The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Jonard Asiimwe, has challenged Makerere University to speed up the commercialisation of research by turning innovations into marketable products, industries and economic opportunities.
Asiimwe made the remarks during the start of a two-day engagement with the university aimed at assessing how Uganda’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem can better translate research into practical solutions and industrial growth.
He described Makerere University as a key pillar of the country’s science, technology and innovation agenda, citing its work in electric mobility, biotechnology, health research, artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
"I come to interrogate how we can further strengthen this ecosystem and accelerate the translation of research into products, industries and measurable impact," Asiimwe said.
The minister said universities must play a central role in scientific discovery and technological advancement if Uganda is to achieve its long-term economic targets.
"As Uganda pursues a US$500 billion economy by 2040, universities must stand at the centre of scientific discovery, technological advancement and innovation-led productivity," he said.
According to Asiimwe, Uganda’s future prosperity will depend on its ability to generate knowledge, apply innovation to solve national challenges and convert intellectual capacity into economic growth.
He said stronger links between universities, industry and government would be critical in ensuring research findings move beyond academic publications and contribute to national development.
The engagement comes as government continues to promote science, technology and innovation as key drivers of industrialisation, job creation and value addition under Uganda’s long-term development agenda.
