The week-long celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics that started on Tuesday, 21st April 2026, culminated in a powerful closing ceremony that shifted the focus from theoretical exploration to real-world impact. The curtains may have closed on the Competitive Research Grants Dissemination Conference and the 5th Edition of the STEAM Festival at Kyambogo University, but the echoes of innovation are just beginning to resonate.
Reflecting on the week’s events, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka expressed sincere gratitude to all participants, noting that the festival provided “highly insightful reflections” that will steer the university’s research trajectory for years to come. His address focused on a vision for “Science for Society.” He challenged the academic community to move beyond the lab and the library to ensure that knowledge generation leads to the tangible improvement of well-being within the Ugandan community. “Our goal is to demystify science,” Prof. Katunguka stated. “We must ensure that the research conducted here translates directly into product development and community growth.”
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the massive strides made in institutional capacity, fueled by the Internal Research Scheme established by the University Council. The impact is visible in the numbers: 175 Staff Members have already benefited from internal research grants.
He extended his gratitude to the Government of Uganda for the 4 billion UGX funding boost, with the VC reiterating the mandate that this investment must culminate in tangible products. He also highlighted that institution celebrated a surge in internal promotions, further strengthening its leadership core.
Prof. Katunguka noted a historic shift in the university’s mindset, largely driven by the successful expansion of graduate programs and a newfound focus on innovation. This evolution is supported by Strategic Partnerships, particularly the strong involvement of the private sector in this year’s STEAM exhibition. By collaborating with other universities and industry leaders, Kyambogo is ensuring that its research is grounded in the needs of the marketplace.
Addressing the digital frontier, the Vice Chancellor echoed the festival’s focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, he added a layer of academic responsibility, calling for faculty to guide students in using AI in “better and more constructive ways” to solve complex societal problems.
The highlight of the finale was a stirring address by Dr. Peter Wanyama Obanda, the Dean of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SOME), that characterized this year’s festival as an “enriching and impactful platform,” praising its ability to foster a deep synergy between science and technology. However, his most poignant remarks centered on the need for universities to break down the walls between the lecture room and the boardroom. “Aligning academic curricula with industry needs is no longer optional; it is essential,” Dr. Obanda asserted. “We must ensure our research and teaching remain relevant to the pulse of modern economic demands.”
As the head of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Obanda’s advocacy for Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) carries significant weight. He emphasized that the primary bridge between the university and the private sector is the delivery of practical skills. In his view, the success of a Kyambogo graduate should be measured by their ability to apply solutions in real-world scenarios. By focusing on CBET, the university aims to produce job-creators and highly adaptable professionals who are “industry-ready” from day one.
Dr. Obanda’s closing message was one of profound optimism. Looking out at the diverse crowd of researchers, innovators, and students, he expressed a firm vote of confidence in the student body. “The future is secure,” he concluded, “if our students actively embrace and lead in the adoption of new technologies for innovation.”
As the 5th STEAM Festival concludes, Kyambogo University stands at a crossroads of tradition and transformation ready to bridge the gap and lead Uganda into a tech-driven, competence-led future.
Tags: Artificial Intelligence, higher education Uganda, Innovation, Kyambogo University, Research Conference, STEAM Festival