On August 7, 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) marked a new era in national development with the official launch of the MUST Policy and Economic Data Centre (MUST-PEDC). The visionary project, spearheaded by Dr. Benjamin Musiita, is set to become a unified digital hub for national data, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide accessible information for research, policy, and decision-making across Uganda and beyond.
The launch, held at the University’s main campus, drew a distinguished crowd of academic and government leaders, including the Guest of Honour, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury. The event also saw representatives from the Bank of Uganda, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and various sister universities, highlighting the center’s collaborative and national significance.
From a Simple Idea to a National Asset
Vice Chancellor Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika shared the inspiring origin story of the MUST-PEDC. She recalled how a young Dr. Benjamin Musiita walked into her office with a concept, and she was impressed by his enthusiasm. What started as an abstract idea evolved through dedicated effort into a magnificent center. Professor Byakika-Kibwika praised Dr. Musiita’s dedication and highlighted the center’s potential to use AI to provide reliable, high-quality data that will contribute to Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
She also announced a significant donation from the of UBOS: 350 tablets to be distributed to MUST staff to support research activities, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind the project.
A new approach to Policy and Economic Growth
In his remarks, Dr. Benjamin Musiita explained how the MUST-PEDC aligns with the national vision for social economic transformation. He demonstrated the center’s capabilities, showing how the system can instantly generate data and policy briefs on various economic sectors, powered by AI. He argued that this data-driven approach will replace opinion-based decision-making with factual insights, helping to address key national challenges such as the low contribution of agriculture to GDP despite Uganda being an agrarian economy
Panel discussion
A Panel discussion was held to give more insights of the MUST-PEDC and how it joins with other Government agencies in data collections and distribution. This had Ms. Milly Nakanjako-Isingoma from Bank of Uganda, Ms. Molly Achan Nina from UBOS, Mr. Nicolas Musoke from URA, Mr. Richard Niwenyesiga from UIA and Dr. Benjamin Musiita. This was moderated by Mr. Peter Igaga.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, reinforced this message, hailing data as the “new oil of the 21st century.” He commended MUST for creating a tool that can provide fact-based insights for government planning and investment. Mr. Ggoobi also challenged traditional views on data confidentiality, urging government bodies like UBOS and URA to partner with institutions like MUST to use data to inform policies and drive national development. He concluded by outlining Uganda’s ambitious “ATMS” development strategy—Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Minerals, and Services—and expressed confidence that the MUST-PEDC would be a vital tool in achieving these goals.
The event concluded with the official launch of the center, the distribution of tablets to faculty deans, and the presentation of awards to key individuals who contributed to the center’s establishment. The launch of the MUST-PEDC marks a bold step forward for MUST, positioning it as a key player in Uganda’s data-driven future.
