The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Innovations in different sectors of the economy will dominate this year’s 3rd National Science Week which is expected to take place from November 6 – 11 in Kampala, said Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, the minister for Science, Technology & Innovation on Sept.27.
A total of 400+ exhibitors are expected at the event which will also attract regional showcases and President Museveni as the Chief Guest at the official launch.
Musenero highlighted the Secretariat’s strategic commitment to eight core thematic areas driving a Science-led economic transformation. These encompass Pathogen Economy, Mobility, Industry 4.0+, Export-Targeted STI, Import Substitution, Infrastructure Innovation, Productivity Acceleration, and Aeronautics & Space.
“These thematic areas are representational of the Secretariat’s work, not only to serve as the cornerstone of the upcoming National Science Week 2023 but also set the stage for Uganda’s transition from the brink of innovation to the realisation of transformative innovative solutions poised to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, particularly in response to our youthful demographics,” Musenero explained.
She added that as of July 2023, Uganda was characterized by an average age of 16.3 years, indicative of a generation raised in an era of technological diversity and drastic progress.
“As a Secretariat under the Office of the President, we are strategically aligning our efforts to meet the unique needs of this expanding demographic by championing innovations tailored to their requirements,” she said, “Our core thematic areas include the utilization of Artificial Intelligence to bolster industry and production, pioneering advancements in vaccine and drug development through pathogen research, venturing into space and aeronautics exploration, and propelling technological innovations aimed at optimizing transport and mobility.”
According to a survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Uganda advanced to the 119th rank out of 132 countries in the Global Innovation Index for the year 2022. This upward trend underscores Uganda’s unwavering dedication to advancing science and technology, signifying substantial advancements in this field.
Building upon the successes of the previous two editions of the National Science Week and the innovative prowess exhibited therein, Musenero said the government is setting up the National Science Technology Engineering and Innovations Center along Masaka Road to provide a home for Uganda’s innovations, offering the necessary support for these disruptive ideas to compete on a global scale.
The theme for the National Science Week 2023, “Uganda Tusimbudde: Our Science-Led Journey Towards Socio-Economic Transformation,” marks a significant shift, introducing a week-long vehicle that will provide participants with an immersive experience of Uganda’s remarkable science-led transformation journey.
