President Museveni has urged innovators to work towards producing machines and other technological equipment to reduce dependence on foreign supplies to boost the country’s production capacity .
In a speech read for him by the Vice President Ms Jessica Alupo, President Museveni said thus, “ The patriotic NRM has been building Uganda’s industrial and manufacturing capacity in order to reduce dependence on foreign commodities and services. We have saved Ugandans from donating jobs and money to buy items that can be produced in Uganda.” Mr Museveni said.
He added , “Africa’s continued dependency on the former colonialists has denied us the opportunity to build our internal capacity to solve local challenges.” This was during the end of the National Science Week at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala .
Vice President Jessica Alupo being shown around the Kayoola EVs -fully electric bus produced by Kiira Motors
Museveni asked Ugandans to embrace the government ‘s policy of Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU). The policy which was introduced in 2017 aims at promoting use of locally manufactured goods and skills.
The policy is also being promoted through industrialisation where more locally produced goods are given tax exemptions and have since filled up supermarkets .
The National Science was attended by over 200 exhibitors under the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation in the President’s office led by Dr. Monica Musenero. The event was organised under the theme, “Uganda 2040: The future we want through Science, Technology and Innovation”.
The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, encouraged the innovators in the pathogen value chain to endeavor to have Ugandan made medicines in all pharmacies in the next five years.
She also said that it was now government’s policy for all Ministries , Departments and Agencies to buy buses from Uganda’s automakers Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC).
Dr Monica Musenero, said Uganda’s vision 2040 is to transition from fuel to electric vehicles. “Kiira Motors Corporation is spearheading the transition with the manufacture of electric buses like the Kayoola EVS, which is currently operational on the Northern bypass and the Namboole- Busega route,” Dr Musenero added .
The STI Secretariat gave President Musevni the highest science award for his visionary leadership and belief and encouragement of Uganda’s innovators. The award was handed over to the VP Alupo by one of the leading innovators -the Kiira Motors Executive Chairman – Prof .Sandy Stevens Tickodri -Togboa.
