Gulu University hosts Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation to assess STI Research projects

Gulu University on Monday 7th September 2026, hosted the Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation who were for oversight visit aimed at assessing the progress and status of research, development and innovation projects being implemented under the university’s stewardship.
The visit follows a pursuant to Rule 193 (c) and (d), which provides for the Committee’s oversight activities. The Committee, chaired by Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti (MP)Kole North assessed the operationalization of cassava processing plant led by Dr. Okiror Grace, the Native Chicken Breeding, Stabilization and Multiplication Project headed by Dr. Beyihayo Geoffrey Akiiki and the Diagnostic test kit and fly repellant kit whose Principal Investigator is Assoc. Prof. Richard Echodu all supported through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) funding and under Gulu University’s stewardship.

A group photo of the committee with Gulu university staff.
The field visit comes at a time when Uganda is focusing on strengthening Science, Technology and Innovation as part of its broader development agenda. The discussions examined how research and innovations emerging from Gulu University can contribute to solving community challenges, supporting modernization of agriculture and driving socio-economic transformation.
Among the issues highlighted for consideration is the need to assess products and innovations that have the potential to be scaled up to commercialization level, as well as the status of Intellectual Property (IP) registration, expansion of some projects to improve community access, URA certification to jump start commercialization to ensure the goals of the project are achieved to maximum.

The committee visiting the cassava processing plant.

The Committee is also expected to examine how STI-funded projects can contribute to the aspirations of National Development Plan IV, including the target of 10 billion dollars, the commercialization of 50 products, and the contribution to GDP and broader socio-economic transformation.

The assessment looked at the progress of each project, the amount of funding received, its objectives and the specific problems it intended to solve. The Committee was interested in the project’s business case, current status, human resources, framework, timelines for completion, technology determination, commercialization strategy and physical documentation.

Amerida Lakot, Gulu University Lab Technician taking the Committee through diagnostic test kit and fly repellant kit from the university Multifunctional Lab.
The core of the Committee’s interest is the question of how research and innovation can move beyond the laboratory and research environment to generate practical solutions and commercial opportunities.
Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, In charge of Academic Affairs appreciated the team for a successful monitoring visit and applauded the Gulu university project leads for working diligently with integrity to ensure value for the funds of the people through the ministry of science technology and innovation.