Today, 5th August, 2025, the Vice Chancellor of African Rural University (ARU), Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, Senior Ashoka Fellow, joined fellow Vice Chancellors under the Vice Chancellors’ Forum (VCF) in a strategic national policy dialogue at the Ministry of Education and Sports. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss key policy matters including a position paper on Higher Education Access Certificate and make deliberations aimed at shaping the future of higher education in Uganda.

During this meeting with Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, a broad range of issues were discussed.

PhD Staff Shortage and Capacity Building

The forum expressed serious concern over the acute shortage of PhD-qualified academic staff in both public and private institutions. Moving forward, VCF  proposed the creation of a national PhD and research fund to build long-term academic and research capacity for the country’s universities.

Higher Education Access Certificate (Bridging Programs).

The forum raised concerns about the regulation and equity implications of bridging programmes, which are intended to provide access to students from varied educational backgrounds, including international students. A call was made by VCF for more careful oversight and integration of these programs into the national education system.

Strengthening the Vice Chancellor’s Forum Secretariat.

The forum emphasized the need to strengthen the VCF Secretariat, currently hosted at Makerere University.  To better function, the forum requested for financial and logistical support to enable the Forum to coordinate effectively and play a more active role in shaping higher education policy.

Regional and Global Collaboration

The need for structured regional consultations and increased engagement with East African and global higher education networks was also another area of focus during this meeting. According to VCF, such collaboration is essential for harmonizing academic standards and positioning Uganda competitively on the international stage.

Digital Transformation and Research Innovation

While many universities are embracing digital transformation, support remains limited. The forum called for increased investment in ICT infrastructure and research innovation to unlock the full potential of institutions in the digital era.

Bridging TVET and University Education

The Vice Chancellors also commended the Ministry for the recently passed TVET Act and called for its meaningful integration with university education. Harmonizing the two systems would support vertical mobility and create broader career pathways for learners according to the forum.

Ministry Commits to Deeper Engagement with VCF

Hon. JC Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education, appreciated the Forum’s contributions and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with university leaders to strengthen governance, funding, and sustainability in the higher education sector.

The dialogue also provided an open space to discuss cross-cutting issues such as examination standards and student welfare.

In closing, the forum committed to continue working closely with the Ministry to advocate for stronger policy frameworks, improved funding mechanisms, and enhanced institutional capacity, ensuring Uganda’s higher education sector continues to expand equitably and sustainably