About UIRN

An African-led network building knowledge that bridges disciplines, communities, policy and practice.

Our identity

Research rooted in Africa, designed for impact.

Ukweli Interdisciplinary Research Network (UIRN) is an African-led research and consultancy organisation based at Makerere Hill in Kampala. We bring disciplines and voices together to generate relevant knowledge for policy, practice and sustainable development.

UIRN brings together researchers, practitioners, institutions and communities to understand complex development challenges through interdisciplinary inquiry. We are committed to authentic research, collaborative learning and knowledge that can be used.

Firm Footing in Knowledge reflects our belief that sustainable decisions begin with credible, contextual and inclusive knowledge.

Meet our team

Research collaborators gathered outside an academic building
African-led · Globally connected

Vision

Where we are going

A globally recognised centre of excellence in African-led interdisciplinary research.

Mission

How we create value

To conduct impactful, inclusive, and well-informed research that bridges policy-practice gaps, amplifies African voices, and informs decision-making for sustainable development.

Our objectives

From knowledge to sustainable development.

The network’s objectives connect research production, consultancy, policy influence and the amplification of African knowledge.

Conduct African-led interdisciplinary research for development

Generate rigorous and context-responsive research led by African scholars and practitioners.

Bridge policy and practice

Use research outputs to address discrepancies between policy commitments and lived realities.

Provide tailored research consultancy

Offer consultation services to individuals and organisations according to their interdisciplinary research needs.

Amplify African voices

Contribute to the decolonisation of knowledge by elevating African perspectives and epistemologies.

Core values

The principles behind our practice.

Integrity

We uphold honesty, ethical practice and accountability throughout the research process.

Team Work

We work collectively across disciplines, institutions and communities.

Respect

We value the dignity, knowledge and perspectives of every stakeholder.

Collaborative Learning

We create spaces where researchers, communities and decision-makers learn from one another.

Build knowledge with us.

Partner with UIRN on interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, evaluations, learning and knowledge translation.