GULU CITY, UGANDA: The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Monday opened its 7th Annual Higher Education Conference in Gulu City, placing innovation, research, and digital learning at the centre of Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
The conference, held under the theme “Harnessing Innovations in Higher Education for Accelerated Economic Transformation,” has brought together policymakers, academia, industry leaders, and development partners to chart the future of Uganda’s education sector.
NCHE Executive Director Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol said higher education institutions must move beyond traditional teaching to become engines of innovation and economic growth.
“We must align academic programmes with market needs, strengthen quality assurance, and promote industry partnerships to ensure our graduates are relevant and competitive,” Prof. Okwakol said.
She highlighted ongoing reforms focused on competence-based education, digital learning, and research-driven development as key pillars in transforming the sector.
NCHE Board Chairperson Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga called for a shift from theory-driven education to practical, innovation-led learning that directly contributes to national development.
“Higher education must go beyond theory and actively drive economic transformation through research, innovation, and technology transfer,” she said.
Prof. Kwesiga emphasised the need to prioritise STEM education and strengthen collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector to ensure graduates are job-ready.
She, however, warned that limited funding continues to constrain progress in the sector. “We need increased investment in laboratories, incubation centres, and the commercialization of innovations if we are to fully unlock the potential of higher education,” Prof Kwesiga noted.
Key discussions at the conference are focusing on competence-based curricula, innovative teaching methods, and strategies to improve graduate employability in a rapidly evolving economy.
Participants are also exploring ways to translate academic research into practical solutions that can drive productivity, create jobs, and support Uganda’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The conference is expected to generate policy recommendations and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to ensure higher education plays a central role in Uganda’s long-term development.
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