Scientists Will Lead the War Against Poverty, Musenero Tells Makerere Grads

KAMPALA — The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero, has issued a stirring challenge to Makerere University to abandon “ivory tower” research in favour of commercialised technology.

Speaking at the Convocation Luncheon on Tuesday, she urged professors to aim for intellectual property and royalties, declaring that the country’s war against poverty will be won in the laboratory and the marketplace, not just the classroom.

The event brought together government officials, university leadership, innovators and graduating students to celebrate academic excellence while promoting science-driven economic transformation.

Transition to Research and Innovation Economy

Musenero urged Makerere University to accelerate its transition from a teaching institution to a research and innovation powerhouse. “I am extremely excited to see Makerere transition from a teaching institution to a research and innovation institution,” Musenero said.

She warned that expanding postgraduate education alone would not drive impact unless research was translated into practical solutions. “Simply increasing postgraduate education will not make a difference if the institution remains disconnected from practical impact,” she said.

Musenero advocated for a higher education model that integrates teaching, research, innovation and industry. “Transforming Makerere from a 3.0 to a 5.0 institution is critical,” she said, explaining that science must move “from laboratory ideas to technologies that solve national problems.”

She questioned Uganda’s continued reliance on imported technologies despite strong academic capacity. “There is no reason why we should lack technological tools to solve our challenges,” she said. “With the many PhDs and research outputs, we should be producing solutions, not importing them.”

Push for Intellectual Property and Commercialisation

The Minister urged researchers to focus on intellectual property creation. “I want professors to retire owning intellectual property and earning royalties instead of depending on contracts because they fear the next stage of life,” she said.

She announced that winners of the innovation awards will be invited to pitch their ideas before a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) panel.

“If private sector commercialisation is not immediately available, the STI system will support promising innovations and help take them to the market,” Musenero said.

The Ministry is also piloting a biomedical innovation incubation programme expected to support about 10 innovations. “If your innovation has no future, we will drop it,” she warned. “But if it has potential, we will provide space, expertise and mentorship to transform it into a market product.”

Graduates Urged to Become Job Creators

The Minister encouraged graduates to move beyond job-seeking. “Do not despair if you cannot find employment,” she said. “Reflect on the immense opportunities around you and rise as entrepreneurs.”

She added that scientists and researchers will play a central role in Africa’s economic transformation. “The war against poverty will be led by scientists,” she said. “We must move from knowledge consumption to knowledge production.”

Education as an Economic Equaliser

Speaking at the same event, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Augustus Nuwagaba, described education as a social equaliser. “Education is an equaliser,” he said. “It brings together the son of a peasant, a miner, a minister or a department head. Education makes us equal.”

He emphasised that academic qualifications alone are not enough in the modern labour market. “Qualifications open the door, but capability, productivity and strategic positioning keep you inside the room,” he said.

Strategic Fitness and Continuous Improvement

Nuwagaba introduced the concept of “strategic fitness” as a key requirement for career success. “Strategic fitness means possessing unique, evolving knowledge,” he said, encouraging graduates to embrace the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement known as Kaizen.

“Financial markets are not looking for entitlement,” he said. “They are looking for productivity, value addition and innovation.”

He urged graduates to build professional value that makes them competitive without relying on connections. “You don’t need an uncle or relative in an interview if you are operating beyond competition,” he said.

Patriotism and National Development

The Deputy Governor urged graduates to use their education to serve the country.

“Love your country,” he said. “No one will love Uganda on your behalf.” “This country belongs to us,” he added. “After education, you have a responsibility to protect its resources and support its growth.”

Vice-Chancellor Highlights Innovation Drive

Makerere Vice-Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe praised partners supporting the University’s innovation awards programme.

He thanked the Private Sector Foundation Uganda for supporting research commercialisation initiatives. “The innovation awards programme is extremely important for the future of the university because it encourages creativity and commercialisation among students and staff,” Nawangwe said.

He also congratulated graduates for academic excellence. “Everyone who is here has excelled in one way or another,” he said.

Nawangwe acknowledged the work of Convocation leadership in strengthening alumni engagement. “The Convocation has taken on a new and positive face,” he said.

He praised Convocation Chairperson George Turyamureeba Mugabi for effective mobilisation efforts.

The leaders collectively emphasised that Uganda’s future economic transformation will depend on innovation, research, commercialisation, productivity and strong national commitment.

The luncheon concluded with calls for continued partnership between academia, government and the private sector to support science-driven development.