Mindset change is the core to driving development agendas in the developing economies especially in today’s 21st century. In the Daily Monitor dated Monday, March 14, 2022, page 12 under the “PDM: Prioritize Mindset Change” the writer Richard Ssewakiryanga states that “People with a growth mindset will appreciate that their basic qualities can be improved and cultivated through their own efforts, strategic interventions and actions, and the help of others. The writer further states that “when people believe they can develop themselves, they will develop a passion for learning and will not be pre-occupied with hiding their weaknesses but recognize that these weaknesses are there to be overcome. Interestingly the writer also speaks of fixed mindsets where people or institutions believe that their qualities are curved in stone creating an urgency to prove oneself over and over. This was an interesting read especially looking at were Uganda is at in today’s Fourth Industrial Revolution? Where we must be? And what it will take to get to where we need to be?
Most developing countries in this 21st century continue to embrace an education system that continuously leaves its citizens in the methods, strategies and solutions of the 1990s without creative minds, lost in the job market and desperate to survive. However the rest of the world is not waiting for the developing economies who continue to remain stuck in fixed mindsets. The rest of the world is fast growing and moving forward into the future of speedy changing digital technological growth and expansion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution with; advancements in the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, big data, robotics, 3D printing which among others have become the core global activities and drivers of growth, transformation and inclusivity.
If the developing economies fully embrace; individually, collectively and institutionally the growth mindset and deliberately act upon a robust training and skilling initiative in education, they have the highest potential to be creators and innovators of the unthinkable tech innovations the world has never thought of. Innovations with improved safety, productivity and sustainability management systems that must be rooted firm in all spheres of the economies. For instance Africa is a rich continent so tapping into these riches with creative and innovative minds will without a doubt drive life impacting innovations and solutions to world problems that will transform lives across continents.
Uganda continues to meet its fulfillment of the 2030 Global Sustainable Development Goals and in the country’s initiatives is one key factor that has the power to drive all the other factors which is the SDG 4 of Quality Education and under section 4B states; “Substantially expand globally the numbers of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developing countries, small islands developing states and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, inclusive vocational training and information and communication technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries to be fulfilled by 2020.” One needs to ask if in 2022…. our mindsets have change from fixed to growth mindsets to realize an all-inclusive Uganda through education among others including; ICT and scientific programmes that meet the current direction of the 4th Industrial revolution?
In Uganda’s education system are institutions that are already transforming the nation towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution with learners…. Learning tech, applying tech, sustaining tech and rooting it firm in respective public and private institutions. At UTAMU, technology and the advancement of the digital space took root right from inception in 2012 with study programmes backboned on technology and management science where learners continue to acquire knowledge and skills needed to; promote and improve the digital space and engage as solution providers to digital challenges. Student opportunities are high because of the wealth of knowledge and community engagement opportunities that continue to define and refine their growth mindsets to appreciate and embrace the reality that the world is tech driven and they as students must be knowledgeable and skilled for the abundance of opportunities that the digital space is offering.
The School of Computing and Engineering at UTAMU is the core of innovation activities where learners have been taught, trained and mentored to be great creative thinkers and innovators in programmes offered at various levels of Masters, Postgraduate Diplomas, Bachelors and Diplomas in; Information Systems and Technology, Computer Security and Forensics, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mobile Computing and Communications among other life transforming programmes found on www.utamu.ac.ug . Further UTAMU has ushered into the world knowledge and skill. To experience a tip of the ice burg is Ochen Solomon Eluid’s innovation to save lives which is being watched on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVaF7z_-jTU in which he speaks of “A Criminal Security System Program” from the UTAMU Innovation Hub.
The School is endowed with knowledgeable, skilled and experienced lecturers headed by Prof. Fred Paul Mark Jjunju, a professor of computer science and a fellow of the UK higher Academy, an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the IEEE and IET with more than 10 years’ experience in software engineering, AI-IOT and chemical sensor design and for more https://utamu.ac.ug/staff/pmjjunju waiting for you at UTAMU.
I invite the public to explore the opportunities at UTAMU, a university that long embraced the growth mindset and is driving learners to be contributors of the digitalization space rather than waiting to be digitalized and left behind.
Let us encourage a growth mindset to be part of and to embrace developments of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and staying abreast with the developed economies….. It’s never too late to catch up!
Nine years of service to the nation! 9 years of visible transformation of citizens through higher education services has been UTAMU's journey. Today, we celebrate UTAMU's 9th Happy Anniversary on the 11th day of March 2022. Congratulations UTAMU!
