The presentations from both the university staff and students highlighted very pertinent issues for research in the twenty-first century.

These included measures required to adapt to climate change; women’s empowerment through higher education; the factors that contribute to students’ choice of university in Uganda; emotional intelligence and employability skills for university graduates; revitalizing the utilization and conservation of indigenous food resources; environmental degradation, among others.

In his speech prior to the presentations, the Assoc. Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, informed participants that much as in the past two years there has been a remarkable improvement in the research and publication output of UMU staff and students, much more can still be achieved.

The event was honored by the presence of Prof. John Opuda-Asibo, the day’s guest speaker, who is the current Executive Director of the Uganda National Council for Higher Education.

Prof. John Opuda-Asibo emphasized the need for researchers to publish new information. He was wary of the fact that of late there are numerous researchers literary reproducing the same information but in different forms, with no new contribution to knowledge. He also urged UMU researchers to, first of all, develop research studies that are community-based before going to the national, regional and international levels.

Participants also witnessed the launching of some research products by UMU researchers. This function was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Prof. John C. Maviiri. The items that were launched are:

1. Remembrance, Reconciliation, and Community Reintegration – a book by Bendicto Kabiito and Assoc. Prof. Margaret Angucia
2. Creaducation: A focus on Dynamic Education for Development in Uganda – a Mtafiti Mwafrika monograph by Sr. Dr. Salome Najjuka
3. Journal of Science and Sustainable Development, Volume 6 (Number 1)- edited by John Bosco Bampabwire and Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo
4. The UMU Research and Publications Newsletter 2016-2017- edited by Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo