The Minister of Science Technology and Innovation – Office of the President, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza has pledged the creation of a support system in terms of funding and training for Ugandan innovators.
The minister was speaking at the launch of the National science technology and innovation exhibition on Monday 8th November 2021 at Kololo ceremonial grounds. The exhibition is part of the National science week celebrations which will be concluded with commemoration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development on Wednesday, 10th November 2021.
Dr. Musenero acknowledged the purpose of the exhibition as a platform to show how far Uganda has reached in terms of local production and a chance for the exhibitors to request for the help they need.
The exhibition which is termed Uga-tech-nation is made up of six cities each built around an industrial value chain including; the pathogen economy city, agro-security economic city, beauty and apparel, engineering economy city, digital economy city and mobility economy city.
Dr. Musereno recognized the cities as a ground to provide mentoring to the innovators and a bigger ground for their creations to move forward. “The cities represent economies, which we believe when prioritized have the ability to transform our nation in the shortest time. They represent the technological advancement so far made and vision of the future we promise,” she pointed out.
The Ugandan innovators from different government sectors, universities, research institutions, private sector and the community cities were given a chance to showcase and explain their creations to the minister who acknowledged the knowledge that Ugandans are putting in to innovate and produce various quality products for the local and international market .
Among the exhibitors include – Kiira Motors Corporation who produce electric vehicles, Bodawerk, Zembo and IUEA who each manufacture electric motorcycles, Farasi who produce Ugandan made tractors, Kyambogo University students who produce liquid fuel from plastic waste among others.
Dr. Musenero called upon the public to visit the exhibition grounds to see, learn, network, appreciate and be inspired to participate in this fast evolving transformation of the nation.
The exhibition is scheduled to last for three days and is expected to culminate in the celebration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development on Wednesday, 10th November 2021 which will be presided over by President Yoweri Museveni.
It is during this same event that the President will recognize and award the winners of the recently concluded Uganda innovation awards.
