On the 12th of October, 2023, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) celebrated its 20th Anniversary at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The theme for these celebrations, which commenced in March 2023, was “20 Years of NCHE Transforming Higher Education in Uganda.” The event featured a Mini-Exhibition at Kololo, which was attended by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports.
At the event, President Museveni encouraged NCHE to promote modern education that encompasses the understanding of nature and society’s evolution, emphasizing the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to modern agriculture.
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni expressed her gratitude for NCHE’s existence for two decades and acknowledged the substantial growth in higher education institutions, which increased from 67 to 265. She also urged NCHE to play a vital role in transforming Uganda into a regional hub for higher education in East Africa.
The celebration also recognized the contributions of various institutions, including Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, Ndejje University, and the Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI).
Makerere University was a prominent participant in the Mini Exhibition, with a focus on research, innovations, and services. Notable displays from Makerere University included:
| Innovation | Description |
|---|---|
| Mak Solar Cooker | A solar-powered appliance for cooking without the need for additional resources such as charcoal or electricity. |
| AirQo | A low-cost air quality monitor measuring particulate matter, deployed in urban areas in Uganda and other African countries. |
| Maka Water Purifier | A water purifier using chicken keratin biosorbent. |
| Phyto-Nutra Chicken Feed | A feed made from indigenous plants to combat antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution. |
| Value-Added Nutraceuticals | Nutritional products from indigenous plants, including Veggie Cocktails, Porridge cocktails, Nutra Cakes, Cookies, and Bread. |
| Makerere Regional Centre of Excellence for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) | Showcase of value-added products produced from sorghum and cowpea. |
Makerere University Press also featured its latest books authored by university scholars. The Academic Registrar’s department showcased Makerere University’s online application system and available programs for prospective students.
The celebration highlighted the significant progress made in higher education over the past two decades, with a particular focus on innovation and transformation in Uganda’s academic landscape.
