The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Hon. Eng. Jonard
Asiimwe Akiiki, on Thursday, 5 November 2026, visited Muni University to assess its research and
innovation activities and explore opportunities for translating scientific knowledge into practical
solutions, marketable products, businesses and employment opportunities.
The Minister was received by the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, alongside
members of the University Management team.
The Minister explained that his visit was intended to explore how research and innovation at Muni
University could contribute to industrial development in Northern Uganda, particularly by nurturing
and advancing ideas generated by young people in the region.
"Me coming here to Muni University is to see how we can lift the industrial revolution in Northern
Uganda and how we can carry the ideas of those young people in this region," the Minister said.
He emphasised the need for universities to move beyond conventional approaches to education
towards more practical, innovation-driven learning, supported by laboratory-based experimentation
and application.
"Many universities have been practising education from 2.0 to 3.0. Now we want 5.0, with practical
applications in the laboratories," he added.
During the meeting, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Jacob Godfrey Agea,
presented a wide range of research and innovation initiatives from the University. The presentation
showcased innovations considered to have potential for commercialisation, further development
and up-scaling.
Following the presentations, the Minister pledged to support Muni University's inclusion among the
pilot universities for research and innovation, presenting an opportunity for the institution to
strengthen its research commercialisation agenda and expand the impact of its innovations.
The Minister also met with students, toured research and innovation facilities, and viewed projects
presented by both staff and students. The presentations demonstrated the potential of innovations
emerging from the University's academic community to address practical challenges and contribute
to Uganda's socioeconomic development.
The engagement focused on strengthening university–industry collaboration, supporting innovation
and incubation pathways, and translating research into practical solutions, marketable products and
enterprises that contribute to national development.
For Muni University, the visit underscored the strategic role of research and innovation in addressing
development challenges in West Nile and beyond. Through research, teaching and community
engagement, the University continues to contribute to knowledge generation, practical problem-
solving and the development of solutions with potential economic and social impact.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of equipping students with relevant skills, fostering
entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment for innovations to progress from ideas and
prototypes to viable products and enterprises.
In a symbolic gesture towards environmental conservation and sustainability, the Minister also
planted a tree on the University campus, representing the importance of nurturing growth and
safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The Minister's engagement formed part of broader government efforts to strengthen research
commercialisation and enhance the contribution of universities to Uganda's industrialisation,
innovation and employment agenda.
Muni University remains committed to advancing research and innovation that address societal
needs, create opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.