By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University is implementing planned activities of the Advancing Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Post Graduate Education in East Africa (ADVANCE)project, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme.
The Project total costs is Euro 96,573(approx. 422,120,583.00 Ugandan Shillings), taking 36 months (3 years) for implementation.
Assoc. Prof. Edward Ojuka making a presentation during a session.
The Project Manager, Assoc. Prof. Edward Ojuka said the venture targets enhancing social innovation and entrepreneurship in Uganda and Tanzania. He was addressing participants at the multiplication training for the postgraduate diploma in social innovation and entrepreneurship (PGD SIE) trainers workshop at the Intern Medical Doctors Mess, Lira University, on 12th August 2026.
Lira University staff interacting with participants during the field visit at Lango Presidential Skills development Hub –Enterpreneurship skills development
Prof. Ojuka noted that the ADVANCE project aims at developing and implementing a new competence-based Post-Graduate Diploma programme in four universities in the partner countries, in cooperation with local stakeholders and based on the methodologies of service-learning and experiential learning.
He further explained that the project focuses on enabling transition from a theoretical teaching of entrepreneurship to experiential learning, deeply connected to community service, that fosters entrepreneurial competences of learners, needed for the establishment, management and scaling of mission-led enterprises offering innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges.
Through the ADVANCE Project, Prof. Ojuka said, the University has developed a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (PGD-SIE).
Mr. Ogwang John, making a presentation
“This programme will be delivered by the Faculty of Management Sciences within the Department of Commerce and Business Management,” Prof. Ojuka stated, adding, “It is designed to equip graduates with the competencies required to navigate and transform complex social and economic environments, establish sustainable enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to national development through responsible and ethical practice.”
The programme will also be implemented collaboratively with regional partner institutions, including Busitema University, Mzumbe University, and Mkwawa University College of Education(Tanzania), further strengthening its regional relevance and impact.
Ms Ayo Harriet and other lecturers during the training workshop
On the learning outcomes, Prof. Ojuka said, the participants should be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of SIE, conduct independent and ethical research to develop evidence-based and contextually-relevant solutions to societal challenges, promote responsible and inclusive leadership in managing social enterprises and implementing social innovations, develop innovative, entrepreneurial and inclusive solutions to societal challenges and start and manage a successful SIE.
He said, “yes we shall ensure that the program meets local stakeholders needs and is based on methodologies of service and experiential learning.”
The purpose of the multiplication training was to orient and prepare trainers who will be involved in the delivery of the programme by enhancing their understanding of the curriculum, pedagogical approaches, and implementation strategies required for successful programme delivery.
The topical areas covered included “Hackathons” as a tool for enhancing students’ entrepreneurial and innovation potential (Hands-on workshop), building entrepreneurship ecosystem, social change and impact evaluation, mentorship scheme, community engagement, discussions on the causes of business failures in Uganda and field visit at the Lango Presidential Skilling Hub.
The desired impacts of the project include developing, accrediting, and implementing a PGD program in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 4 universities in East Africa, minimum of 165 students enrolled in the first edition and 150 graduates/university each year, subsequently.
And at least 30% of graduates’ launch and successfully operate a social enterprise within three years of graduation.
The training workshop attendees included senior researchers; Assoc. Prof. Judith Akello Abal, also Ag. DVC-Academic Affairs and Dr. Peter Opio Ocheng, with Ogwang John and Abwot Ursula being junior researchers. Lamunu Winnie Christine (Administrative staff) and Obote Denish, Ojok Jolly Joe and Okallo Daniel as Technical Staff.
The project partners are Akello Joyce (Executive Director –FAPAD) and Acheng Immaculate Otuku, Research Assistant-FAPAD.
Other participants were Ayo Harriet, Assistant Lecturer, Opio Peter Paul, Lecturer, Cong Nelson , Assistant Lecturer, Obote Dennis, Senior Lecturer, Achanga Alfred, Lecturer, Musosa Muzham, Lecturer, Odwar Vincent, Assistant Lecturer, Nsisi Christine, Lecturer, Okila Nixson, Lecturer, Ogwal Awio Kenneth, Lecturer, Egang Godwin, Assistant Accountant, Angela Geoffrey, Academic Registrar and Dr. Owiny Micheal Peter, Chief Quality Assurance Officer.