President Yoweri Museveni stood before researchers and students at Makerere University with a clear message: Uganda’s future depends on mastering science and technology. During his keynote address at the Makerere University Research and Innovations Week, the veteran leader made his strongest case yet for why Africa must prioritize technological advancement to secure its place in the modern world.

“Africa’s historical suffering came from our weakness in science and technology,” Museveni told the packed auditorium. “When the colonizers came with guns against our spears, the technological gap decided our fate. The NRM government understood from day one that this gap must be closed for Uganda to prosper.” His speech came as the government faces questions about its decision to allocate 70% of research funding to scientific disciplines – a policy he vigorously defended.

The President’s appearance at Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious university carried symbolic weight. Makerere, often called “the Harvard of Africa,” represents both the nation’s intellectual heritage and its aspirations for the future. As Museveni toured innovation exhibits, he stopped to examine inventions ranging from agricultural technologies to medical devices, occasionally asking researchers detailed questions about their work.

“These young innovators prove what Ugandans can achieve when given proper support,” Museveni remarked while inspecting a solar-powered irrigation system developed by engineering students. “But what you see here is just the beginning. The government will increase funding because we understand science isn’t optional – it’s essential for our survival as a nation.”

The President addressed critics who argue that humanities and arts deserve more funding. “No one denies the importance of culture and arts,” he said. “But first we must solve basic problems – how will our people eat? How will they get medicine? How will they move goods to market? These practical needs require scientific solutions first.”

Makerere’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the President’s strong endorsement of scientific research. “For years we’ve argued that African solutions must solve African problems,” Nawangwe said. “Today we’re seeing that vision take shape through practical innovations developed right here at Makerere.”

The Research and Innovations Week showcased over 200 projects, with several attracting potential investors. Notable exhibits included a low-cost neonatal incubator designed for rural health centers, a mobile app for diagnosing crop diseases, and an eco-friendly brick made from agricultural waste. Museveni spent nearly an hour engaging with student innovators, at one point joking that some of their inventions might need presidential protection from foreign competitors.

The emphasis on homegrown solutions reflects a broader shift in Uganda’s development strategy. With the global economy increasingly driven by technology, the government appears determined to position Uganda as an innovation hub for East Africa. This ambition faces significant challenges, including limited research funding (Uganda spends just 0.5% of GDP on research compared to 1% average in Africa) and brain drain of talented scientists.

Museveni acknowledged these hurdles but remained optimistic. “When we started the NRM struggle, people doubted we could succeed,” he reminded the audience. “Today we’re talking about sending Ugandan satellites into space. This is the mindset we need – to believe in what we can achieve through science and persistence.”

The President’s visit concluded with a pledge to establish stronger links between Makerere’s research programs and government development projects. “These innovations shouldn’t gather dust in laboratories,” he said. “They must go out to serve our farmers, our hospitals, our industries. My office will work with the university to make this happen.”

As the event continued without the President, the buzz among researchers was palpable. Many expressed hope that Museveni’s strong words would translate into tangible support. “We’ve heard promises before,” said one PhD candidate working on renewable energy solutions, “but having the President personally commit to boosting research funding gives me hope our work will finally get the attention it deserves.”

The Makerere event may mark a turning point in Uganda’s scientific ambitions. With the President’s explicit endorsement and the university’s proven capacity for innovation, the pieces appear to be falling into place for Uganda to make serious strides in technological development. Whether this potential can be fully realized will depend on consistent funding, policy follow-through, and the continued creativity of Uganda’s scientific community – factors that will become clearer in the coming years.

For now, Museveni’s message at Makerere leaves no doubt about his priorities: in the race for Africa’s future, Uganda intends to be at the forefront of scientific and technological progress. As students returned to their labs and researchers to their projects, they did so with renewed sense that their work might indeed shape the nation’s destiny.