Minister Asiimwe warns researchers against misusing govt grants
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki arriving for a meeting with Gulu University management, researchers and young innovators. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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Science, Technology and Innovation minister Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki has warned researchers and innovators across Uganda against diverting government research grants to activities unrelated to their approved projects, saying the funds must deliver tangible innovations and products that address societal challenges.
Asiimwe said some researchers and innovators who had received billions of shillings under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) research support programme were spending the money on administrative costs, fuel and other activities instead of prioritising the research for which the grants were awarded.
The minister said the government expects researchers to use the funding to develop practical solutions that can be transformed into marketable products and contribute to national development.
He made the remarks on November 6, 2026, during a meeting with Gulu University management, researchers and young innovators to assess ongoing research projects and explore ways of supporting their transition from research to commercialisation.
During the visit, the STI Secretariat toured various faculties at the university to assess innovations and research projects being undertaken by students and academic staff.
Govt to support herbal medicine research
One of the projects that impressed the minister was research led by Dr Alice Veronica Lamwaka, who is investigating the potential of locally sourced herbal medicines as an alternative treatment for sickle cell disease.
During the interaction, Asiimwe asked Lamwaka about the progress of her research and the support needed to advance the project.
Lamwaka explained that the research had reached a stage where clinical trials were required, but the team lacked the financial resources to undertake them.
According to Lamwaka, the team had conducted phytochemical analysis to establish the properties of the herbal extracts, while preliminary observations from patients using the herbal formulation had been encouraging.
She appealed to the government to provide additional funding to enable the research team to undertake the required clinical trials and establish the product's safety and effectiveness.
In response, Asiimwe directed the STI Secretariat to explore support for the research team to complete the necessary clinical trials and advance the development of the herbal product towards commercial production.
Gulu University showcases local innovations
The minister also toured several university projects aimed at addressing challenges in energy, environmental protection, healthcare and accessibility.
At the Faculty of Agriculture, researchers showcased an innovation known as green charcoal, which involves converting agricultural waste, including groundnut shells and rice husks, into briquettes as an alternative source of fuel.
The researchers are also exploring ways of converting polythene waste into kerosene-like fuel products. The innovation is intended to address poor plastic waste disposal while exploring alternative energy sources.
At the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), researchers demonstrated the development of an electronic white cane designed to help visually impaired people navigate safely.
The university also showcased its COVID-19 testing strip innovation, alongside other research projects being undertaken by students and academic staff.
University seeks govt support for product certification
Despite the progress made in research and innovation, Gulu University says several products developed by its young entrepreneurs are yet to access wider markets because of challenges in obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and certifications.
The university's vice-chancellor, Prof. George Openjuru Ladaah, appealed to the government to support young innovators in meeting certification requirements from institutions such as the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
He said such support would enable locally developed products to move beyond the university environment and compete in the wider market.
Govt prioritises science and innovation
At a meeting with the university's top management, Asiimwe pledged continued government support for research and innovation, urging academic institutions to prioritise projects that respond to real challenges facing communities.
He said the government was increasingly focusing on Science, Technology and Innovation as a key driver of Uganda's Tenfold Growth Strategy.
The minister is visiting public universities across the country to assess ongoing research projects, engage innovators and identify areas where government support can accelerate the transformation of research findings into commercially viable products.
He said the ultimate goal was to move innovations from laboratories and university campuses into industries and markets where they can create jobs, generate income and contribute to Uganda's economic transformation.