Lira University in need of Shs 5bln for research and innovation activities

LIRA- Lira University has asked the government to avail the institution with Sh5 billion to fund its stalled research and innovation activities.

The Deputy Vice-chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum, said the university needs direct funding from the government because efforts to secure the funds from Makerere University for the same have hit a snag.

While recently briefing the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Prof. Dokotum said it would be good if each public university in the country is given a specific amount of money that they can manage to fund research and innovations.

He said the University intends to introduce courses such as;  Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Building and Civil Engineering, Law, Agriculture, and Nursing among the 25 programs outlined, further stressing the need for direct financial support from the government. “We need direct financial support,” Prof Okaka said.

Dr. Bernard Omech, the Director of Research and Innovations at the university said the institution has not benefited from government seed grants and as a result, the level of research has remained low.

He added that in spite of the challenges, staff have developed research networks, partnerships and collaboration to make them stay relevant to its mandate.

He said there are now 25 ongoing research collaborations with both local and international partners which has increased the university’s visibility and contributed to sustainable socio-economic transformation.

Dr. Edward Kumakech, the dean of the Faculty of Health Science added in his department needs Shs 3bln to help in their innovations in new contraceptive methods for men.

He said they need to develop precoital contraceptive pills for women of infrequent sex, development of a rape kit, and establish a one-stop centre for sexual reproductive health research and innovations.

He said the faculty is working towards strengthening clinical skills and research capacity of its staff in the department.

“Our aim is to strengthen the capacity of the faculty and staff to engage in sexual reproductive health and rights,” he said.

Anna Grace Auma, a lecturer and principal investigator, said there is also a need for micro-research grants, training of clinical staff and students on research and outreaches, and static clinical services.

https://thecooperator.news/gulu-university-seeks-shs-27b-to-set-up-juice-producing-factory/

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