President Museveni has urged Africans to discard the inferiority complex that has historically made them susceptible to external domination, despite their ability to develop solutions to their own challenges.
Speaking at Makerere University’s Research and Innovations Week, President Museveni emphasized the necessity of shifting mindsets to fully harness Africa’s intellectual potential and drive the continent toward self-reliance in science and technology.
“Africans must wake up and realize that we are not any less capable than those who colonized us. We suffered because we were lagging behind in science and technology. It is time we change that,” Museveni stated.
He commended Makerere University’s students and researchers for their groundbreaking innovations, noting that their work is a testament to Uganda’s growing intellectual and technological awakening. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting scientific advancements, defending the decision to allocate 70% of research funding to science-related fields.
“Shakespeare will not heal someone who is dying. While the arts are important, we must first ensure survival,” he asserted. “A society that masters nature through science and innovation is the one that will prosper.”
The president acknowledged that the shs30 billion annual research and innovation fund allocated to Makerere University is just the beginning, promising increased support in the future.
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, whose remarks were delivered by Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, lauded Makerere’s century-long contributions to knowledge and leadership.
She emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering research-driven development, urging stronger collaboration between academia, government, industry, and civil society to ensure that innovations translate into practical solutions.
Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, highlighted how the university’s innovation efforts are instrumental in integrating the population into a money economy and addressing unemployment. She praised the government’s consistent investment in research, which has accelerated innovation and bridged the gap between academia and industry.
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, echoed these sentiments, revealing that the institution has developed over 500 market-ready products through its research endeavors. He celebrated Makerere’s recognition as the most impactful university in the community, attributing its success to government support and increased research funding.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, reaffirmed the university’s alignment with the NRM’s historical mission of building a self-sustainable economy through research and technological innovations.
Adding to the discussion, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, urged President Museveni to mandate that all government vehicle procurements—whether for Members of Parliament, ministers, or agencies—be sourced from Kiira Motors, Uganda’s local car manufacturing plant. She argued that such a move would provide a ready market for local automotive production and bolster its growth.
Dr. Musenero also advocated for a broader policy shift that prioritizes Ugandan-made products across all government procurements, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to homegrown solutions and self-sufficiency.
As Makerere University continues to showcase its research and innovations, the call for African nations to break free from historical limitations and champion their own progress grows stronger.
With increased investment and a mindset shift, Uganda and the wider African continent are poised to become major players in global technological advancement.
