By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira City Mayor, Hon. Sam Atul was pleased with the innovations being undertaken by students and staff of Lira University.
Hon. Atul said the university students and staff should do research in various fields for production of new knowledge and workable solutions and approaches to transform the society. ” Lira University and Lira City Council are partners in development, ” he said.
As the Chief Guest, Hon. Atul was addressing audience during the University’s 1st Annual Internal Innovation Exhibition on Friday, 6th March 2026, at the Faculty of Education Square, marking a significant milestone in the University’s journey toward strengthening research, innovation, and community impact.
Held under the theme, “Harnessing Innovation in Higher Education for Accelerated Economic Transformation,” the exhibition brought together faculty, researchers, students, innovators, and partners to showcase groundbreaking projects aligned with national development priorities and global transformation trends.
More than 300 students from the neighbouring secondary schools attended the function.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Jasper Watson Ogwal-Okeng emphasized the critical role of universities as engines of innovation and catalysts for socio-economic transformation, underscoring the importance of research and innovations.
He applauded the exhibitors for translating research into practical solutions and encouraged deeper collaboration across disciplines to enhance impact.
“Innovation must move beyond theory and become a practical driver of economic growth, improved service delivery, and community empowerment,” he noted.
Deputy VC, Assoc. Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum lauded the organising team saying the showcasing exhibition featured dynamic and interdisciplinary projects reflecting the University’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges.
He revealed that Lira University is the 21st Century institution with the cutting edge researches and innovations aimed solving the current community issues.
The showcased innovations were organized under the following sub-themes:
- Health Systems & Workforce Development
- Data Science & Digital Transformation
- Community Health & Social Innovation
- Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence
- Innovative Teaching & Learning Technologies
- Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship
From digital health applications and AI-powered solutions to community-centered public health interventions and tech-enabled teaching tools, exhibitors demonstrated how research outputs can be transformed into scalable and sustainable innovations.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The exhibition provided a platform for strengthening linkages between academia, industry, policymakers, and the wider community. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, demonstrations, and knowledge exchange aimed at fostering partnerships and commercialization opportunities.
University leadership underscored the importance of aligning research outputs with Uganda’s national development agenda, particularly in areas prioritized by the National Planning Authority. The event also highlighted the institution’s strategic commitment to nurturing innovation ecosystems within higher education.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
A key highlight of the exhibition was the active participation of students, who presented prototypes, digital platforms, and socially responsive initiatives. The event served as an experiential learning opportunity, reinforcing practical problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship, and collaborative research culture among learners.
The Directorate of Graduate Training and Research (DGTR) commended all faculties and departments for their dedication and called for sustained institutional support to scale promising innovations beyond the exhibition stage.
A Foundation for an Annual Tradition
As the first of its kind at Lira University, the exhibition sets the foundation for an annual tradition aimed at fostering a culture of creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and solution-driven research. The University plans to expand future editions to include external stakeholders, industry partners, development agencies, and community innovators.
The 1st Annual Innovation Exhibition reaffirmed Lira University’s position as a beacon of knowledge, research excellence, and transformative impact in Northern Uganda and beyond.
