Advert
-->

Innovation: A cornerstone for economic growth

News -->
Innovation: A cornerstone for economic growth
Caption not available

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, has called on Ugandans, particularly members of the National Defense College Uganda (NDC-U), to prioritize innovation as a key driver of economic growth.

He emphasized that technological advancements not only improve service delivery and job creation but also enhance global competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

“Innovation is the cornerstone of technological progress. It plays a critical role in economic growth by fostering service delivery, job creation, and global competitiveness while also supporting environmental sustainability and enhanced mobility,”  Nawangwe remarked.

He made these comments during a visit by NDC-U Course Members to the Makerere University Innovation Pod as part of their Innovation Study Tour.

Nawangwe stressed the importance of self-reliance in industrialization, noting that Uganda cannot depend on external actors to industrialize the country. “Research must lead to innovation to support industrialization and economic development. We must take responsibility for creating solutions that address our challenges if Uganda is to achieve Vision 2040, as articulated by His Excellency President and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.”

He also commended the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for maintaining peace and security, describing it as the backbone of economic growth. “Peace is essential for training and developing the innovations that our country needs. I applaud UPDF for safeguarding our nation and ensuring Uganda remains at peace,” he added.

Collaboration for Economic Growth

Brigadier General Kefa Nangeso, Dean of Studies at NDC-U, led the visiting delegation. Speaking on behalf of the Commandant, Brig. Gen. Nangeso lauded the tour as a valuable opportunity to explore local innovations and understand their impact on national economic development.

“This has been a healthy and fruitful tour, focusing on local innovations with a purpose to help Course Members assess the role of manufacturing in the national economy. Innovation drives mobility, advances technology, and creates employment opportunities,” Brig. Gen. Nangeso said.

He also highlighted the strong collaboration between NDC-U and Makerere University, emphasizing its significance in fostering a knowledge-driven economy.

Study Tour Highlights

The NDC-U delegation toured several innovation hubs and research centers within Makerere University, including:

•Kiira Motors Corporation, a leader in automotive innovation in Uganda.

•The College of Computing and Information Sciences, which focuses on advancing digital technology.

•Artificial Intelligence Research at Makerere, exploring cutting-edge AI applications.

•Makerere University Innovation Incubator, supporting startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

•The Software Systems Centre, dedicated to developing local software solutions.

•The School of Food Technology and Nutrition, which is enhancing food security and nutrition through innovation.

•The National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) at Namulonge, a hub for agricultural research and development.

The tour underscored the critical role of innovation in achieving Uganda’s development goals, particularly Vision 2040, which aims to transform the country into a modern, prosperous nation.

Reader's Comments

LATEST STORIES