Busitema University Librarian to Champion Libraries' Role at National Open Science Forum
Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya, the University Librarian of Busitema University and President of the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), is set to present a key address at the upcoming Uganda Open Science Stakeholders' Meeting. The high-level forum, scheduled for 24th September 2025, will convene at the College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University, in a blended physical and virtual format.
The meeting, co-convened by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), the Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), Makerere University, and the Public Library of Science (PLOS), marks a significant milestone in Uganda's journey towards establishing a cohesive national Open Science framework. It follows the recent launch of the Uganda Open Science Stakeholder Analysis, which mapped the key actors and initiatives in the country's research landscape.
Dr. Lugya’s presentation, titled “Building an Inclusive Open Science Ecosystem: The Contribution of Libraries,” will highlight the critical role that libraries and information professionals play as the backbone of the research lifecycle. His address will underscore how libraries are essential for managing and providing access to research data, promoting digital literacy, preserving scholarly output, and ensuring that the movement towards open science is equitable and accessible to all researchers and institutions in Uganda.
"We are honoured that Dr. Lugya has been invited to contribute to this vital national conversation," said a representative from the Busitema University Library. "His participation underscores the recognition of libraries as fundamental partners in advancing research and innovation. It is an opportunity to position our library and ULIA at the forefront of shaping policies that will drive open science in Uganda."
The stakeholders' meeting aims to bring together policymakers, university administrators, researchers, and other key players to discuss the findings of the stakeholder analysis, identify priority areas for intervention, and explore pathways for developing a National Open Science Roadmap or Policy.
The Busitema University community congratulates Dr. Lugya on this invitation and looks forward to integrating the outcomes of this meeting into our ongoing efforts to support cutting-edge research and scholarship.
For more information about the event, please view the concept note here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G3cj1F8Qrq0XPvj4-PEyCSK6TXBzcNKkX0ENM4AUWrg/edit?usp=sharing
About Busitema University Library:
The Busitema University Library is committed to providing world-class information resources and services to support the teaching, learning, and research needs of the university community. It actively promotes information literacy and access to knowledge as a cornerstone of academic excellence.
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