By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
The Members of Parliamentary Committee of Science, Technology and Innovations were shocked to learn that Lira University has never received Research Funds from the Central Government.
At a meeting chaired by Hon. Dr. Asiimwe Florence Akiiki, at Public Health Board Room, Lira University on 26th June 2023, the members unanimously agreed to meet the Minister for STI and others to explain why Lira University has since been excluded from accessing Research funds, unlike its counterpart Public Universities.
The members also learnt that two students from the University had received innovations money totalling to sh1.5Billion in their individual capacities and the respective projects were being implemented at their home districts without involving the University. “How does the Government disburse money direct to students’ bank accounts, bypassing the University that trains the innovator. How is the money accounted for if the training institution is not involved”, a member asks?
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng asked the Government to support Lira University through funding research and innovation activities. He urged Government to allocate shs 15 Billion as Research Seed Grants to support staff and students’ innovation projects and publications
Prof. Ogwal Okeng further appealed for shs10 Billion for establishing and equipping an innovation Hub that promotes research, innovation and capacity building in multi-disciplinary fields of public health, medicine, business, education, social action, policy innovation, among others.
The VC also informed the members that there was a dire need for the construction of a sh15 Billion multi-purpose laboratory with capabilities of promoting research and innovation across faculties and disciplines.
Dr. Ogwal Okeng added that Lira University plans to establish a state-of-the art library and ICT Laboratory complex that support systems programming, management and knowledge production in multidisciplinary fields, a project that is estimated to cost shs15 Billion.
“We also plan for the establishment of Lira University Press to facilitate printing and publication of students and staff research outputs. This project will cost shs10 Billion,” Prof. Ogwal Okeng reveals.
Dr Bernard Omech, Senior Lecturer and Acting Director for Research and Graduate Training at Lira University said that the staff have developed research networks, partnerships and collaborations to ensure that the university remains relevant to its mandate. “There are presently over 25 ongoing research collaborations with local and international partners,” Dr Omech revealed.
Other MPs present were Bingi Patrick, MP Butemba, Janet Akech Okori, MP Abim district, Aol Betty Ocan, MP Gulu City, Maj.(Rtd) Dr Okullo J.A, MP Lamwo, Santa Okot, MP Aruu North, Kubeketerya James, MP Bunya Mayuge East, Santa Alum Ogwang, MP Oyam District and Okot Boniface Henry, MP Youth Northern.
