The Ugandan government has called on universities to prioritize digital skills training, research, and innovation to align with the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology sector. This call was made during the official opening of the 2026 International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC) at Kampala International University (KIU) Main Campus on October 12. The conference brought together researchers, academicians, innovators, industry leaders, and students to explore how digital technologies can improve workforce efficiency, accelerate industrialization, and support national development.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Eng. Irene Karungi, a Senior ICT Infrastructure Engineer at the ministry, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with digital competencies required to compete in a technology-driven labor market. Karungi described artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic transformation and improved workforce efficiency. She also highlighted the Ministry's upcoming National AI and Emerging Technology Strategy, which prioritizes AI, blockchain technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, robotics, and drones.
The National AI and Emerging Technology Strategy aims to provide a framework for harnessing emerging technologies to support innovation, improve productivity, and advance Uganda's digital transformation agenda. Karungi urged universities to keep their curricula responsive to developments in the global technology sector, noting that graduates need practical, relevant, and adaptable skills to remain competitive. Her remarks underscored the importance of closer collaboration between government, universities, and the private sector in developing a workforce capable of translating technological advances into tangible economic benefits.
KIU's Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Dr. Mustafa Mundu, welcomed conference participants and emphasized the need for higher education institutions to prepare students to respond to changing labor-market demands. Mundu challenged universities to go beyond producing graduates with academic qualifications and instead nurture innovative thinkers capable of creating opportunities, transforming their communities, and making informed decisions in an increasingly digital world.
The conference theme, "The Role of Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Workforce Efficiency, Economic Transformation and Industrialisation," places the relationship between technological advancement and national development at the center of discussions. Through presentations, research exchanges, and engagement among participants, IRDeC 2026 seeks to examine how emerging technologies can strengthen productivity, improve industrial processes, and create new opportunities for economic growth.
KIU Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, represented by Council Member Dr. Ambrose Kibuuka, called for increased investment in research and innovation, describing them as essential foundations for sustainable development and evidence-based decision-making. Kibuuka highlighted KIU's progress in strengthening its research systems, expanding online learning, developing its Digital Innovation Hub, and establishing strategic partnerships aimed at advancing technological innovation.
Dr. Kibuuka also appealed to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to support KIU's Digital Innovation Hub with equipment that would enable researchers and innovators to develop, test, and refine practical technological solutions. Such support would strengthen the capacity of young innovators to contribute to scientific discovery, technological development, and solutions to challenges affecting society.
Key points
- The Ugandan government is pushing for stronger investment in research and innovation to harness AI and emerging technologies for economic transformation.
- The 2026 International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC) at KIU aims to examine how emerging technologies can strengthen productivity, improve industrial processes, and create new opportunities for economic growth.
- Universities are urged to prioritize digital skills training and keep their curricula responsive to developments in the global technology sector.
