By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Researchers and innovators have been urged to drive African development through transformative and interdisciplinary research that fosters the growth of African communities.
This call was made by Ambrose Kibuuka Mukiibi, representing Dr. Alhajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Kampala International University (KIU), during the second Annual International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC) 2024, held at KIU Main Campus on Tuesday.
Kibuuka said research is critical to development of society, he urged researchers in attendance to use their publications and citations to create meaningful change in their communities.
“Can we see knowledge that translates into transformation in our communities?” Kibuuka challenged the attendees.
He pointed out that one of the main issues hindering research in Africa is the inability to develop solutions for unknown problems. He urged African researchers to tackle complex challenges and provide innovative solutions.
“You can’t develop what you don’t know, and this is the whole essence of research, unfolding the unknown. Can you help us unfold what exists in our environment so that we can advance further?” Kibuuka stated.
Kibuuka also stressed the importance of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and cross-disciplinary research partnerships, noting that compartmentalized research approaches have failed in Africa.
In his opening remarks, KIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma underscored the importance of the IRDeC conference in providing a conducive environment and fostering collaboration among researchers, business communities, governments, and the private sector to discuss and share experiences which accelerate Africa’s development and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by Dr. Mustapha Mundu disclosed that more researchers submitted their abstracts to KIU for presentation in the IRDeC which he says explains KIU’s stimulating research environment.
“Last year we received more than 136 papers and registered 80 participants. This year we have received more than 450 abstracts from all over the globe,” Prof. Ngoma explained.
Prof. Allam Elnour Osman Ahmed, a Professor of Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development at KIU and Founding President of the World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), Queen Mary University of London, emphasized the need for accurate data in research. He also called for responsible use of digital technology, expressing disappointment that some internet users in Africa misuse social media to harm their countries.
“Social Media is not there for you to destroy this planet, its there for you to build this planet,” said Prof. Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Joseph Tindyebwa – PhD, a Public Administration lecturer at Kabale University said poor internet connectivities and inadequate knowledge to use digital gadgets have hindered research in Africa. He suggested that African governments invest in improving internet infrastructure, and implement training programs for researchers on digital literacy and technology utilization.
The second IRDeC conference, themed “Partnership for Sustainable Development: Bridging Disciplines, Solving Complex African Challenges,” is taking place from October 15th to 19th. The four days conference aims to explore how interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary partnerships can contribute to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges and creating new developmental paradigms.
