Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, has urged Ugandans to appreciate homegrown scientific breakthroughs to drive national transformation and boost economic growth.
Speaking at the opening of the 1st National Science Summit at Kololo Independence Grounds on June 16, Dr. Musenero emphasized that local innovations have advanced and deserve public recognition and investment.
“We need Ugandans to come on board and appreciate these innovations. The future is here,” she said.
The summit, a key highlight of National Science Week 2025, was organized by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in partnership with Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Busitema University.
Dr. Musenero noted that Uganda now has a structured science ecosystem, citing milestones such as the establishment of vaccine manufacturing facilities and plans to build a dedicated science city. She called for additional funding to support clinical trials and accelerate innovation.
“We are looking into these innovations to see where you need more support,” she added.
She also appealed to agencies like the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) to offer protection and technical assistance to scientists, noting that most have invested personal resources into their work.
“These scientists are also investors. They need protection, recognition, and technical support,” Dr. Musenero emphasized.
In her remarks, SHIPU Head Col. Edith Nakalema echoed the need for robust frameworks to protect science-driven investments. She said Uganda’s progress toward middle-income status hinges on transforming research into marketable innovations.
“Our success is evident: the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) has boosted Foreign Direct Investment by over 30% in just one year,” she noted.
Col. Nakalema said EIPP enables real-time investor support, eliminating delays that previously hindered innovation funding. She also called for stronger protection of Intellectual Property and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms to build investor confidence.
“Our role is to create an environment where researchers can focus on breakthroughs while investors can confidently support their journey,” she said.
She added that Uganda’s improved investment rankings are a direct result of such efforts, with the country recently named Africa’s best investment destination for two consecutive years by the Annual Investment Meeting in the UAE.
“This isn’t just marketing—it’s measurable validation of our approach,” Col. Nakalema said.
The summit also saw the launch of a clinical trial report on herbal treatments for respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19, reflecting progress in Uganda’s biomedical research.
Other key voices at the summit included Mr. Douglas Baguma Karugaba, CEO of Innovex, who announced the setup of Uganda’s first electronics manufacturing facility. He said the company is exporting globally and is part of a USD 600 billion industry projected to hit USD 1 trillion in the next decade.
“We are the first team of Black people to manufacture electronics that are exported across the world,” Mr. Karugaba said.
Allan Muhumuza, Mobility Bureau Team Leader at the STI Secretariat, highlighted Uganda’s push to become a hub for e-mobility solutions. Since 2018, over USD 160 million has been invested in the sector, with 4,700 electric vehicles produced locally and 10,000 jobs created.
“We aim to position Uganda as a net source of e-mobility solutions,” Muhumuza said.
Dr. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and Chair of the Organising Committee, said the summit offers a platform for scientists to present their work and explore partnerships.
“This is an opportunity to move innovations from laboratory to market,” he said.
National Science Week runs until June 20 under the theme: “Made in Uganda – Innovation to Market.” The week includes exhibitions, discussions, and showcases of Ugandan innovations across sectors.
