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MBALE - The leadership of the country's higher education institutions has called upon the Government to prioritise research and innovation. 

The move, according to NCHE, will align with the priorities outlined in the third National Development Plan (NDPIII).

"We are ready to undertake research and innovation, but government support is critical for their success," National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) executive director Prof. Mary Okwakol says, noting the inadequacy of budget allocations for research and innovation activities. 

She has, therefore, recommended prioritising the establishment of the National Research Innovation Fund outlined in NDP III in this year's budget and beyond.

She made the plea during the inaugural NCHE regional exhibition at the Uganda Christian University's Mbale campus in Mbale city on March 21, 2024, evening.

Addressing the launch of the exhibition, themed: Fostering Graduate Employability and Innovation, Okwakol emphasized the importance of this call, particularly in tackling the escalating graduate unemployment rates.

She highlighted that the exhibition serves as a platform for higher education stakeholders to showcase strategies aimed at imparting skills demanded by the job market.

Okwakol said the significance of such exhibitions is guiding students and parents in making informed decisions regarding their choice of institutions and study programmes.

However, she lamented the financial constraints hindering the realisation of various innovative initiatives in higher institutions across the country.

Pivotal role

Echoing Okwakol's sentiments, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, stressed the pivotal role of private universities in the country's development. He advocated for private universities to be considered for research grants, highlighting their contribution to human resource development and job creation.

Busitema University medical students explain to the First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga about their new innovation of syrups made from local hubs. (All photos by Paul Watala)

Furthermore, Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, the chairperson of NCHE, emphasized the need to upscale innovations into significant inventions that can address national challenges and generate employment opportunities.

Pledge for advocacy

Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, the chief guest at the launch, urged the Government to fulfill its pledge of establishing the research and innovation fund. She emphasized the importance of supporting both public and private universities to convert innovations into tangible job opportunities.

Kadaga pledged to advocate within the Government to ensure the allocation of funds as per NDP III, aiming to address the pressing issue of unemployment in the country.

She also encouraged universities to bridge the gap between academia and the job industry by promoting critical thinking and considering language diversity in education.

In a related development earlier in the week, Dr Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, highlighted the need for curriculum reform to align with the demands of the job market.

She criticised universities for focusing on developing prototypes without effectively deploying them to address employment challenges.

Okwakol emphasized the urgent need for educational reform to address the mismatch between graduates' competencies and employers' requirements. Rwakishaya echoed this sentiment, calling for holistic reform to revitalize Uganda's educational system and confront rising unemployment rates.

However, Musenero cautioned that bureaucratic hurdles and poor governance systems continue to stifle innovative ideas, hindering progress in addressing unemployment challenges.

She emphasized the importance of resolving these issues to facilitate meaningful change and progress.