Stakeholders call for research-driven solutions to regional challenges during MMUST, LREB conference

Stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration among universities, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to generate research-driven solutions to socio-economic challenges facing the Lake Region.

This was said at at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), during a two-day MMUST-LREB Research and Innovation Dissemination Conference, which brought together representatives from institutions of higher learning across the Lake Region, government agencies, research organizations, and partner universities from Uganda to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and strengthen regional partnerships

The event which ran from May 28 to 29,show participants emphasizing the critical role of research and innovation in driving sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, the Director of Higher Education in the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. David Watene, underscored the importance of collaborative research in addressing regional and national development challenges. Dr. Watene represented the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.

He noted that partnerships between academia, government, industry, and development agencies are essential in generating practical solutions that can improve livelihoods and accelerate socio-economic transformation.

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The conference also attracted key stakeholders from the Ministry of Education’s State Department for Higher Education and Research, the National Research Fund (NRF), the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), and other research and innovation institutions.

During the event, the participants showcased groundbreaking research projects and innovative solutions targeting challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, environmental conservation, technology, and economic development.

Held under the theme, “Driving Sustainable Development through Research-Driven Innovations, Resilience and Inclusive Growth,” the conference highlights the growing recognition of research as a catalyst for transformation and prosperity within the Lake Region.

Organized by MMUST’s Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Support under the leadership of Prof. Francis Orata, the forum aimed at enhancing the dissemination and uptake of research findings while fostering stronger linkages between academia and industry.

The delegates also came up with recommendations on how research and innovation can be effectively harnessed to promote sustainable development and improve livelihoods across the Lake Region and beyond.

By Godfrey Wamalwa