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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as the Guest of Honour at the Makerere University Research and Innovations Week, commended Ugandan students for their impressive innovations and emphasized the importance of harnessing technology for development

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was the Guest of Honour at the Makerere University Research and Innovations Week today, where he interacted with exhibitors and delivered an impactful speech at the Freedom Square grounds.

In his address, President Museveni reminded Ugandans that Africa’s slow progress in science and technology was a major factor in its historical exploitation during the colonial era.

He stated, “From the outset, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recognized that this was one of the key obstacles to the progress of Uganda and Africa, as well as the survival of the African people.”

President Museveni urged Africans to shed the inferiority complex that has historically made them vulnerable to external forces, despite their ability to create solutions to their own problems.

He commended Makerere University students for their impressive innovations displayed during the week, highlighting that it signifies the awakening of Uganda’s academic community from its prolonged dormancy.

The President emphasized the need for humans to harness their advanced cognitive abilities to utilize technology and control nature for the purposes of development.

He addressed recent criticisms about government funding allocations, particularly the 70% directed towards scientists, emphasizing that while the arts hold value, the nation’s primary focus must be survival.

He stated, “Shakespeare cannot heal someone who is dying. The arts will be appreciated more when the country’s foundation is secure. Basic societal needs—shelter, food, transportation, defense—must come first. The more a society is able to harness and control nature, the more prosperous it will become.”

Expressing his satisfaction with the wide range of innovations showcased, President Museveni thanked the university administration for responding to societal needs.

He added, “The funds allocated for innovations and research are just a small taste; we will provide more in the future.”

The remarks from the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, were conveyed by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education.

The First Lady acknowledged Makerere University’s century-long legacy as a center of knowledge, research, and leadership in Africa, underscoring its commitment to innovative teaching, learning, and service.

“With the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund, the Government of Uganda has reiterated its commitment to investing in research that addresses our most urgent challenges, positioning Uganda as a leader in innovation-driven development,” she stated.

To maximize the impact of research outputs, she urged enhanced collaboration between academia, government, industry, and civil society.

She emphasized that the week-long exhibition serves as an essential platform for fostering these collaborations, ensuring that research is translated into actionable policies and market-ready solutions.

Mrs. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, affirmed the university’s leadership in promoting local innovations that integrate the population into the money economy.

She noted that the initiative also tackles the issue of unemployment. Magara praised the government’s commitment to injecting 30 billion shillings annually into the University’s Research and Innovations Fund, highlighting that this has accelerated research efforts and bridged the gap between academia and industry.

Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barnabus Nawangwe, expressed pride in the university’s ranking as the most impactful in the community, attributing this success to the establishment of the 30 billion shillings annual Research and Innovations Fund.

He shared that the university has over 500 products on the market resulting from its research, demonstrating its dedication to improving the socio-economic welfare of the people.

Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the Makerere University Chancellor, reiterated the university’s full alignment with the NRM’s historical mission of building a self-sustainable economy through research and innovation, as evidenced by the groundbreaking solutions showcased at the event.

Additionally, Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, urged President Museveni to mandate that all vehicle procurements for MPs, ministers, and government agencies be sourced from Kiira Motors. Minister Musenero suggested that this approach would provide a ready market for the local car production plant and support its rapid growth. She also called for similar treatment for all domestically produced goods developed by Ugandan researchers and innovators, while highlighting key technological initiatives led by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.