Government recognizes Ndejje University technological advancement
The Government of Uganda has recognized Ndejje University’s commercial value in propelling the country’s development through technological and scientific innovations.
The Minister for General Duties in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mrs. Mary Karoro Okurut made the remarks during the university’s silver jubilee celebrations and launch of the Academia – Public Private Partnership for National Development programme (APPP) at Hotel Africana, Kampala.
The function was graced by diplomats, corporates and keynote address presented by entrepreneur and Chairman Uganda Manufacturers’ Association (UMA) Mr. Amos Nzei.
The minister advised other universities to emulate Ndejje University which has invested valuable resources in developing new technologies and spinning off research that creates viable products and services for the country’s needs.
“The advancement of knowledge economy, science and innovations promotes the welfare of citizens and therefore government expects benefits from the linkage between the university and the industries,” she said during the corporate dinner hosted to launch the APPP.
Mrs. Okurut called on the government and other agencies to take more thoughtful and proactive approaches to accelerate academia – public- private partnerships.
She applauded Ndejje University’s strides in balancing teaching, research and community outreach programmes which have contributed to the recovery of grassroots communities in Great Luwero triangle ravaged by the 1980-1985 bush war.
The minister pledged government financial support to the university in providing human resource, equipment, skilling communities and empowering the grassroots people in areas of agriculture and technological innovations.
The University Chancellor Prof. Kisamba Mugerwa while welcoming the minister, diplomats and the corporates said Ndejje University has taken great strides in the implementation of Government – Private Partnership programme for national development.
The Chancellor who doubles as Chairman of National Planning Authority said Ndejje University has the capacity to propel industrialization if offered more support through the President’s grant for science and research.
The agricultural economist told the corporates the tremendous inroads the University was making in science and technology and revealed another international scientific conference in July 2017 similar to one which crowned last year, on waste management but focusing on bio-waste recycling.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo said Ndejje University at 25 years old has recorded track history of achievements and development.
“The university has creatively optimized its human and financial resources and is ready to share its experiences and best practices with government and private sector as Uganda strives to middle class status by year 2020 and achievement of Vision 20140,” he said.
Over generations, actors in government, private sector and academia have attempted to address grassroots development challenges using isolated approaches and resources.
The purpose of Ndejje University developing APPP therefore is to integrate and jointly optimize resources of academia, public and private sectors for national development.