Program Officer for the Pathogen Economy, Patrick Ipola, has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to harnessing indigenous scientific knowledge, strengthening health security, and expanding innovation-driven employment opportunities.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda hosted by NBS Television on Monday, held under the theme “Innovating for Impact: Building Uganda's New Economy Through Science, Technology & Innovation,” Ipola highlighted the invaluable contribution of Uganda’s indigenous scientists commonly referred to as herbalists—and emphasised ongoing efforts to validate and protect indigenous knowledge within the nation’s innovation ecosystem.
“We have what we call indigenous scientists. Most people prefer to call them herbalists.
Everyone involved in the validation of the different herbal treatments signs NDAs to preserve the intellectual property of these indigenous scientists. We are working alongside URSB to ensure that even the communities where these plants and herbs are discovered benefit,” he said.
Ipola further underscored the economic impact of advancing local production capacity in health-related technologies, citing the successful domestic manufacturing of COVID-19 test kits.
“From local production currently, we have saved the country over Shs 135 billion. As you are aware, the COVID test kits, for example, are being manufactured locally,” he said.
As part of Uganda’s broader innovation and bio-economy ambitions, Ipola revealed that the upcoming Bio Sciences Park in Nakasongola is expected to be a major catalyst for employment and sustainable development.
“We anticipate that the Bio Sciences Park in Nakasongola will create 50,000 jobs both directly and indirectly.”
Ipola also stressed the importance of strengthening national health resilience through local production capacity.
“Our health security is very important. With the pathogen economy, we want to be able to locally manufacture essential health products. We are positioning ourselves to meet that demand,” he said.
The remarks highlight Uganda’s strategic shift toward innovation-led growth, leveraging science and technology to unlock economic opportunity, boost health security, and safeguard traditional knowledge systems.