Museveni implores MMU leadership to promote research and innovation
FORT PORTAL, February 27, 2024: President Museveni has urged the leadership of Mountains of the Moon University [ MMU ] to prioritise the promotion of research and innovation.
Museveni said the government’s strategy includes exploration of introduction of new sponsorships for innovation programmes that foster entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and a culture of innovation.
He said all these are critical for sustaining economic growth of a country.
This was contained in the president’s message which was read by the Vice President, Jessica Alupo who represented him during the university’s graduation ceremony that was held over the weekend at its premises in Saaka, Fort Portal City.
“Uganda’s development aspirations require active engagement of scientific and technological research to make an effective contribution for the country’s growth,” Museveni said.
He further said that MMU as a public funded institution has a potential to play a role in strengthening the national innovation performance, and contribute to Uganda’s industrial development.
He was pleased to witness the technology infrastructure taking shape at the university through the government of Uganda funding.
“I have been informed that the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences block being constructed will among others provide access to business incubation and scientific equipment. We will work together to realise the completion of this catalyst to achieve skilling human capital,” Museveni said.
He advised people to think of education not only as an investment in their children but also as a promoter for national transformation.
Meanwhile, In her address Janet Kataaha Museveni , Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, represented by Dr. Joyce Moruku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, noted that since the university transitioned from private to public, it has registered significant milestones which include among others increased enrollment of students to over 2,200, with 50 percent of them pursuing science courses.
She said that there an ongoing construction of an infrastructure at Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and commended government for the support. However, she said being a young university, MMU faces some challenges that need to be addressed.
“This is a young university, it’s just two years now and like any other institution it is faced with challenges which include inadequate infrastructure to support teaching and learning, office space and infrastructure to support research,” she said.
She however revealed that these will be addressed in a phased manner.
642 graduands were conferred with masters degrees, bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates in different disciplines.
First Chancellor of MMU installed
During the ceremony, a Prof. Edward Rugumayo, a distinguished academic, was installed as the first Chancellor of the university.
Rugumayo was appointed by Museveni in 2022 when the university was transitioned from private to public.
He expressed gratitude to Museveni for appointing him as the first Chancellor of MMU and promised to work with management and leadership for the growth and development of the academic institution.
https://thecooperator.news/lira-university-needs-shs-5bln-for-research-and-innovation/
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