news 30 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Researchers Urged to Prioritize Actionable Studies
Academics are being called to shift their research focus from theoretical publications to practical solutions addressing current community needs and informing government policy, particularly in the digital transformation era. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/researchers-urged-to-shift-to-action-oriented-studies-5614412
Scholars and researchers in Uganda have been encouraged to move beyond traditional academic outputs and engage in “action-oriented” studies that can provide tangible solutions to pressing community challenges. The call came during the East African Regional Sociology and Anthropology Symposium 2026, held at Makerere University.
Ms. Lydia Nabiryo, Assistant Commissioner for Equity and Rights at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, emphasized that research findings should not remain confined to university libraries. She urged researchers to adapt their work to meet contemporary needs, stating, “the needs of yesterday are not the needs of today.” Nabiryo specifically highlighted the importance of investigating the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation.
“We need you to understand the current digital needs, but also the fears that we have, and help shape the communities as we navigate the digital culture in East Africa,” she urged the sociologists and anthropologists. She also stressed the role of these professionals in fostering youth engagement by equipping the next generation with critical thinking and advocacy skills.
Mr. George Wafula, Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Public Service, echoed the sentiment, noting the government’s need for specialized social science expertise to enhance public service delivery. He called for a closer alignment between academic training and the demands of the workplace, suggesting clearer professional standards and career pathways.
The symposium aimed to bridge the gap between research and policy implementation. According to Mr. Anthony Mugeere, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Makerere University, the key challenge lies in translating accumulated evidence into actionable policy recommendations. He proposed active engagement with policymakers as a crucial step, inviting them to consider research findings when formulating programs and budgets.
“We will continue to engage the government because we can’t force them. We invite them, we go to them, we make appointments with them and say, as much as you want to do this, for example, youth livelihood program with the Minister of Gender, can you look at our study on youth employment, which shows A, B, C, D and when you are aligning your budget framework paper, please align it along that framework,” Mugeere explained.
The symposium sought to foster collaboration, idea exchange, and direct engagement with policymakers, underscoring the need for sociology and anthropology to have a greater impact beyond academic circles. The establishment of a regulated professional body for sociologists, governed by an Act of Parliament, was also proposed to set standards and enhance professional recognition.