http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/1218 Busitema University News Letter Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:27:35 GMT 2026-04-16T02:27:35Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4433 Building an Inclusive Open Science Ecosystem : Positioning Ugandan Libraries as Strategic Partners in National Development. Lugya, Fredrick Kiwuwa This presentation by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, President, Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) argues for the central role of libraries in building a robust and inclusive national Open Science ecosystem for Uganda. It contends that libraries are fundamental infrastructure, not peripheral support, and are critical partners for national development. The presentation outlines the core contributions libraries already make, including building and managing essential digital infrastructure like institutional repositories and researcher profiles, championing necessary open access policies, and providing expert data management support. A strategic "Framework for Action" is proposed, calling for the formal integration of libraries into the national Open Science roadmap. Key recommendations include mandating and funding Institutional Repositories, including librarians on research committees, and launching joint advocacy to amend national laws and secure centralized funding for digital resources. The conclusion asserts that recognizing and investing in libraries is essential for creating an open science environment that truly serves Uganda’s needs. This presentation, delivered by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya on behalf of the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), positions Ugandan libraries as fundamental and strategic partners in building a national Open Science ecosystem. The core argument is that for Open Science in Uganda to be truly robust and inclusive, libraries must be recognized as essential infrastructure, not peripheral support. The presentation outlines ULIA's mission and strategic goals, emphasizing principles of equity, collaboration, and innovation. It details the critical contributions libraries and librarians already make, which form the bedrock for Open Science. These include: Building Infrastructure: Managing institutional repositories, research profiles (ORCID), and digital gateways. Championing Policy: Advocating for knowledge as a public good and supporting Open Access policies. Enabling Discovery: Using expertise in data management and metadata to make research findable and accessible. The presentation proposes a concrete "Framework for Action" for strategic collaboration. Key recommendations include integrating libraries into the national Open Science roadmap, mandating and funding Institutional Repositories, and including librarians on research committees from the outset. The way forward calls for joint advocacy to amend national laws, secure centralized funding for e-resources, and formalize ULIA's role in policy formulation. The overall vision is to accelerate national development by fully leveraging the transformative power of libraries and information. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4433 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4432 Designing and Implementing a Multi-Campus University Website : A Practitioner's Perspective on the Busitema University Website Development Project. Lugya, Fredrick Kiwuwa The Busitema University website faced significant challenges, including outdated information, poor user experience, and lack of mobile optimization, hindering effective communication in its multi-campus setting. To address these issues, the university employed a user-centered design approach and iterative development, leveraging Drupal as the content management system. Stakeholder engagement through surveys, focus groups, and workshops ensured the platform met diverse needs across six campuses. The new website features real-time updates, mobile-friendly design, and interactive tools like live chat, significantly improving accessibility and usability. Performance metrics showed a 30% increase in traffic and a 15% reduction in bounce rates within the first month, alongside higher user satisfaction. The project highlights the importance of UCD and stakeholder collaboration in overcoming multi-campus coordination challenges. Future enhancements could include advanced mobile features and immersive technologies like VR campus tours. This initiative underscores the critical role of well-designed university websites in fostering communication, recruitment, and institutional branding. Keywords- Busitema University, Multi-campus University, Stakeholder engagement, University website design, User experience, Web development Journal article Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4432 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4431 Empowering Student Voices: the Ultimate Open Access Quiz Challenge and Media Campaign Lugya, Fredrick Kiwuwa This presentation outlines two major student-focused initiatives for International Open Access Week 2025 under the theme "Our Campuses, Our Community, Our Knowledge: Opening Access for Ugandan Solutions." The core message to students is that the knowledge they create at Busitema University is valuable and should be shared to solve real-world problems in Uganda. The global theme, "Who Owns Our Knowledge?" is answered emphatically: "We do!" This presentation, delivered by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, University Librarian, is tailored for the Guild Cabinet and student leaders to mobilize participation in International Open Access Week 2025 (October 20th–24th). The theme, “Our Campuses, Our Community, Our Knowledge: Opening Access for Ugandan Solutions,” highlights the role of students in sharing knowledge that addresses local challenges. The briefing introduces two major student-focused activities: The Ultimate Quiz Challenge: An inter-campus competition testing knowledge of Open Access and research impact. The process includes: Expression of interest by October 11, 2025 A campus-level pre-test on October 13–14 A grand finale on October 23 with cash prizes (up to UGX 450,000), trophies, and certificates Amplifying Our Voice Media Campaign: On October 22, students are encouraged to record 1-minute videos explaining how their research or projects solve Ugandan problems. This campaign aims to showcase Busitema’s practical contributions to a national audience. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4431 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4430 Engaging Our Faculties in Celebrating and Sharing Knowledge for Ugandan Solutions Lugya, Fredrick Kiwuwa This presentation, prepared by Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, University Librarian, outlines Busitema University’s plans for International Open Access Week 2025 (October 20th–24th), under the theme: “Our Campuses, Our Community, Our Knowledge: Opening Access for Ugandan Solutions.” The purpose of the briefing is to engage faculty leadership in promoting and participating in a week-long series of activities designed to increase the visibility, accessibility, and impact of university research. The emphasis is on shifting knowledge from library shelves to the community—reaching policymakers, farmers, healthcare workers, and engineers who can apply Busitema’s research to solve local challenges. Title: Engaging Our Faculties in Celebrating and Sharing Knowledge for Ugandan Solutions Presenter: Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, University Librarian Date of Presentation: 25th September 2025 Event: International Open Access Week, 20th – 24th October 2025 Theme: Our Campuses, Our Community, Our Knowledge: Opening Access for Ugandan Solutions Introduction: This presentation, delivered to the Deans of Busitema University, outlines the university’s strategic participation in International Open Access Week 2025. It emphasizes the importance of shifting academic research from library shelves into the hands of community stakeholders—such as policymakers, farmers, healthcare workers, and engineers—to foster local development and practical problem-solving in Uganda. Objectives: • To promote open access (OA) as a means of increasing the visibility, citation, and societal impact of university research. • To engage faculty and students in a week-long series of activities designed to celebrate and disseminate knowledge. • To align with global OA trends and potential national mandates, while reinforcing Busitema University’s role as a leader in Ugandan development. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12283/4430 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z