The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero has launched the 2022 National Exhibition for Science Week, Uganda’s annual showcase of science, technology, and innovation to document progress made towards technological advancement to steer national development.
The National Exhibition for Science Week will be held from Nov. 6-10, 2022 at the Kololo Ceremonial Ground under the theme “Uganda 2040; The Future We want through STI”. The Minister noted that the event will provide a platform to showcase innovations and technologies across all sectors that are steering the country towards achieving national development goals and fighting poverty.
“The exhibition at the Kololo Ceremonial Ground 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,” Dr. Musenero told the press at the launch event held at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Trade Fair, where the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat is a Platinum Sponsor. “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 in creating the future of our beloved nation.”
The National Exhibition for Science Week will focus on Aeronautics and Space Science, Mobility (Indigenous Motor Vehicle Industry), Pathogen Economy, Industry 4.0+, Infrastructure Innovations, Productivity Acceleration, Import Substitution, and Export Targeted Science, Technology & Innovation. On the sidelines of the event, innovations of relevant support services that were innovated to catapult the science-led socio-economic transformation, as cast in vision 2040 will be showcased.
Dr. Musenero while addressing the press said technological advancement in today’s world dictates that science and technology hold the key to the progress and development of any nation.
“As the world moves deep into the fourth industrial revolution, science and technology have taken on the fundamental role of wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life, and real economic growth and transformation,” said Dr. Musenero. “The government has positioned STI as the vital driver for socio-economic development and transformation as laid down in Vision 2040.”
The National Exhibition for Science Week will come to a crescendo into the Celebration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development, on Nov. 10 where President Museveni will be the Chief Guest accompanied by visiting Heads of State.
STI is a key driver of economic growth and a prime source of competition in the global marketplace. Dr. Musenero revealed that at least 50% of global economic development is attributable to innovations and investment in STI.
According to NDP III, the government will invest in the development of a solid eco-system through incorporating science education in school curricula thereby making science and technology accessible at all levels of learning, partnerships between university research institutions and industry to make it attractive for human capital development and raising awareness of how research can drive high technology innovation and wealth creation.
“The government is cognizant of the need to invest in research and innovation for sustainable socio-economic transformation,” Dr. Musenero.
Dr. Musenero revealed to the press that a number of projects have been undertaken including the manufacture of both clean diesel engines & electric buses and the construction of Uganda’s first satellite due for launch in Nov. 2022. In addition, facilitating the adoption and local manufacturing of Industry 4.0+ technologies sector, construction of skilling and component manufacturing centers, among others.
The innovations above and more will be on display for the public to witness during the National Science for Week exhibition at the Kololo Ceremonial Ground from Nov. 6-10.
A number of Ugandan innovators are expected to showcase during the exhibition and will have opportunities to acquire the necessary investment and support to take their innovations to the market.
