KAMPALA, UGANDA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on African countries to invest more in science and technology to achieve social and economic transformation. His message was delivered by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon Anitah Annet Among during the 11th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the 9th African Engineering Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The President said that Africa has all the natural resources it needs to grow and prosper, but it lacks modern technology. “Africa missed out on past scientific revolutions,” he said. “It is time we build a modern society led by science.”
He noted that strong economies are built on skilled workers, a strong middle class, and key sectors like farming, industries, science, and information technology. Museveni warned that Africa’s past weaknesses, including colonization, were due to poor technology and low development.
“We cannot stay weak and vulnerable,” he said. “We must build our scientific and technical skills to improve the lives of our people.”
Museveni emphasized that improving infrastructure like roads and electricity is helping Uganda become more attractive for investment. “Lowering the cost of electricity, transport, money, and labor is key to growing farming, industry, services, and ICT,” he added.
Engineers Urged to Innovate and Be Self-Reliant
Dr. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), encouraged Ugandan engineers to move beyond theory and start creating practical solutions.
While delivering keynote speech, Dr. Mugisha praised the growth of NWSC since 2013, which has expanded water services from 23 towns to over 280, and increased annual revenue from 34 billion to 150 billion Ugandan shillings.
He said real engineering success does not only come from degrees but from creativity and problem-solving. He shared a story of Ugandan artisans who built a flying helicopter prototype without formal engineering education.
“Our engineers are good at designing,” he said. “But we must also innovate.”
Mugisha stressed the need for local solutions and digital independence. He explained how NWSC’s internal systems were quickly restored after a cyberattack, while outsourced systems took months.
“What others have done, we can also do,” he said. “Let’s stop thinking that only things made in America or China are better.”
Prof. Dr. Eng. Henry Alinaitwe, Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), said the Engineering Week is proof of the important role engineers play in national development.
“This event shows the power of engineering to transform lives,” he said. “We must continue to improve roads, electricity, clean water, and digital systems.”
Prof. Alinaitwe also called for stronger regulations and proper licensing for both local and foreign engineers working in Uganda. He said the ERB is finalizing its strategic plan to support quality engineering across the country.
He urged African nations to work together to create shared standards for engineering qualifications and practices. “Transformation is not just a dream,” he said. “It is measured in clean water, in megawatts of power, and kilometers of road.”
Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, reminded participants that Africa is rich in resources but home to some of the poorest people.
He said this must change through research, development, and engineering. “Africa must rise with Africans in the pilot seats,” he said. “It is you—the engineers—who will turn our resources, like Lake Victoria, into solutions that improve lives.”
Eng. Bosco Lepi, President of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), said the 2025 Conference is a turning point for Africa’s development.
He said engineers must tackle key challenges such as climate change, digital transition, and infrastructure gaps. “Engineering has always been the backbone of progress,” he said. “We must respond with courage and purpose.”
Lepi thanked the Government of Uganda, UNESCO, the African Union, and other partners for their support in organizing the conference. He also praised President Museveni’s commitment to economic transformation.
Throughout the week, engineers, academics, innovators, and policymakers will exchange ideas and showcase new technologies. The goal is to turn Africa from a supplier of raw materials into a global powerhouse.
The 2025 Africa Engineering Week and Conference has brought together leaders, experts, and engineers from across the continent to focus on one goal: using engineering and technology to transform Africa’s future.
