Uganda Christian University is calling on scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts, papers, and posters for the 2nd Annual Symposium on Research, Innovation, Engagement, and Pedagogy, taking place from 4 to 6 November 2026 at the Mukono Main Campus.
The African continent stands at a crossroads. Prolonged droughts, devastating floods, rising sea levels, and rapid landscape changes continue to threaten food security, water availability, and livelihoods across the region. At the same time, the continent is brimming with intellectual energy, innovation, and a growing community of scholars determined to turn these challenges into opportunities.
This Symposium seeks to harness that energy by creating a transdisciplinary platform for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and collaborative problem-solving — all grounded in the unique realities of the African context.
Thematic Areas
Submissions are invited under five broad themes:
Health and Well-being
Exploring the complete state of physical, mental, and social wellness. Topics include non-communicable disease management, communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, adolescent and maternal health, health systems strengthening, preventive care, and disaster risk reduction.
Business, Trade, Law, and Economic Development
Examining the policies and institutions that shape economic growth. Topics include entrepreneurship, intellectual property, business-enabling policies, climate finance, economic stimulation, and the role of government in trade and development.
Food, Water, and Energy Value-Chains
Addressing the interconnections between food, water, and energy systems and their vulnerability to climate change. Topics include building resilience among smallholder farmers, the pressures of migration and refugee populations, and the development of resilient cities.
Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Communities
Engaging with the question that is no longer whether Africa is ready for artificial intelligence, but what the continent will do with it. Topics include big data science, cybersecurity, AI shaped by African priorities, technological solutions to societal challenges, and education and capacity building.
Faith and Community Empowerment
Exploring how faith-based initiatives empower communities through spiritual guidance, practical support, advocacy, and leadership development. Topics include faith and governance, environmental stewardship, and building resilient communities.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and structured to cover:
- Introduction/Purpose — A brief statement of the research problem, rationale, or objectives.
- Methods — A summary of the approach, design, or methodology used.
- Results/Findings — The main outcomes or discoveries of the research.
- Discussion/Conclusion — The implications, significance, or potential applications of the findings.
Non-structured prospective abstracts will also be accepted.
Please visit grants.ucu.ac.ug to upload your abstract.
The submission portal will prompt you to select the theme under which your work falls and to provide at least three keywords.
Key Dates
Deadline for submission of abstracts: 25 September 2026
Deadline for registration (For Exhibitors): 1 October 2026
Contact information: Enquiries regarding submissions of abstracts and registration should be sent to the Organizing Team at scientific@ucu.ac.ug