KAMPALA, Uganda— National Science Week in Uganda will highlight locally developed technologies and innovations under the theme “Made in Uganda, From Innovation to Market,” the government announced Tuesday. The free, six-day event will take place June 15-20 at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
Dr. Monica Musenero, the minister in charge of the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat-Office of the President (STI-OP), unveiled the plans at a media launch held at the Deep Tech Centre in Namanve, Kampala. She emphasized the week’s focus on showcasing Ugandan ingenuity and providing a platform for the public to engage with and purchase locally made products from supported innovators.
Musenero underscored the significant progress made in the past year in translating scientific advancements into tangible economic benefits. She cited the country’s commitment to “Turning Innovation into GDP” and highlighted milestones such as the initiation of clinical trials for domestically developed therapeutics and the expansion of Uganda’s electric vehicle ecosystem, which now includes over 5,000 locally assembled electric motorcycles and buses, along with a growing charging infrastructure.
The minister also pointed to the revitalization of key industries, including Sukulu Phosphates, and the establishment of the Deep Tech and Climate Tech summits, as well as the operationalization of vaccine manufacturing capabilities for both animal and human health.
National Science Week will offer attendees the opportunity to directly interact with government-backed initiatives and the individuals driving these advancements. The event also aims to connect local and international investors with emerging opportunities in Uganda’s science and technology sector.
Musenero expressed the government’s dedication to leveraging science, technology, and innovation as a key driver for Uganda’s emergence as a leader in Deep Tech Innovation in Africa. Hosting the launch at the Deep Tech Centre, she noted, was a deliberate effort to spotlight the country’s talent and the opportunities being created for young innovators.
The Deep Tech Centre, a government facility operational for the past four months, is designed to accelerate high-impact research and development, facilitate the commercialization of products, cultivate a skilled workforce, empower deep tech ventures, and enhance Uganda’s global competitiveness.
The STI-OP was established to provide strategic direction and resources for the National Science, Technology and Innovation System (NTIS), with the goal of transforming Uganda into an STI-driven economy.
