President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising science and technology as a cornerstone for Uganda’s and Africa’s development, during the opening of Makerere University’s Research and Innovations Week.
Addressing participants at the event, Museveni said Africa’s historical underdevelopment and colonisation stemmed from its lag in scientific and technological advancement.
He noted that this understanding has long informed the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s strategy for national development.
“Africa was colonised on account of lagging behind in science and technology,” Museveni said.
“From the very beginning, the NRM recognised this as one of the major bottlenecks to Uganda’s progress and the survival of our people.”
Responding to ongoing public debate around Uganda’s research funding priorities, Museveni defended the government’s decision to allocate 70% of the budget to science disciplines.
He acknowledged the importance of the arts but emphasised the urgent need to address fundamental human needs.
“It is not that the arts do not matter,” he said. “But we must prioritise survival. The arts will thrive when the foundation of the country food, shelter, transportation, security is secure.”
During the event, the President toured several exhibition stalls, where researchers showcased innovations developed at the university.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress and described current funding as only a beginning.
“The money we are allocating for innovations and research is merely endozo a sip, a taste we shall provide more in the future,” he said.
Makerere University’s Research and Innovations Week serves as a platform to highlight the institution’s contribution to national development through science, technology, and applied research.
It also gives innovators an opportunity to showcase homegrown solutions to Uganda’s pressing development challenges.