The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) hosted the 7th Annual Higher Education Week in Gulu, bringing together vice chancellors, academics, policymakers, and industry representatives. The event was officially opened by Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who emphasized practical, innovation-driven education to meet Uganda’s development needs.
- Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, NCHE Chairperson, encouraged universities to strengthen STEM and digital learning, deepen industry partnerships, and ensure graduates are job-ready.
- Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol, NCHE Executive Director, highlighted the importance of research, innovation, and quality assurance for socio-economic growth.
Discussions and Highlights:
- Implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) across institutions.
- Strengthening university–industry collaborations to improve internships, skills development, and research commercialization.
- Expanding research funding access, particularly for private universities.
- Sharing strategies on staff resource collaboration and inter-university support to address faculty gaps.
- Challenges in internship placements, practical training, and aligning programs with market demands.
- Opportunities for collective advocacy and policy input from vice chancellors.
The week provided a platform to share best practices, address challenges, and foster collaboration between universities, regulatory bodies, and industry, reinforcing the role of higher education in Uganda’s socio-economic development.
Gulu Higher Education Exhibition Showcases Innovation
As part of the 7th Annual Higher Education Week, the Gulu Higher Education Exhibition brought together universities, industry partners, and research institutions to display innovations, student projects, and collaborative initiatives.
The exhibition highlighted how universities are translating research into practical solutions, fostering industry linkages, and promoting skills development aligned with national priorities. Private and public institutions showcased projects in STEM, digital technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, demonstrating the potential of higher education to drive socio-economic growth.
Participants also explored opportunities for research commercialization, student internships, and partnerships that strengthen Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. The exhibition served as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing the impact of higher education beyond the classroom.