Conference Programme · 7th Annual Higher Education Conference 2026
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DAY TWO - 24th March 2026
| Time | Activity | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9.00 | Arrival and Registration of Participants | Ms. Susan Nanyombi, Ms. Lynatte Atuhaire, Ms. Annet Lyaka & Dr. Ovia Kyatuha |
SESSION ONE: Opening Session
| 9:00 –9:10 | Welcome Remarks | Professor Mary J.N. Okwakol - Executive Director NCHE |
| 9:10-9:50 | KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTATION Transforming Higher Education through Competence-Based Learning, Innovation Ecosystems, and Strong University–Industry Partnerships | Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, Chief Executive Officer, Private Sector Foundation of Uganda |
| 9:50-10:20 | DISCUSSION: Question and answer | Plenary |
| 10:20-10:40 | Break Tea |
SESSION TWO: Strengthening University-Industry Linkages and Knowledge Transfer
| 10:40-11:00 | From Research to Market: Intellectual Property Management and Commercialization Strategies in Higher Education | Mr. Abraham Ajeet, Senior Patent Examiner Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) |
| 11:00-11:15 | Sustaining University-Industry Partnerships: Models for Joint Research, Technology Transfer, and Knowledge Exchange | Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko, Director for the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT) - MUST |
| 11:15 - 11:30 | Embedding Entrepreneurship in University Curricula: Strategies for Cultivating Innovation-Driven Graduates | Dr. Ikiror Cathy Mbidde, Leads commercialization MAK-UNIPOD |
| 11:30 - 11:45 | Building a Functional Innovation System in Uganda: The Role of Knowledge Transfer in Driving Inclusive Development | Mr. Opio Patrick Researcher |
| 11:45 - 12:00 | Discussion: Question and answer | Plenary |
| 12:00 - 12:20 | Preparing for Financial Security: The Role of Higher Education in Promoting Social Security Awareness and Retirement Planning in Uganda | NSSF |
SESSION THREE: Fostering Innovations, Entrepreneurship, and Start-Up Ecosystems in Higher Education
| 12:20-12:40 | Lessons from Long-Standing University Innovation Hubs: The MUBS Experience | Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Principal MUBS |
| 12:40 - 12:55 | From Survival to Innovation: How Loan Adequacy Influences STEM Graduates' Innovation Capacity in Uganda | Mr. Orace Tom David Researcher, Gulu University |
| 12:55 - 13:10 | Reconciling Faculty Promotion with Competence-Based Curricular Innovation in East African Higher Education | Mr. Eutychus Ngotho Gichuru Researcher, Makerere University |
| 13:10 - 13:30 | Discussion: Question and answer | Plenary |
| 13:30-14:30 | Lunch |
SESSION FOUR: Gender Inclusive participation in Science Technology and Innovation
| 14:30-14:50 | Gender Inclusive participation in Science Technology and Innovation | Dr. Saphina Biira, Deputy Vice Chancellor Busitema University |
| 14:50-15:50 | PANEL DISCUSSION
2. What barriers limit gender inclusion in STI, and how can higher education address them? | Prof Sarah N. Ssali, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof. David Okello Owiny, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Gulu University Ms. Angella Nakafeero, Commissioner Gender and Women Affairs, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Dr. Charity Basaza Mulenga, Vice Chancellor King Ceasor University Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor, Mbarara University of Science and Technology |
| 15.50- 16:00 | CLOSURE | Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs |
Rapporteurs: Dr. Justin Ayebare (Leader); Dr. Erion Bwambale; Dr. Walter Okongo
Conference Coordinator: Dr. Cosmas Muhumuza - Senior Higher Education Officer Research and Innovation
Conference supervisor: Dr. Nora Mulira - Director ICT, Research and Innovation