Uganda has recorded another milestone in strengthening the capacity of its public service after six Ugandan public officials graduated from the Master in Sustainable Development in Africa: Institutional Design and Territorial Planning at the Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome, Italy, on 8 October 2026.
Among the Ugandan graduates were three officials nominated by the Ministry of Local Government: Hajji Sewante Kaliphan, Under Secretary, Finance and Administration; Asiimwe Allen Lutaya, Principal Assistant Secretary, District Administration; and Niwebyoona Timothy, Physical Planner, Rubanda District. Their graduation marks an important achievement not only for the individual officials, but also for Uganda’s public service, as the knowledge and skills acquired are expected to contribute to improved institutional performance, sustainable development and better territorial planning.
The Master brought together 31 public officials from 10 African countries, creating an important platform for cross-country learning and exchange of professional experiences. According to the student representative’s remarks at the graduation ceremony, the programme equipped participants with knowledge in Policy Design and Governance, Leadership, Negotiation and Public Management, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure, Territorial Planning, Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, Inclusive Development, Digitalisation and Innovation for Rural Development.
The programme is particularly relevant to Uganda at a time when Government is placing increasing emphasis on sustainable and inclusive development at both national and local levels. The programme itself is designed to strengthen the capacity of African institutions to design and implement sustainable, inclusive and resilient territorial policies. It combines academic learning with practical workshops and country-contextualised project work.
Representing Uganda Government at the graduation ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth Paula Napeyok, Uganda’s Ambassador to Italy, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to put their newly acquired knowledge and skills to practical use in advancing Uganda’s socio-economic development. Ambassador Napeyok is Uganda’s Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic with residence in Rome and Head of Mission at the Embassy of Uganda in Rome.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Hajji Sewante Kaliphan expressed appreciation for the opportunity extended to the participants and described the programme as an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between Italy and Africa. He noted that the graduates were returning to their respective countries with a greater responsibility to translate the knowledge acquired into practical action.
He emphasised that sustainable development must remain centred on people, noting that institutions and policies ultimately matter when they improve the lives of citizens. He further observed that the programme had brought together officials from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds, but united them around a common commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Africa.
For the Ministry of Local Government, the graduation of Hajji Sewante Kaliphan and the other Ugandan officials is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of continuous professional development within the Public Service. As an Under Secretary responsible for Finance and Administration, the knowledge gained in institutional design, governance, sustainable development and territorial planning can contribute to strengthening institutional systems and supporting effective management of public resources and programmes.
The student representative also reminded the graduates that graduation is not the end of their journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to translate knowledge into action. He called on the graduates to return to their institutions prepared to serve with professionalism and commitment.
The graduation also strengthens the growing partnership between Uganda and Italy in areas of knowledge exchange, institutional development and sustainable economic transformation. Uganda’s Embassy in Rome has continued to promote stronger cooperation between the two countries, including economic and investment partnerships.
As Hajji Sewante Kaliphan, Asiimwe Allen Lutaya and Niwebyoona Timothy return to Uganda, their achievement stands as an encouragement to other public officers to pursue continuous learning and professional excellence.
The Ministry of Local Government warmly congratulates Hajji Sewante Kaliphan upon this achievement and extends its congratulations to all six Ugandan graduates. May the knowledge, skills and professional networks gained in Italy translate into stronger institutions, better planning and tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Uganda.
Congratulations, Hajji Sewante Kaliphan, and congratulations to all the graduates
