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Busitema University has taken a significant step in cementing its role as a leader in sustainable solutions, hosting a high-level delegation from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to strengthen a partnership dedicated to eco-friendly innovation. The pivotal engagement, convened by the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation (DGSRI) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, transformed the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Conference Hall into a vibrant hub of ideas, bringing together university staff, students, and NEMA officials led by the Principal Research and Innovation Officer, Dr. Richard Komakech.
The meeting served as a critical platform to align the University’s grassroots ingenuity with national environmental priorities, showcasing how academic research can be translated into tangible solutions for society.
Opening the session, Prof. Samson Rwahwire, Director of DGSRI, framed the collaboration within the University's broader mission. He highlighted a landmark achievement that has put Busitema on the map: the construction of East Africa’s first plastic-waste road, a flagship innovation born within its own workshops. "Our mandate is to nurture research prototypes into viable businesses and market-ready products," Prof. Rwahwire stated. "We are not just teaching theory; we are creating practical, problem-solving solutions that align with Uganda's Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals."
Providing a snapshot of this innovative ecosystem, the University Innovations Officer, Mr. Chris Bagoole, detailed the progress of the Technology Business and Innovation Incubation Center (TBIIC). Established in 2019 and fully stabilized by 2021, the TBIIC was created to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Mr. Bagoole reported that the center is currently nurturing over 50 groundbreaking innovations and managing 20 outreach programs.
The innovations on display were a testament to Busitema's creative and practical spirit. They included: Hericorp & PROSTRID: Advanced agricultural and processing technologies; Tazcov: A novel innovation with commercial potential; Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives: Including Black Soldier Fly farming for animal feed and organic waste recycling; and Workshop-Modeled Technologies: Such as the Groundnut Sweeper, a locally fabricated solution addressing real agricultural challenges.
Mr. Bagoole proposed a roadmap for deeper collaboration with NEMA, suggesting joint research projects, support for scaling up promising prototypes, policy linkages, and co-hosted exhibitions of environmental initiatives.
Dr. Richard Komakech confirmed that the engagement builds upon an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NEMA and the University, which focuses on environment-related innovations. He outlined NEMA’s strategic priority areas, which map perfectly onto Busitema’s research strengths: Renewable Energy and Storage; Circular Economy and Waste Management; Sustainable Agriculture through Biodiversity; Green Transportation and Mobility; and Digital Environmental Solutions
"NEMA is fully committed to supporting both staff and students in transforming their innovative ideas into practical, impactful solutions," Dr. Komakech affirmed. He, along with a team of NEMA's Research Officer, Innovations Officer, and Senior Laboratory Analyst, detailed the specific implementation processes, research support mechanisms, and platforms available to young innovators, providing a clear pathway from concept to reality.
The session was marked by an engaged and inquisitive audience. During the interactive dialogue, participants raised critical questions regarding access to information on NEMA-funded projects, avenues for partnerships with other industries, strategies for community sensitization on environmental issues, and the concrete role NEMA can play in commercializing university-born innovations. The NEMA officials addressed these concerns directly, encouraging a sustained and open dialogue.
Ahead of the formal discussions, the NEMA delegation was given a guided tour of various innovation sites within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Walking through the workshops, the officials witnessed firsthand the ingenuity of Busitema's students and staff, inspecting the technologies that are being developed to solve local problems.
The visit concluded on a high note of mutual commitment. Both institutions pledged to move beyond dialogue and into action, strengthening their collaboration to ensure that the green innovations sprouting at Busitema University take root and flourish, contributing to a more sustainable and technologically advanced Uganda.
Nagongera Campus – In a significant stride towards redefining the future of education, Busitema University has officially taken the reins of a state-of-the-art Digital Studio and Content Development Hub. The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, 10th March 2026, at the Faculty of Science and Education, Nagongera Campus, marks a pivotal moment in the University’s journey to integrate cutting-edge technology into the heart of its academic mission.
The fully equipped facility, developed in partnership with Cyber School Technology Solutions and the MasterCard Foundation, has been formally transferred to the University's management. This strategic asset is poised to become the epicenter of the University’s Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) programme, significantly bolstering its capacity to deliver flexible, high-quality, and technology-driven education to students both on and off campus.
