By Delux Emmy Alomu
SOROTI CITY
Government has announced that it is intensifying its efforts to turn university research into commercially viable products, businesses, and practical solutions that address national development challenges.
Soroti University is taking significant steps to play a key role in this initiative through its focus on research and innovation.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation is advocating for enhanced collaboration among academia, industry, and government to foster industrial growth and create job opportunities.
During his visit to Soroti University on November 3rd, 2026, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Office of the President, expressed a keen interest in understanding the methodologies employed by the university, as well as their approach to innovation and education.
He underscored that their aim is to align with the president’s agenda, highlighting the critical role of education and innovation while questioning whether the needs of the people are truly being met or if research and innovation are merely being politicized.
The minister noted with satisfaction that, despite its relative youth, Soroti University boasts ample land and is strategically focusing on crucial fields, including space and nuclear science.
He stressed the necessity of integrating science, innovation, and technology into all facets of their work to enhance productivity and efficiency in processes.
The minister also mentioned that the university is collaborating closely with other ministries and international institutions to ensure a cohesive approach to these essential areas.
Eng. Asiimwe emphasized that without exploring nuclear energy, Uganda would struggle to meet its energy demands. He highlighted the potential of nuclear energy to benefit various sectors, including medicine, mobility, and agriculture.
He forecasted that in the near future, nuclear applications would improve areas like diagnostics and transportation, affirming that nations like Russia, America, and France already leverage nuclear energy for these purposes.
“If Soroti University excels in nuclear science, it will certainly become a notable institution,” he noted.
The minister added that the government has invested in substantial equipment and intends to engage frequently with universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training institutions to ensure this equipment serves not just basic research but also addresses everyday challenges faced by the public.
He remarked that laboratories need to be more visible in their contributions, stating that his technical team would work closely with the university’s technical staff and lecturers to devise a more effective approach moving forward.
The minister visited the University to explore ways of turning research outputs into successful businesses while seeking partnership opportunities to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development.
During his visit, Eng. Asiimwe toured various departments, including the School of Health Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Technology, and School of Applied Sciences and Science Education.
He also inspected the site designated for the future Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology and examined the university’s research outputs before meeting with faculty, students, and local leaders.
Prof. John Robert Ikoja Odongo, Vice Chancellor of Soroti University, highlighted several challenges the institution faces, such as limited research funding, inadequate research infrastructure, and a lack of specialized laboratories and diagnostic equipment for the histopathology lab.
Prof. Ikoja reported that the University is advancing in its research endeavors, now entering a third phase, with the government allocating Sh2 billion for the first time this year. Previously, funding had been directed to a sister university, making it difficult for Soroti University to access necessary resources.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that researchers often work in the same labs as undergraduate students, leading to limitations in engineering research, which could explain why smaller results are consistently produced.
He stressed that to effectively participate in the US$500 billion economy, Soroti University requires further financial support for essential initiatives like the Institute of Bio Economy, malaria control research, and the establishment of an Engineering Development & Innovation Centre.
Prof. Ikoja urged the government to expedite funding for the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, emphasizing the need to train professionals in this critical area.
He shared that he has begun receiving numerous applications from local and international candidates willing to teach nuclear science and technology at the university.
He expressed that the minister’s visit represents an important moment for Soroti University, providing an essential opportunity to strengthen its contribution to Uganda’s progress in science, technology, innovation, and socio-economic development.
Additionally, Soroti University celebrated its historic first graduation ceremony on December 13, 2025, at the main campus in Soroti City, marking a significant milestone since its establishment in 2015.
Established as Uganda’s 9th public university through Statutory Instrument No. 34 in July 2015, Soroti University is located in the Teso sub-region, about 7 km from Soroti City along the Soroti–Moroto Road in Arapai.
