The Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum Visit to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Uganda
On November 12, 2024, the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF) delegation held a pivotal meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the 
Parliament of Uganda to discuss pressing issues in higher education. The UVCF team presented their mission of fostering collaboration among universities and advising the government on policy matters, emphasizing the need for legislative and financial support to enhance the quality of university education in Uganda. The meeting also explored opportunities for collaboration to address challenges in higher education, particularly regarding technology integration, research, and innovation.
The discussions focused on several key agenda items. UVCF highlighted rising operational costs for institutions, especially in adopting and maintaining technology and infrastructure, and the growing need for support in integrating artificial intelligence into university curricula. The forum also shared updates on its initiatives, including the development of a universal ERP system to streamline administrative processes and a central database to foster collaboration among universities. The delegation emphasized the importance of partnerships with global institutions, such as Western University in Canada and VAECA in Vietnam, to build capacity and enhance academic standards.
The Deputy Speaker commended UVCF’s efforts and recognized the crucial role of higher education in national development. He pledged parliamentary support for policies and initiatives that advance technology integration, digital education, and research funding. The Deputy Speaker encouraged UVCF to strengthen partnerships with international institutions and enhance student mobility programs to build global competencies. He also stressed the need for research that aligns with Uganda’s socio-economic priorities and assured support for legislative frameworks that facilitate such growth.
The meeting concluded with actionable outcomes, including plans for regular engagements between UVCF and Parliament, the development of a position paper on higher education challenges, and collaboration on a funding proposal for technology and research initiatives. This engagement marked a significant step in strengthening the partnership between UVCF and the Parliament, underscoring the forum’s commitment to transforming Uganda’s universities into centers of innovation and sustainability.