President Yoweri Museveni has once again emphasized the importance of higher education institutions investing in scientific research to drive the country’s development agenda.
The call for prioritizing scientific research has been a consistent message from President Museveni, as he sees sciences as fundamental to national progress.
For instance, during the 28th graduation ceremony of Bugema University in Luwero in November 2022, he underscored the significance of sciences in a country’s development trajectory.
In November 2023, while speaking at the Science Week event as the chief guest at Kololo Independence Grounds, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to supporting the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) by ensuring it receives adequate funding.
He endorsed the Ministry’s request for an annual budget of Shillings 500 Billion and proposed a 10-year tax holiday for Ugandan scientists and innovators to spur scientific advancements and industrialization. This renewed call for prioritizing scientific research and innovation was conveyed by Vice President Jessica Alupo during Bugema University’s 75th-anniversary celebrations.
Bugema University, affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1948 as a ministerial training college. Today, it produces a diverse range of professionals, reflecting its growth and impact over the years. Responding to President Museveni’s call, Dr. Pr. Israel Masiko Kafeero, the Vice Chancellor of Bugema University, highlighted the institution’s efforts to secure funding for a science complex.
This complex aims to enhance research capabilities, accommodate more students, and introduce new courses, including medicine, aligning with the national agenda of fostering scientific research and innovation. Overall, President Museveni’s consistent advocacy for investing in scientific research reflects his vision for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, with higher education institutions like Bugema University playing a crucial role in this endeavor.