Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted a high-level stakeholder consultation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Principals Hall on its main campus in Mukono. Organized by the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation (DRPI), the consultation aimed to review and refine UCU’s Research Agenda and Strategy for 2026–2030, ensuring alignment with national development goals, innovation, and societal impact.
The event brought together senior university leadership, faculty, government representatives, church bodies, local government officials, and development partners. Notable participants included UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration Mr. David Mugawe, DRPI Director Prof. Elizabeth Kizito, Dr. Robert Ngobi of the National Planning Authority, and Prof. Robert Wamala from Makerere University.
The consultation highlighted UCU’s commitment to research as a key pillar of its mission. Prof. Elizabeth Kizito reflected on the directorate’s achievements since its creation in 2021, noting that it has successfully managed over $6 million in grants, registered intellectual properties, and established research management systems. She emphasized that the Research Agenda ensures scholarly activities are innovative, interdisciplinary, and socially impactful, stating:
“Our Research Agenda is designed to guide research that not only generates knowledge but also serves communities, integrates faith, and promotes ethical leadership.”
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi underlined the University’s broader vision of using research to drive national development and innovation. He highlighted that UCU is not only focused on teaching but also on generating knowledge that addresses Uganda’s development challenges.
“We are committed to creating research that transforms lives, fosters industrialization, and contributes to the well-being of our nation,” he said.
Dr. Robert Ngobi provided a national perspective, stressing the importance of universities producing research with tangible societal impact. He noted the government’s increasing investment in research and emphasized alignment with national priorities in sectors such as agriculture, health, ICT, and governance.
“Universities must distinguish themselves through research that informs policy, drives innovation, and helps Uganda achieve its development goals,” said Dr. Ngobi
Prof. Robert Wamala facilitated the consultation session, guiding participants through the draft agenda’s thematic pillars and cross-cutting priorities such as gender, sustainability, and digitalization. He highlighted the importance of aligning research with institutional, national, and global priorities to ensure meaningful impact, stating:
“A well-structured research agenda enables universities to translate knowledge into solutions that are relevant locally and competitive globally,” he said.
The Research Agenda is guided by UCU’s Research Policy and Guidelines (2024), which require the University to develop a research agenda based on faculty and school strategic plans. This agenda identifies priority research themes, sub-themes, and cross-cutting issues, ensuring that scholarly activities reflect UCU’s mission, values, and Christian ethos. Central to the agenda is the Integration of Faith, Learning, and Service (IFLS), which ensures that research advances knowledge while promoting ethical conduct, societal engagement, and holistic transformation of individuals and communities.
The agenda enables UCU to prioritize research areas aligned with Church of Uganda development plans, national and regional goals, and global priorities. It also provides a framework for translating research into innovation, policy, and practical solutions that serve communities and promote sustainable development.
The development process began with a comprehensive review of institutional documents, including the Strategic Plan 2024–2030, faculty and school research strategies, postgraduate handbooks, research and partnerships policies, knowledge management guidelines, intellectual property policies, and other relevant academic regulations and outputs. This review ensured alignment with the University’s mission, vision, and core Christian values.
The Research Agenda aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, National Development Plan IV, and key sectoral strategies in health, education, agriculture, ICT, governance, and environmental management. At the regional level, it supports the African Union Agenda 2063, East African Community priorities, and frameworks of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, addressing transboundary challenges such as climate change and regional integration. Globally, the agenda resonates with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emerging research areas like digital transformation, and international health and environmental commitments
Data gathered from consultations are to be analyzed and synthesized to refine research themes and sub-themes and then validation workshops with faculty and school leadership to ensure inclusivity, relevance, and institutional ownership.
Addittionally, Research Agenda is embedded within UCU’s governance structures to ensure accountability and alignment with institutional strategy. DRPI coordinated the process, while academic oversight was provided through the University Cabinet and Senate. Final endorsement was provided by the University Council, linking the agenda to planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring systems.
The Research Agenda is guided by six strategic objectives: creating an enabling research environment, integrating faith with scholarship, promoting collaboration, advancing research outputs and innovation, upholding ethical standards, and ensuring sustainable funding and infrastructure.
Research priorities for 2026–2030 focus on nine thematic areas:
- Advancing faith, knowledge, professionalism, and character for holistic human development
- Harnessing science, engineering, and technology for inclusive and sustainable development
- Sustainable agri-food systems and resilient livelihoods for socio-economic transformation
- Innovative research for health equity, systems strengthening, and community well-being
- Fostering innovation, enterprise, and economic resilience for societal impact
- Promoting justice, equitable, and accountable societies through evidence-based governance
- Sustainable natural resource management and climate-resilient development
- Sustainable and smart urban development for livable cities
- Equitable, innovative, and transformative education for holistic human development
The consultation reaffirmed UCU’s vision to evolve from a teaching-focused institution into a research powerhouse, generating knowledge that informs policy, drives innovation, and serves communities. The Research Agenda positions UCU as a vital partner in building a more innovative, equitable, and prosperous Uganda.
Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi