Oboth challenges universities to turn research into policy
"Our challenge is no longer only to generate knowledge, but to ensure it is translated into policy, innovation, effective implementation and improved lives," Hon. Okwi said.
MP Constantine Okwi delivered Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth's remarks at the 30th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC) at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) on September 25, 2026. (Credit: Javier Silas Omagor)
KAMPALA - Parliament has challenged universities to translate research into policy and measurable results that benefit Ugandans.
The call was made by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, at the closing of the 30th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC) at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) on September 25, 2026.
The conference, held at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, ran under the theme, "The Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa."
The Speaker, who was represented by Kibale County MP Constantine Okwi, said there was a need to transform knowledge into greater good for the benefit of society.
He congratulated MUBS principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi, conference chair Dr Joshua Mugambwa and the organising committee on 30 years of AIMC.
"Our challenge is no longer only to generate knowledge, but to ensure it is translated into policy, innovation, effective implementation and improved lives," Hon. Okwi said.
He noted that Uganda's Vision 2040 and NDP IV require productive people and capable institutions, which calls for stronger linkages between universities, Parliament, Government, the private sector and communities.
"We must move from research to evidence, evidence to policy, policy to implementation, and implementation to measurable results," he said.
He challenged delegates to consider what happens to the knowledge generated after the conference.
As a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, Okwi said discussions at AIMC on skills, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, vocationalisation and inclusion directly address Uganda's human capital challenges.
He said the conference proceedings could provide Parliament with evidence on linking education to employability, aligning research with national priorities, preparing youth for the future of work and promoting inclusive access to education.
Okwi also proposed regular knowledge-policy dialogues between MUBS and Parliament so that AIMC can serve as a bridge between research and national transformation.
He called on researchers to generate relevant knowledge, Government to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and the private sector to invest in innovation.
"Let us turn knowledge into action, action into results, and results into better lives for Ugandans," he said.
Hon. Okwi, a former lecturer at MUBS before joining Parliament, commended international partners, including North-West University, the University of Fort Hare, the University of Nairobi and the University of Edinburgh, for enriching the conference.
Other participating institutions included Peace University Somalia, the University of Kigali and Gulu University.
On behalf of the Speaker, he declared the 30th AIMC officially closed.