Progress on Implementation of NRM Manifesto Commitments (2021-2026):* *Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Advancing STEI*

*By John Kusolo*

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has placed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation (STEI) at the forefront of Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation. Guided by the vision of a science-led modernization of the nation by 2040, the manifesto identifies STEI as pivotal in improving productivity, enhancing competitiveness, promoting growth, and creating jobs. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), under the leadership of Hon.Minister, Dr. Monica Musenero , is spearheading initiatives to meet these ambitious goals.

*The Vision for STEI Development*

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has articulated a vision for Uganda to achieve a USD 550 billion economy by 2030, driven by a knowledge-based economy. This involves leveraging intellectual capital, scientific discoveries, and applied research to spur innovation and industrialization. This approach emphasizes Deep Tech, which generates significant intellectual assets such as patents and transformative innovations.

According to Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize,

Superintendent Industrial Value Chain Development at the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation -Office of the President, prioritized Sectors Under NDP IV include STEI initiatives focus on critical sectors:

Agro-industrialization

Tourism

Mineral development

STI-led industrialization

These priorities align with global opportunities, potential for import substitution, value addition, and the strategic importance of catalyzing other industries.

*Key Achievements in STEI Development*

*Research and Development (R&D)*

*Infrastructure

State-of-the-art R&D Equipment:

Over 1,000 specialized tools have been procured, including a Scanning Electron Microscope at Makerere University.

*Biorepositories:*

Institutions like the Uganda Cancer Institute and Makerere University have established biobanks to support vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic development.

*Clinical Trials Units* : Facilities like CONAT are advancing translational research for diseases such as cancer and HIV.

*Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals*

*Human Vaccines:*

Three candidate vaccines for acute respiratory infections have completed pre-clinical trials.

Advanced research is underway to develop local inputs for vaccine manufacturing.

*Animal Vaccines:*

An anti-tick vaccine is in Phase II clinical trials.

Dual vaccines for Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease are under development.

*Pharmaceutical Production:*

Dei Biopharma, one of Africa's largest pharmaceutical plants, is set to manufacture generic drugs, mRNA vaccines, and cancer treatments by 2025, creating over 10,000 jobs and adding USD 10 billion to GDP by 2030.

Diagnostics

Locally developed PCR and rapid diagnostic kits have validated five human disease tests and one agricultural test.

The COVID-19 diagnostic kit saved Uganda USD 37 million by reducing reliance on imports.

*Industrial Innovations*

*Coffee Value Addition:*

A tertiary hub in Ntungamo for processing coffee into roasted, ground, and instant products to increase export earnings and create jobs.

*Banana Flour Processing:*

The Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) has established a pilot plant with a capacity of 14 metric tons daily, positioning Uganda's banana products for international markets.

*Space and Engineering Programs*

*Space Program:* Upgrades to the Mpoma Ground Station have commenced to support Uganda’s satellite and geospatial data capabilities.

*Engineering Development and Innovation Center (EDIC):* With seven design hubs, EDIC will train 1,200 Ugandans annually in fields such as automobile engineering, agricultural mechanization, and metallurgy.

**The Economic Promise of STEI*

*Market Opportunities*

*

STEI initiatives target a global market value of over USD 51.4 trillion in key areas such as the pathogen economy, mobility, Industry 4.0, infrastructure innovations, and aeronautics. Locally, these innovations aim to reduce Uganda’s USD 6.5 billion annual import bill.

*Projected Outcomes*

Increased productivity and competitiveness in key sectors.

Creation of over 10,000 direct jobs and USD 10 billion in GDP by 2030 through pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing.

Significant cost savings and increased earnings from local value addition in agriculture and manufacturing.

*Next Steps in STEI Development*

To sustain this momentum, the government plans to:

Establish a Biosciences Park for pilot manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics, and biomedical consumables.

Upgrade the Mpoma Ground Station with advanced equipment for geospatial research and high-performance computing.

Expand the National Water Resources Center and translational research facilities.

Accelerate the commercialization of Deep Tech innovations, particularly in health and agriculture.

Conclusion

The NRM government has made remarkable progress in implementing its manifesto commitments on STEI. These achievements lay a solid foundation for Uganda to become the region's most innovative and technologically advanced nation. By prioritizing local capacity building, industrial value addition, and strategic investments, Uganda is positioning itself as a leader in the knowledge economy. Through continued commitment and collaboration, the vision of “Making Uganda the Best” remains within reach.