By Lumpe media
KAMPALA — Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, has challenged scientists, innovators, industry and government to abandon siloed approaches and work together to turn Uganda’s innovations into businesses, jobs and economic opportunities.
Eng. Asiimwe made the call on Friday while officiating at the Women in Tech Demo Day and Graduation, where 20 women graduated from the programme and five beneficiaries received grants totalling US$50,000 to scale their enterprises.
The minister said Uganda’s science and technology sector can only deliver meaningful economic transformation if key players operate as a coordinated ecosystem rather than as isolated institutions.
His remarks were partly inspired by a lesson shared by one of the women technologists during the programme: “I have learnt that building a team is not as easy as making friends.”
Eng. Asiimwe said the observation highlights the importance of building purposeful partnerships capable of turning ideas into practical solutions.
“We need scientists, innovators, industry and Government to work as one ecosystem, rather than in silos, to address the everyday science, technology and innovation gaps,” he said.
The minister also linked the development of Uganda’s innovation ecosystem to the country’s ambition of building a US$500 billion economy by 2040.
He said discussions with Mr Sanjay have focused on how Uganda can accelerate its economic transformation by unlocking the productive potential of Ugandans, rather than relying solely on establishing more industries.
“Uganda may be landlocked, but we are landlocked with resources. By adding value to these resources, we can open our boundaries to greater economic opportunities,” Eng. Asiimwe said.
He said Uganda’s natural resources, combined with its human capital, technology and innovation, provide opportunities to create products and services capable of competing in regional and international markets.
The minister also urged the 20 women graduates to move beyond simply consuming technology and instead use their skills to develop solutions, build enterprises and create employment.
Five women entrepreneurs were awarded grants amounting to US$50,000 to enable them to expand their businesses, marking another step in efforts to increase access to capital for women-led technology enterprises.
Eng. Asiimwe commended the Standard Chartered Foundation, Village Capital and Innovation Village for supporting the programme and creating opportunities for women to participate actively in Uganda’s technology and innovation economy.
He said such partnerships were important in bridging the gap between innovation, financing and commercialisation.
The minister said empowering women with technology, entrepreneurial skills and access to finance would enable more Ugandans to participate in creating solutions for challenges in their communities.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the grants responsibly and build sustainable enterprises that can grow beyond the support provided through the programme.
The event brought together women innovators, entrepreneurs, technology stakeholders and development partners, with discussions centred on supporting women to build and scale enterprises driven by science, technology and innovation.
Eng. Asiimwe said government would continue encouraging partnerships that connect innovators to financing, research, markets and industry as Uganda seeks to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.
He said the ultimate measure of innovation should be its ability to solve real problems, create productive opportunities and contribute to Uganda’s economic transformation.
“Uganda may be landlocked, but we are landlocked with resources,” Eng. Asiimwe reiterated, stressing that value addition and innovation could help Uganda overcome geographical limitations and expand its economic reach.
