On February 12, 2025, the Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, convened an important meeting with all Principal Investigators (PIs). Organized by the MUST Grants Office, the event aimed to address the evolving landscape of research funding and administration.
The meeting commenced with remarks from Mr. Vincent Kwatampora Kansiime, the University Secretary. He expressed gratitude to the organizers and the attendees, who had turned out in large numbers. Vincent praised the Grants Office for its exemplary work and commended Ms. Jackie Karuhanga for her capable leadership.
He highlighted a significant shift: the management of the Grants Office had transitioned to the University Secretary’s office. This change was aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency by minimizing bureaucratic red tape. Vincent emphasized that all university projects would now be managed by the MGO (Management Grants Office), ensuring accountability to both the university management governance and the Ugandan government.
Some of the PIs.
He noted that earlier discussions with project coordinators had addressed various issues affecting their research projects, promising collaborative efforts for better outcomes.
Following Vincent’s remarks, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika echoed appreciation for the Grants Office, highlighting its vital role in allowing researchers to focus on their work without administrative burdens. Pauline announced that the university council had approved the establishment of a Research Institute, which would follow a specific agenda for all research projects.
She emphasized the need for a Director to lead the institute, supported by an advisory board. This structure was designed to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, moving away from siloed operations.
Prof. Pauline urged PIs to step up as leaders within the institute, focusing on research and fund mobilization. She acknowledged that government funding might not fully support the proposed structure and pointed out critical areas needing attention: administration, mobilization, communication, data management, and operational efficiency.
Addressing Funding Challenges
The Vice Chancellor candidly discussed the implications of recent U.S. funding cuts, urging PIs to explore alternative funding sources for sustainability. She posed a critical question: “Have we impacted our communities?” Quoting social media influencer Taatakimbowa.dance, who questioned the impact of scientists by asking, “Why do we celebrate scientists in Uganda who cannot replicate ARVs?” she urged the audience to critically consider the importance of impactful research.
More PIs in attendance
Pauline stressed the importance of aligning projects with the university’s strategic plan, citing the **UCoBs project** as a successful example. She encouraged researchers to prioritize local challenges and to engage in effective science communication, particularly with donors and policymakers who may lack a deep understanding of scientific terminologies. She said this is key in research funding. She also pointed out the need to make use of the institute’s repository, updating their research accounts, as well as registering with scholar accounts.
Updates from the Grants Office
This was followed by Ms. Jackie Karuhanga, the Grants Office Manager, who presented updates on sustainable funding strategies. She highlighted the office’s growth from 2020 to 2024, showcasing successful audits with no findings. Jackie outlined the MGO’s achievements, including:
- Increased portfolio
- Improved grants administration reporting accuracy
- Compliance and risk mitigation
- Initial steps towards establishing a sustainability strategy
She also candidly discussed the challenges faced by the Grants Office, such as:
- Operating a paper-based system
- Financial insecurity
- Limited oversight of grants managed outside the office
- Low budget execution
- Limited diversity in funding sources
- Unfavorable funding terms
Jackie concluded with proposed solutions, including securing funds for financial security, developing grant management-specific funding, and establishing a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) department for performance tracking.
Insights from Experts
The meeting featured insightful presentations from various experts. Mr. Prunari Behangana, the Chief Human Resource Officer, shared an organizational chart and proposed titles, facilitation, and salaries.
Mr. Joseph Maina from Research Beeline in Nairobi, Kenya, presented on “Research Funding: Looking Beyond the Usual,” analyzing global funding dynamics and political influences.
Click for full presentation: Mr. Aggrey Amanyabyoona, head PDU, discussed procurement processes and the associated challenges.
Click for full presentation: Timothy Mugumya (Esq) shared the legal steps for document clearance at MUST.
Click to get full presentation
Closing Remarks
The event concluded with remarks from Associate Professor Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the university’s research agenda.
He pointed out the need to support our families and bring smiles to them. Charles said research contributes a lot toward infrastructural development. He highlighted the facilities in the hospital, such as the Toto Ward and the OBYN Ward, among others. He appreciated the faculty for impactful research in our community. He thanked the MGO team and promised to reflect on all the issues raised as challenges to be addressed by management.
He expressed disappointment in people who say that researchers are absent in teaching, stating that this is not good. He noted that academic units that stand out with stars are those with more researchers, urging everyone not to underestimate research.
Q and A session
The meeting marked a pivotal moment for MUST as it embraced a renewed commitment to impactful research and sustainable funding. With a clear vision and collaborative spirit, the university aimed to navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that its research not only thrived but also made a meaningful difference in the community.
The event was moderated Mr. .James Kamuntu senor human Resource officer MGO
