VP challenges local science educationists

KAMPALA - Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has called for sustainable scientific collaboration between Ugandan institutions of higher learning and the rest of the world if the country is to attain its middle-income status.

He also challenged local scientists to translate the various scientific concepts into practical actions that will contribute to the transformation of the Ugandan population into a middle-income society.

The VP was meeting educationists from Italy and local universities specialising in science and technological disciplines at his office in Kampala.

He said that even amidst challenges of funding, government will encourage and support innovations that will contribute to the welfare of Ugandans.

Ssekandi appreciated the team’s willingness to work with the Ugandan government in promoting science and technology which he said are core aspects of the NRM manifesto and Government priorities.

Prof. Marfino from International Welding group of Genova institute said that her institute specialises in areas of aeronautical and oil and gas welding,adding that the institute will be working with Uganda universities in producing globally recognised and certified welders.

The institute is the awarding body for international ISO certification for welders and has collaboration with Kyambogo University.

It is now interested in extending the collaboration to the other public science universities of Muni, Soroti and Busitema.

According to Prof. Marfino, they plan to also support vocational training schools with soft technology transfer to also help them get ISO Certification for Welders and also identify training and funding gaps where interested agencies in Italy and the EU can support.

The delegation also included members from iS Solutions, an Italian software company specialised in centralised monitoring system for gaming regulators with interest of working with Government in monitoring and regulation of gaming and sports betting to ensure security, reliability and taxation.

 According to the group’s executive officer Dr. Filippi Ceci, their effort is to provide responsible gaming, payment of taxes and market awareness in order to control the industry, prevent fraud and tackle money laundering.   

Government had previously wanted to outlaw sports betting due to the negative influence on the youth engaged in the practise but it was considered among other gaming activities like casino gambling and now looking for ways to regulate it.       

The meeting was attended by representatives of Kyambogo, Muni, Soroti and Busitema Universities and Uganda’s Ambassador to Rome, Grace Akello.