By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI CITY – The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, has challenged universities across the country to move beyond academic publications and develop practical innovations that address everyday challenges facing ordinary citizens.

Asiimwe said research conducted in institutions of higher learning must translate into tangible products, services and solutions that improve people's livelihoods, boost productivity and support Uganda's economic transformation.

He made the remarks yesterday during a visit to Soroti University to assess its research, innovation and commercialisation activities, where he questioned the practical impact of research undertaken by academic institutions.

"What are you innovating? That's the question. You are doing research, but what are you researching? Are you considering the needs of the people?" Asiimwe asked.

He cautioned researchers against engaging in activities that do not deliver meaningful results, urging them to remain focused on their professional responsibilities and ensure that resources allocated to research produce measurable outcomes.

"We need to stop lying to ourselves about the mandates given to us. If you are a researcher, that is your mandate. Produce a product. Don't just eat the money and then start lying around," he said.

The minister announced plans for regular inspections of universities to assess their research and innovation activities, signalling increased government attention to accountability and the practical value of research investments.

During the visit, student innovators at Soroti University showcased some of their projects, demonstrating the institution's efforts to promote creativity and develop solutions through science and technology.

Asiimwe said universities must align their research priorities with the needs of society instead of pursuing academic activities that have little practical impact on communities.

He further emphasised the importance of science, technology and innovation in Uganda's development, saying stronger investment in these areas would improve production, accelerate industrialisation and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global economy.

The minister identified Soroti University as an institution with significant potential to contribute to Uganda's scientific advancement, particularly through its focus on emerging fields such as space science and nuclear technology.

He highlighted the applications of nuclear science in energy generation, medicine and transportation, noting that countries such as Russia, the United States and France have made significant advances in nuclear technology.

According to Asiimwe, Uganda must invest in developing the human resource and technical expertise needed to harness nuclear science for national development.

Soroti University is expected to host the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST), which is intended to support specialised training, industrial applications, medical research and agricultural development. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in the 2027/2028 financial year.

Meanwhile, the university leadership, led by Vice Chancellor Professor John Robert Ikoja-Odongo, used the minister's visit to present the institution's research achievements, challenges and development priorities, while appealing for increased government funding to strengthen its research and innovation activities.

In his address, Professor Ikoja-Odongo revealed that government allocated Shs2 billion to Soroti University for research activities in the current financial year, marking the first time the institution has received a direct allocation after previously accessing research funding through a sister university.

However, he said the funding remains inadequate, citing a shortage of specialised laboratories, limited research equipment and insufficient infrastructure.

Researchers are reportedly forced to share facilities intended for undergraduate students, while the histopathology laboratory urgently requires diagnostic equipment. Engineering research has also been affected by inadequate facilities.

The university has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen its research capacity, including establishing the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, developing a research agenda and conducting training in research grant writing and intellectual property protection.

It has also engaged academic consultants to evaluate research proposals, advertised research funding opportunities and supported successful applicants. In addition, the institution published a book containing abstracts of research conducted at the university in 2025.

Professor Ikoja-Odongo said the university's research activities, which began approximately three years ago, are currently in their third stage, with an emphasis on generating solutions to Uganda's socioeconomic challenges.

The institution is seeking additional government support for its newly established Institute of Bio Economy (UBE), malaria control research, the histopathology laboratory and construction of a dedicated facility for the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations.

It has also requested support towards establishing an institution similar to EDIC.

The university leadership said increased investment would enable Soroti University to contribute more effectively to Uganda's economic transformation agenda, particularly the country's ambition of growing its economy from US$50 billion to US$500 billion.

Established in July 2015, Soroti University became operational in 2019 and focuses on science-based education, particularly Applied Sciences.

The institution held its first graduation ceremony in December 2025, producing graduates in Human Medicine, Nursing Sciences, Electronic Engineering and Computer Engineering.