Universities urged to turn to enhanced research and innovations

The universities in Uganda should focus on enhancing research and innovations if they are to keep up with the dynamic world, the education ministry's permanent secretary, Ketty Lamora, has said.

Speaking at the 24th graduation of Uganda Christian University (UCU), she said job markets are ever-changing and therefore adjustments ought to be made.

Lamora said research and innovations "will build the capacity of our country to tackle the challenges this world faces".

Graduates walking on the red carpet during the graduation ceremony at UCU main campus in Mukono on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

A graduand excites her colleagues after arriving with a bouquet of flowers for graduation at UCU main campus on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

Adding: "I am sure we are all aware that the Government has been supportive in this field, and I want to commit our efforts to continuing with the same."

The commitment includes funding innovations and research in academic institutions, with the main objective being to ensure effective and quality education for learners.

UCU's PhD graduates during the graduation ceremony at Mukono campus on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

"It is important to fund research and innovations because we are the immediate beneficiaries. We want to have a practically empowered generation with immense skills," said Lamora.

'Integrity'

A total of 986 learners graduated from UCU, with 527 (54%) being female.

A graduate weraing a floral design on her hand at the UCU graduation grounds in Mukono on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

Agnes Safari Kamilo celebrates with her relatives in a traditional dance after graduating with a bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at UCU on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

Thirty-three, including 20 females, were awarded first-class degrees.

In his address, Dr Stephen Kaziimba, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, tasked graduates with sticking to integrity and professionalism so as to be different from others.

Smartly dressed gentlemen show off their caps after graduation at UCU main campus in Mukono on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

A student streches her hands to congratulate colleagues upon graduation at UCU main campus in Mukono on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

Graduates strike a pose congratulating themselves after graduation at the UCU main campus in Mukono on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

This, he said, would ensure the country of better services.

"Carry the values and cultures you acquired from UCU to your workplaces; integrity should always be your friend as you sail through this journey in the job market," said Kaziimba.

UCU graduates walking in Mukono town after the graduation ceremony on October 13, 2023. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

In universities across Uganda, limited research funding threatens to slow the pace of scientific progress.