Conference Programme
Follow the events of the day
DAY ONE - 23th March 2026
Time
Activity
Responsible
7:00 – 9.00
Arrival and Registration
Ms. Susan Nanyombi, Ms. Lynatte Atuhaire & Ms. Annet Lyaka
SESSION ONE: Conference Opening
Master of Ceremony: Dr. Nora Mulira, Director IRI & Mr. Arthur Babu Muguzi, Director FPA, NCHE
9:00 – 9:05
Opening Prayer
Anthems: National Anthem & East African Anthem
Rev. Canon. Dr. Alex M. Kagume, Deputy Executive Director, NCHE
Mr. Arthur Babu Muguzi, Director FPA, NCHE
9:05-9:15
Welcome Remarks
Professor Mary J.N Okwakol,
Executive Director, NCHE
9:15 -9:25
Opening Remarks
Prof Joy Kwesiga – Chairperson, NCHE
9:25 – 10:00
Official Opening
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero,
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
10:00-10:40
KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTATION
Reimagining Higher Education as an Engine for Innovation-Led Economic Transformation
Prof. Timothy M. Waema,
Professor of Information Systems at the University of Nairobi.
10:40-11:00
Question and answer
Plenary
11:00-11:30
Break Tea
SESSION TWO: Financing innovations in higher education to accelerate Uganda’s economic transformation.
Chairperson: Dr. Nora Mulira, Director ICT, Research and Innovation, NCHE
11:30-13:00
What policy and financing reforms are needed to sustainably fund innovation in higher education?
How can Parliament strengthen NCHE-university–industry linkages to translate higher education innovations into jobs and productivity?
Hon. James Kubeketerya
Chairperson Education and Sports Committee
Hon. Alex Niyonsaba
Chairperson Science, Technology and Innovation
Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, Public Service and Local Government
Hon. Agnes Kunihira,
Gender, Labour and Social Development
Hon. Amos Kankunda
Chairperson Finance, Planning and Economic Development
Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi,
Legal and parliamentary affairs
Hon. James Nsaba Buturo,
Chairperson, East African Community Affairs
STI Secretariat
13:10-14:00
Lunch
SESSION THREE: Adoption of Competence-Based Curricula and Innovative Pedagogical Reforms for the transformation of Higher Education
Chairperson: Vice Chancellor All Saints University, Lango
14:00-14:20
Innovative Pedagogical Approaches for Learner-Centered and Inclusive University Classrooms
Dr. Bernadette N. Karuhanga
Director, National Curriculum Development Centre
14:20-14:40
Strengthening University–Industry Linkages to Support Competency-Oriented Teaching and Learning
Dr. Martin Francis Kyeyune,
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Roofing’s Group
14:40-15:00
Assessing Competencies: Modern Assessment Models for Skills, Creativity, and Real-World Application
Prof. Jacob Godfrey Agea
Deputy Vice Chancellor,
Muni University
15:00-15:30
Discussion: Question and answer
Plenary
SESSION FOUR: Transformative Research and Innovation in STEM for National Research and Development
Chairperson: Vice Chancellor All Saints University, Lango
15:30-15:50
Harnessing STEM Research for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in Uganda
Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini,
Vice Chancellor Muni University
15:50-16:10
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Innovation: Leveraging STEM for Socio-Economic Transformation
Prof. Ireeta Winston Tumps,
Board Chairman, Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC)
16:10-16:25
Researcher
16:25-17:00
DISCUSSION: Question and answer
Plenary
17:10 –
Cocktail
END OF DAY ONE
Rapporteurs:
- Dr. David Musimaami (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