More than just a room with equipment, the new hub is designed as a dynamic ecosystem for academic innovation. It will empower faculty to pre-record lectures, produce rich multimedia instructional content, and develop digital learning materials that cater to diverse learning styles. For students, it represents a unique opportunity to gain hands-on, practical skills in digital content creation and media production competencies that are increasingly vital in today's digital economy.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Director of Open, Distance and e-Learning, Prof. Jessica Aguti, lauded the partnership with Cyber School and the Mastercard Foundation as instrumental in realizing this milestone. "This digital studio is far more than an infrastructure project; it is a cornerstone of our strategy to enhance our Learning Management System and deliver modern, technology-enabled education," Prof. Aguti stated. "It is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to providing a world-class learning environment."
Prof. Aguti also shed light on the broader ODeL initiatives, revealing that new work-readiness courses and entrepreneurship workshops have received approval from the University Council and are slated for implementation. She further noted that the digital learning drive has already had a direct impact on student access, facilitating the provision of 35 scholarships to deserving undergraduate students.
Looking to the horizon, Prof. Aguti challenged the community to embrace the next wave of educational technology, asserting, "Artificial Intelligence is the future, and we must harness its potential to enrich our teaching, learning, and research."
Mr. John Robert Mukiibi Katende, the ODeL Coordinator from Cyber School Technology Solutions, reflected on the project's genesis, which emerged from the urgent need for digital solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged the University community to see the studio as a Launchpad for broader digital engagement.
"This facility is a catalyst for acquiring essential work-readiness skills," Mr. Katende remarked. "I urge our students to not only use it for their coursework but to become content creators themselves. Utilize platforms like Busitema University TV and YouTube to share your knowledge and tell the story of this great institution and the Eastern region, just as other universities are successfully doing. Let us project Busitema’s voice to a global audience."
The ceremony provided a platform for the direct beneficiaries, the staff and students to share their perspectives. Mr. Andrew Oboth, speaking on behalf of the academic staff, highlighted the transformative impact of digital tools on pedagogy. "The integration of these technologies has streamlined our assessment processes and enhanced the overall efficiency of our academic delivery. We are already seeing a positive shift," he noted. He also commended the student body for their proactive engagement with the new technologies.
Student representative, Anthony Oluka offered a practical testament to the hub's value. He shared how the facility's tools and technical support were instrumental in successfully organizing and broadcasting the recent Guild Presidential debate online. "This is not just a studio; it's a practical laboratory for our future careers. The experience we gain here is invaluable," Oluka expressed gratefully.
Speaking on behalf of the University Secretary, the Director of Information and Communication Technology, Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Gilbrays Ocen, reassured the community that the University is committed to addressing infrastructure challenges to fully leverage the new facility. He acknowledged concerns about internet connectivity, announcing that plans are firmly in place to improve internet speeds across all campuses starting in the next financial year in July.
In a major reveal, Assoc. Prof. Ocen announced that the University is preparing to acquire a brand-new, robust Learning Management System in the coming year. "We are not just stopping at infrastructure," he stated. "We are building the digital backbone of this University. This includes exploring the launch of a fully online academic programme, which would represent a quantum leap in how we offer education." He confirmed that institutional policies are already in place to guide the efficient and effective management of the new digital studio.
The formalities concluded with the exchange of handover documents at the studio site, symbolically entrusting the facility's full management and future expansion to Busitema University.
The establishment of the Digital Studio and Content Development Hub is a clear signal of Busitema University's unwavering commitment to innovation. It is an investment not just in technology, but in people empowering faculty with new teaching tools and equipping students with the critical skills to become leaders and innovators in an increasingly digital world.
Busitema University’s newly installed Chancellor, Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, has concluded a comprehensive five-day familiarization tour of the University’s multi-campus system, gaining invaluable first-hand insight into the institution's academic heartbeat, pioneering projects, and future aspirations. The tour, which ran from 1st to 5th February 2026, marked the Chancellor's first in-depth engagement with the University community since his installation during the 16th Graduation Ceremony in November 2025. Organized by the Office of the University Secretary and accompanied by key members of the University Management team, the visit underscores the leadership's commitment to unity, progress, and stakeholder engagement.
Eng. Dr. Kiggundu traversed the University, visiting all its constituent campuses, where he was warmly received at the Faculties of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, as well as Science and Education. While students were not on campus at the time during the start of the semester having been adjusted to 10th February in accordance with a government directive ahead of the 2026 Presidential Elections, the tour provided a vital opportunity for deep engagement with the academic and administrative staff who form the university's backbone. At each campus, the programme skillfully coordinated by the respective Faculty Deans, offered a comprehensive look into university life through staff assemblies that brought together faculty and staff in conference halls for collective briefings, the singing of the National and University anthems, detailed presentations by Deans highlighting faculty-specific achievements, and guided tours of key facilities, laboratories, and project sites, offering a tangible view of the University’s physical and intellectual resources. The formal sessions were addressed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Waako; the Chairperson of the University Council, Professor William Bazeyo; and the Chancellor himself.
