Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) is seeking partnerships with investors and
development organizations to finance research projects and transform academic innovations
into commercial products capable of creating jobs and addressing community challenges.
The appeal was made by the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Pius C. Achanga during the
two day 3 rd International Research Dissemination Conference held at MMU Main Campus
that ended Friday 26 th June 2026.
Prof. Achanga said the University wants to go beyond producing research papers by
attracting financiers who can commercialise promising innovations.
“We want to strike deals after this in terms of research being done and its potential. How can
we get financing? What are the possibilities of turning this into real time projects? I expect
meaningful results within 12 months that we can explore, so that we can explore financial
angels and people who have money to invest here and help us move these viable projects into
products that should generate more income, create jobs and benefit the University,” he said.
He said inadequate funding, limited laboratory infrastructure and shortages of highly
qualified researchers remain obstacles to research and innovation. While commending
government for its support, Prof. Achanga said public funding alone was insufficient to meet
the growing demand for quality research.
“I am grateful to the government for having done what it can, I would have asked for more,
but there are also competitors. The difference now is to get other players and partners to
support us,” he said.
The Vice chancellor also said that the construction of a modern laboratory complex is
underway and is expected to be completed within 2 years. The facility will house 18 high
specification laboratories aimed at strengthening scientific research and innovation. “After
completing the construction in 2 years, we will have 18 high specification laboratories that
can compete with others and enable our scientists to conduct meaningful research,” he said
Addressing the conference, the East Africa Development Bank Uganda Country Manager
Francis Ogwang urged universities to ensure their research directly addresses community
needs rather than remaining confined to academic publications.
P. O. Box 837, Fort Portal, Uganda. Tel +256 483 660 388 Email: vc@mmu.ac.ug Website: www.mmu.ac.ug.
“The role of Universities is increasingly becoming: how do they contribute to development?
Sub regions like Tooro are endowered with agricultural potential, tourism and biodiversity
conservation and wildlife but as a University what should we do to ensure that we are at the
forefront of translating those opportunities into money for the benefit of communities?” he
said.
Mr. Ogwang said research and innovation should generate technologies, enterprises and
policies that improve livelihoods and drive economic transformation. “The most successful
universities are those that translate their research findings into technologies, enterprises,
policies, and solutions that improve livelihoods. The future belongs to institutions that can
bridge the gap between research and commercialization,” he said.
He challenged researchers to focus on Climate Smart Agriculture, Soil Fertility Management,
Crop Improvement and Productivity noting that Rwenzori region fertile volcanic soils offer
significant opportunities for agricultural innovation.
He encouraged Universities to tap into financing opportunities available through
development partners including climate finance, agricultural transformation programmes,
regional development initiatives and Public-Private partnerships.
The two-day conference themed “Harnessing Research and Innovation to strengthen
Inclusive Growth and Sustainable development,” attracted participants from several public
and private universities including Makerere University, Busitema University, Gulu
University, Kabale University, Uganda Martyrs University among others.
Story by : Brens Willie Wambedde