Uganda’s Higher Education Minister, Hon. Dr. John Crysestom Muyingo, Dr. Muyingo represented by Dr. Francis Atima was speaking as the chief guest at the official opening of the fourth edition of the STEAM Festival at Kyambogo University, which aims to promote innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration among students, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The festival provides a platform for showcasing groundbreaking research and innovations, with a focus on agro-based products and community transformation. He appreciated the initiative of inviting secondary schools, adding that it is a great motivation for them to join institutions of higher learning adding that the festival inspires curiosity and fosters collaboration and aligns with Uganda’s agenda for a prosperous future. He pledged continued government support to ensure that these ideas are developed and harnessed for commercial products. “It’s therefore our collective responsibility to increase research and innovation to think beyond limitations, and to translate ideas into solutions.  He added.

He thanked university management for stabilizing the university and the students for cooperating with management to create a conducive environment for learning.

Assoc. Prof. Fred Wabwire Mangen, Chairperson of the Kyambogo University Council, highlighted the university’s commitment to working with policymakers and industry to drive meaningful transformation. “We must innovate and adhere to global standards for our agro-based products,” he said, adding that the festival is a call to action to break down barriers hindering innovation.

He appreciated all stakeholders, including the government, for funding university activities, and he requested for more funding to enable more innovations and research

Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, in a speech read for him by Assoc. Prof. Justus Kwetegyeka, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance Administration, emphasized the role of science and technology in driving economic transformation. He encouraged the responsible use of artificial intelligence and highlighted the need for policies to enable students to access and utilize AI. He stressed that this underscores the importance of applying scientific knowledge to real-world problems.

However, challenges facing the university, including low funding for research, capital development, and staffing shortages, were also highlighted. Despite these challenges, the university remains committed to promoting innovation and research, with the Vice Chancellor expressing gratitude to the government, particularly the President and First Lady, for their support.

 

 

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