Busitema University has appealed for more than Shs18 billion in additional government funding to scale up student innovations from laboratory prototypes into commercially viable products, as the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation challenged public universities to make research a driver of Uganda's economic transformation.
The appeal was made during the first official visit by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Eng. Jornad Asiimwe, to Busitema University since his appointment.
Upon arrival, the minister toured the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, where he inspected a range of innovations developed by students and researchers.
He later commissioned a charging station for the university's electric bus, recently acquired from Kira Motors Corporation, before addressing staff, students and local leaders.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako said the university has made significant progress in innovation, with ongoing projects in battery manufacturing, pharmaceutical production and other technologies.
However, he said inadequate funding remains the biggest obstacle to commercialising these innovations.
Prof. Waako said the university has already invested Shs4.8 billion in establishing a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility but requires an additional Shs10 billion to complete and equip the plant.
He added that a further Shs8 billion is needed to expand innovation projects for large-scale production. The battery manufacturing project at the Nagongera Campus, which has already received Shs7.5 billion, also requires an additional Shs10 billion to establish a commercial production line.
Prof. Waako said universities are ready to move beyond research into industrial production, arguing that innovation should not end in laboratories but should create jobs, wealth and practical solutions to national challenges.
Minister Assiimwe challenged universities to ensure their research directly responds to Uganda's development priorities.
He urged lecturers and researchers to focus on innovations capable of solving challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, industry and communities, saying every research project should improve the lives of Ugandans.
The minister said science should no longer remain confined to academic publications but must be translated into products and technologies that generate income and contribute to national economic growth.
Tororo District Chairperson John Okea also appealed to government to ease access to raw materials required by student innovators, saying existing restrictions continue to slow research, product development and commercialisation.
After visiting Busitema University's main campus, the minister proceeded to the institution's Mbale Campus, where he was expected to commission new ICT infrastructure aimed at strengthening digital innovation, research and skills development.
