The Science, Technology, and Innovation Parliamentary Committee pays a visit to Gulu University

On June 26^th, 2023, the Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) conducted a visit to Gulu University as part of their oversight responsibilities to monitor all projects funded by the STI Secretariat.
Led by Hon. Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki, the Vice-Chairperson of the Committee, the team engaged with various STI projects at Gulu University and held discussions with the university’s scientists. They encouraged the researchers to focus on commercializing their prototypes for public use rather than keeping them confined to the university laboratories.

Impressed with the showcased innovations, Hon. Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki, the team leader, expressed their commitment to advocate for increased funding allocation to support Gulu University’s endeavors further.

In response, Prof. Openjuru George Ladaah, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to the Members of Parliament for recognizing Gulu University’s role in promoting science and innovation in Uganda. He emphasized that the university’s researchers are driven by a community transformation agenda, and their innovations are aligned with this mission.

Among the projects visited by the STI Committee were the automation tool for moisture detection and solar-powered irrigation in the Faculty of Science, led by Dr. Oyo Benedict, the native chicken breeding stabilization and multiplication project in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, led by Beyihayo Geoffrey, and the mango pulp and juice processing project, investigated by Dr. Mugaga Christopher, also in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment.

Additionally, the Committee explored projects such as sewage sludge energy and organic fertilizer, bio-power, and wastewater treatment led by Dr. Byakatonda Jimmy in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. In the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Alice Lamwaka’s research on the herbal remedy Covilyce for COVID-19 and other diseases was also part of the inspection.

The visit showcased Gulu University’s commitment to innovation and its potential to contribute to community development through scientific advancements. The STI Committee’s support and advocacy for increased funding will undoubtedly play a vital role in driving these projects forward for the benefit of the wider public.