It would be hitting oneself in the foot if I didn’t state the tireless efforts of the founder and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at UTAMU, Professor Venansius Baryamureeba who has made immeasurable contributions and sacrifices to direct, guide and above all invest and sustain the investment of UTAMU in order to impact lives across communities, nations, regions and continents. He has made a brand for himself in academia and as sure as the sun rises he is always remembered as a very intelligent and practical educationist. As we celebrate UTAMU, we celebrate Professor Venansius Baryamureeba!
He has had many hats over the years with unmatched responsibilities in various capacities( https://www.utamu.ac.ug/governance/board-of-directors/prof-venansius-baryamureeba ) of Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Chairperson on various Boards among others but above all his tremendous and unwavering contribution to the higher education sector must be recognised in equal measure; Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba has taught over millions of alumni who have found great opportunities in great public and private institutions impacting lives just as theirs were impacted by him. The name Prof. Barya as he is often called is known in the offices of all institutions....he need not introduce himself because he has lived a life of purpose and impact worthy to remember…..unforgettable he indeed is!
His passion and selfless nature in academia continues to be recognised regionally and globally as well, especially in this 21st Century as the leaders of the world continue to address issues of equal opportunities for all global citizens. Education has been noted to be one of the most powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development (Global Sustainable Goal 4). Further to UTAMU serving to contribute towards the sustainable goals today, Professor Barya continues to direct and guide the university towards being a Research-Intensive University by 2027 with specific regard to “Technological Progress” as emphasised in Goal 9, UTAMU is teaching and training students to find lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges including; investing in scientific research and innovation thus driving the students towards meeting the fast growing demands of the digital world.
Having mentioned a few, many heroes have been celebrated over the years but today UTAMU celebrates an educationist hero...Professor Venansius Baryamureeba! Happy Anniversary to impacting lives!
FOR AN OPEN MIND
The year 2022 on this 8th March, marks 111 years since the struggle for women equality began in the United States of America. It was on the 28th February 1909 that the first struggle of equal rights started in which the Socialist Party of America in the New York City supported the organization of a Women’s Day. This organization set the tables rolling for other countries like Germany (1910), across Europe (1911), Russia (1917) and the spread continued until 1960 albeit with no set date. Having achieved significant milestones, the United Nations officially adopted and recognized the International Women’s Day in 1977, becoming a mainstream global holiday worldwide. Today marks 45 years since the struggle for women equality was officially recognized and acknowledged worldwide.
The United Nations theme for this year’s celebration is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, as governments, institutions private and public, civil society organizations and various national, regional and world bodies continue to advocate for the practice of equal rights and opportunities in the cultural, social, economic and political spheres of life. Of course, this struggle has not been in vain. Successes have been registered with most communities having women in high places of employment, engagement in government decisions, education opportunities for all and fair competitiveness in economic and political circles is being witnessed.
Undoubtedly, the most powerful collaboration of all time is that women have rooted firm the International Women’s Day which continuously rings a bell in the minds of the global community by emphasizing the need to have equal rights for all.
The International Women’s Day has instilled in most societies the importance of upholding basic human values of; Justice, Dignity, Hope, Equality, Collaboration, Tenacity, Appreciation, Respect, Empathy and Forgiveness. The global citizens to this day continue with such collaborations to weed out spirits of injustice towards the woman especially in the cultural spheres. Importantly aimed at transforming mindsets of men and women for the greater good cause.
In Uganda, the drive of equality for all continues to birth progress. For instance in April 2013, the office of the Auditor General released a national report and in it, documented some of the government efforts to achieve gender equality including; Uganda being a signatory to a number of regional and international declarations on gender mainstreaming, notably: The East Africa Community (EAC) Treaty (2000), The Millennium Declaration (2000), The Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW 1979), The African Union (AU) Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (2003), The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). The government of Uganda and other human rights bodies continue to work collaboratively in the efforts to implement these commitments through various sector players. Nevertheless, it goes to mention that despite these efforts, communities continue to remain with imbalances caused by customs and practices and thus the struggle continues.
Let us continue with the struggle but remain celebrating the achievements made such as today the 8th March 2022.
UTAMU WISHES YOU A HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION
3_small.jpg)
Today the world is moving forward with the movers of positively impactful change and societal growth. Change is inevitable and has become a force that none has control over especially if that force invites growth and development, eliminates stagnation and intellectual dwarfism. This is what UTAMU has always believed in, that’s why we aspire to be a Research-Intensive University leading us to becoming the MIT of Africa. This has required an invitation of academic giants that will drive UTAMU to the foreseen future.
