Makerere University has warned of the critical funding shortfall of Shs820 billion needed to drive science, technology and innovation (STI). This was revealed during a two day tour of government-supported research projects at the country’s premier university, by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation in the Office of the President, Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki.
Addressing the minister and his delegation at Makerere University’s Main Hall on Wednesday, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the university had made significant strides in research, innovation and strategic partnerships but that inadequate financing remained the biggest obstacle to transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable products.
He said the STI sector currently faces a funding gap of Shs820 billion, warning that without increased government investment and stronger support from development partners, Uganda risks slowing the momentum of its innovation agenda.
Nawangwe said Makerere had strengthened collaborations with local and international partners to expand research, planning and development, while embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
However, he said the absence of a national business incubation and commercialization strategy continued to limit the transition of research outputs into competitive enterprises capable of creating jobs and driving industrial growth.
He highlighted several innovations developed by Makerere researchers, including electric vehicles, Nevirapine-related pharmaceutical research, rapid tuberculosis diagnostic kits, low-cost ventilators produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, an anti-tick vaccine, malaria and cancer diagnostic technologies, and soil testing kits.
He noted that these achievements demonstrate the university’s capacity to deliver practical solutions to national challenges if backed by sustained investment.
The minister’s visit marks the first comprehensive inspection of science, technology and innovation projects supported by the Office of the President. The tour was intended to assess progress, identify implementation bottlenecks and engage researchers on measures needed to strengthen Uganda’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking after receiving a briefing from the university leadership, Minister Asiimwe commended Makerere for restoring its iconic Main Building following the devastating fire that destroyed part of the structure in 2020, describing the renovation as a symbol of resilience and national pride.
He said Uganda’s ambition of growing the economy tenfold to US$500 billion would depend heavily on universities producing market-driven innovations capable of generating wealth and supporting industrial transformation.
“We cannot achieve the US$500 billion economic target unless our universities, led by Makerere, continue producing quality research that is translated into marketable solutions for the benefit of the country,” the minister said.
He stressed that the tour would enable government to better understand the challenges facing researchers and formulate practical interventions to accelerate commercialization and economic impact.
