Minister in the Office of the President in Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe has pledged to use science, technology and innovation (STI) as a key driver of production, manufacturing and economic transformation as Uganda pursues its Vision 2040 goals.
Akiki made the remarks on Tuesday during his first engagement with officials at the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, where he said the government is positioning innovation at the centre of national development.
“Today, the STI Secretariat and I kicked off our engagements to acquaint and orient ourselves with each other as we take on this great and important national task of spearheading science, technology and innovation as an invigorating force for production and manufacturing, leading us to achieve our desired Vision 2040,” Akiki said.
The minister said Uganda is actively responding to emerging global technological disruptions by supporting local innovators to develop homegrown products and technologies.
“Uganda is not ignoring these emerging disruptions in science, technology and innovation. Innovators whom you know by name, or sat with in the same class, or went to the same schools are creating Uganda-made products, patented technology, and patented industrial and commercial research and development,” he said.
Akiki said the government is pursuing a “tenfold vision” by 2040 and described science, technology and innovation as a cross-cutting sector that will support growth across government ministries, particularly in productive sectors.
“We are working together to drive a tenfold vision by 2040. STI is an accelerating force that will crosscut almost every ministry, especially those involved in wealth creation and economic transformation,” he said.
His remarks come as government seeks to expand investment in innovation, research and industrialisation to boost Uganda’s competitiveness and support the transition to a technology-driven economy.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat coordinates government efforts to promote research, innovation and commercialization of locally developed technologies.