The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza has officially opened the 5^th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, held on October 29, 2025. Hosted by Makerere University, the three-day conference has drawn together distinguished guests including Vice Chancellors and their deputies from universities under the ARUA, alongside leading scholars and practitioners in Science, Technology and Innovation. The gathering comes at a momentous time as ARUA celebrates its 10^th anniversary—an occasion that underscores the alliance’s growing impact on advancing research and collaboration across the continent. Over the course of the conference, participants will deliberate on how research, innovation and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and drive sustainable transformation.

Addressing Africa’s Scientific Renaissance

Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, opened the conference with a compelling call for Africa to seize its moment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She reflected on the continent’s history of disruption—from the slave trade to colonization—that interrupted the continuity of African innovation, noting how earlier generations independently developed technologies, smelted iron, and applied natural therapeutics without formal laboratories. Hon. Musenero urged African scientists, researchers, and universities to reclaim this legacy by transforming knowledge into practical solutions that address real-world challenges, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

She emphasized that the role of science must extend beyond academic publications and ivory towers, stressing the need for inventions, industrialization, and commercialization of research outcomes. Highlighting Uganda’s progress, she pointed to innovations in electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, as well as initiatives to harness AI and digital technology to benefit local economies. She challenged researchers to align their work with national priorities, protect intellectual property, and translate knowledge into tools, industries, and enterprises that uplift communities. Hon. Musenero concluded by urging African scientists to embrace challenges as opportunities, enter the “Evil Forest” of innovation with courage and resilience, and ensure that Africa no longer remains a passive observer in global technological advancement but a leader shaping its own development trajectory.

Dr. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council on her part described the gathering as a convergence of visionaries, dream builders, and custodians of Africa’s future. She emphasized that the theme of the conference, Research, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation, called for a shift from consuming knowledge to creating and exporting it, positioning Africa at the center of global development.

Dr. Magara highlighted Makerere University’s initiatives, including the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF), the AI and Data Science Research Center, and the Innovation Pod, as examples of how African universities can drive societal transformation when innovation is pursued with vision and intentionality. She also underlined the importance of collaboration through ARUA, noting that technology must serve humanity and be guided by African values of ethics, community, dignity, and shared prosperity. Pointing to Africa’s young population as a key engine of creativity and growth, Dr. Magara called on leaders and researchers to build ecosystems that empower scholars, inspire innovations that uplift communities, and forge partnerships to accelerate the continent’s progress.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed delegates to the Conference, expressed gratitude for Makerere’s role as a pioneer member of the alliance and paid tribute to the visionaries who laid its foundation. Speaking from the historic Main Hall—where Africa’s early independence leaders once debated the continent’s future—Professor Nawangwe reflected on how today’s struggles have shifted from political emancipation to scientific, technological, and economic liberation. He emphasized the urgent need to address Africa’s pressing challenges, including population growth, health, governance, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Highlighting Uganda’s commitment to science, he cited the government’s support to Mak-RIF and the appointment of a scientist-led Ministry for Science, Technology, and Innovation as milestones of progress. He added that under the stewardship of strong leaders such as Dr. Lorna Magara and Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Makerere has received over $8 million annually in research funding, fostering groundbreaking innovations by students, faculty, and community innovators. Professor Nawangwe called for sustained collaboration, increased investment, and shared resolve to harness Africa’s knowledge and innovation for true emancipation.

A call to prepare early and act decisively for AI

The Secretary General of ARUA, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, delivered an insightful overview of the 5^th Biennial International Conference, highlighting the urgency for Africa to leverage AI and research to transform its social, economic, and political landscape. He observed that while the continent continues to grapple with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, health crises, and governance gaps, artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress towards Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Gyapong emphasized the potential of AI to enhance research efficiency, drive innovation, and address pressing issues in agriculture, health, education, and governance. He also underscored the need for Africa to develop data infrastructure, ethical frameworks, and equitable access to AI tools. Outlining the conference program, he noted that discussions would center on building AI capacity in higher education, strengthening university–industry collaboration, and advancing responsible AI ecosystems. Concluding with an African proverb, he reminded participants that “you cannot fatten a goat on the market day,” urging institutions to prepare early and act decisively for Africa’s transformation.

In his address, the Chairperson of the ARUA Board, Prof. Sizwe Mabizela, paid tribute to the visionary leaders who founded ARUA and commended its founding Secretary General, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, for his exceptional leadership in strengthening the alliance across the continent. Professor Mabizela emphasized the importance of collaboration among African universities and their global partners in addressing the complex challenges facing humanity—ranging from climate change and pandemics to inequality and technological disruption. He called for stronger, sustainable international research networks that enable knowledge exchange, innovation, and institutional growth, allowing African universities to become central contributors to global progress. Expressing appreciation to Makerere University for hosting the conference, he applauded the organizers, keynote speakers, and participants for their dedication to advancing Africa’s research and innovation agenda. He concluded with optimism, affirming that through collaboration, shared purpose, and resilience, Africa’s future remains bright with promise and possibility.

In his virtual address, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, urged Africa to harness its vast potential as the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. He reflected on the continent’s unique position to redefine its development path through courage, collaboration, and conviction. Acknowledging the challenges of climate change, health inequities, educational disparities, and economic inequality, he emphasized that Africa’s research institutions are already generating groundbreaking, context-driven innovations. Drawing inspiration from Robert Frost, Professor Marwala noted that Africa stands at a crossroads—and that the choices made today will shape its destiny. He called for bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation, affirming that with collective effort and optimism, “nothing can stop us now.”

