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Speech at the Pre-CHOGM Symposium On Science and TechnologyScience, Technology and Innovation: Key drivers for socio-economic Transformation
2007-09-17 I would like to thank Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), Makerere University, the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Commonwealth Foundation (CF), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the British Council (BC), Uganda Office, for hosting this important symposium.
Science is the primer of civilization as we know it today. When early man invented fire, it changed his whose lifestyle. Initially, man lived in trees, using primitive tools for hunting and eating raw food. With the invention of fire, he was able to cook his food, warm and protect himself, light his cave and make tools out of iron. The original tree-dweller moved down into caves and his pattern of life changed. Another invention that changed the course of society was gun powder, that saw some people wielding power as masters and others becoming slaves.
Science, technology and innovation are central to any development process and, ultimately, social transformation. The transformation of society will ultimately mean the total liberation, emancipation and empowering of people; and this must be done by enhancing the technological capacity of nations.
However, in spite of the emphasis placed on promoting sustained economic growth as the basis for poverty reduction in developing countries, technological change as a source of economic growth is not strong enough. This must be addressed.
It is imperative that national policies are formulated geared towards technological catch up with the more technologically advanced countries. This is best done through the deliberate enhancement of science and technology capacity. Uganda is moving very well on this front, making specific science and technonology initiatives in all three levels of education – primary, secondary and higher education.
Indeed, the disarticulation between societal needs on the one hand and the provision of scientific knowledge and human resources on the other must be addressed if we are to realise the transformation we are targeting.
Uganda, like most Sub-Saharan Africa, has most of her population (82%) in agriculture. However, this is subsistence agriculture, based on manual labour. It is imperative that we restructure traditional subsistence agriculture into modern, commercialised agriculture; and this can only be made possible through intensifying science and technology application.
This will include areas like mechanical harvesting, seed and breed improvement, food preservation, research, among other things.
Environmental protection is possible through the application of science, so that farming methods, industrial processing, energy use, are all done with a view to conservation. This will also greatly enhance the potential of tourism, which is one of our biggest sources of income.
The exploration, exploitation and processing of our mineral wealth is dependant on our science and technology capacity. Uganda has made great strides in the building of capacity for oil exploration. A deliberate effort to this effect saw a core team of 25 professionals trained to Masters Degree levels in Petroleum geology, Petroleum geophysics, and subsequently systematic training in Petroleum exploration, Petroleum law, and Petroleum engineering. The oil discoveries that are now being made, therefore, can be handled at professional levels.
In the field of heath, science and technology are central in the investigation and treatment of sickness and disease. Research into the manufacture of medicines, some of which are in our environment, will only be possible if we train our own people with a view of becoming self-reliant.
The establishment of the Joint clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Uganda, among other initiatives, for instance, was a major initiative that put Uganda a step ahead in the management of HIV/AIDs. However, we cannot afford to be complacent on this front.
We have registered impressive achievements in immunisation rates and infant mortality has been greatly reduced, thanks to our emphasis on these important areas. Our life expectancy has been increased owing to these major interventions.
The NRM government supports initiatives of global cooperation. Uganda, therefore, is ready to cooperate with governments and companies of other countries for the development of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector. I am proud to be associated with this conference because it enhances our inability to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements worldwide.
Government is fully aware of the increasingly important role of ICT in the economic development of nations. ICT is no longer a matter of choice, but a necessity in today’s world which is driven by technology and knowledge. ICT opens up business and job opportunities, largely contributing to increase in national wealth.
The NRM Government is placing great emphasis on the sustained and structured development of the ICT sector; the ultimate aim being the transformation of our people into an information society. Information and communications are at the heart of human life and social development.
The NRM Government is fully committed to providing stakeholders with opportunities to develop the ICT sector and make ICT one of the pillars of our economy, and has created an enabling environment to encourage the private sector to make investments into ICT services.
Uganda Government’s decision to establish an ICT Ministry headed by a Minister with a full cabinet portfolio shall enhance the development of good policies and infrastructure for ICT.
The development of ICT infrastructure to enable connectivity to schools, health centers, agricultural extension units and administration and commercial centers throughout the country is crucial in the transformation process. Capacity building in this area will no doubt help us bridge the digital divide and set us on a more rapid course in development.
Industrialization is a must if we are to make any headway in the much-desired transformation of society. If we are to add value to our produce in order to compete favourably in the global market; if we are to provide jobs for our people; and, ultimately, if we are to increase the living standards of our people by increasing their incomes; we must industrialize.
