Leaders in Uganda’s academic sector have intensified calls for a fundamental shift in higher education, urging institutions to move beyond theoretical instruction and embrace a more practical, innovation-driven approach that directly contributes to the country’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the 7th Annual Higher Education Conference organised by the National Council for Higher Education in Gulu City, Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, Chairperson of NCHE, emphasised that universities must reposition themselves as engines of growth through research, innovation, and technology transfer.
“We must transition from knowledge generation that remains on paper to solutions that address real economic challenges. Higher education should be at the centre of Uganda’s productivity and wealth creation agenda,” Prof. Kwesiga said.
She underscored the growing importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), digital learning, and multi-sector partnerships in equipping graduates with market-relevant skills. According to her, stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government is essential to ensure that innovations developed within universities are successfully commercialised and integrated into the economy.
However, Prof. Kwesiga pointed to limited funding as a major bottleneck. She called for increased investment in high-level laboratories, innovation hubs, and incubation centres to support research and accelerate the commercialisation of ideas generated by students and faculty.
“With deliberate and sustained investment, higher education can significantly boost productivity, create jobs, and position Uganda as a knowledge-based economy,” she added.
The conference, held under the theme “Harnessing Innovation in Higher Education for Accelerated Economic Transformation,” attracted policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and development partners. It serves as a critical platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for translating research into tangible economic outcomes.
In her remarks, NCHE Executive Director Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol echoed the call for reform, highlighting innovation as a cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation agenda. She outlined several strategic interventions undertaken by NCHE, including strengthening quality assurance systems and implementing the 2019 Research and Innovation Policy.
Prof. Okwakoi noted that the Council has prioritised the promotion of digital learning through Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) frameworks, which proved vital in maintaining academic continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She further highlighted efforts to support research ecosystems, promote commercialisation of academic outputs, and foster industry collaboration to enhance employability. Additional initiatives include advancing regional integration through East African Community frameworks, accrediting STEM programmes to drive technological advancement, and implementing Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) to produce job-ready graduates.
Despite this progress, Prof. Okwakoi called on “stakeholders to address systemic barriers hindering innovation, particularly challenges related to patenting and intellectual property rights.” She noted that unlocking these constraints would enable Uganda to fully harness opportunities in high-growth sectors such as ICT, agriculture, manufacturing, and the emerging pathogen economy.
Key discussions at the conference centred on competence-based curricula, innovative teaching methodologies, and reforms needed to align higher education with labour market demands. Participants emphasised that bridging the gap between academia and industry will be critical in enhancing graduate outcomes.
As deliberations continue, stakeholders remain optimistic that a more innovation-driven higher education system will not only improve graduate employability but also position Uganda on a stronger path toward sustainable economic growth.
