MBALE: First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga has tasked government to prioritize funds allocated
to research and innovation in this year’s budget just like most developed countries.
She made the remarks at the 14th Higher Education Exhibition organised by the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) at the Uganda Christian University’s Mbale campus in Mbale city on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Kadaga acknowledged the need for grants to be accessible to all universities, both private and public. She also pointed out the need to bridge the gap between academia and the employment sector by
improving the quality of education at all levels.
“The community has dictated we add Kiswahili and French to be compatible. For students to be marketable,
we need to add language”, she added.
During the three-day exhibition attended by Kampala International University (KIU), Cavendish
University, Kabale University, Soroti University, Islamic University In Uganda, Uganda Christian
University Mbale and other institutions, the NCHE Executive Director, Prof. Mary Okwakol, highlighted how institutions are ready to undertake research and innovations but lack government financial support.
“The contribution by institutions and companies to innovate and what you innovate helps society to
solve problems. So I would like to encourage you students, staff, whoever who can innovate to please
do it”, Prof. Okwakol said.
Despite the major contribution of research and innovation to society, she also noted that the budget
allocation for research and innovation is low.
“We have noticed that the budget allocation for research and innovation activities in institutions is
limiting”, Prof. Okwakol said, noting the dire need to prioritize the National Research Innovation Fund
come 2024/2025 Financial Year.