Lira University Deputy Vice Chancellor Honoured with Prestigious Innovation & Technology Award

LCC TV NEWS

LIRA | August 2, 2026 – The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Lira University, Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum, PhD, has been selected to receive the prestigious Innovation & Technology for Development Award at the 2nd Annual International Scholar Media Africa (SMEGAfrica) Conference and Excellence Awards 2026.

The accolade, which will be conferred during the conference scheduled for August 5–7, 2026, at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, follows a rigorous nomination and evaluation process conducted by the Scholar Media Africa Excellence Awards Selection Committee. The committee cited Prof. Dokotum's exceptional contributions to innovation, higher education, research, technology, and institutional transformation as the primary basis for his selection.

In a formal invitation addressed to the Professor, Mr. Elijah Nyaanga Scholarman Senior, Group Chief Executive Officer of Scholar Media Group Africa (SMEGA), lauded Prof. Dokotum for his visionary leadership, which has been instrumental in transforming Lira University into one of Uganda's emerging centres of academic excellence and innovation.

According to the organizers, Prof. Dokotum has been pivotal in strengthening research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and community-based innovation at the university. Under his academic stewardship, Lira University has cultivated a robust innovation ecosystem that empowers students and researchers to develop practical solutions to societal challenges, while simultaneously promoting enterprise development and the commercialization of knowledge.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, the organizers recognized Prof. Dokotum as a distinguished scholar, researcher, author, playwright, filmmaker, and an ardent advocate for multilingual education. His extensive body of work continues to shape academic scholarship and intellectual discourse, both within Uganda and on the international stage.

The award is specifically designed to honour leaders whose contributions have significantly advanced research, innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the African continent. The three-day continental conference will be held under the theme: "Reimagining Africa: Empowering Minds, Igniting Innovation, Driving Inclusive Growth."

The event is expected to attract more than 300 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including government officials, diplomats, university leaders, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners, technology experts, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and students.

As one of the distinguished award recipients, Prof. Dokotum has been extended a special invitation to participate in strategic discussions, networking sessions, and collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening innovation, higher education, and sustainable development across the continent. In a gesture acknowledging his exceptional contributions, Scholar Media Africa has exempted Prof. Dokotum from the conference registration fee. However, he will be responsible for his own travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, and other personal expenses related to attending the event.

The official recognition will culminate in the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards Gala Dinner and Award Presentation Ceremony on Friday, August 7, 2026, which will serve as the grand finale of the conference.

The invitation underscores Prof. Dokotum's growing influence in higher education and innovation leadership, positioning both him and Lira University among the key institutions contributing to Africa's knowledge economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution through research, technology, and academic excellence.