Uganda’s Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) represents a strategic pivot in the nation’s approach to fostering innovation and scientific progress. The Secretariat operates under the Office of the President and has been chosen as a more nimble and action-oriented alternative to the former Ministry of Science.
Previously, Uganda’s Science, Technology, and Innovation efforts were managed through a full-fledged Ministry of Science. In a UBC Front Dest discussion, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero said the framework proved incompatible with the demands of Science, Technology, and Innovation within a typical public service system. Recognizing this challenge, President Yoweri Museveni dissolved the Ministry and established the STI Secretariat within the Office of the President. This shift aimed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, promote efficiency and enhance the effectiveness of Science, Technology, and Innovation initiatives.
Science, technology, and innovation (STI) represent interconnected stages within a transformative continuum that drives progress and development. Science serves as the foundational knowledge base, built through rigorous research and analysis to deepen our understanding of the world. This knowledge fuels technology, which applies scientific principles to develop tools, systems, and processes that address practical needs.
When science, technology, and innovation converge to solve real-world challenges, they give rise to innovation—creating value by transforming ideas into marketable goods and services that improve lives and drive economic growth.
The STI Secretariat embodies a streamlined and action-driven approach to fostering innovation and growth in science, technology, and innovation. Its flat organizational structure minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, enabling quicker decision-making and smoother operations.
With a results-oriented focus, the Secretariat seamlessly integrates technical expertise and policy considerations to enhance the success of its initiatives. Its leadership dedicates 70% of its time to technical issues, ensuring sustained attention to scientific and technological advancement, while only 30% is devoted to political and policy matters. This prioritization reflects a deep commitment to technical rigor and innovation.
Furthermore, the Secretariat emphasizes the speed and impact of implementation by fostering close collaboration among technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, ensuring that its operational framework delivers efficient and meaningful outcomes.
Uganda has had a rich history in STI, starting from the establishment of the National Council for Science and Technology in 1990 to when the East Africa Council for Science and Technology Commission was formed in 2007, an institution mandated to promote and coordinate the development, management, and application of STI activities in the region.
Despite these concerted efforts, the challenges in the coordination and implementation of STI remain. The establishment of the Secretariat is the latest attempt by Uganda to revamp its STI framework, filling in the missing holes to increase scientific output and develop technology.
The Secretariat’s configuration assures the ventilation of science, technology, and innovation in every sphere of society. With the introduction of results-oriented initiatives, Uganda is anticipated to enjoy significant research developments, technology improvements, and innovative solutions. The STI Secretariat aims to bridge the gulf between technical acumen and practical policy implementation and put Uganda on the map as a Science, Technology, and Innovation hub.
The government’s commitment to leveraging STI for socioeconomic development is reflected in policy and structural reforms. The Secretariat’s activities are aligned with national development goals, ensuring that STI initiatives:
- Address pressing societal and economic challenges.
- Enable the creation of goods and services that can be sold domestically and internationally.
- Act as accelerators of growth in key sectors, such as agriculture, health, manufacturing, and ICT.
The Office of the President-wide STI Secretariat symbolizes Uganda’s determination to rethink the approaches to managing improved STI. The Secretariat is designed and establishes frameworks with a results-oriented fundamental approach and a technical focus to achieve great leaps in these key areas. As the initiatives unfold, Ugandans will celebrate the benefits of scientific and technological advancement towards national development and global competitiveness.
