Govt to scale down on donor support to universities for research
Oct 02, 2024
Mrs Museveni said previously, they tended to rely more on donor project support to sustain the entities, especially in research, but that they are now moving away from that.
President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and education minister, Janet Museveni, reopened the reconstructed Makerere University main building in Kampala on October 2, 2024. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
____________________
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni has hinted at plans to increase government support to public universities.
She noted that this will increase their effectiveness as instruments of socioeconomic transformation in the country.
She said previously, they tended to rely more on donor project support to sustain the entities, especially in research, but that they are now moving away from that.
She made the revelation while speaking during the reopening of the newly re-constructed main building (Ivory tower) building at Makerere University’s main campus in Kampala on Wednesday.
President Yoweri Museveni presided over the event, which was also attended by deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa, as well as ministers, Members of Parliament, and academicians, among others.
The same day, Dr Crispus Kiyonga was also installed as the new university chancellor, replacing Dr Ezra Suruma as the institution's titular head.
President Yoweri Museveni handing over symbolic key to newly installed Makerere University chancellor, Dr Crispus Kiyonga. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
Proud
Speaking at the event, Mrs Museveni said alongside the government's investments in infrastructure at the university, it has also prioritized other critical operational aspects.
“A key area of focus is research funding, which was previously reliant on our partners. The reliance on donor funding also meant that we had limited control over the research agenda, often resulting in studies that did not address local needs,” she said.
Makerere University has for years received special funding from the Government of Uganda to support high impact Research and Innovations that informs national development priorities under the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF). In the Financial Year, 2023/2024, Makerere University received a total of sh30b.
Mrs Museveni said, establishing the Research and Innovation Fund has helped bridge the gap in research and ensure that “our research efforts yield outcomes that drive economic growth and social transformation”.
“On this momentous day, I must also commend the Government’s progressive steps toward resolving staff remuneration issues, including salary harmonization and enhancement,” she said.
She revealed that this fiscal year, the Government has fully funded salary harmonization across all Public Universities and remains committed to further salary enhancements as economic conditions improve. Mrs Museveni hailed the university’s chancellor, Prof. Nawangwe, and his team for the good work done, adding:
“We have great confidence in the potential of Makerere University and other Public Universities to tackle the pressing challenges facing our nation and the African continent.”
“With a rapidly growing population, we must produce more food and expand economic opportunities to ensure gainful employment for all. We need local solutions to the continuously emerging challenges,” she said.
“Our investments in higher education are driven by the high expectation that you will deliver these solutions promptly. You are a significant partner in national development.”
No Comment