The 3rd International Research and Development Conference (IRDeC – 2025) has kicked at Kampala International University, Ggaba Road, Kansanga, in Uganda’s capital Kampala.
This global interdisciplinary conference brings together scholars, scientists, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Capacity Building, and Global Sustainability.
The conference has brought together experts from around the globe to exchange cutting-edge research, spotlight emerging technologies, and co-create practical solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges.
The Conference started with a welcome address by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Ngoma who thanked the organizers and participants making the conference a reality.
In his message presented by Mr. Ambrose Kibuuka, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Al Hajj Dr. (Hon) Hassan Basajjabalaba urged the participants to build meaningful ideas that drive sustainable development.
“Today we gather not only as academicians, but as innovators and drivers of sustainability. Through this conference, I encourage you to build meaningful ideas that generate ideas that drive sustainable development”, said Dr Basajjabalaba.
Timothy Musoke Ssejjoba, Assistant Commissioner, University Education & Training, Ministry of Education and Sports, representing the Guest of Honour, Dr. John Chrysestom, Minister of State for Education said the theme of this conference could not be more timely.
‘’It aligns perfectly with the Government of Uganda’s ambitious agenda for tenfold strategic growth. To realize this vision, innovation and entrepreneurship must take centre stage—driving the development of homegrown solutions tailored to the unique needs of our society.”
Prof. Waswa Balunywa, Social Entrepreneur and Executive Director, Balunywa Leadership Academy noted that ; “Entrepreneurship is globally acknowledged as a powerful tool for combating poverty in developing nations. Yet, the greatest barrier remains education. Innovation stems from those who think differently and to cultivate such thinking, education is essential. We must empower people with knowledge so they can become the innovators our societies need’’.
Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director, Uganda Manufacturers Association said ; “Our global sustainability is at risk because African start-ups remain heavily dependent on funding from the Western world to drive innovation. This reliance limits the growth of homegrown solutions tailored to our unique challenges. If we are to shape a sustainable future, we must invest in our own innovators. It is time to prioritize local funding and empower our start-ups’’.
Other presenters included associate Professor Dr Suraya Hanim Mokhtar from AIU Centre of Excellence in Socio-Economic Development and Innovation (ACE-SEDI) Albukhary International University Malaysia , and Dr. Jenipher Twebaze Musoke the Coordinator, Research Brac Africa BRAC International.
The 3rd IRDeC – 2025 serves as a premier global platform for scholars, scientists, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to engage in high-impact discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and capacity building within the global sustainability framework.
This interdisciplinary event aims to promote knowledge exchange through cutting-edge research, explore emerging technologies, and advance practical solutions to global challenges by integrating engineering, natural and applied sciences, humanities and social and health sciences findings.
