector Leader
Institution to be confirmed
MODERATOR
Awel Uwihanganye
VC’s Office, Makerere University, Proposed
WHAT THE CONFERENCE PRODUCES
Every session is designed to translate into outputs that outlast the day itself.
Policy Briefs
Evidence-based briefs per pillar, disseminated to Government, Bank of Uganda and regional bodies.
White Papers
In-depth analysis translating conference findings into frameworks for policymakers and business.
Declaration on Impact-Driven Indices
A formal call for measurement frameworks beyond conventional growth indicators.
REGISTRATION
Attendance is free. Seats are limited, and confirmation is required to enter the venue.
30 September 2026
Makerere University Kampala
Confirmation sent from info@yobelbiashara.org
You’ll receive a confirmation email from an official @yobelbiashara.org address within a few minutes.