Conference Programme · 7th Annual Higher Education Conference 2026
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
| 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.
| 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
| 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
| 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. 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