During the conference, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astria Learning, a global education technology company dedicated to developing impactful, flexible, and accessible e-learning solutions. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Astria Learning’s CEO Dr. Jeff Bordes highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education and underscored the partnership’s role in shaping the future of learning in Africa. He shared that, recognizing AI’s potential to redefine teaching and research, Astria pivoted its focus from traditional software development to AI-driven educational technologies. Through this collaboration, Makerere University and Astria Learning will establish an AI e-Campus aimed at accelerating postgraduate education and supporting the African Union’s goal of producing one million PhDs by 2035. Dr. Bordes noted that AI tools such as automated grading systems, intelligent tutoring, and adaptive content creation will empower lecturers to manage larger cohorts efficiently without compromising quality. Expressing gratitude to Makerere University’s leadership, he affirmed Astria Learning’s commitment to transforming higher education and building global capacity through technology.

A Host’s heartfelt appreciation

Professor Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University and Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee expressed deep gratitude to the participants, partners, and sponsors whose collaboration made the event possible, and extended a special welcome to international guests visiting Uganda for the first time. Professor Wamala described the conference theme as both timely and forward-looking, noting that AI is reshaping how societies live, learn, and develop.

He emphasized that for Africa, this technological revolution presents not just an opportunity to catch up, but to lead — anchored in strong research, ethical practices, and a shared vision for sustainable development. Appreciating the dedication of his organizing team, he encouraged participants to use the conference as a platform for learning, co-creation, and collaboration across nations, reminding them that while artificial intelligence is powerful, “human intelligence, ethics, and purpose must lead the way.”

The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University has been awarded a highly competitive research grant worth CAD 0.8 million to implement the “NutriFishPLUS” project, which aims to scale up innovative fish processing technologies, improve market access, and empower women in Uganda’s fishing communities to boost incomes and livelihoods.

This project builds on the significant achievements of the previous ground-breaking NutriFish project (2019–2023), funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase (CultiAF2). The achievements included: 1) establishing group savings schemes to improve access to capital by women and youth; 2) piloting solar tent dryers for processing silverfish (mukene), resulting in doubling of women’s incomes and tripling of the shelf-life to almost five months; 3) developing and test-marketing certified, nutrient enriched fish products, including baby food, sauce and fortified maize meal; 4) conducting comprehensive social and behavioural change interventions, leading to increased women’s participation in profitable ventures and 30% reduction in domestic violence in intervention areas. Despite these achievements, gaps still remain with regard to increasing production of high-quality Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) through adoption of solar tent dryers and raised drying racks; enhancing capacity of men, women and the youth in processing, packaging, branding and marketing; improving access to capital and lucrative markets for fish and fish products; and empowering women, youth and other marginalized groups in the small fish value chain; and strengthening resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams.

NutriFishPLUS will be implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, in collaboration with two private companies (Kati Farms and Nutreal) through a public-private partnership. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Jackson Efitre and his team will focus on scaling-up the use of improved, sustainable fish processing technologies such as the solar Tent dryers and raised racks to new communities across Uganda; enhancing market access and supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish products; as well as deepening women’s empowerment and strengthening the resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams. The project is expected to run for September 2025- March 2028. The expected outcomes include: enhanced incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing groups, particularly women and youth; improved health and nutrition for vulnerable groups through diversification of fish products that are embedded in the market with strong supply chain linkages; sustainable fish processing and marketing models that can be scaled across Uganda and the East African region; improved women and youth participation in decision making and control of benefits in the SPF value chains; and improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory, scalable approaches.

“Winning this competitive grant is an incredible opportunity for the team to solidify the achievements of the first phase as the funding enables us to move beyond research to embed these nutritional and technological solutions into the livelihoods of local communities,” said Dr. Efitre. “I am privileged to lead this impactful work on behalf of Makerere University. Scaling up these tested, climate-responsive technologies as well as empowering the women and youth will secure better nutrition and more sustainable livelihoods across fishing communities in Uganda.”

The project is set to be launched tomorrow, Tuesday, 28^th October 2025 by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration and Principal, CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta.

Please see below for details on the project.

Details on the previous project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/03/nutrifish-project-registers-significant-achievements/

View on CoNAS

_{By Arinaitwe Deo Rugyendo, William Tayeebwa, Adolf Mbaine, & Gilbert Gumoshabe}

ABSTRACT

In this article, we historicize the emergence and adoption of electronic newspapers (ePapers) in Uganda’s mediascape over the last three decades. Despite the extensive literature on Uganda’s media and its political economy entanglements, it is puzzling that little attention has been paid to the rise of ePapers—a surprising omission given the growing relevance of digital journalism, especially in the Global South. Adopting a Historical Political Economy perspective, we employ a qualitative approach involving key informant interviews to explore how economic pressures, political constraints, and technological change have steered Uganda’s transition to digital newspapers. We identify key institutional shifts and strategic innovations that have shaped the electronic adaptation of the ePaper model by Uganda’s print media. The findings present a media ecosystem undergoing political economy changes and socio-techno-structural transformations involving neoliberal economic reforms under Structural Adjustment Programmes, a de-regulated policy environment that allowed emergency of private media; the spread of the internet and mobile telephony during the 1990s; the rise of social media and digital accelerations in the 2000s; alternative revenue motivation due to declining print circulations; and the COVID-19 pandemic that hastened digital-first strategies. Beyond this historical narrative, we highlight multiple implications of this transition for press freedom, media sustainability and preservation, and mediated public discourse. We further offer pathways for further research across Africa and beyond.

View article