The 2022 National Exhibition for Science Week, (NEWS 22) has opened at Kololo grounds with pomp- where Uganda’s showcasing its E- mobility technological innovations and space science program to steer national development.
This exhibition is running from November 6-10, 2022 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds under the theme “Uganda 2040; The Future We want through Science, Technology and Innovation.” The grand event is being held under the Science ,Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the President’s Office .
Dr Monica Musenero the Minister of Science ,Technology and Innovation who was today morning joined by Prof .Sandy Stevens Tickodri -Togboa to engage students about Uganda’s Science and Technology said that this year’s science week will focus on mobility innovations, especially for the public transport sector where electric vehicles and motorbikes are being made for mass transport with Uganda’s automakers -Kiira Motors taking the lead .
These interventions have far reaching implications for the Ugandan people because there are designed to address the challenges of pollution and traffic congestion while offering affordable clean transport solutions.
“We want to reduce pollution by introducing safe and exquisite mass transport means. We will be moving first with buses and later we shall put in place prototypes for SUVs and saloon cars. Many say Uganda is simply assembling but that is not true. We are manufacturing and assembly is just a small component of the process but also essential,” Dr. Musenero explained .
According to Dr. Musenero – the exhibition will further focus on aeronautics and space science; pathogen economy which deals with our ability to develop health interventions in vaccines and drugs for humans, plants and animals and diagnostics; industry 4.0+ which will make Uganda a digital manufacturer of both software and hardware.
“The government is cognizant of the need to invest in research and innovation for sustainable socio-economic transformation. A number of projects have been undertaken including research and development in vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, manufacture of both clean diesel engine and electric buses, construction of Uganda’s first satellite due for launch in November 2022, facilitating the adoption and local manufacturing of Industry 4.0+ technologies sector, construction of skilling and component manufacturing centres among others. All these and more will be on display for the public to witness during the National Science Week exhibition,” the Minister stated .
What is the purpose of the science week
The government intends to create awareness of value addition resulting from Science, Technology and Innovation, foster strategic partnerships with various stakeholders including public and private sector and increase market potential of indigenous products in the region and globally so as to enhance Uganda’s competitiveness both within the region and globally.
“The National Exhibition Week for Science provides us with a platform to showcase innovations and technologies across all sectors that are steering us towards achieving the national development goals and fighting poverty. Our vision is to see Uganda as the best technologically advanced and most innovative nation in the region.”
“The exhibition at Kololo airstrip is one that we are looking forward to especially as we showcase the innovations that are being championed by the enterprising youth of this nation. Opportunities to acquire the necessary investment and support to take these innovations to the market will also be presented. I encourage all stakeholders; government MDAs, private sector, academia, research institutions, development partners, the business community and the general public to come in large numbers and attend as we all play a part towards creating the future of our beloved nation.”
Showcasing E-mobility;
Kiira Motors is showcasing its products -the Kayoola Evs (fully electric vehicles ) and the charging system.
