KAMPALA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reminded Ugandans that Africa’s lag in science and technology was a key factor behind the continent’s colonial exploitation.
“From the very beginning, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recognised that this was one of the major bottlenecks to Uganda’s and Africa’s progress, as well as the survival of the African people,” the President stated.
He made these remarks on Tuesday while officiating as Guest of Honour at the Makerere University Research and Innovations Week, held at the Freedom Square grounds.
The President toured exhibitions and delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the critical role of science and innovation in national development.
President Museveni challenged Africans to cast off the inferiority complex that has historically left them vulnerable to external domination, despite their inherent ability to solve their own problems.
He commended Makerere University students for their impressive innovations, noting that these achievements signal a reawakening of Uganda’s academic community.
President Museveni stressed the need for humanity to fully utilize its superior intellect to harness technology and control nature for development purposes.
In response to recent criticisms about the government’s allocation of 70% of research funding to scientists, the President clarified that, while the arts are valuable, national survival must come first.
“Shakespeare will not heal someone who is dying,” he remarked. “The arts will be more appreciated when the foundation of the country is secure. The fundamentals of life, shelter, food, transport, and defence are basic needs. The more a society is able to harness nature for its own benefit, the more prosperous it becomes.”
Expressing satisfaction with the diverse range of innovations displayed, the President thanked the university administration for addressing society’s needs.
He noted, “The money we are currently allocating for innovations and research is just endozo (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 applauded Makerere University for its century-long contribution as a beacon of knowledge, research, and leadership in Africa, lauding its commitment to innovative teaching, learning, and service.
“With the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund, 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 said.
She called for stronger collaboration between academia, government, industry, and civil society to ensure research outputs translate into actionable policies and market-ready solutions.
The exhibition, she said, provides a vital platform for fostering such partnerships.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, affirmed the university’s leadership in promoting local innovations that integrate communities into a money economy and address unemployment.
She praised the government’s annual injection of 30 billion shillings into the University’s Research and Innovations Fund, which has accelerated research and bridged gaps between academia and industry.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in Makerere’s ranking as the most impactful university in community engagement. He highlighted that over 500 products currently on the market have emerged from the university’s research, reflecting its dedication to improving the socioeconomic welfare of Ugandans.
Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga reaffirmed the university’s alignment with the NRM’s mission to build a self-sustaining economy through research and innovation, as demonstrated by the showcased solutions.
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, urged President Museveni to require all government agencies, including Parliament and ministries, to procure vehicles exclusively from Kiira Motors.
She argued that this move would create a reliable market for Uganda’s homegrown automotive manufacturer, accelerating its growth.
She further advocated for similar support for all domestically produced innovations and outlined key technological initiatives currently underway within the Ministry.
