A high-level delegation from the Department of Construction Economics and Management, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), led by Head of Department Dr. Nathan Kibwami, has engaged the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) in strategic discussions aimed at unlocking new financing avenues for Ugandan businesses through asset securitization.
Accompanied by staff members Ronald Kaweesi and Tulikuno Collins, the delegation met with USE officials to explore collaborative opportunities focused on transforming both tangible and intangible assets into viable financial instruments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Among the key proposals was the development of a postgraduate programme in securitization of tangible assets, designed to build local expertise in asset-backed financing and capital markets. The team also discussed guest lecturing opportunities on the Bachelor of Science in Valuation programme, aiming to enrich academic instruction with practical insights from Uganda’s financial sector.
The dialogue emphasized the importance of building synergies between academia and capital markets to guide Ugandan businesses, particularly SME, in leveraging their asset portfolios to access financing. This initiative is expected to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth by empowering enterprises to tap into alternative funding mechanisms.
Dr. Kibwami noted that the partnership could “reshape how Ugandan businesses perceive and utilize their assets, not just as operational tools, but as strategic financial resources.”
The Uganda Securities Exchange welcomed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with ongoing efforts to deepen Uganda’s capital markets and support enterprise development. This collaboration marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between academic research, professional training, and real-world financial innovation.