Penina Uwimbabazi, the sole Senate candidate for the seat of the representative of private higher learning institutions, has hit the campaign trail with that she says will transform Rwanda’s higher education. During her campaign visits to the Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS) in Huye District and the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) campus in Nyanza District on Monday, September 9, Uwimbabazi laid out her vision for quality education, research, and advocacy among things. ALSO READ: Who is Prof. Uwimbabazi, the sole senatorial candidate for private varsities? The Vice Chancellor of PIASS pledged to prioritize the quality of education as a driver of development, while also serving as a strong advocate for private universities. “Promoting research as the foundation for improved general planning, enhancing relationships between domestic and international universities, and strengthening the role of private universities and colleges in national development are my main goals,” Uwimbabazi told The New Times. The holder of a PhD in public policy analysis and conflict transformation from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who boasts of over 15 years in academia, has dedicated her career to teaching and researching public policy analysis, conflict transformation, post-war reconstruction, and rural development. Her research interests are diverse, ranging from migration and integration to social justice, rural development, and cooperative management. ALSO READ: Ten things to know about Rwanda’s senatorial polls Beyond her work in Rwanda, Uwimbabazi is also the president of the East African Community Academic and Research Network. Through this platform, she aims to leverage her expertise as an academic and researcher to accelerate East Africa’s regional integration for socio-economic growth. Additionally, she is a facilitator and trainer in key areas such as the Alternative to Violence Program (AVP), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and conflict transformation, the skills she hopes to apply in the Senate to support national progress.