In his overview at each stop, Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako painted a compelling picture of the University's trajectory, highlighting significant institutional milestones including robust growth in infrastructure, the expansion of local and international partnerships, and notable improvements in staffing levels. A key focus of his presentation was the advancement of several flagship projects that exemplify Busitema’s commitment to problem-solving research and innovation, such as TASCOV at the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Black Soldier Fly initiative at the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences showcasing sustainable agriculture, and Agricultural Mechanization Innovations at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology demonstrating practical solutions for the community. Faculty Deans provided further depth, detailing the unique contributions and progress within their specific areas, reinforcing the University's strength in specialized fields.
Addressing the gathered staff, University Council Chairperson Prof. William Bazeyo delivered a powerful message on the importance of translating academic work into tangible developmental impact, stressing that the University's investments must yield visible benefits for the community and the nation. He noted that the Council is actively lobbying for increased government funding, but that their strongest argument is demonstrable commitment, efficiency, and tangible results from project leaders. He urged all staff entrusted with institutional responsibilities to uphold the highest standards of performance and service delivery, making it clear that the University is committed to a culture of excellence and accountability.
In his remarks, Chancellor Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu expressed profound appreciation for the dedication and quality of work he witnessed, and was particularly impressed by the innovative spirit on display, observing that Busitema University possesses immense potential to not only compete favorably at the national level but, through sustained innovation and collaboration, to emerge among the top-ranked universities in Uganda. Throughout the tour, the Chancellor fostered an atmosphere of open dialogue and encouraged staff to see him as a partner in the University’s journey, describing himself as approachable and genuinely interested in their ideas. He remarked that he was there to listen and to learn, and that his door is always open to constructive ideas and suggestions from every member of staff as they work together to strengthen Busitema University's academic and research profile and elevate its standing on the national and international stage. The successful conclusion of this familiarization tour marks the beginning of a collaborative and dynamic new chapter for Busitema University, with its leadership now more closely connected to the people and projects that define its unique character.
The 2025 study visit to Uganda brought together METODIC project partners for a vibrant four-day program filled with training, field visits, and insightful discussions. From academic workshops to hands-on industry experiences, the visit offered a rich look into how universities and textile enterprises in Uganda are shaping the future of sustainable innovation.
The visit opened with a training session led by Prof. George from the University of West Attica, who shared inspiring examples of how universities and businesses can work together to drive innovation. His presentation also offered a clear walkthrough of the METODIC work packages, helping partners reconnect their institutional priorities with the project’s wider goals.
A dedicated session on strengthening academia–industry collaboration followed, guided by experts from IDEC SA. Partners explored how universities can establish and sustain collaboration offices, the kinds of services these offices can provide, and how they can create mutually beneficial partnerships with industry. Each institution presented its own ideas, challenges, and opportunities, leading to an open, practical exchange of experiences tailored to the Sub-Saharan African context.
In the afternoon, the 3rd Project Meeting was held to review progress under work packages T3.2 and T4.3, followed by a relaxed dinner at Forest Cottages in Bukoto.
Sustainability in Focus: Green Textile Practices
The second day turned attention to the textile industry’s sustainability challenges. IDEC SA facilitated interactive discussions that brought together academic staff and industry practitioners. Mixed working groups tackled topics such as:
- Integrating sustainability into textile education
- Encouraging workers to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors
- Building a workplace culture that supports green transitions
-
Bridging gaps between academic training and industry needs
Participants engage in group work during the training session.
The conversations revealed how both sectors can work together to accelerate sustainable transformation. In the afternoon, partners held consultations on improving mobility schemes for staff and students under T4.3. The day later wound down with an informal sightseeing tour around Kampala.
Learning from Practice: Visits to TEXFAD and Fine Spinners
The third day was dedicated to field visits, beginning with a tour of TEXFAD Ltd, a company known for its pioneering work with banana fiber. Partners followed the production process from the preparation of raw banana pseudostems to finished products. Discussions highlighted the enormous potential of agro-waste as a source of sustainable textile materials and how Uganda is positioning itself as a leader in natural fiber innovation.
The group then proceeded to Fine Spinners in Bugolobi, one of East Africa’s most advanced textile factories. Here, partners observed large-scale spinning, knitting, dyeing, and finishing operations, all run under strict international standards. Engineers and technicians guided the tour, sharing insights on production processes, sustainability practices, and the company’s export-focused strategies.
