14th UVCF Annual Conference

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Theme: Delivering Quality Higher Education in a Challenging Economic Environment
Dates: 16th–17th October 2025
Venue: Best Western Hotel, Entebbe

The 14th Annual Conference of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF) brought together Vice Chancellors, policymakers, and higher education stakeholders to reflect on the state of higher education amidst current economic challenges. The two-day event provided an engaging platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strategy development to strengthen institutional resilience and quality across universities in Uganda.

Day 1 – Thursday, 16th October 2025

The conference opened with welcome remarks from the Chairperson of UVCF, Professor Paul Waako and the days guest of honour was Hon. James Kubeketerya, the Chairperson Education services Committee and Member of Parliament ; Bunya county east.

A lively panel discussion on the conference theme explored ways of sustaining quality education during financial constraints. Panelists included Engineer Paul Musasiizi CEO Kiira Motors Coperation a representative from the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Dr. Denis Mugimba from the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Dr. Olive Sabiiti, Vice Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda. The session was moderated by Professor Patrick Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University.

The CEO of RENU, Engineer Mbonimpa, presented on digital connectivity and infrastructure for higher education followed by  Professor Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of UVCF,  who delivered an insightful presentation on “University Financing Models for Resilience”, which generated active discussion and sharing of institutional experiences. The day concluded with networking and informal interactions among participants.

Day 2 – Friday, 17th October 2025

Day 2 opened with reflections from Day 1 before transitioning into a series of presentations and discussions. Academia by Serosoft Solutions kicked off the morning, followed by Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) presenting on “Balancing Quality and Cost in Assurance Mechanisms.”

After a health break and networking, Axria shared insights on Digital Student Journeys, highlighting technology’s role in enhancing student engagement and management. Professor Muhammed Ngoma, Vice Chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU), then presented on Staff Retention and Productivity in Lean Times, sparking conversations on human resource sustainability.

RUFORUM led an interactive session on “Collaborative Survival: Sharing Resources,” encouraging institutions to explore partnerships and resource-sharing initiatives.
The afternoon focused on a strategy co-creation session, where delegates developed shared action points to advance quality and efficiency in higher education.

The day concluded with closing remarks from Professor Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of UVCF, and Commissioner for Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba on behalf of Hon. Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education, who both commended participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed the importance of joint efforts in delivering quality higher education amid economic challenges.

Acknowledgements:

UVCF extends its sincere appreciation to the conference sponsors — Axria, Academia by Serosoft Solutions, UVTAB, RENU, Stanbic Bank, and Bank of Uganda — for their invaluable support. Special thanks also go to Makerere University and Victoria University for their exceptional contribution to the success of the conference.