The Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) held its 4th Annual Research Dissemination Conference from October 16–17, 2025, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. Under the theme “Empowering Africa through Open Knowledge: Bridging Present Realities and Future Innovations,” the conference gathered leading academics, librarians, and information professionals committed to advancing open knowledge across the continent.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Mary J. N. Okwakol, Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, with a keynote address by Ms. Iryna Kutchma, a global advocate for open access. Kutchma emphasized that open knowledge is a transformative force capable of redefining Africa’s development trajectory.
AfroMobile’s Contribution to Open Knowledge
AfroMobile played a central role in this year’s conference, spotlighting its efforts to democratize access to information and amplify local voices. Mr. Abdallar Gulemye, Content Officer at AfroMobile, presented how the platform supports knowledge dissemination and social transformation through digital inclusion. On Day Two, Ms. Pearl Kitimbo, Brand Manager at AfroMobile, elaborated on the company’s mission to bridge information gaps by making credible content accessible to all Ugandans. Their participation underscored AfroMobile’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s digital knowledge landscape.
Highlights and Key Discussions
The two-day gathering celebrated 24 years of CUUL’s work in strengthening Uganda’s academic library system and featured the launch of the African Journal of Library and Information Innovations (AJLII), a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing research in African librarianship.
Presentations explored a range of themes, including the role of rural libraries in community development, the impact of open science partnerships, and the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in library services. Speakers like Dr. Jackline Estomihi Mayende Kiwelu, Dr. Agnes Namaganda, and Mr. Stephen Econyu shared insights on how open knowledge can drive innovation, job performance, and research translation.
Sessions on cultural heritage and information access emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge through digitization, while discussions on professional training called for ongoing skills development to meet the evolving needs of the information sector.
Collaboration and the Road Ahead
The conference provided a valuable platform for collaboration among librarians, researchers, publishers, and policymakers from across Africa. It concluded with recognition awards presented by the CUUL Executive Chairperson to participants who demonstrated exceptional commitment to open knowledge advancement.
As CUUL marks its 25th year, the insights shared and partnerships formed during this event set the stage for a more inclusive and connected knowledge ecosystem. The collaboration with AfroMobile highlighted how technology and media innovation can strengthen access to research and empower African communities through information.
“This conference is more than an event is a movement towards equitable knowledge for all,” remarked the CUUL Chairperson during the closing ceremony.