The day concluded in high spirits with cultural performances and dinner at the Ndere Cultural Centre.
Research and Capacity Building: UIRI and Busitema University
The final day blended research exposure with academic engagement. Before heading to Busitema University, the team visited the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), where they were introduced to ongoing work on fiber incubation, alternative plant-based fibers, and new technologies for textile material development. The visit broadened the consortium’s view of Uganda’s growing textile research landscape and opened doors for potential collaboration.
A member of the IDEC SA team makes a presentation at Busitema University
At Busitema University, the delegation received a warm welcome from the administration. Discussions explored opportunities for deeper cooperation through the METODIC project, including student training, upgrading laboratories, and strengthening innovation hubs. IDEC SA led another training session on establishing collaboration offices (T3.2), followed by a consultation round on mobility schemes (T4.3) after lunch.
A Visit Marked by Learning, Partnership, and New Possibilities
The four days in Uganda offered much more than meetings; they provided shared experiences, strengthened partnerships, and a clearer vision of how academia and industry can work together to support sustainable textile innovation. The insights gained from both institutions and industry players are set to play an important role in shaping the next phases of the METODIC project.
Busitema University participated in a two-day regional workshop hosted by Kyambogo University under the METODIC Project, an international initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and the textile industry to promote a sustainable and circular textile sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. The workshop, held on 1st and 2nd December 2025, brought together partners from universities and industry institutions across East Africa and Europe.
The Busitema University delegation was led by Dr. Edwin Kamalha, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Polymer, Textile and Industrial Engineering and the Principal Investigator for the METODIC Project at Busitema. He was accompanied by: Mr. Godias Tumusiime, Ms. Peace Karungi Balala, Mr. Isaac Naleebi and Mr. Allen Amati
The team actively contributed to discussions on curriculum development, industry collaboration, student capacity-building, and upcoming project deliverables.
The workshop convened delegates from a wide range of institutions, including: Uganda: Busitema University, Kyambogo University; Kenya: Moi University, Technical University of Kenya, Ethiopia: Jimma University, Mekelle University; Greece: University of West Attica and IDEC SA; and Belgium: Ghent University. This diversity of expertise provided a rich platform for cross-learning and strengthening inter-university cooperation in sustainable textile innovation.
The Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Services (DICTS) at Busitema University has successfully implemented a modern, sustainable power backup system to ensure uninterrupted operation of the university’s server infrastructure.
This new power solution integrates solar energy, lithium battery storage, and grid (hydro) electricity into a seamless and intelligent system designed to guarantee reliability, efficiency, and resilience.
How the System Works
The setup consists of 38 solar panels that harness clean energy during the day. This solar power directly supports the server room operations while simultaneously charging a high-capacity lithium battery system.
At night, the system automatically switches to grid (hydro) power as the primary source of electricity. In the event of a grid power outage, the lithium battery—charged during the day—instantly takes over, ensuring continuous power supply to critical systems.
All transitions between power sources are managed by a smart inverter, which enables automatic, seamless switching without any interruption to services.
Key Benefits
- Uninterrupted Services: Ensures continuous availability of university digital systems and services.
- Energy Efficiency: Maximizes the use of solar energy, reducing dependence on grid power.
- Sustainability: Promotes green energy adoption and reduces the university’s carbon footprint.
- Reliability: Provides a robust backup mechanism in case of power outages.
- Automation: Eliminates manual intervention through intelligent power switching.
Supporting the University’s Digital Mission
This initiative reflects DICTS’ commitment to strengthening the university’s ICT infrastructure and supporting teaching, learning, research, and administrative functions through reliable technology services.
By adopting this hybrid power solution, Busitema University continues to demonstrate leadership in leveraging innovative and sustainable technologies to enhance institutional efficiency and service delivery.
In an effort to ensure a smooth transition into university life, first-year students at various campuses received a comprehensive orientation on University systems. The orientation, held on between 7th of September to 15 of September 2023, provided newcomers with valuable insights into the array of systems and resources available to them throughout their academic journey.
The orientation covered a wide range of essential topics, including:
- The Admission System
- Students Portal System
- Varous websites including the main University Site
- Introduction to eduroam internet
Among others
The orientation sessions were led by experienced faculty and staff members who were available to answer questions and provide guidance. Attendees were also given access to online resources and handouts for future reference.
Busitema Universoty, Directorate of ICT remains committed to supporting the success of its students and believes that a strong understanding of campus systems is crucial for a successful academic journey. This comprehensive orientation serves as a crucial first step in helping first-year students make the most of their university experience
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