UNCST’s New Policy Direction Promises a Bright Future for Ugandan Science, Technology and Innovation

What the report says

Hundreds of innovators from across Uganda met at Enterprise Uganda’s Centre of Excellence in Butabika, Kampala, for a consultative discussion on the draft Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026, according to Watchdog Uganda. The gathering came after earlier consultations in which innovators raised concerns about limited government backing for their work.

The report says Dr James Kisaale, executive secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), urged innovators to organize themselves into associations so they can negotiate more effectively and access public support. He said governments tend to engage structured groups rather than individuals. Dr Charles Ocici, director general of Enterprise Uganda, also addressed participants, stressing that ideas must reach the market before innovators can benefit from them and encouraging inventors to protect their work through patents.

Watchdog Uganda reported that Kisaale acknowledged innovators working in mechanical engineering, agriculture and natural medicine, and said Uganda’s policy environment and stability were helping attract investment and support scientific progress. The article also noted that another similar forum is planned for 2027, giving innovators a chance to present their discoveries and connect with markets.

More broadly, UNCST is Uganda’s main public body for science, technology and innovation oversight, and the policy review reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.