Against All Odds, I Earned my PhD, says UMA’s Dr Rubanda

Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the executive Director of Uganda Manufacturer’s Association (UMA)

 

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I  Education is a journey which can only be attained by the thrifty and hard working. This is particularly true for the case of Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the executive Director of Uganda Manufacturer’s Association (UMA)

He is one of the graduates who walked away with PhD’s at the recent graduation ceremonies held at Makerere University.

He earned himself a PhD in Energy Economics and Governance from Uganda’s oldest university, Makerere.

Muhumuza investigated signals for electricity trading in East Africa electricity market integration with a scientific focus on tariff recourse harmonisation, market efficiency, infrastructure adequacy, and price convergence.

The study highlights the need for synonymous investment in power exchange and ancillary services to operationalise the already existing infrastructure; regulatory bodies for market management; and frameworks that create predictable climate for independent power investments.

“In my findings, I indicated that since the formation of the East African community, there is enough progress and there are indicators that we can leverage electricity trading and use it as a means to transform the region through trading, once we have got enough production and we price it effectively according to market forces,” Muhumuza explained.

His study further discovered that although at slow progress, EAC electricity market has taken off with a potential to increase electricity trading.

 

Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda in his office at Lugogo in Kampala

 

“There is increase in stock of infrastructure which, with improved market management, could increase the frequency and voltage of cross-border electricity exchanges and prices will in long run lower towards efficient location prices,” reads part of his study.

He said that his study taught him the strength of collaboration, partnerships and wider consultations as a critical source of sustainable solutions to all forms of challenges paused to mankind.

“I have initiated the Annual Energy Dialogue, facilitating discussions between energy suppliers and manufacturers,” he said.

He added that he has also started the Industrial Education Pavilion, which connects school going generation with industrialists, fostering a pipeline of future industrialists.

Through publishing articles in major newspapers, Dr Rubanda has advocated for practical solutions to economic challenges.

“These thought leadership efforts have influenced policy makers and have led to the adoption of local energy absorption framework geared to enhancing electricity usage in rural economy,” he said.

His bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences which he did at Makerere University introduced him to the intricate interplay between social interactions, social systems and social institutions.

“This foundation was pivotal in my early career as a Trade Policy Analyst and later a manager at the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry where I spearheaded the development of a National Response Strategy to address non-tariff barriers, thus reducing trade bottlenecks and enhancing cross border trade,” he said.

As he advanced on his education journey, earning a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management at Makerere university allowed him to refine his expertise in macroeconomic analysis and policy design.

 

Economic Individualism

His thesis on Economic Individualism as a cause of Micro Level Poverty informed his work at the Office of the Prime Minister where he spearheaded the design of five response plans for refugee hosting communities in Uganda.

Dr Rubanda noted that education has been the bedrock of his career.

“It transformed me from a cow grazing boy in rural Ibanda into a professional with capacity to transform knowledge into practical actions,” he said, adding that each education milestone has equipped him with tools to contribute meaningfully to national development.

This has been a transformative milestone which will change his life for ever.

 

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