Kyambogo University is set to host the competitive research grants dissemination conference and STEAM Festival 5th Edition from 21st to 23rd April 2026, under the theme: “Demystifying Science, Technology and Innovation for Community Development.”
This landmark event continues to position the University as a national leader in fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-driven solutions for societal transformation.
A Growing Legacy of Innovation
Launched in 2022 by the Faculty of Science, the STEAM Festival has steadily evolved into a dynamic, multidisciplinary platform. Initially focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics, the festival has since expanded to embrace Arts, Humanities, Vocational Studies, Management, and Special Needs Education.
This inclusive, ecosystem-driven approach reflects a powerful reality: sustainable national development requires contributions from every discipline.
The 2026 edition marks a major milestone, with the full integration of the Festival and Conference into one unified event, creating a more impactful platform for knowledge exchange and innovation dissemination.
Bridging Research, Policy, and Society
The overarching goal of the STEAM Festival & Conference is to strengthen the role of science, technology, and innovation in community development by connecting:
- Researchers and academia
- Policy makers and regulators
- Industry leaders
- The wider community
The festival aims to:
- Inspire young people to pursue science and innovation careers
- Empower researchers to develop practical, impactful solutions
- Enhance public access to scientific knowledge
- Strengthen policy-oriented research aligned with national priorities
2026 Focus: AI and Competency-Based Education
This year’s core subtheme is:
“Artificial Intelligence and Competency-Based Education and Training Reform in Universities: Policy, Practice, and Industry Alignment.”
The discussions will explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming:
- Teaching and learning in higher education
- Curriculum design and competency-based assessment
- Research and innovation ecosystems
- Graduate employability and industry alignment
Key dialogue areas include:
- AI governance and regulatory frameworks
- Ethical AI and data governance
- Digital inclusion and access
- Public-private partnerships in AI innovation
High-level policy engagements will bring together institutions such as UNCHE, NCDC, UCC, alongside industry and academic stakeholders to shape the future of AI in Uganda’s education system.
What to Expect at the 5th Edition
The 2026 STEAM Festival & Conference promises a rich and engaging programme, including:
- Daily Keynote Addresses from leading experts
- 60 Conference Presentations across parallel sessions
- Innovation Exhibitions & Demonstrations from all faculties and schools
- Poster Sessions showcasing postgraduate research
- Policy Roundtable Discussions with government and industry leaders
- Science Communication Training for researchers
- Pre-STEAM Bootcamps for graduate students
These activities are designed to translate research into real-world solutions while strengthening collaboration across sectors.
Competitive Research Grants Dissemination Conference
A key highlight of the festival is the Competitive Research Grants Dissemination Conference, formerly known as the Pre-STEAM Conference.
This platform:
- Showcases cutting-edge research funded by Kyambogo University
- Encourages staff and postgraduate students to disseminate findings
- Supports the translation of academic research into socio-economic and environmental impact
Through oral and poster presentations, participants will present innovations spanning Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Chemical Engineering, Humanities, and more, reinforcing the university’s commitment to impactful research.
Distinguished Speakers
The 5th Edition will feature a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers, including:
- Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize – Office of the President (Science, Technology & Innovation)
- Dr. Juliet Nakku – Executive Director, Butabika National Referral Hospital
- Mr. Marvin Ggaliwango – Machine Learning Engineer, Makerere University
- Mr. Gilbert Siima – National Curriculum Development Centre
- Prof. Elizabeth Kyazike – Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Kyambogo University
Their insights will enrich discussions on innovation, education reform, mental health, AI, and national development.
Driving Impact Beyond the University
The STEAM Festival is more than an academic event, it is a national platform for transformation.
Expected outcomes of the 2026 edition include:
- Increased research dissemination and visibility
- Stronger collaboration between academia, government, and industry
- Improved science communication skills among researchers
- Alignment of university education with AI-driven industry needs
- Enhanced positioning of Kyambogo University as a leader in innovation and policy-driven research
Join the Conversation
The Kyambogo University STEAM Festival & Conference 2026 invites:
- Students and young innovators
- Researchers and academics
- Policy makers and development partners
- Industry leaders and entrepreneurs
to come together and co-create solutions for Uganda’s future.
Event Details
- Event: 5th Edition Kyambogo University STEAM Festival & Conference
- Theme: Demystifying Science, Technology and Innovation for Community Development
- Dates: 21st – 23rd April 2026
- Venue: Kyambogo University
Tags: AI in education Uganda, higher education Uganda, Kyambogo University, research conference Uganda, Science Technology Innovation Uganda, STEAM Conference Uganda, STEAM Festival 2026, university innovation Uganda