Archbishop Kaziimba addressing congregants
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NAMIREMBE- Church of Uganda’s Heads of Institutions of Higher Learning retreat kicked off today morning at the Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe. The retreat brings together Chairpersons of Councils, Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and College Principals from various Church of Uganda-affiliated institutions to strategically discuss higher education issues.

Under the theme “Sustainability: Our Collective Responsibility,” the retreat serves as a platform for these leaders to address critical issues affecting higher education within Church of Uganda. The discussions are focused on fostering collaboration and ensuring the sector’s sustainability.

Today’s sessions started with a devotion led by Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary of Church of Uganda and later an official opening by the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

Archbishop Kaziimba highlighted the essential role of research in driving innovation and ensuring sustainability in Uganda’s higher education. He urged Church of Uganda institutions to lead in producing impactful research that addresses the nation’s challenges and supports policy development.

Additionally, the Archbishop pledged support in securing Charters for Ankole Western University in West Ankole Diocese and All Saints University in Lango Diocese.

Archbishop Kaziimba addressing congregants

The retreat commenced with a key note address by Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, the Bishop of South Ankole Diocese and Chairman of the Provincial Board of Education, followed by a research conference, where scholars presented papers aligned with the Church of Uganda Higher Education Leaders Association (COUHELA) Research Agenda.

Topics covered included sustainable practices within Church of Uganda institutions, the use of wikis to promote social justice among pre-service teachers, and the application of ICT to enhance the performance of secondary schools.

Other significant discussions revolved around universal secondary education funding, the adaptation of instructional materials for visually impaired learners, and the impact of Uganda’s plastic bag policy on environmental quality.

Archbishop Kaziimba shaking hands with Bishop Ahimbisibwe

According to Rev. Canon Dr. Paul Kakooza, the Director of Education Services in Church of Uganda, the retreat is designed to strategically position and facilitate financial sustainability for Church of Uganda higher institutions.

He says, this will be achieved through collaborative research programs, the establishment of an Endowment Fund, and the development of human resources. By fostering synergy among these institutions, Church of Uganda aims to ensure that its educational establishments are not only financially secure but also equipped to deliver quality education that aligns with its mission and values.

During the retreat, participants will engage with Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, to gain valuable insights into the national regulatory environment and explore ways to enhance their institutions’ compliance with national standards.

Archbishop Kaziimba take a photo with attendants

Tomorrow, 5th September, the retreat will continue with the ratification of the draft Memorandum of Understanding developed by Uganda Christian University (UCU) in collaboration with the Africa Policy Center. The meeting will also review progress reports on the Church of Uganda Inter-University Joint Publication (Research Agenda) and the Endowment Fund.

Rev. Canon Dr. Alex Kagume, the Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda National Council for Higher Education and Chair of the Church of Uganda Commission for Higher Education, will deliver the keynote address, while Hon Monica Musenero, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation is expected to officially close the retreat.