Govt to support local innovators

The Government of Uganda has pledged its support young innovators by helping in translating their ideas into products for public benefit, The Observer reports.

The remarks were made by John Nasasira, the minister for Information and Communications Technology while speaking at the opening of the 3rd National Conference on Communications (NCC) held at Ndejje University in Luweero on Monday

He said that many promising ideas had died because owners lacked money to develop them.

“We all know that innovations and technologies determine the global competitiveness and productivity of nations. Ugandans have shown they can be good innovators, and we need to pick them up,” Nasasira said.

The Minister cited thriving local innovations like Winsenga, Kiira EV Smack, Uganda Pearl Guide, Matibabu and Breast cancer apps – as an indication of the potential the country had. Themed ICT Strategic opportunities and challenges for national development, the two-day conference sought to link the academia, researchers, and industry practitioners together.

Uganda still lags behind on the global market as far as IT is concerned. Uganda ranks 156 out of 193 countries in the e-government development index, Nasasira said. The ICT sector still faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited funds.

Godfrey Mutabazi, the executive director of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), called for more research to give a better understanding of innovations as well as generate new and improved products in the sector.

Via: The Observer