By Gladys Nanyombi.
in a bid to spur innovation as a tool for job creation the government of Uganda through Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has announced the plan to supporting the innovators and the creative young generation as away of transforming and enhancing a knowledge based economy.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye, said the main targets of the new innovations are to increase Uganda’s performance on the global innovation index, increase on government research and household income in order to improve the quality life of Ugandans.
“Supporting a transformation or conversion of ideas into an innovation leads to new products, new processes and new services which will help to grow our economies and later generate jobs to improve the lives of Ugandans”, he said.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at Media Center in Kampala, Minister Elioda said the ministry has implemented a project called “National Research and Innovation Program” in a drive to transform Uganda into a knowledge-based economy that does not depend on raw materials.
“We want Uganda to become an economy which does not depend on raw materials like cotton, Coffee and Bananas, but an economy which depends on knowledge like Kira motors”, said Elioda.
Dr. Elioda added that the ministry invites innovations for expression of interest from individual as well as competent public, private and civil sector institutions using what is called a “Call for Concept” and the successful concept will then be required to put in proposals to be implemented for up to 3 years.
He added that the National Development Plan 3 In the National Vision 2040 clearly indicates 18 programs which will help Ugandans achieve sustainable industrialization, employment and wealth creation but all that will only be achieved under Innovation, Technology, Development and Transfer.
The government as now set aside 7billion for new innovations and all those that are interested are requested to send their concepts and ideas not later than 16th April 2020 on the email addresses that will published on the ministry websites.
