Patent your research to earn more, Prof. Nuwagaba advises

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The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, has urged researchers to patent their innovations in order to attract global investors and earn higher incomes.

He said this move is critical for serious researchers who want to be approached by international funders, adding that it would also boost economic growth.

“When you are doing research, patent your innovation with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) so that it can attract funders like the World Bank,” Prof Nuwagaba told the audience.

He cited examples where patented innovations have attracted funding worth sh8 billion and above.

Prof. Nuwagaba emphasised that research is a key component any country can invest in to achieve economic development.

The poverty expert noted that researchers should be proud of their innovations and aspire to be recognised, citing renowned Ugandan academics such as Prof. Francis Omaswa, former Director General of Health Services, and Prof. Joy Kwesigwa of Makerere University.

He also urged researchers to avoid conducting research that is not impactful and instead focus on work that can influence national policy.

Prof Nuwagaba further encouraged researchers to prioritise internationalising their innovations and publishing books that can reach global audiences, particularly in Europe.

He advised researchers to seize the opportunity, highlighting that Uganda is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, ranked seventh globally.

He projected that by 2030, Uganda could be ranked first.

Prof. Nuwagaba made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the second Annual Joint Research Dissemination Conference held at Makerere University on July 18 2025.

The conference was organised by the Network for Education and Multidisciplinary Research Africa (NEMRA), in partnership with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST).

Themed “Knowledge Transfer and Commercialisation of Research Results to Solve Societal Problems and Accelerate Economic Growth,” the conference brought together scholars from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and other institutions.

Dr Ongol, in his address, noted the importance of translating research and ideas into services, products, and solutions that solve societal challenges and foster economic growth and transformation.

Dr Martin Muhereza of Makerere University observed that in today’s knowledge-driven world, research is no longer just an academic exercise, but a powerful engine for innovation, policy advancement, and economic transformation.

He called on researchers to foster stronger collaboration between universities and industry, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and build enabling policies that support not only the generation of knowledge but also its transfer to those who can scale and create value from it.

Dr Muhereza also stressed the importance of translating research into solutions that can improve healthcare, education, agriculture, climate resilience, management, and many other areas of society.

He added that, when properly implemented, commercialisation becomes a catalyst for inclusive development and sustainable economic growth.

Joseph Enyimu, commissioner for economic development, Policy and Research at the Ministry of Finance, told the audience that the Government is committed to funding science, technology, and innovation to the tune of $99 million.

He urged ministries, departments, and agencies to identify innovators and support the development of tangible products that address societal problems and accelerate economic growth.

“We are ready to support these efforts going forward,” Enyimu told participants. He was representing the permanent secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi.

Certificates were awarded to participants in recognition of their contribution to promoting impactful research.

Among those in attendance was Prof. Peter Samuels from the University of Wolverhampton.