America’s president Trump
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Experts are to congregate under the Stanbic Economic Insights Symposium to debate the threats to the world economic order precipitated by imposition of both tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The 5th edition of the Economic Insights Symposium, scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel, aims to engage businesses, policymakers, and academics in a constructive dialogue about the challenges and opportunities presented by changes in the global economic environment.
The event will serve as a platform to analyse and discuss the impact of these trends on Uganda’s economy.
The focal point in the dialogue is the worst White House assault in history on the environment and public health, which has been described as an all-of-government assault with potentially devastating results on the global communities, economy, and future.
Two weeks in, the Trump administration launched a barrage of administrative orders that are aimed at “putting America first.”
The Stanbic symposium takes place against a backdrop of heightened concern about protectionist policies, particularly following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Sébastien Walker, the IMF Country Representative for Uganda
“As the world’s largest economy navigates complexities associated with tariffs and trade restrictions, experts will caution about the potential future of globalization,” said the statement.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that escalating trade barriers could result in a decline in global economic output by as much as $7.4 trillion, posing significant risks for economies worldwide.
To address the tariff issues, Stanbic has assembled a panel of respected experts. Among them is Goolam Ballim, Head of Economic Research at Standard Bank Group.
This year’s theme, “Globalization Reshaped—Riding the Waves of Economic Shifts,” will focus on critical global economic trends and their potential implications for the Ugandan economy.
The statement pinpoints Goolam as being known for his thorough analysis of macroeconomic and financial market trends, leading a team recognized as the Best Research House across African markets in several Financial Mail Rankings.
“His expertise will contribute valuable insights into the current economic landscape.”
Stanbic Bank headquarters
Dr. Adam Mugume, the Director of Research at the Bank of Uganda is also an outstanding panelist. An alumnus of Oxford University, Dr. Mugume has over 25 years of experience in economic policy, with numerous publications to his credit.
As the Executive Director of Research, he is integral to shaping Uganda’s monetary policy and economic forecasting.
To further enrich the mix of experts is Dr. Fred Muhumuza, an economic researcher, lecturer, and consultant with two decades of experience, is to also feature.
His background in development policy research informs his advisory work with government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, adding depth to the conversation about economic impacts.
Sébastien Walker, the IMF Country Representative for Uganda, is also another panelist. Throughout his tenure, Walker has worked across a diverse range of countries, including low-income developing nations, emerging markets, and advanced economies, showcasing his expertise in various economic contexts.
Prior to taking on this role in Uganda, Walker served as a Senior Economist in the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department and previously as an Economist in the African Department.
He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, where he focused on monetary policy and the planned currency union in the East African Community.
Fatal assault
Far from putting America first, the administration is putting oil and gas profits first—Donald Trump putting the rest of his country at risk, say experts.
They pointed out that halting the development of wind energy means higher electricity bills and a less reliable power grid.
Additionally, pulling the United States out of the Paris climate agreement leaves other countries to write the rules for the clean energy economy of the future.
Also making electric vehicles more costly to buy and build limits consumer choice has put domestic workers and carmakers at a competitive disadvantage against their Chinese and European rivals.
Fronting his fictious energy emergency hours after taking office, Trump falsely declared as a means to assert extraordinary presidential powers and to justify a wave of executive orders.