We cannot have industrialization without science and technology. It is, therefore, imperative that we offer our people an education that is skill-oriented and functional. There is need to support small-scale industries and step up the skills of the people engaged in them, in addition to making deliberate efforts at imparting technological skills to our children right from the early school days.
The setting up of Mbarara University for Science and Technology is a manifestation of our dream and vision; of our resolve to promote science and technology.
There is need for an aggressive campaign for the appreciation of science and technology as key drivers for social transformation. I therefore call upon all stakeholders to take interest in this field and join in the dissemination of its importance. Politicians, religious leaders, mass media, are all crucial channels that should partner with government in this very important challenge.
The NRM government has already made deliberate initiatives towards this effort by making science subjects compulsory in schools.
Scientific and technological development must be enhanced through collaborative efforts of sharing experiences with peers and neighbours. As we work towards a Political Federation in East Africa, it is imperative that we harmonize our policies towards this end.
I am glad that the National science week has chosen this topic in consonance with the main theme for the upcoming CHOGM meeting in November, highlighting transformation. It cannot be disputed that science and technology are, indeed, key drivers in the transformation process.
I believe that the experiences you have shared through this symposium have been very useful; and that they have whetted your desire to make science and technology and integral part of every developmental effort.
Societies that have lagged behind others in technology have been marginalized, enslaved, or decimated altogether; at best, they survive at the mercy of others.
That shall not be our portion, because with proper vision and focus, we shall catch up with the rest of the world.
Once again I would like to thank the hosts and organizers of this symposium for a job well done.
I thank you.
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President Meets IMF Delegation
2007-09-25
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the Ugandan economy has continued to grow at a rate of 6.5% per annum despite the problem of electricity shortage. The President said this during a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Takatoshi Kato. Mr. Museveni told his visitors that the country now needs modern infrastructure, especially railway transport and roads, to enhance competitiveness in trade. He said the government of Uganda is now in the process of laying strategies to generate power on anticipation unlike in the past when electricity was generated on demand. The President regretted to note that floods have caused devastating effects in Eastern and Northern Uganda. He, however, noted that the rains have boosted water levels in the country.
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President Addresses Inter-University Guild Council
2007-09-24
President Yoweri Museveni has said that Makerere University Business School (MUBS) is under Makerere University and the current wrangles, therefore, are not called for as this was the decision of government right from the inception of Nakawa-based MUBS. The President, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Janet Museveni, made the clarification while addressing the Inter-University Students’ Guild Council seminar at the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association (UMA) hall, Lugogo in Kampala. The seminar ran under the theme “Role of the Youth in Social, Political and Economic Transformation of the Country”.
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President Attends 12th Empango
2007-09-23
The Kingdom of Tooro marked the 12th coronation (empango) anniversary of the Omukama of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi the 4th at the Karuziika (place) in Fort Portal. The annual event is dedicated to celebrating the kingdom’s continuity and peace. President Yoweri Museveni was the chief guest during the celebrations. He warned against mixing politics with the affairs of the kingdom. He said politicians are always being attacked and added that he would not like to see this happening to traditional institutions ..more
“Education For All is For Development” – Museveni
2007-09-20
President Yoweri Museveni has said the government the Education for All programme that has been instituted by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is aimed at promoting and ensuring development for wananchi in Uganda. The President was speaking in a meeting at State House, Nakasero with a visiting delegation of the Commonwealth Secretariat Team of Experts. The delegation was led by the Speaker Emeritus of the Tanzanian National Assembly Rt. Hon. Pius Musekwa. ..more
President Assures On Quality Cotton Products’ Market
2007-09-20
President Yoweri Museveni has said that Uganda has a high potential of producing and processing organic cotton into high quality clothes for export market. The President revealed this at State House, Nakasero during a meeting with a delegation of entrepreneurs from South African based Cool Ideas Company. The delegation was led by Cool Ideas Director Ms. Belinda Edmonds. Mr. Museveni said that Uganda is capable of providing immense opportunities in various fields of production including the beef sector.
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President Receives Assistant Chinese Minister
2007-09-18
President Yoweri Museveni has stressed the need to strengthen further the economic co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and Uganda especially in the agro-processing, textile production, fish processing and information technology sectors The President was speaking during a meeting he held with the visiting Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Mr. Fu Ziying. The meeting took place at the President’s Kisozi farm in Mpigi district. Mr. Museveni, who hailed the ever growing excellent bilateral relationship between Uganda and China, said that the country commands a very big agricultural potential and a vast natural resource base. ..more
President Meets Gomba County Leaders
2007-09-15
President Yoweri Museveni has called on Members of Parliament throughout the country to spearhead the campaign against poverty by actively participating in training wananchi using materials from the National Agricultural and Development Services (NAADS) and local extension workers. The President was addressing political and religious leaders from Gomba County in Mpigi district who called on him at his Kisozi farm. Mr. Museveni observed that in the past, a lot of money from NAADS had been spent on training farmers. He, however, stressed that the strategy should change to using the funds for purchasing items like suckers, seeds or fertilizers to empower people to start serious production programmes.
