By Mulengera Reporters
As the National Water and Environment Week 2025 comes to an end at the Ministry of Water and Environment headquarters in Luzira, on Friday, the conversation shifted to the role of academic institutions in equipping students with practical skills for water and environmental conservation.
Dr. Joseph Rwanyaga from Busitema University remarked that universities know what needs to be done, but without proper funding, efforts to vocationalize education remain a dream.
“We can’t train competent engineers and environmental scientists without hands-on learning,” he said, emphasizing that theoretical knowledge alone won’t solve Uganda’s water and environmental challenges.
He stressed the need for curriculum review, greater industry involvement, and modern training facilities. However, he pointed out that many industrial partners are failing to play their role, leaving universities struggling to bridge the gap between academics and practical skills.
Dr. Rwanyaga was clear, saying, “We know what is required and how to do it, but we need government support, financially.” Without adequate funding, universities will continue to produce graduates who lack the skills necessary to tackle real-world environmental and water management issues.
His remarks reinforced the event’s theme, Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Income and Livelihoods, highlighting that investing in education is a crucial part of the solution.
One thing is clear, that without serious investment, Uganda risks producing graduates who are engineers on paper but not in practice. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
