General
Minister affirms national commitment to Science, Innovation and Local Health Technologies
Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation affirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening science, technology, and innovation as the foundation for improving healthcare, economic development, and national self-reliance. This was during his visit to Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) on Wednesday 22nd July 2026.
The Minister accompanied by Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University were received at the College by the Principal-MakCHS, Professor Bruce Kirenga. A meeting was held with MakCHS staff and Directors of the various teaching hospitals that support MakCHS teaching and learning services.
The Minister then proceeded on a guided tour of facilities at MakCHS including research labs, teaching labs, biobanks, CoNAT clinical trial site, Vaccine House and an exhibition of innovations at the College.
During the visit, the Minister praised researchers and innovators for their outstanding work in developing locally made medical technologies, particularly diagnostic tools that played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that science, technology and innovation (STI) are at the heart of Uganda’s development agenda, noting that no country can achieve sustainable progress without investing in scientific research and innovation.
“Science, Technology and Innovation is the heart of our country’s development. Whatever we are doing today requires more science. We need our own solutions to manage diseases such as COVID-19 and many other health challenges,” Hon. Eng. Asiimwe Akiiki said.
Confidence in African Science
Hon. Eng. Asiimwe Akiiki called on Ugandans to have greater confidence in African science and indigenous knowledge, arguing that the continent possesses enormous potential to develop home-grown solutions.
Drawing lessons from nature, the Minister observed that wild animals instinctively identify medicinal plants when they fall ill, demonstrating that Africa has abundant natural resources and knowledge that can inspire scientific discoveries.
“We should believe in our own science and continue investing in research that responds to our local needs,” the Minister noted.
Locally Developed COVID-19 Diagnostic Kits
In the Biomedical Science labs, Professor Moses Joloba showed the visitors the several innovations developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, including locally manufactured diagnostic kits.
Professor Joloba explained that when the pandemic disrupted global supply chains, Ugandan researchers collaborated to develop the country’s first locally produced COVID-19 testing kits. These innovations significantly reduced dependence on imported laboratory supplies.
“The imported testing equipment and reagents were expensive and often difficult to access. Local production has helped lower costs while improving availability for hospitals, universities and research institutions”, he explained.
It was noted that the locally developed kits achieve approximately 95 percent accuracy and are already being distributed to universities and other laboratories across Uganda.
Expanding Local Medical Innovations
Beyond COVID-19 diagnostics, MakCHS researchers also demonstrated ongoing work on technologies for detecting other diseases, including cancer.
They explained the differences between Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and rapid diagnostic tests, noting that while PCR remains the gold standard due to its high sensitivity and accuracy, rapid tests are simpler, portable, less expensive, and suitable for use in remote areas with limited laboratory infrastructure.
The scientists emphasized that different diagnostic technologies serve different purposes depending on available resources and the required level of accuracy.
Government Support for Research
The Minister assured researchers of continued government support, pledging to champion strategic investments in science, technology and innovation.
He encouraged scientists to continue developing practical solutions that improve healthcare, strengthen Uganda’s economy and position the country as a regional leader in innovation.
Following the visit to CONAT Clinical Trial Site and Vaccine House, the visit concluded with the Minister congratulating the research teams at MakCHS for their achievements and promising to continue following their work closely.
“I will continue supporting this strategic direction. Keep pushing the innovation agenda forward. I wish you success, and I will be watching your progress with great interest,” the Minister said. The visit highlighted Uganda’s growing capacity to develop locally driven scientific solutions and underscored the important role that research institutions play in strengthening national health security and promoting sustainable development.
-
General2 days agoUndergraduate Admission Lists 2026/2027
-
Humanities & Social Sciences2 weeks agoMakerere University Awards Certificates to First Cohort of Critical Thinking and Social Intelligence
-
General2 weeks agoMakerere University Newsletter Apr-Jun 2026
-
General5 days agoCall For Applications: ACT-PREP 15 PhD and 10 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
-
Health2 weeks agoCall For Applications: Mak-BSSR Postdoc, PhD, Master’s Fellowship-level Training 2026