Ugandan Innovation: Musenero & Nakalema Call for Support
Uganda is actively championing science, technology, and innovation (STI) to fuel economic growth, as highlighted at the 1st National Science Summit on June 16, 2025. Minister monica Musenero and Col. Edith Nakalema are at the forefront, urging citizens to embrace these advancements for national progress.The government is also bolstering vaccine manufacturing and expanding clinical trial capacities, illustrating their commitment to the country’s STI sector. Nakalema emphasizes translating scientific research into commercially viable innovations which helped Uganda secure its place as a top investment destination in Africa, attracting foreign investment. News Directory 3 recognizes this forward thrust.From vaccine plants to investment portals, Uganda is ripe with possibility, with new e-mobility development. Discover what’s next for the innovative future.
Uganda Champions Science, Technology and Innovation for Economic Growth
KOLOLO INDEPENDENCE GROUNDS, Uganda — Uganda is calling on its citizens to recognize the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) as key drivers of national progress. Hon.monica Musenero,the Minister of Science,Technology and Innovation,emphasized the need for Ugandans to embrace these advancements during the 1st National Science Summit held on June 16,2025.
The summit, a highlight of National Science Week 2025, was organized by the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration with Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Busitema University.
Dr. Musenero highlighted the government’s support in transforming Uganda’s STI landscape. She noted that prior to 2020, Uganda lacked vaccine manufacturing plants, but now the country is seeking markets for its products due to a well-organized system.
The minister also requested additional resources to expand clinical trial capacity and lauded the Minister of Finance’s commitment to building a science city. She urged the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) and other authorities to protect and support scientists, recognizing them as vital investors in Uganda’s economy.
col. Edith Nakalema, Head of SHIPU, stressed the critical role of translating scientific research into commercially viable innovations for Uganda’s journey to middle-income status.She cited the Uganda Electronic Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) as a success, boosting Foreign Direct Investment by over 30% in one year through increased accountability and clarity.
Nakalema also noted that Uganda’s stability, security, and digital-age accountability are attracting quality investment and protecting intellectual property. She highlighted Uganda’s recognition as a top investment destination in Africa by the Annual Investment Meeting in UAE for 2023 and 2024.
Other speakers at the summit included Mr. Baguma Douglas Karugaba, CEO of Innovex, who discussed establishing an electronics manufacturing company in Uganda, and Mr. Allan Muhumuza, the mobility Bureau Team Leader, who emphasized the need to tap into e-mobility opportunities. Dr. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University, highlighted the summit’s role in showcasing scientific innovations.
The National Science Week 2025 runs under the theme “Made in Uganda – Innovation to market” and concludes on June 20, 2025.
What’s next
Uganda plans to continue investing in science, technology, and innovation to foster economic growth and improve the well-being of its citizens. The focus will be on supporting local scientists, attracting foreign investment, and promoting the commercialization of research findings.