Dr.Edward Sengonzi Damulira wins Public Opinions Uganda Public Finance Management Champion Accolade

In a resounding validation of integrity, technical prowess, and visionary leadership,Dr. Edward Sengonzi Damulira has been officially recognized with the 2026 Responsible Investment Global Award as the Uganda Public Finance Management Champion,marking a historic milestone for the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. 

As Uganda marches toward the ambitious milestones of Uganda Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Damulira has emerged as a central pillar of the nation’s economic transformation.

His induction onto the 2026 Uganda Development Champions Hall of Fame poster, with posters set to be distributed countrywide, and his inclusion in the 2026 Public Opinions Journal for Certified Development Champions and Responsible Investments solidify his status as a titan of national development and a recognized champion of responsible investment.

Dr Ddamulira has been honoured with other 9 development champions including H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,Sudhir Ruparelia, Dr Diana Atwine Permanent secretary ministry of Health,Hon Edwin karugire partner K & K Advocates, Hon Vicente waiswa Bagiire permanent secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba Chief of defense forces of Uganda,Gen Caleb Akandwanaho Coordinator operation Wealth Creation, Eng ziria waako CEO Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).

Within the corridors of power, Dr. Damulira is widely regarded as a blue eyed boy of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni within the Ministry. Appointed as the Under Secretary and Accounting Officer of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in October 2020, Damulira has proven to be the President’s most reliable instrument in the fight against corruption and inefficiency in public service. 

His deep understanding of the President’s aspirations for a clean, accountable, and transparent public service has made him indispensable. By aligning the Ministry’s technical operations with the President’s political will, Damulira has bridged the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that every shilling allocated to the national budget serves the common citizen. He works closely and seamlessly with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Ramathan Ggoobi, forming a formidable and expert team that has spearheaded a radical shift toward evidence based management and fiscal discipline.

Under the expert guidance and dedication of Dr. Damulira, the Ministry has undergone a complete digital revolution. His commitment to public finance accountability and transparency is most visible in the widespread rollout of the Integrated Financial Management System. 

By automating financial reporting and budgeting across hundreds of sites, he has effectively closed the gates on manual loopholes that previously invited graft. Key achievements under his tenure include the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, which has vastly improved cash management, reduced idle cash in commercial banks, and improved efficiency in fund releases. 

Furthermore, the integration of systems like Human Capital Management and the Program Budgeting System has strengthened oversight significantly. In a move to increase accountability at the grassroots, payroll management was decentralized to local governments and central government votes, a reform overseen by Damulira that has significantly increased accountability and reduced the phenomenon of ghost workers. 

Through tax policy reforms and digital tools for local revenue collection, he has also empowered the state to increase domestic resource mobilization, reducing reliance on external borrowing.

Dr. Damulira’s success is built upon a foundation of rigorous academic excellence and a deep background in economic policy and planning. A scholar statesman, he earned his PhD in Economics from Makerere University between 2006 and 2013. His doctoral thesis, titled The Role of Public Infrastructure in Private Domestic Investment in Sub Sahara Africa, remains a seminal work that informs his current approach to national investment. His mastery of econometric analysis and international economics allows him to navigate complex global economic headwinds with ease. 

Furthermore, his M.A. in Economic Policy and Planning from 1999 to 2002, which focused on poverty determinants in Uganda, highlights a career long dedication to finding sustainable solutions for socio economic issues. This passion for development and humanitarian causes endeared him to the Presidency during his time as Private Secretary for Social and Welfare to the President from 2003 to 2009, where he supported war affected families and children in need.

Beyond his current governmental roles, Dr. Damulira’s influence extends into the heart of Uganda’s institutional and academic fabric. As a member of the University Council at Makerere University and as Chairperson of the Finance and Investment Committee of New Vision, he plays a critical role in fostering education and sustainable economic development. His previous experience as the Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Health from 2010 to 2014 provided him with the frontline experience needed to manage budgets and implement programs that directly improved healthcare services. 

Whether supporting humanitarian causes or overseeing macroeconomic stability, his career has been defined by a human centric approach to economics and a genuine passion for development.

The recognition of Dr. Damulira as a Uganda Public Finance Management champion by Public Opinions underscores the profound impact of his work on the nation’s development trajectory. 

Under his leadership as accounting officer,working closely with other experts in the Ministry, much has been achieved in terms of transparency and budget credibility.Improved fiscal reporting, including the move toward accrual accounting and automated processes, has reduced opportunities for corruption and strengthened expenditure control. 

The implementation of the Public Finance Management Act of 2015 has provided a strengthened legal framework for this accountability, ensuring that the reforms are sustainable and legally grounded.

The Public Opinions Uganda Public Finance Management Champion Accolade is more than just an award; it is a testament to what can be achieved when academic brilliance meets unwavering patriotism and dedicated service. 

As his portrait joins the Hall of Fame in 2026, he stands as a beacon of inspiration for all public servants, exemplifying how individual contributions can significantly impact the collective future of a nation. He is the embodiment of a modern Uganda that is digital, transparent, and fiercely committed to prosperity. 

Under the leadership of President Museveni and working hand in hand with Ramathan Ggoobi, Dr. Damulira continues to write a golden chapter in Uganda’s economic history, ensuring that the nation stays on course toward its ambitious development goals. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that dedicated service and a genuine passion for development can create lasting change for a country and its people.

Recognised by

Public Opinions 

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