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No Delays On Supply Of Electricity” - Museveni
2007-09-13
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government will not accept any delays in the provision of electricity to the national grid. The President was speaking during a meeting with the visiting World Bank Country Director, Mr. John Murray McIntire at State House, Nakasero. He said work must start on the Karuma power station soon and remain ahead of the national electricity demand. Mr. Museveni also emphasized that Uganda must have a modern railway network to the sea adding that “without fast transport, export costs would remain high”. He emphasized that the World Bank in collaboration with the government of Uganda should concentrate on the construction of durable roads in the country.
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President Fundraises For St. Jude Catholic Church, Bukoto Masaka
2007-09-11
Over Shs.34 million was realized in a fundraising drive held to raise money for the roofing of St. Jude Bukoto Catholic Church in Kabonera sub-county, Masaka district.
President Yoweri Museveni who was the chief guest at the ceremony donated Shs.10 million. The area MP who is also the Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Edward Sekandi, the deputy Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadago together with other members of parliament present contributed over six million shillings.
Items mobilized for auctioning by the lay people from the parish together with friends from beyond the parish included 7 cows, 45 goats, 125 chickens, a variety of food stuffs as well as a presidential portrait and Virgin Mary’s picture. ..more
Uganda And DRC Sign Joint Bilateral Agreement
2007-09-09
President Yoweri Museveni and President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, last night signed a joint bilateral co-operation agreement aimed at establishing peace and security in both countries and normalizing their relations and strengthening their co-operation. The historic Ngorodoto Agreement was reached after a 2-day special summit convened by the Tanzanian leader President Jakaya Kikwete at Ngorodoto Mountain and Country Club in Arusha. Mr. Kikwete also witnessed the signing of the documents. The landmark agreement covered areas of defence and security, economic co-operation as well as political and diplomatic co-operation. ..more
Uganda & DRC Begin Summit In Arusha
2007-09-08
A special summit on Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened in Arusha, Northern Tanzania attended by President Yoweri Museveni and his DRC counterpart President Joseph Kabila.The summit is under the chairmanship of host President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania. The summit, held after the 2 heads of state requested President Kikwete to host it, is discussing outstanding issues between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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President Leaves For Arusha Tanzania
2007-09-07
President Yoweri Museveni is in the Northern Tanzania town of Arusha on a 2-day working visit during which he will attend a special summit between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The President was received at Kilimanjaro International Airport by the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bernard Membe, Uganda Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Sam Kutesa and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Ibrahim Mukiibi.
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President Urges DRC Not To Harbour Terrorists
2007-09-05
President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) not to accept being used as ground by groups that are hostile to neighbouring countries. The President made the call at State House, Nakasero during a meeting with a visiting American government delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ms Jendayi Frazer. Mr. Museveni urged the DRC to apprehend the Lord’s Resistance Army on its territory to ensure that the group goes to the assembly areas in order to further facilitate the ongoing peace process that is taking place in Juba, Southern Sudan. The President was optimistic that the peace process between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army would succeed. ..more
“Government To Give Free Legal Services” – Museveni
2007-09-05
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government will avail free legal services to victims of land evictions in order to curb that hideous practice which has rendered many people landless. The President, who is continuing his tour of Luweero Triangle Bonna Bagaggawale sensitization programme, was addressing the people of Kiryabyoya village, Nakitoma Sub-County in Nakasongola district. He also noted that tenants have been evicted from their land by unscrupulous landowners due to ignorance on the part of the tenants. Mr. Museveni clarified that the law stipulates that a tenant who occupied land 12 years before the promulgation of the 1995 constitution, cannot be evicted. ..more
“Zirobwe- Wobulenzi Road To Be Repaired” – Museveni
2007-09-04
President Yoweri Museveni has assured the people of Uganda that government will continue to channel funds to the grass-root level in the country through the Local Government Development Programme LGDP), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), the Micro-Finance scheme, among others, to assist people increase household income. The President was speaking at two separate rallies held at Kamira Primary School in Kamira Sub-County and at Kiziba Primary School in Kikyusa Sub-county of Bamunanika County in Luweero district. ..more
“Govt. To Follow Up On NAADS Funds” – Museveni
2007-09-01
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government is going to make a follow up of the funds released to sub-counties under the National Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS) as a way of ascertaining its proper use. “More money has been sent through NAADS. Government will make a follow up to see that the people trained and facilitated by NAADS put the money to proper use”, said the President to the people of Nakaseke. The President was meeting wananchi of Kirema, Kabugwe and Mijenje villages of Semuto Sub-County in Nakaseke district. Mr. Museveni is currently on a tour of Luweero Triangle to sensitize people on Bonna Bagaggawale programme. ..more
