National Science Summit opens with call for youth-led innovation

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The inaugural National Science Summit opened on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds, with Dr Monica Musenero, Uganda's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, passionately urging the country’s youth to harness their creativity to develop innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges, particularly unemployment.

“I encourage our youth to direct their intellectual energies toward pioneering innovations that tackle current challenges. Innovations with tangible societal benefits can drive transformative change,” Dr Musenero asserted with conviction.

The six-day annual event has brought together a wide range of Ugandan scientists, innovators and researchers from both public and private universities and institutions across the country.

This year’s theme, “Made in Uganda: From Innovation to Market,” is reflected across the summit grounds, inspiring dialogue on scientific progress and its commercial potential.

Col Edith Nakalema and Dr Monica Musenero touring the exhibition stalls.

In her keynote address, Dr Musenero called for increased support for local scientists, emphasising the importance of nurturing scientific talent at the community level.

She stressed the need to build a culture of innovation that strengthens Uganda’s economic structure and called for greater collaboration among scientists.

“The interdependence of our endeavours is crucial. For example, consider the interplay between pharmaceuticals and innovative production methodologies,” she explained, underlining the importance of practical, research-driven solutions.

Dr Musenero also encouraged students from all academic backgrounds, including history, literature, philosophy and anthropology, to engage with scientific advancement by exploring how theoretical knowledge can be transformed into real-world applications.

Dr Alice Veronica Lamwaka of Gulu University noted that the summit has provided a valuable interactive platform for researchers to network, collaborate and share critical knowledge.

However, she cited a major challenge: the severe lack of funding for scientific research in Uganda.

Lamwaka outlined the difficulties she faces in her work to develop herbal medicines, which often fall outside conventional medical research frameworks and suffer from limited government support for clinical trials.

She is currently conducting research on herbal treatments for sickle cell disease as part of her thesis titled “Breaking the Cycle: Unveiling Hope for Sickle Cell Condition.”

Dr Mathias Magola, director of Dei-Pharma, underscored the importance of innovation in science as the most effective path to unlocking Uganda’s economic potential, more so, he argued, than any other sector.

He raised concerns over inadequate infrastructure, which continues to impede scientific progress in the country.

Kagola shared that due to technological limitations in Africa, much of his significant work, including the development of acclaimed malaria treatments, was conducted in advanced laboratories in the United States.

Nonetheless, he acknowledged the Ugandan government's growing recognition of science and technology’s importance, as demonstrated by increased funding to support his enterprise.

Prof. Patrick Ogwang, deputy director at Jena Herbal, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive policies to protect the intellectual property rights of researchers working within both public and private universities.

He recounted the contentious development of Covidex, which was marred by disputes over product ownership between himself and Mbarara University during its early stages.

Edward Kazire, of Kazire Health Drinks, spoke of the challenges posed by fragmentation among Ugandan scientists and called for unity to advance the industry.

He praised his collaboration with Professor Ogwang in the development of health products, crediting Ogwang’s significant contributions.

“To expand our market reach and invigorate the Ugandan economy, enhancing product quality is imperative,” Kazire said.

He also applauded Parliament for passing the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act in 2019, calling it a pivotal moment in the integration of herbalists and traditional healers into the country’s formal healthcare system.

“With over 60 percent of the Ugandan population relying on herbal treatments, this policy represents a landmark achievement for our sector,” he remarked enthusiastically.

The summit features exhibitions showcasing an impressive range of Uganda-made products, including herbal medicines, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles and motors.

Large crowds gathered at Kololo to engage with the vibrant world of Ugandan science, innovation and technology.