The State Minister for Primary Education Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu has commended Kyambogo University for boosting its research department amidst limited facilitation from the government. She was speaking at the closure of the third day of the 18th graduation ceremonies of Kyambogo University at the East End Pitch on Friday.

At least 12,080 people graduated in various fields. Five of them received doctorates in philosophy. Speaking as chief guest on the third day of the graduation, Kaducu said that research the university’s research policy allows scholars to search for funding through local and international collaborators to supplement government efforts.

In 2019, Kyambogo university introduced a capacity-building program in order to establish a research culture at the university. The university council set aside Shillings 2 billion in the 2018/19 financial year as a competitive research fund.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eli Kantuguka, said the money will continue to grow by Shillings 1 billion annually until they reach the Shillings 5 billion mark annually devoted to building a research culture in the university. However, the competitive grants were ring-fenced exclusively for full-time Academic staff.

Kaduchu also asked Kyambogo University to prioritize science programs, which she described as the most relevant courses. “I also want to appeal to the University, let’s continue to focus on relevant courses, especially sciences, engineering, innovation, and technology, and put the digital agenda on top priority,” she said

I represented the First Lady and Minister of @Educ_SportsUg Mama @JanetMuseveni at the 2nd Session of the 18th Graduation ceremony of Kyambogo University.
I thank the institution for training quality Teachers at all Education levels over the years @kyambogou #KyU18thGrad pic.twitter.com/Y6UkcOe2Le

— Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, PhD (@MorikuJoyce) December 8, 2022

Kaducu called on several research partners to enter partnerships with Kyambogo University. “I wish to appeal to the local and international partners to consider this partnership with Kyambogo University in addressing social-ecological, social-economic, and social-cultural issues affecting society in Uganda”, she said.

Professor Eli Katunguka told the gathering that the University has already embarked on boosting research projects and different faculties have done a couple of research in the last four years.