Africa-Press – Uganda. The Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat at the Office of the President (STI-OP) has launched the National Science Week 2025.
The week-long event is set to occur from Sunday, June 15, to Friday, June 20, at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
The exhibition will be open to the public at no cost, allowing both Ugandans and international visitors to explore the nation’s rapidly evolving science and technology sector.
The announcement was made on Tuesday morning by Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, during a press conference held at the newly established Deep Tech Centre in Namanve.
Under the theme “Made in Uganda: From Innovation to Market,” this year’s Science Week aims to highlight locally developed technologies and products that are driving economic transformation in Uganda.
Speaking to the media, Musenero emphasised that attendees will have the opportunity to witness the innovation journey in Uganda- from research and development to commercialisation, along with chances to purchase locally made products and interact with inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
“We have made tremendous strides as a country in moving science out of the labs and into the economy. Guided by our commitment to “Turning Innovation into GDP,” Dr Musenero remarked.
She added, “We have transitioned from piloting ideas to building industries…We’ve seen the first clinical trials for locally developed therapeutics take place and we have expanded our electric vehicle ecosystem, with over 5,000 electric motorcycles and 27 buses already on the road with up to 40% local content and set up charging infrastructure across the country of over 140 swapping stations and over 30 DC fast chargers.”
Among the key achievements highlighted by Dr. Musenero are the first clinical trials of locally developed therapeutics, the growth of the electric vehicle sector with over 5,000 electric motorcycles and 27 buses, and the establishment of essential infrastructure, including 140 battery swapping stations and 30 DC fast chargers nationwide.
These developments, according to the minister, illustrate Uganda’s expanding capabilities in green technology and sustainable transportation.
Furthermore, the Minister pointed out milestones such as the revitalisation of the Sukulu Phosphates manufacturing facility, the initiation of Deep Tech and Climate Tech Summits, and the establishment of vaccine manufacturing lines for both animals and humans, underscoring Uganda’s dedication to biosecurity and health innovation.
“Hosting the press conference at the Deep Tech Centre is deliberate, we need to show the incredible talent we have in the country, the exciting opportunities we are enabling for young people and the limitless of our imagination,” Musenero said.
The National Science Week 2025 promises to deliver a vibrant and interactive experience, featuring hundreds of exhibitors from across the country.
Attendees will have the chance to closely examine innovative solutions backed by the government, engage with the creators behind them, and explore investment opportunities in Uganda’s growing tech industry.
Cathy Muwumuza from STI explained that this year’s National Science Week will kick off with a Family Day on Sunday, June 15, followed by a Market Day showcasing various innovations on Monday.
“This time, we have structured it in a very innovative way. We shall start with the family day, which is, Sunday on 15th because we believe it is important to demystify the narrative that science is all for the classroom. There’s so much that science can do but also we want to interest parents, children, and the entire public around science,” She said.
The third day will feature the official launch, which will also serve as Policy Day, while the fourth day will be dedicated to Academia Day, aimed at young innovators.
Additionally, Muwumuza mentioned that the fifth day will be Investor Day, providing a platform for investors to connect with innovative projects.
Before the press conference, journalists were taken through a media tour to familiarize them with locally developed technologies at the Deep-Tech Center of Excellence in Namanve.
Opened just four months ago, the Deep Tech Centre represents Uganda’s ambition to become a leader in deep technology innovation across Africa.
The media tour was led by David Gonohasa, the team leader for Industry 4.0+, alongside Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, the Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development, who guided the media through various innovations and products being developed at the center.
The center features a locally established animation studio and technologies such as hair dryers and calculators.
Dr. Mwikirize emphasised that the center not only serves as a national hub for impactful research and development, product commercialisation, and talent cultivation, but is also crucial for transforming Uganda into a science-driven economy.
He urged stakeholders, including the media, to play a proactive role in the center’s development by fostering deeper discussions that can influence policy.
“We encourage you to stimulate conversations that can go into policy dialogue, shape public opinion, and find their way into the corners where decisions are actually made so that we also get the key decision makers, to be able to align with what we’re trying to do, for our nation,” Mwikirize said.
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