Introduction
Ezra Suruma is a renowned economist from Uganda who has made significant contributions to the economic development of his country. Born on January 1, 1945, Suruma has had a long and distinguished career in academia, government, and international organizations. He is currently a professor at the University of Connecticut and Fordham University, where he continues to educate and inspire future generations of economists.
Early Life and Education
Suruma was born in Uganda in 1945 and grew up in a modest household. He excelled academically and went on to study economics at Makerere University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then pursued further studies in economics at the University of Connecticut, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees.
Academic Career
After completing his studies, Suruma returned to Uganda and joined the faculty at Makerere University, where he taught economics for several years. He later moved to the United States to further his academic career and became a professor at the University of Connecticut and Fordham University.
Government Service
In addition to his academic work, Suruma has also served in various government positions in Uganda. He was the Minister of Finance from 2005 to 2009, during which time he implemented several key economic reforms that helped stabilize the country’s economy and promote growth.
Key Achievements
During his tenure as Minister of Finance, Suruma played a crucial role in negotiating debt relief for Uganda, which helped reduce the country’s debt burden and free up resources for development projects. He also implemented policies to improve fiscal discipline and transparency in government spending.
International Recognition
Suruma’s contributions to Uganda’s economic development have been recognized internationally, and he has received several awards for his work. In 2008, he was named African Finance Minister of the Year by Euromoney magazine for his efforts to promote economic stability and growth in Uganda.
Thought Leadership
Suruma is known for his insightful analysis of economic issues and his advocacy for policies that benefit the poor and marginalized in society. He has written extensively on topics such as poverty reduction, sustainable development, and economic governance, and his work has been widely cited by scholars and policymakers around the world.
Current Projects
In addition to his teaching and research activities, Suruma is involved in several initiatives aimed at promoting economic development in Uganda. He serves on the board of several organizations that focus on poverty alleviation, education, and health care, and he continues to advise the government on economic policy matters.
Legacy
Suruma’s legacy as an economist and policymaker is one of integrity, vision, and commitment to social justice. His work has had a lasting impact on Uganda’s economic landscape, and he continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps and work towards a more prosperous and equitable society.
