The African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) held its Governing Board Meeting at the Grand Imperial Hotel, Kampala, Uganda, bringing together senior representatives from its member states — Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — to deliberate on strategic pathways for advancing capacity development, applied research, and community empowerment across the region.
The Governing Board meeting crowned a series of preparatory committee sessions that began on October 20, 2025, with the Technical Committee chaired by Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University (Uganda). The committee reviewed the Institute’s recent activities, assessing their impact on the communities AICAD serves, and explored strategies for ensuring program sustainability amid dynamic social and economic changes. Discussions also centered on developing innovative, demand-driven programs aligned with the thematic priorities of each member state.
On October 21, the Administration, Finance, and Planning Committee, chaired by Mr. Muleli Mutuku from Kenya’s Ministry of Finance, examined matters related to human resources, financial management, and institutional sustainability. The team discussed strategies for resource mobilization and expanding AICAD’s capital base to strengthen its operational capacity.
The Audit Committee meeting, held on October 22 and chaired by Mr. Elias Amede from the Ministry of Finance, United Republic of Tanzania, focused on accountability, transparency, and sustainability. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of sound governance practices in advancing AICAD’s mission.
The Governing Board Meeting was graced by Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports (Uganda), who officially assumed office as Chairperson of the AICAD Governing Board. She succeeds Prof. Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (United Republic of Tanzania), represented by Eng. Tabitha Etutu.
Kenya’s Ministry of Education was represented by Mr. James Muchiri, on behalf of Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Permanent Secretary.
Other distinguished attendees included Prof. Alloys Mvuma, Vice Chancellor of Mbeya University of Science and Technology (Tanzania), and Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University (Uganda), whose participation underscored the central role of academic institutions in driving AICAD’s vision of community-centered capacity development and applied research.
In his address, Prof. James Njiru, AICAD Executive Director, commended the enduring collaboration among member states and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and sustainable community development.
“This leadership transition marks a renewed era of collaboration and strategic growth for AICAD. Together, we will continue to empower communities across Africa through education, innovation, and partnerships,”
— Prof. James Njiru, Executive Director, AICAD.
In her inaugural remarks, Dr. Turyagyenda reiterated Uganda’s full commitment to AICAD’s mission of poverty reduction, human resource development, and sustainable livelihoods. She emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and stronger linkages between academia and community development for transformative impact.
The Governing Board reviewed AICAD’s achievements, assessed ongoing projects, and outlined strategic priorities to align the Institute’s programs with emerging regional and global development trends.
