The Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), a think tank at Makerere University, has received an award from the United Nations for its research on the economic potential of northern Uganda.
The report, titled “Unlocking the development potential of Northern Uganda” emerged among the four winners of the 2016 awards for excellence in human development reporting.
The report assessed the region’s road to resuscitation after more than two decades of ruin by the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels.
In a statement, the UN said: “[It] represents an outstanding example of how human development report teams can engage with communities, organisations and institutions to develop the reports, and communicate findings in ways to influence political debate in countries.”
Helen Clark, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) administrator, presented the award on December 6, 2016 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Uganda National Human Development rRport (NHDRUg) 2015 was the only piece from Africa to win this year.
Almaz Gebru, the UNDP Uganda country director, said since the study’s launch in December 2015, it has changed the narrative on northern Uganda from insurgency to a focus on its developmental potential.
“It changes the perception from a dark picture to one of progress and continues to make huge impact in shaping policy, strategy and programming for Northern Uganda,” Gebru said.
In a statement, EPRC said: “[We are] committed to providing evidence that supports government in implementation of the sustainable development goals”.