Education
Parliament challenges universities to turn research into policy as 30th AIMC closes
"We must move from research to evidence, evidence to policy, policy to implementation, and implementation to measurable results."
Kibale County MP Constantine Okwi (front centre), Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Principal Prof Moses Muhwezi (4thL, front) and other delegates pose for a group photo during the 30th Annual International Management Conference of MUBS in Entebbe on September 26, 2026. (Credit: Javier Silas Omagor)
By: Javier Silas Omagor, Journalist @New Vision
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RESEARCH & POLICY
Parliament has tasked universities with translating research into policy and measurable results for Ugandans.
The call was made by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, at the closing of the 30th Annual International Management Conference (AIMC) of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) on Friday.
The four-day conference that took place at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe ran under the theme, "The Knowledge Revolution: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa."
The Speaker was represented by Constantine Okwi, the Member of Parliament for Kibale County (Pallisa district).
MUBS Principal Prof. Muhwezi welcomes Kibale County MP Okwi
Oboth underlined the need to transform knowledge into a greater good for the benefit of societies.
He particularly congratulated MUBS Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Conference Chair Dr. Joshua Mugambwa and the organising committee upon 30 years of AIMC.
He said the conference's theme is timely, but that the national challenge has shifted from generating knowledge to applying it.
"Our challenge is no longer only to generate knowledge, but to ensure it is translated into policy, innovation, effective implementation and improved lives."
Uganda's Vision 2040 and NDP IV require productive people and capable institutions, which demands stronger linkages between universities, the Government, private sector and communities.
"We must move from research to evidence, evidence to policy, policy to implementation, and implementation to measurable results," said the Speaker, also challenging delegates to consider what happens to the knowledge generated after the conference.
On his part, as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, MP Okwi said discussions at AIMC on skills, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, vocationalisation and inclusion directly address Uganda's human-capital challenges.
He said the proceedings offer Parliament evidence on linking education to employability, aligning research to national priorities, preparing youth for the future of work and promoting inclusive access to education.
With that in mind, he urged MUBS to prepare a concise policy synthesis with actionable recommendations for parliamentary committees, beyond publishing proceedings.
"Our challenge is no longer only to generate knowledge, but to ensure it is translated into policy, innovation, effective implementation and improved lives."
MP Okwi represented Speaker Oboth
Uganda's Vision 2040 and NDP IV require productive people and capable institutions, which demands stronger linkages between universities, the Government, private sector and communities.
"We must move from research to evidence, evidence to policy, policy to implementation, and implementation to measurable results," said the Speaker, also challenging delegates to consider what happens to the knowledge generated after the conference.
On his part, as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, MP Okwi said discussions at AIMC on skills, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, vocationalisation and inclusion directly address Uganda's human-capital challenges.
He said the proceedings offer Parliament evidence on linking education to employability, aligning research to national priorities, preparing youth for the future of work and promoting inclusive access to education.
With that in mind, he urged MUBS to prepare a concise policy synthesis with actionable recommendations for parliamentary committees, beyond publishing proceedings.
The chief guest also proposed regular knowledge-policy dialogues between MUBS and Parliament so that AIMC becomes a bridge between research and national transformation.
He called upon researchers to generate relevant knowledge, the 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."
A former lecturer at MUBs before joining Parliament, Okwi commended international partners including North-West University, University of Fort Hare, University of Nairobi and University of Edinburgh, Peace University Somalia, University of Kigali, and Gulu University for enriching the conference.
On behalf of the Speaker, he declared the 30th AIMC officially closed.
He called upon researchers to generate relevant knowledge, the 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."
A former lecturer at MUBs before joining Parliament, Okwi commended international partners including North-West University, University of Fort Hare, University of Nairobi and University of Edinburgh, Peace University Somalia, University of Kigali, and Gulu University for enriching the conference.
On behalf of the Speaker, he declared the 30th AIMC officially closed.