President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday graced Makerere University’s Research and Innovations Week as the Guest of Honour, engaging directly with exhibitors and later delivering a powerful address at the university’s Freedom Square.
In his speech, the President highlighted the historical impact of Africa’s delayed advancement in science and technology, noting it as a root cause of colonial exploitation.
“From the very beginning,” he said, “the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recognised that this was one of the major bottlenecks for the progress of Uganda and Africa, as well as the survival of the African people.”
He urged Africans to shed the lingering inferiority complex that has historically left them vulnerable to foreign domination. “We have the brains to solve our own problems,” he asserted.
President Museveni commended Makerere students for their impressive innovations, saying the displays signaled a long-awaited awakening in Uganda’s academic community. He stressed the importance of applying human intelligence to master technology and harness nature for national development.
Responding to critics of the government’s funding policy that allocates 70% to scientists, the President stood firm. “Shakespeare will not heal someone who is dying,” he said.
“The arts will be more appreciated when the foundation of the country is secure. The fundamentals of life – shelter, food, locomotion, and defence – are the basic needs of society. The more a society is able to tame and harness nature for its own benefit, the more prosperous that society will become.”
He praised the university administration for aligning with the needs of society and reiterated his government’s ongoing support: “The money we are allocating for innovations and research is merely endozo (jaribu, a sip, a taste); we shall provide more in the future.”
Remarks from the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, were delivered by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education. The First Lady paid tribute to Makerere University’s century-long legacy of excellence, calling it “a beacon of knowledge, research, and leadership within Africa.”
“With the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund,” she stated, “the Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its dedication to investing in research that addresses our most pressing challenges and positions Uganda as a leader in innovation-driven development.”
She called for stronger collaboration between academia, government, industry, and civil society to ensure research translates into tangible policy and market-ready solutions.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, emphasized the university’s role in nurturing homegrown innovations that integrate ordinary citizens into a monetized economy and tackle unemployment. She applauded the government’s annual allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Research and Innovations Fund, noting that it has accelerated research and deepened links with industry players.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed that sentiment, celebrating Makerere’s status as the most impactful university in the community. “We now have over 500 products on the market that have emerged from our research,” he said, “showcasing our commitment to improving the socioeconomic welfare of Ugandans.”
Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga reiterated the university’s alignment with the NRM’s historical mission. “Our work in research and innovation reflects our dedication to building a self-sustaining economy,” he said.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, called on the President to issue an executive directive mandating that all government vehicles — for MPs, ministers, and agencies — be procured from Kiira Motors. She argued that doing so would create a ready market for Uganda’s homegrown automotive industry and accelerate its growth.
She further urged similar support for all locally developed technologies, emphasizing that government backing is crucial for scaling innovations already being implemented under her ministry’s guidance.
