Kampala International University (KIU) successfully hosted the 2024 Annual International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC) under the theme "Partnership for Sustainable Development: Bridging Disciplines, Solving Complex African Challenges."

The five-day conference which ran from 15th to 19th October 2024.attracted leading researchers, academics, and policymakers from across the globe, providing a platform to share groundbreaking research and foster partnerships for sustainable development.

Opening the conference, Dr. Mundu Mustafa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma noted the remarkable growth of the conference.

“Last year, we received 150 papers and hosted 80 participants. This year, we are proud to announce the submission of over 450 abstracts from countries including the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda, among others,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the organizing committee and technical team for their efforts in reviewing the submissions confirming that this year’s conference proceeding will be published in reputable journals, including through a partnership with Taylor and Francis.

“We invite our international participants to enjoy Uganda’s beautiful weather, warm hospitality, scenic landscapes, and key tourism sites,” Prof. Ngoma added.

KIU’s Vision for Higher Education is Global and Pan African - Al-Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman Board of Trustees, Al-Hajj Dr. (Hon.) Hassan Basajjabalaba, Mr. Ambrose Kibuuka emphasized the need for interdisciplinary research to address Africa’s complex challenges. "Compartmentalized research has failed us," he stated, calling for greater collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

“You are highly published, so what? Beyond aggressive publishing, accumulating citations and recognition, how is your research translating into societal transformation. This conference reminds us of the essential nexus between research and authentic development,” Al-Hajj Dr. (Hon.) Hassan Basajjabalaba stated.

“KIU’s vision for higher education is global and Pan African. We are not limited by boundaries. In terms of staffing, student spectrum and scholarly scope. The name Kampala International University says it all,” He added.

KIU is a Hub of Innovation That Can Provide Valuable Insights into sustainable development

Dr. Francis Wasswa, Chief Economist at UNDP Uganda, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Nwanne-Vwede Abahor, titled “How Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary, and Multi-sectoral Partnerships Can Accelerate African Development and Achieve the SDGs.” In her speech Ms. Nwanne-Vwede Abahor underscored the role of universities in fostering partnerships that bridge theory and practice.

“Academic institutions like KIU are not just centers of learning but also hubs of innovation that can provide valuable insights into sustainable development,” Ms. Abahor noted. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, governments, NGOs, and the private sector to drive effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 “Through research and community engagement, academic institutions can inform policy and foster dialogue among stakeholders. By facilitating partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and the private sector, universities can contribute significantly to the effective implementation of the SDGs,” She adds.

Concluding the event, Dr. Mundu Mustafa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration stated that this event has further cemented KIU’s position as a leading academic institution in Uganda, East Africa and Africa at large. “

“KIU is committed to offering practical solutions to the complex challenges facing Africa today. Our efforts to promote interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and multi-sectoral collaboration align perfectly with the global sustainable development agenda,” Dr. Mundu said.

Other keynote speakers included Prof. Allam Elnour Osman Ahmed Founding President of World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), Dr. Jyoti Sekhar Banerjee (Virtual Presentation) Department of Computer Science and Engineering (AI & ML) Bengal Institute of Technology, Kolkata, India among others

The event provided an enriching platform for postgraduate students and researchers to network, exchange ideas, and form lasting partnerships aimed at solving Africa’s pressing challenges.

With over 450 abstracts presented, the conference set a new benchmark for academic excellence at KIU, which aligns with the university’s commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and fostering global research networks.

ABOUT IRDeC

International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC) is an annual academic conference, which main focus is to serve as an avenue through which scholars gather in order to discuss contemporary issues, innovations, technologies and challenges, with a view to proffer possible solutions.