President Tours Wakiso District
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the rate of growth that Uganda has achieved is a result of the continued support to the NRM government that the people of Luweero Triangle enkindled right from the time of the protracted armed people’s struggle over 20 years ago. The President was addressing people of Kira Town Council, Jjanda village and Nansana-Bujuuko in Wakiso district. Mr. Museveni is on a tour of the district specifically to sensitize the people on the “Bonna Bagaggawale” (Prosperity for All) programme. He gave Shs.10 million each to the people of Jjanda and Nansana – Bujuuko areas to help them start income generating activities. ..more
“UPDF to Help Establish Somali State pillars” – Museveni
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF’s) role in Somalia is to help the Somali people restore that country’s State pillars. The President disclosed this during a meeting at State House, Nakasero, with American Senator Ross Feingold who has been in Uganda on a 3-day visit. During his stay in the country, Senator traveled to Gulu district to personally assess the humanitarian situation in Northern Uganda and was able to visit Internally Displaced People Camps (IDPCs) in the area and was impressed by the Government’s intervention measures to assist the people there to resettle.
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President Calls For Agro-Based Industries
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has called for the establishment of more agro-based processing industries in Uganda. The President made the remark at State House, Nakasero in a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of a Danish company, Apmoeller/Maersk Group, which specializes in the shipping business.
Mr. Museveni urged the group to attract more investors to Uganda to process the abundant agricultural produce, like fruits and foods, into value added products for domestic, regional and international markets. He said that increased volume of processed products would go a long way in reducing the cost of transport to Mombasa Port.
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“Conservation Is A Must” – Museveni
2007-08-27
President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated that sustainable conservation of the fauna and flora of Uganda can only be achieved after the crucial issues of electrification and industrialization have been permanently addressed. The President was closing a 4-day Leadership for Conservation Africa (LCA) Council meeting at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, in newly established Amuru district. The 2nd council meeting that attracted participants from over 15 countries in Africa as well as outside the continent, aimed at bringing together the business community and conservationists to ensure that the environment is conserved in a sustainable way for future generations. ..more
President Meets Austrian Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni has met a delegation from the Province of Carintia in Austria at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by Ms. Olivia Mugabe, a programmes’ director of A – Z Austria – Uganda, based in Austria. The NGO, which trains people in Luweero in income generating activities, is supported by the government of Austria. Among the delegation were Mr. Quendher Peter, Hebein Peter and Runpold Achill from the government of Austria, Carinthia Province, among others, and the representative of the Minister of Agriculture from Carinthia Mr. Martin Joseph. ..more
President Receives DRC Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni received a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the DRC Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Mbusa Nyamisi. The President and his visitors discussed matters related to peace and security in both countries. On the issue of petroleum in both countries, President Museveni told the delegation that Uganda has now trained people in that field who have the experience which the government of DRC can share in order not to be cheated by foreign companies during time of exploration.
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No LRA presence in CAR – Bozize
2007-08-23
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has denied any presence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in his country and added that his government investigated the allegations by media reports and found no truth in them. President Bozize was responding to questions from the press at a joint press conference he held with his host President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Nakasero. Mr. Bozize also informed journalists that his country is currently engaged in resolving internal challenges that might not allow her to send troops to the troubled Darfur region in the Sudan. ..more
President Bozize Lectures Kimaka Army College
2007-08-22
The visiting Central African Republic President Mr. Francois Bozize has underscored the important role played by the army in the maintenance of peace and stability in African nations geared towards development. General Bozize, who was accompanied by his host President Yoweri Museveni, was the guest speaker at the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka in Jinja. General Bozize said that for Africa to realize development and her dream of a United States of Africa, the army was very crucial in the process because it is the vanguard of peace and stability that is required to achieve that goal. ..more
President Bozize Arrives In Uganda
2007-08-22
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has started a 2-day state visit to Uganda. President Bozize, who is accompanied by his wife Mrs. Monique Bozize, was received on arrival at Entebbe International Airport this morning by his host President Yoweri Museveni. Others at the airport to receive President Bozize included Minister for Presidency Mrs. Beatrice Wabudeya, that of Security Mr. Amama Mbabazi, of Education and Sports Mrs. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire and of State for International Affairs Mr. Okello Oryem.
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