The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, has called on universities to shift from theory-heavy teaching to a research-based education model, saying it is essential for Uganda’s economic transformation.
Prof. Nuwagaba made the remarks on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, while officiating at the opening of the 2025 Multidisciplinary Dissemination Workshop at Kabale University. The two-day workshop, organized by the university’s Directorate of Research and Grants, is being held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Research for Inclusive Growth.”
He said universities must become engines of innovation, producing graduates who create solutions to real-world challenges instead of merely seeking jobs.
“Research-based education will help remove gaps in our national development and also bridge the gap between local communities and the government,” Prof. Nuwagaba said.
The Deputy Governor added that evidence-based learning would enable academia to generate actionable data to guide government policy and attract development partners.
He also gave an upbeat assessment of the economy, noting that the Ugandan Shilling has continued to strengthen against the US Dollar, which he attributed to research-backed strategies at the central bank.
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Representing Kabale University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga, the Dean of the School of Medicine, Prof. James Tumwiine, called for greater investment in research to address pressing challenges in the Kigezi region.
Prof. Tumwiine emphasized the need for studies targeting climate change, soil erosion, water pollution, and low agricultural yields, saying these remain critical threats to the region’s development.
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Meanwhile, Prof. Sabiti Makara, the Chief Director of Graduate Training at Kabale University, highlighted that Uganda’s limited budget for Research and Development (R&D) continues to undermine the country’s progress in science, technology, and innovation.
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