The Research and Innovation week was launched at Makerere University from Tuesday the 8th to Thursday the 10th of April 2025. A showcase of the different ideas from young people about science and arts at Freedom Square and the main building.
The week is running under agricultural transformation, food security and livelihoods, health and well-being, science and technology, natural resources management, urbanization and climate change, cultural heritage and creative arts, governance, social justice and human rights, and economic growth and innovation.
The launch was honored by H.E. Yoweri Tibuhabuwra Kaguta Museveni as the chief guest and the First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni. He visited the different exhibitions at the event.
“Government sponsorships at the university should be 70% for science students. This isn’t because arts people are not important but we need to survive
I was happy to see flashes of this as I toured the exhibition stalls today. I would, therefore, like to thank the university administration for responding to the calls of our society. The money we are allocating for innovations and research is merely endozo (jaribu, a sip, a taste); we shall provide more in the future.” Said Museveni.
Research and innovation play a vital role in unlocking Uganda’s economic potential, creating new opportunities for dignified and productive employment across key sectors, and bringing more people into the money economy.
Lorna Magara, the chairperson of Makerere University Council, emphasized the essence of the products displayed at the expo designed to enhance productivity, empower individuals, and stimulate wealth creation at all levels of society.
“With the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund, the Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its dedication to investing in research that addresses our most pressing challenges and positions Uganda as a leader in innovation-driven development,” stated the First Lady.
The guild president of Makerere University, James Church Hill Sentamu, took his appreciation for the X application and the Muk RIF for the good work but equally advocated that students get even more representation and engagement in these ventures. “WE BUILD FOR THE FUTURE,” posted James.
The university received a research and innovation fund of 30 billion Uganda shillings. The vice chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabus Nawangwe, requested that the university receive such a fund annually.
