KABALE, UGANDA – Renowned economist and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Professor Augustus Nuwagaba, has issued a compelling call for universities to pivot towards a robust research-based education system.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Prof. Nuwagaba delivered his remarks as the guest of honour on Wednesday August 26 2025 at the opening of the 2025 Multidisciplinary Dissemination Workshop, hosted at Kabale University’s main campus on Kikungiri Hill in Kabale Municipality.
Organized by the Directorate of Research and Grants, the workshop, which aimed at reshaping Uganda’s academic landscape, served as a convergence point for researchers, academics, students, and development partners under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Research for Inclusive Growth.”
The workshop’s primary objective was to share groundbreaking findings and innovations designed to tackle pressing local and national development challenges through evidence-based solutions.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Nuwagaba passionately articulated a transformative vision, positioning academia not merely as an institution of learning, but as the indispensable primary engine for sustainable national progress and economic transformation.
He argued that moving beyond traditional theoretical instruction to embrace research-driven learning is no longer optional but a critical necessity.
“Research-based education will help remove gaps in our national development and also bridge the gap between local communities and the government,” Prof. Nuwagaba stated.
He emphasized that such an approach ensures graduates are not just seekers of employment but become creators of solutions, equipped with the practical skills to address real-world problems directly within their communities.
This model, he suggested, fosters a more dynamic partnership where academic institutions produce actionable data and innovations that inform government policy and attract development partners, creating a virtuous cycle of inclusive growth.
Linking his advocacy directly to tangible outcomes, the Deputy Governor provided an optimistic assessment of the nation’s economic health. He confirmed that the Ugandan Shilling is demonstrating resilience on the global stage.
“The currency is performing well, and its exchange rate gap against the USD is narrowing following the research and the focused efforts that have been introduced at the Bank of Uganda by us under the leadership of the Governor,” Prof. Nuwagaba revealed.
The gradual stabilization of the Shilling against the US Dollar was presented as a direct result of this evidence-based strategic approach.
The two-day workshop featured presentations on a wide array of multidisciplinary research projects, all aligned with the national goal of leveraging knowledge for sustainable and inclusive development.
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