Nabbanja: We Need to Use Science, Technology and Innovation to Solve our Problems

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, has said that the government will continue creating an enabling environment for innovators.

Nabbanja noted that Uganda will also strengthen its capacity to make use of the innovations.

She made the remarks while officiating National Science Week 2022 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

She said that Science, Technology and Innovation will enable Uganda to achieve its mission 2040 and be in line with the sustainable development goals.

“I call upon the public to go to Kololo and see for themselves great works being done by our scientists. We need to use science and technology and innovation to solve the problems facing our people and promote prosperity,” she said.

The 2022 National Science Week will run from the 7th to the 10th of November.
This year’s Science week spans a series of events including a public exhibition showcasing Ugandan innovations, an Investor Summit to drive investment into Ugandan science technology and innovation ventures and various topical panel discussions bringing together various players within the science, and technology and innovation value chain.

Speaking at the official opening, Dr Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said science and technology hold the key to the present and future development of Uganda.

“As a government, we are aware that to escape from poverty, investment in science and technology education is the key. This annual event is important as it brings together various players within the value chain to chart a way forward for Uganda’s science, technology and innovation.”

Musenero noted that technological advancement drives economic growth and global competitiveness with at least 50% of global economic development being attributable to innovations and investment in science, technology and innovation.

She said to address the challenge of funding for early-stage science, technology and innovation ventures, the National Science Week will host a Science, Technology and Innovation Investor Summit.

“We are proactively paving the way for our science, technology and innovation start-ups to secure the funding they require for viable projects. Through this event, we will act as a bridge and provide a platform for innovators to pitch their ideas to potential investors and secure the support they need,” Dr. Musenero noted.

The Science Week will culminate in a closing ceremony on 10th November over which H.E the President will preside.

This year, the National Science Week will majorly focus on Aeronautics and Space Science; Mobility (Indigenous Motor Vehicle Manufacturing); Pathogen Economy; Industry 4.0+; Infrastructure Innovation; Productivity Acceleration; Import Substitution; and Export Targeted Science, Technology and Innovation.

The 2019 Global Innovation Index ranked Uganda 102 out of 129 countries, lagging behind Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania in 77th, 94th and 97th place, respectively.

According to NDP III, the government will invest in the development of a solid eco-system by incorporating science education in primary, secondary and university curricula thereby making science and technology accessible at all levels of learning, partnerships between university research institutions and industry to make it attractive for human capital development and raising awareness of how research can drive high technology innovation and wealth creation