Hon. Elioda TUMWESIGYE, the Minister of Science & Technology of the Republic of Uganda participated in the Science Forum SA 2017 on the Invitation of the Hon. Naledi PANDOR, the Minister of Science & Technology of the Republic of South Africa. The Forum under the theme ” Igniting Conversations about Science ” from 7th – 8th December 2017 is the 3rd of its kind that is held on an annual basis to promote dialogue amongst African Countries, International Organisations / Institutions and Key sector players.
The conference was opened by the Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and graced by the MInisters of Science and Technology from Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Angola, Jamaica as well as the host Minister, Naledi Pandor of the Republic of South Africa. Other than political leadership, participants were drawn from academicians and scientists across the globe, students, businesses and diplomats
In his opening remarks, Hon. Elioda TUMWESIGYE conveyed a message of gratitude to the host Hon. Naledi PANDOR and the Government of the Republic of South Africa for extending an invitation for Uganda to participate in this Forum noting that this platform provides an opportunity for Dialogue, Promoting Innovation and avenues for information sharing in a wide spectrum of areas.
Emphasizing the critical role of Government in the development and advancement of Science & Technology Hon. TUMWESIGYE highlighted that the Ministry of Science & Technology is quite new in Uganda and the President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI is committed to give Priority to the advancement of Science & Technology and in order to achieve this,a number of strategies have been formulated specifically in key areas ;
1) Capacity Building & Training
2) Research
3) Promotion of Innovation
4) Development of effective policy
5) Identification & promotion of linkages between 6) Learning Institutions , Universities and other Organisations.
Uganda is ready to learn from South Africa and share experiences in developing Uganda’s Ministry of Science and Technology
Concluding his presentation to a Panel of Honourable Ministers, Government Officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Academics, Researchers, Officials of the International Organisations , Hon Elioda TUMWESIGYE stressed that Government’s role in advancing Science & Technology is not only a duty but a Priority to achieve development
As such the Government of the Republic of Uganda is committed to ;
1)Providing a conducive environment anchored on peace & Security.
2) Institution coordination & providing Linkages between learning organisations, Centres of excellence
3) Capacity Building.
4) Development of Human Capital
5) Promotion of Research & Innovation
6) Providing Funding for Project Development
7) Resource mobilization
8) Development of Technology transfer in the fields of renewable energy, bio technology to mention but a few.
He also appealed to participants to spare time to visit Uganda the Pearl of Africa as described by Sir. Winston Churchill and also explore the abundant opportunities in oil, agriculture, innovation and tourism
He further stressed that Uganda is a tourism destination, which participants must endeavour to visit before they die and also Uganda provides unique investment opportunities in science and technology. He also appealed to participants to assist Uganda in way capacity building and mobilise funds to further advance the field of science and technology in the country.
