Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, the Vice-Chancellor of Kyambogo University, has stated that there is an urgent need to overhaul Uganda’s educational curriculum to better equip graduates with the skills necessary for real-world contributions and value addition.

The Vice-Chancellor noted the significant disconnect between academia and industry in Uganda, frequently attributed to bureaucratic hurdles that discourage business-minded industry professionals from engaging with universities. He emphasised the need to bring industry experts into academic settings to provide students with practical insights and highlighted the potential for internship-focused partnerships. During the visit, discussions centred around the potential for collaboration between Kyambogo University and Kiira Motors.

The Vice-Chancellor made these remarks while members of top management and academic staff from the Faculty of Engineering visited Kiira Motors to learn about their work and explore potential partnerships for national development.

The Vice Chancellor commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for believing in possibilities and providing funding for scientific innovations. He mentioned that foreign funding does not support such projects due to competing interests. He emphasised that achieving this requires a visionary leader, and Uganda is fortunate to have him as a leader in science, technology, and innovation. He noted that Uganda currently imports scientific, agricultural, and medical equipment, adding that the President has supported the pharmaceutical industry using local materials.

Prof. Eli Katunguka leads Kyambogo University management and academic staff on a guided inspection of the Kiira Motors Vehicle Plant as the institution explores strategic partnerships to enhance practical engineering training and national industrial development.
Prof. Eli Katunguka leads Kyambogo University management and academic staff on a guided inspection of the Kiira Motors Vehicle Plant as the institution explores strategic partnerships to enhance practical engineering training and national industrial development.

On his part, the Kiira Motors Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Paul Isaac Musasizi shared the company’s origins, tracing its roots back to Makerere University, where it started as an extracurricular effort amidst challenges in funding and stakeholder management. Over the years, with vital financial backing from the President and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, the vision of developing a locally-produced electric vehicle was realised, culminating in the launch of the KIIRA EV by the President.

The Vice Chancellor receives a bus model from the CEO Kiira Motors
The Vice Chancellor receives a bus model from the CEO Kiira Motors

Musasizi detailed the challenging journey, which included overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and political pressures before the project received approval in 2017. Today, Kiira Motors not only focuses on vehicle manufacturing but is also shifting its attention to high-capacity battery development, inviting partnerships with universities such as Kyambogo to improve curriculum integration and introduce new courses related to the battery value chain.

As the manufacturer prepares to expand its operations, Musasizi reiterated the importance of internships, noting that Kiira Motors can accommodate up to 100 interns annually and is committed to employing the most dedicated graduates. “The journey continues,” he remarked, emphasising the need for collective effort in transforming Uganda’s engineering landscape and encouraging the next generation to recognise their role in nation-building.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,