Universal Technology and Management University (UTAMU) launched the ICTM 2025 Conference Proceedings and the International Journal of Technology and Management (IJOTM) publication series (Volume 10, Issue 1) on July 16, 2026, at its Main Campus in Kungu, Matugga.
The event brought together university leaders, faculty members, students, researchers, and authors to celebrate significant academic milestones and promote a stronger culture of research and scholarly publishing through the University’s academic journal, the International Journal of Technology and Management (IJOTM).
Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Okoche, defended the fundamental value of academic inquiry and research in response to public skepticism about its relevance.
“Some people think research is a waste of time. They always want to see the output, yet everything starts with research,” Prof. Okoche stated, emphasizing that meaningful and sustainable development cannot be achieved without strong, evidence-based and data-driven foundations.
The Chairperson of the University Council, Mr. Narcis Tumushabe Rwangoga, thanked the organizers for successfully convening the event and noted that its theme aligned seamlessly with current global trends and the evolving demands of modern academia.
Reflecting on his personal experience, Mr. Rwangoga shared a global perspective on technological advancement, recalling that as early as 2001, while in China, he was already engaging with discussions about the future application of Artificial Intelligence. He observed that Uganda has been relatively slow in embracing AI and urged institutions and individuals to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing technological landscape.
University administrators placed emphasis on student research output, suggesting that academic research should extend beyond fulfilling graduation requirements and contribute to knowledge creation, innovation, and societal development.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Eng. Kasagga Usama, urged students and researchers to take advantage of the IJOTM platform to publish their scholarly work, enabling their research findings and innovations to gain greater visibility and recognition at the national and global levels.
The call was further emphasized by Dr. Tabitha Naisiko, Dean of the Graduate School, who challenged students to look beyond academic grades and transform their assignments and research projects into valuable scholarly publications.
“Why do your research only for marks and stop there, allowing it to gather dust, when you can have it published as a journal article and benefit from it?” Dr. Naisiko asked.
Highlighting the real-world benefits of early academic publishing, Alex Mukama, one of the featured authors, shared how publishing at an early stage in his academic career opened international opportunities for him.
“It was my first time publishing as an academician, and when I applied to the UK for my PhD, I was told that I needed to have at least six publications as a starting point,” Mukama revealed.
Mukama extended his gratitude to Prof. Zake for his continuous research guidance, mentorship, and encouragement, particularly for inspiring him never to give up on his academic journey.
He expressed pride in contributing to the wider academic and professional community through active research and encouraged prospective authors and students to begin publishing their work as early as possible.
Prof. Johnnie Wycliffe Frank Muwanga-Zake highlighted the University’s journey towards academic excellence and reflected on the establishment and growth of both the International Conference on Technology and Management (ICTM) and the International Journal of Technology and Management (IJOTM). He emphasized the importance of these platforms in advancing research, scholarly engagement, knowledge dissemination, and academic collaboration.
About ICTM 2026
Following the successful launch of the ICTM 2025 Conference Proceedings, UTAMU is set to host the International Conference on Technology and Management (ICTM) 2026 from 21st to 23rd September 2026 at the University’s Main Campus in Kungu.
Background
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging digital technologies is transforming economies, governance systems, industries, businesses, and social institutions across the globe. These technologies are redefining how societies produce knowledge, deliver services, manage resources, and address complex development challenges.
However, while digital innovation presents enormous opportunities, it also raises profound ethical, legal, social, and governance questions that require careful consideration and responsible action. Universities, governments, businesses, industries, and civil society must therefore collaborate to ensure that digital transformation is ethical, inclusive, secure, and sustainable.
About IJOTM
The International Journal of Technology and Management (IJOTM) is an open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal published by Universal Technology and Management University (UTAMU). The journal provides a platform for transdisciplinary research and scholarly discourse in information technology, management, business, policy, and related fields.
