Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Minister Jonard Asiimwe has said Uganda’s transformation must be anchored on locally developed research, innovation and technology, urging increased investment in scientific research and modern infrastructure.
Speaking during a visit to Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Wednesday as part of his Western Corridor Mission, Asiimwe said Uganda must build a knowledge-driven economy by empowering scientists, researchers and innovators.
“Uganda’s transformation will not be imported; it will be researched, invented, engineered, protected and commercialised by our own people,” Asiimwe said.
The minister made the remarks after engaging with the university leadership, administrators, scientists, researchers, engineers and academic staff. He also inspected ongoing construction works at the College of Health Sciences.
Asiimwe said the discussions highlighted the importance of deliberate investment in research excellence, innovation ecosystems, technology transfer and advanced scientific infrastructure.
“Our discussions reaffirmed that scientific leadership is cultivated through purposeful investment in research excellence, innovation ecosystems, technology transfer and world-class infrastructure—not by rhetoric, but by deliberate execution,” he said.
He commended Mbarara University of Science and Technology for integrating innovation into academic training, saying universities must focus on producing solutions to national challenges.
“MUST continues to demonstrate that a great university must graduate solutions with the same distinction that it graduates students,” Asiimwe said.
The minister said government will continue to promote science, technology and innovation as critical pillars in driving Uganda’s industrialisation and enhancing long-term economic competitiveness.
