By Frank Kamuntu
Victoria University Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga has called for deeper collaboration among universities across East Africa, saying the region’s higher education sector can only thrive if institutions abandon isolated approaches and embrace strategic partnerships.
Speaking from the 17th Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Annual Meeting and Conference in Nairobi, Prof. Muganga said the gathering had reinforced his belief that East Africa possesses the academic talent and leadership needed to transform education and drive regional development.
The three-day conference has brought together more than 400 vice chancellors, policymakers, researchers, higher education regulators, students, industry leaders and development partners to explore ways of strengthening universities under the theme, “Powering the Future of Higher Education in East Africa through Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations.”
Reflecting on the discussions, Muganga said universities must move beyond competition and instead work together to improve research, innovation, academic mobility and graduate employability.
He noted that the future belongs to institutions willing to share knowledge, resources and expertise across national borders.
During the conference, Muganga also applauded the calibre of academic leadership emerging from Uganda, singling out Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University (UMU).
He described Prof. Byakika as an exceptional scientist and leader whose confident stewardship of one of the conference sessions reflected the strength of Uganda’s higher education sector.
“Watching her chair the session was inspiring. She brought clarity, confidence and calm to the discussions. Uganda should be proud of the leadership she continues to provide,” Muganga said.
He also praised Prof. Kyamanywa for his humility, commitment to service and dedication to advancing higher education.
“Every opportunity to engage with him reminds me that our universities flourish when leaders put people, ideas and service at the centre of their work,” he added.
Muganga said interactions with fellow vice chancellors from across the region convinced him that Africa is home to visionary academic leaders capable of transforming universities through integrity, innovation and collaboration.
The conference opened with renewed calls for universities to strengthen partnerships with governments, industry and development partners to ensure higher education responds to emerging economic and technological demands.
Representing Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala challenged universities to become centres of innovation where research directly addresses real-world challenges.
Delegates also witnessed the launch of the IUCEA Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which aims to strengthen quality assurance, research collaboration, innovation, academic mobility and regional integration among universities within the East African Community.
Another key milestone was the unveiling of the Regional AI Network of Universities, an initiative expected to promote collaboration in artificial intelligence research, innovation and responsible technology adoption across East Africa.
As the conference continues, participants are expected to forge new international partnerships and develop practical strategies aimed at positioning East African universities as globally competitive institutions capable of producing graduates equipped for the demands of the future.
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