Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has urged universities across Uganda to prioritise science, research and innovation as the country’s most critical pillars for socio-economic transformation of the economy.
Delivering the message through Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo at Kyambogo University’s 21st graduation ceremony, Museveni said Uganda’s progress depends on the nation’s ability to build research-driven universities capable of producing scientists, innovators and problem-solvers who can steer the country into sustained industrial growth.
“Science, research and innovation should be emphasized as the cornerstone of our development and survival as a nation,” Museveni said in the address. He encouraged Kyambogo University and other institutions to deepen partnerships with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as global development partners.
Museveni reaffirmed government’s commitment to investing in higher education because universities remain the foundation of human capital development. He said Uganda will continue strengthening research capacity, ICT infrastructure and physical facilities to ensure young people acquire employable, innovation-oriented skills.
The President highlighted the NRM’s four strategic sub-sectors for wealth and job creation, commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services and ICT, and urged graduates to tap into these opportunities to drive household prosperity.
“Our greatest asset as a nation is our people, empowered through the education system,” Museveni said, noting that universities sit at the top of this system and must generate the knowledge required for Uganda’s transformation.
He commended Kyambogo University for aligning its programmes with national priorities, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Education—including special needs and inclusive education. The institution continues to lead Uganda in teacher education, supporting around 45,000 students across affiliated training colleges.
Museveni assured the university leadership that as the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) is operationalised, Kyambogo will continue playing a central role in mentoring and nurturing teacher educators for effective national service delivery.
The President also celebrated the university’s enhanced infrastructure, including modern science laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment supplied under the African Development Bank’s Higher Education, Science and Technology (HEST) Project. He said these investments must be fully utilised to grow Uganda’s capacity for scientific research, value addition and manufacturing.
Museveni applauded Kyambogo University and the National Council of Sports for building a state-of-the-art football facility that will support Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Vice President Alupo, reinforcing Museveni’s message, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and discipline as they enter the workforce. She urged them to avoid shortcuts and use their skills to create employment for themselves and others.
Kyambogo University Chancellor Prof. John Yakobo Okedi praised the institution’s stability and teamwork among staff, while Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka urged graduates to continue pursuing knowledge and thanked government for supporting staffing and infrastructure development.
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