Dr. Donald Mark Omong is certainly that force to reckon with, a force that will be part of UTAMU’s journey to the foreseen future. And as the UTAMU fraternity, we warmly welcome him to this mighty institution with great pleasure. We have tasted the waters and he is worth our joy.
Dr. Donald Mark Omong’s contribution is in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences as a Senior Lecturer and the Head of Department – Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences. In this department, Dr. Donald is committed to training students and/or professionals in achieving efficiency and effectiveness between the educational process and the labour market.
He holds an International Ph.D in “Model Based Public Planning, Policy Design and Management System Dynamics”, Masters of Public Policy and a Master in Business Administration.
Being an intellectual giant, Dr. Donald is the second person from the African continent to obtain the International Ph.D in “Model Based Public Planning, Policy Design and Management System Dynamics.” He has many years of experience engaging in Public Policy issues from the Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and Europe. He is a member of the CED4, the System Dynamics Group of the University of Palermo in Italy.
At UTAMU we aim for the best and are energized in the knowledge that Dr. Donald Mark Omong, a gentleman of diverse experience will do great things for the mighty UTAMU.
WE RECEIVE AND WELCOME YOU WITH AN OPEN MIND
“FOR AN OPEN MIND”
It is said that charity begins at home! And so is it at UTAMU when we welcome our alumni to the university to serve just as they were served! UTAMU continues to offer a home of academic sharing and excellence that sees our alumni return to join the UTAMU family.
Today UTAMU is honoured to introduce to you an Alumni who joined the UTAMU family in the positions of the Dean and Senior Lecturer of the Business School, CPA. Dr. Joseph B. Yiga Lubega.
Dr. Joseph Lubega holds a Ph.D, Master’s in Business Administration (MBA); Finance, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and is a member of the Certified Public Accountants in Uganda and Kenya. He holds a wealth of practical experience in Accounting, Auditing, Finance and Management, has lectured in a number of universities in Uganda and thus joined Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) in January 2022 with refined skills and knowledge to drive UTAMU to becoming the MIT of Africa.
Dr. Joseph Lubega’s immense knowledge of the business world is aimed at ensuring that the students in the Business School are sufficiently trained to apply business skills and knowledge to be contributors to the dominantly growing tech world. He states that technology and business are integrated and one must have knowledge of or employ both to drive nations to strengthen the global digital space. In creating business leaders, the alumni of UTAMU must be counted among the national, regional and global leaders driving the digital space.
Today UTAMU celebrates Ochen Solomon Eliud, an alumni who joined the university in 2018 and today holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Security and Forensics from the School of Computing and Engineering. Meeting Ochen Solomon makes one want to study at UTAMU. He has mastered every intricate detail in the study and application of computer security and forensics features with a level of professionalism that is commendable.
His knowledge and understanding makes him an asset to any institution whether public or private especially in these times when data protection mechanisms are critical to safeguarding cyber space operations. Solomon emphasizes that with the advancement of technology and growth in digital operations, cyber risks have also increased…hackers are always scheming on how to use technology to commit crimes and thus professional computer security and forensics experts must continuously learn and skill to counter such threats in the cyber space. In the work environment, cyber security is essential to protect your brand and data, he continues to state.
Ochen Solomon is a highly-skilled and performance driven alumni of UTAMU with exceptional information in security policy issues. He currently applies his expertise at the Bluecross Uganda, an NGO that has expressed satisfaction with his application of computer security and forensic knowledge.
While still a student, Solomon was actively engaged in multiple extracurricular activities including being a member of the Guild Council as the Deputy Speaker 2019 – 2020, President Cyber Security Researchers of UTAMU Club, Secretary Elect and Member Rotaract Club of UTAMU. These engagements increased his knowledge and confidence that he started working early in his university life as a Pentester for Jupyter Technologies in the areas of phishing, information gathering and network vulnerability testing. At Jupyter, Solomon was responsible for research and development, implementing new ideas and more efficient information security plans, participated in software project management and assessment and today continues to build on his skill and knowledge in the “Capture The Flag” (CTF) Player and Information Security enthusiast.
Today UTAMU boosts of its community engagement programmes that enable their students to have a hands on experience of what the world has in store for them. This programme offers the students confidence, skills and practical knowledge growth; that just like Solomon most of our alumni go out to make a difference in the world in their respective diverse fields of computing, engineering, humanities, business and technical skills. Our programmes continue to attract students from all over the African continent and thus are creating impact beyond the national borders of Uganda. For Solomon, UTAMU is firm on the promise of a bright future in this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. UTAMU congratulates Solomon in advance, for the many opportunities that are ahead of him today and in the future!
FOR AN OPEN MIND