The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, wearing a gray coat poses in a group photo with participants of the 17th ORSEA Conference at Silver Springs Hotel, Kampala

October 30, 2025 – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, urged African academics to embrace operations research as a tool for innovation, knowledge transfer, and addressing national development challenges. Speaking during the 17th Annual ORSEA Conference held at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi, he highlighted the importance of applying research to real-world problems and fostering collaboration across institutions to drive sustainable development.

The two-day conference was organized by three ORSEA member institutions: Makerere University Business School, the School of Business, University of Nairobi, and the School of Business, University of Dar es Salaam, under the theme ”Operations Research for Sustainable Development Amidst Emerging Technologies”.

Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that operations research could help improve decision-making, enhance productivity, and tackle pressing social and economic issues. He called on universities to prioritize capacity-building and the practical application of research findings.

“Academia has a critical role to play in shaping Africa’s future. By engaging in operations research, we can drive innovation, transfer knowledge, and address the pressing challenges facing our nations,” he said.

He further encouraged researchers to support farmers, industry, and businesses by collecting and using data to improve decision-making and business operations, while urging the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “AI is transforming the way we work. We should create platforms that train farmers on how to use AI to access vital information,” he added.

“AI is transforming the way we work. We should create platforms that train farmers on how to use AI to access vital information,”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

ORSEA President and MUBS Principal Prof. Moses Muhwezi in a red neck tie with the ORSEA Executives and participants of the 17th ORSEA Conference in Kampala

Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and ORSEA President, highlighted its strategic importance. “We recognize the critical role operations research plays in our economies this conference provides a platform to reflect and advance its application,” he said, announcing the “Bachelor of Commerce Plus One” model to equip students with practical skills alongside their degrees.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Trywell Kalusopa Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at The University of Zambia, called for greater regional collaboration among African scientists. “We are here to share experiences from our various contexts from Zambia to the Southern African Development Community. African scientists must unite with a common vision to make regional integration a success,” he said.

Prof. Kulusopa underscored the role of operations research in addressing Africa’s key challenges. “Operations research lies at the heart of finding continental solutions to problems such as poverty,” he noted.

“We are here to share experiences from our various contexts from Zambia to the Southern African Development Community. African scientists must unite with a common vision to make regional integration a success.”

Prof. Trywell Kulusopa

Prof. Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, Vice Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria also called for stronger collaboration and exchange programs among ORSEA member Universities to strengthen research capacity and regional integration. MUBS Ag. Deputy Principal Prof. Rachel Mindra Katoroogo urged participants to leverage discussions for impactful change: “Operations research, supercharged by AI, machine learning, and big data analytics, equips us to tackle complex challenges in energy management, healthcare planning, and digital transformation.”

Conference Chair Assoc. Prof. Susan Watundu highlighted the broader significance: “As the world navigates rapid technological transformations, operational research remains a critical tool for achieving sustainable development through analytical, evidence-based approaches.”

Prof. Omari Mbura, ORSEA Vice Chairman, encouraged participants to apply their knowledge to advance operations research across East Africa.