Prof Nuwagaba Urges Uganda to Invest in Local Research to Cut Imports

What the report says

Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Augustus Nuwagaba has called on Uganda to invest more in local research and innovation, saying homegrown solutions could help cut the country’s import bill, ease pressure on the shilling and support domestic production. The remarks were reported by Nile Post and delivered during an engagement on research, innovation and economic transformation at Uganda Christian University.

Nuwagaba urged government to increase funding for universities and research institutions, arguing that academic work should focus more on practical needs in agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare. He said research should help address challenges such as low farm productivity, post-harvest losses, pest control, affordable storage, production technologies that use local raw materials, and cheaper diagnostic and treatment options.

He linked greater dependence on imported goods and technology to Uganda’s trade imbalance and current account deficit, which he said contribute to pressure on the local currency. Nuwagaba also said stronger collaboration among government, universities and the private sector is needed so research responds to economic priorities rather than mainly producing academic publications.

The message fits into broader policy goals under Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the Ten-fold Growth Strategy, which aim to build a more competitive, knowledge-based economy. Background on these plans is general context; the publisher’s report focused on Nuwagaba’s call for more locally driven innovation and greater academic freedom to support development.