A cross section of UFZA staff drawn from the departments of research, human resources, communication and operations attend a two-day orientation workshop in the UFZA boardroom facilitated by EPRC. Photo by Mouris Opolot
EPRC successfully conducted a two-day orientation workshop for Uganda Freezones Authority (UFZA) staff at the former’s boardroom on 8th and 15th September. The training focused on research proposal writing and communication of research to policy audiences.
The training was facilitated by Dr. Isaac Shinyekwa, the head Trade and Regional Integration Department; Elizabeth Birabwa, the Programme Manager; Martin Luther Munu and Anita Ntale both Research Analysts.
Dr. Isaac Shinyekwa handled writing a winning research proposal and conducting quality research; Elizabeth Birabwa and Anita Ntale co-handled secrets to good writing and writing for policy audiences. Martin Luther Munu conveyed to participants what makes an appealing PowerPoint presentation.
The workshop was attended by a cross section of UFZA staff drawn from the departments of research, human resources, communication and operations. UFZA staff appreciated the practicality of the training, saying it was timely and will enable them boost the profile of the Authority. “The training has been very practical, handling the things we do every day, It gives us an extra spark needed to deliver our task as an Authority,” Philip Mwanika the Business Development Executive UFZA, said.
Likewise, Bernadette Mutuzo, Communications Assistant for UFZA- said that the training would help to improve on writing research reports, back to office reports, and communicate research results. “Our website has not had a lot of traffic, the skills gained on blogging will add a lot of value to our website.” Mutuzo said adding that the training will help improve dissemination of information about Freezones to the public.
The training was in fulfilment of the major objective of the MOU signed between the Economic Policy Research Centre and Uganda Free Zones Authority on 20th May 2016.