Kyambogo University proudly participated in the momentous celebration of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) marking 20 years of dedicated service to the education sector. The grand event organized under the theme; “20 years of transforming higher education in Uganda.”, was held at Kololo Independence Grounds on October 12, 2023, and was graced by His Excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, and other distinguished guests from the education sector including former ministers, Hon Victoria Sekitoleko, Hon. Amanya Mushega and Hon. Peter Ogwang.
The celebrations, launched by Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, on March 9 2023, reached its pinnacle with a series of events, including a run on August 20, 2023, under the theme “Protecting the environment in higher education institutions through proper e-waste management.” The climax featured a captivating mini-exhibition on October 12, showcasing contributions from various universities, including Kyambogo University.
Kyambogo University took center stage, presenting three innovative projects that reflect the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability and practical solutions. Tifu Waiswa, a master’s student in physics, unveiled a project on “Production of liquid fuel from plastic waste.” Nasasira Shafik Muhairwe, a third-year student in civil and environmental engineering, presented “Green Construction: Incorporation of the Environment into Construction.” Paul Ariko, a third-year student in agriculture with education, showcased a project titled “Recycling Plastic Bottles to Make Simple and Cheap Poultry and Small Ruminants’ Drinkers and Feeders.”
The exhibition was inaugurated by President Museveni who congratulated NCHE and emphasized on the role of modern education in understanding natural laws and societal evolution, urging educators to prioritize enlightenment over justifying education. The president noted that teaching staff in public universities should be paid the same salary as the ones in private universities. He urged educators not to mystify education and to make sure that students understand the basics. President Museveni emphasized the need for social scientists to cause a shift in belief from witchcraft and superstition to natural science.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni emphasized the importance of these innovative projects. Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni commended NCHE’s growth and emphasized the need for consistent quality in both private and public universities. She urged higher education to have a societal impact beyond academic achievements, particularly in leveraging ICT for broader benefits.
Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE, highlighted the remarkable progress made since NCHE’s inception in 2003. From a modest beginning with four staff members, NCHE has grown to a workforce of 56, overseeing a substantial increase in higher education institutions, student enrolment, and program diversity.
Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, Vice-Chancellor of Kyambogo University and Chairman of NCHE, extended a warm welcome to the guests and stressed the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified staff in higher education institutions. He thanked President Museveni for his support for science-related courses and acknowledged the challenges faced by institutions teaching specialized fields such as dentistry and medicine.
Kyambogo University again congratulates NCHE on its remarkable journey and wishes them a dedicated service in contributing to the future of higher education in Uganda.