The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, emphasized the critical role of research in Uganda’s ambitious growth strategy, which aims to propel the country to middle-income status. Tayebwa stated that focused research in key sectors will be pivotal in supporting Uganda’s economic trajectory.
While officiating at the 22nd graduation ceremony of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) on Friday, 14th March 2025, Tayebwa highlighted the country’s economic projections, noting that Uganda’s economy is expected to expand from US$55 billion to US$500 billion by 2040.
“Our strategy is based on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, science, technology, and innovation. If you require our support on research, it must align with national interests and future plans for this country. I urge UMI to take the lead on this,” Tayebwa remarked.
He further encouraged UMI and other public institutions to prioritize career advancement for their employees, noting that the government plans to allocate funds for promotional development in the upcoming financial year.
“It is a shame when you have an institution or a university where academic professionals are not promoted. Our focus now is to fund universities so they can promote their staff who meet the qualifications. I urge you to share your promotion plans with us [Parliament] so we can provide that funding,” Tayebwa urged.
On the quality of courses offered, Tayebwa commended UMI’s leadership for strengthening the institution’s pedagogical approach by addressing the issue of course duplication. He praised UMI for producing highly skilled professionals and maintaining the academic integrity of the institution.
“The institution has played a significant role in shaping Uganda’s public service and civil society. I urge the graduates to strive to be problem-solvers who will contribute to the nation’s development,” he added.
Tayebwa also noted that UMI’s contribution to shaping Uganda’s research agenda and the country’s future had been invaluable, adding that the institute had helped develop resilient economic managers who have driven Uganda’s transformation journey.
“The institute has shaped our research agenda and the future of this country by training credible managers who have played a significant role in developing a resilient economy,” Tayebwa emphasized.
In his address, UMI Chancellor Justice Bart Katureebe urged Parliament to formalize the use of alternative justice systems. He explained that these systems, which include mediation, arbitration, and traditional dispute resolution, are efficient, community-driven, and culturally relevant.
“The formal judicial system plays a pivotal role in dispensing justice, but it is often overburdened, slow, and sometimes inaccessible to marginalized communities. Alternative justice systems can offer complementary solutions to these challenges,” Katureebe stated.
He also encouraged the graduates to pursue research as a reflection of the training they received at UMI, highlighting its importance in driving future solutions.
A total of 3,294 graduates were awarded degrees and diplomas, including six who earned PhDs, 867 who received master’s degrees, 2,411 who obtained postgraduate diplomas, and 10 who graduated with ordinary diplomas
