Conference Programme
Follow the events of the day
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
Master of Ceremony: Dr. Nora Mulira, Director IRI & Mr. Arthur Babu Muguzi, Director FPA, NCHE
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
Chairperson: Rev. Fr. Dr. Jino O Mwaka, VC, University of the Scared Heart, Gulu
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
Chairperson: Dr. Christine Okurut, Deputy Vice Chancellor Kumi University
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
Chairperson: Dr. Maria Nakachwa Ssemakula, Principal Statistics and Data Management Officer, NCHE
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
- How can higher education institutions promote gender-inclusive participation in Science, Technology and Innovation?
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