By Reuben Twinomujuni

Entebbe, Uganda – 13 March 2026 – The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, has called for urgent reforms in doctoral supervision, warning that weak mentorship and low staffing levels are undermining research output in African universities.

Prof. Katunguka delivered his remarks at the East SPARK mini-symposium on doctoral supervision, held at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, organised by Dr Emmanuel Mutungi, the Dean of the School of Art and Industrial Design. The event showcased training initiatives aimed at improving PhD supervision in East Africa. He emphasised that a university’s research strength is directly linked to the number and quality of PhD holders. “The quality of students and supervisors has an influence on the quality of research output,” he said, noting that many academics are overstretched, working across several institutions, and often fail to provide adequate guidance to doctoral candidates.

According to Prof. Katunguka, effective supervision should extend beyond mere formal oversight. Supervisors must assist students in identifying research problems, refining methodologies, interpreting data, and improving their scholarly writing and publishing skills. They should also introduce students to professional networks and support their development into responsible colleagues. However, he warned that poor pay, low staffing levels, and a lack of training have left many supervisors inadequately prepared for this role.


Prof. Katunguka addressing the participants

 

The symposium also highlighted the broader challenge of PhD scarcity in Africa. Despite the continent’s large population, Africa contributes only a small fraction of global scientific research output. This gap is linked to the limited number of doctoral graduates, which restricts universities’ ability to generate new knowledge and address local challenges.

Participants highlighted that doctoral education is the “core of universities” and crucial for innovation, economic growth, and evidence-based policymaking. Increasing access to PhD programmes would bolster African universities, minimise brain drain, and build local capacity to tackle region-specific challenges.

A group photo of participants

Prof. Katunguka called on universities and governments to invest in structured supervisor training, expand funding collaborations like SPARK, and motivate supervisors to publish. “If we can develop the capacity of our PhDs, we will be able to enhance our societies,” he stated.

The East SPARK initiative, which aims to professionalise supervision and adapt global standards to East African contexts, was praised as a model for strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring quality doctoral education across the region.

 

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