UMI marked a significant milestone with the first-ever inaugural lecture, celebrating the academic career of Professor Rose Namara. Director General Prof. James L. Nkata delivered a heartfelt speech, highlighting the importance of this day for both Prof. Namara and UMI. Celebrating a Milestone, Prof. Nkata congratulated Prof. Namara on her achievement, noting that it had taken about 15 years to reach this stage. The Director General emphasized that this event is crucial for UMI, showcasing the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and he further thanked the council, Prof. Namara’s family, and everyone who contributed to her success.

Prof. Namara’s journey to professorship is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Prof. Nkata emphasized that UMI considers every human being in the Institute important, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. He also emphasized that the Institute’s commitment to enabling academics to reach their full potential is evident in events like this inaugural lecture. Introduced by the chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Sylvester Kugonza to deliver her inaugural lecture, her academic achievements were highlighted and her efforts together with her family’s support recognised.

Prof. Rose Namara emphasized in her inaugural professorial lecture that development must be inclusive, just, transformative, and responsive to diversity. With a strong conviction rooted in her upbringing and influenced by a woman nicknamed ‘Sankara’, Prof. Namara stressed that social inclusion as transformation is crucial for achieving equity and justice. She presented on the Challenge of Persistent Exclusion highlighting that 429 million people live below the poverty line on the African continent: In Uganda, despite efforts to address barriers to inclusion, social exclusion and dignity-based inclusion continue to elude many parts of the world. Furthermore, that sociology highlights how social relations, structures, and diverse barriers contribute to exclusion: Research critiques tokenistic participation in development processes, which can reinforce exclusion rather than dismantle it.

Therefore, she detailed on the participation for Social Inclusion giving a critical Perspective that marginalized groups are often invited to participate in unequal spaces: Limiting genuine influence and control over development and also, Institutional arrangements for poverty reduction: Fragmented institutional frameworks and top-down planning perpetuate exclusion in poverty reduction. Giving a way forward, she emphasized that; Grounded Community Approaches like Grounded community-based approaches in agricultural extension services: Recommended to counteract the limitations of privatized poverty reduction programs. Also, Participatory and community-led approach: Emphasizing community-led institutional arrangements can dismantle structural causes of exclusion.

Prof. Rose Namara enlightened the audience on the participatory development in Uganda elucidating the challenges and insights like involving local communities in project design and implementation which can lead to more successful outcomes and challenges like unequal power dynamics and limited awareness of participatory methods which can affect project success.

The potential Benefits of Participatory Development suggested are; more responsive projects to local needs, increased community ownership and sustainability and better use of local knowledge. She detailed on approaches Like Borda Model that aim to involve communities in decision-making and can lead to more inclusive development outcomes. Collaborative Development Initiatives presented include; Kinywand District Development Association (KIDDETT): Highlights the importance of involving local communities, CBOs, NGOs, and universities in development projects.

Key points included:

• Collaborative approach: Engaging various stakeholders for effective development.
• Challenges: Power imbalances and limited awareness of participatory methods.
• Social innovation: Driven by politics surrounding social indicators like social action, organization, inclusion, and information.

Prof. Rose Namara presented on Results-Based Management (RBM) and Gender Justice highlighting;

• RBM focuses on managing for results, efficiency, and accountability in development projects and the challenges include operationalizing RBM in contexts with poverty and exclusion.
• Gender Justice and Transformation which focuses on reducing inequalities without exacerbating vulnerabilities of marginalized groups.

Prof. Josephine Ahikire welcomed Prof. Namara to the space of professorship reminding us that it is not just a title but a duty as well. She acknowledged UMI’s contribution to this journey and applauded the Institute for moving in the right direction.

The chairperson of the UMI governing council, Eng. Dr. Steven Paul Kagoda while presenting Prof. Rose Namara her plaque, congratulated her on the remarkable achievement, noting that her appointment as a professor is a record-breaking milestone at the Institute. The council’s rigorous approval process underscores her deserving recognition. He concluded by encouraging her to continue her outstanding work in lecturing, research, community engagement and publications.

In conclusion, Prof. Namara’s inaugural lecture underscored the importance of transformative social inclusion in development. By emphasizing participatory approaches, community-led initiatives, and gender justice, we can work towards more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.