Malaysia, trained engineers pledge to transform Uganda's ICT sector

Twenty young engineers have returned to Uganda following the successful completion of their studies in science and technology skills in Malaysia.

The team, comprising two female engineers, has been undergoing a 2-year Master’s program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). 

They completed their studies in various Engineering courses such as Master of Engineering in cybersecurity, Power systems, industrial engineering, Mechanical engineering and automatic control; Master of Engineering in Information Technology; and Master of Engineering in mechatronics and automatic control.

The team, supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science Development, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday, 30th April 2025, and was received by Dr. Hillary Emmanuel Musoke Kisanja, Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Agribusiness. 

Lynette Nazziwa Jane, who pursued a course in Masters of Engineering in mechatronics and automatic control, is one of the beneficiaries of the Presidential Initiative on Science Development talks to the press after returning from Malaysia for the advancement in her Studies, this was at Entebbe International Airport on April 30, 2025. (Credit: PPU/Tony Rujuta)

“The President, who is very deliberate and strategic in promoting science and technology. He supported these young people who acquired their first degrees from Uganda to go to Malaysia for advanced technological skills in different fields,” Dr. Musoke said.

He also revealed that the State House is undertaking an initiative to set up a national technological demonstration centre in Gundu, Entebbe, for talented scientists to provide homemade solutions based on science.

Beneficiaries

Chanda Galabuzi, who obtained a Masters of Science in systems engineering, expressed gratitude to President Museveni through the Presidential Initiative on Science Development for the opportunity to acquire more skills, which she believes will be very beneficial to the country in the specific areas of technology and development.

“I encourage the young girls out there not to be scared of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses because we have a big role that we have to play as women and girls. It's an interesting field that I would encourage anybody to do,” she added.

Parents happily welcome back some of the Science Students supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science Development who had returned from Malaysia after advancement in their Studies, this was at Entebbe International Airport on April 30, 2025. (Credit: PPU/Tony Rujuta)

Lynette Nazziwa, who pursued a course in Masters of Engineering in mechatronics and automatic control, says they have been open to learning as engineers and will continue to carry on the heart to build the nation and practice the different skills they have learned.

“Above all, we'd like to thank the government of Uganda and President Museveni for this great opportunity given to us. We do not take it for granted, and we believe that in all this, we shall be able to carry on the vision to build the nation and to see the country grow in technology and science, such that one day, Uganda is also mentioned as one of those countries that have grown in technology,” she emphasised.

Mr. Tumusiime Anthony, who completed a master’s degree in cybersecurity, emphasised the importance of strong systems to protect the country’s cyberspace to address the current trending risk of revenue losses from digital cyber attacks.

"Cybersecurity is how we guard our digital space as a country. Generally, in Africa, we are a bit behind in terms of digital advancement and technology, and many countries have not even set cyber frameworks for their governments to follow and be able to protect their data or even protect their citizens from cyber-related crimes. We need to control our digital space, and from my perspective, I'm coming with a lot of knowledge,” he said, further calling for an urgent need to formulate strong cybersecurity frameworks.

Chanda Galabuzi, who pursued a Masters of Science in Systems Engineering, is one of the beneficiaries of the Presidential Initiative on Science Development, talks to the press after returning from Malaysia for the advancement in her Studies, this was at Entebbe International Airport on April 30, 2025. (Credit: PPU/Tony Rujuta)

Mr Joshua Kasirye, who has been studying Masters of Engineering in mechatronics and automatic control, said the knowledge acquired will be implemented by setting up strong systems for government agencies and institutions. 

The Presidential Initiative on Science Development in Uganda focuses on funding high-quality research, undergraduate science and engineering programs, and promoting industry-academia partnerships. 

It aims to build a skilled workforce, improve research infrastructure, and increase the adoption of scientific advancements by the industrial sector.