We need a ministry of science and technology
28th May 2006
As the Eigth Parliament considered President Museveni’s nominations for ministers, there was talk, which might be true, that we will soon have a ministry of Information Technology (IT).
As the Eigth Parliament considered President Museveni’s nominations for ministers, there was talk, which might be true, that we will soon have a ministry of Information Technology (IT).
It is great news that the Government has realised the tremendous potential IT has towards development and economic management and has decided to accord it ministerial status.
Uganda has done well in this area as is exemplified by the numerous government departments and organisations with homes on the Internet.
While this is commendable, one realises that an important but broader aspect has been left out; science and technology as a whole. While all the other East African countries have ministries of science and technology, Uganda has none, in spite of Government being pro-science. For example, science has been prioritised in education and the President has, on several occasions, said science and technology is the way up for developing Uganda.
Information Technology is only a small part of science and technology, so why not a fully-fledged ministry of science and technology? Currently, several science-related government organisations/units are either autonomous or scattered in different ministries like agriculture, education, health, commerce and finance.
One important function of such a ministry would be to promote science and technology education.
Another would be to stimulate and interest the young generation in science and technology for creation of novel solutions to problems that not only provide employment opportunities but drive economic development to higher levels.
For example, currently there is a worldwide energy crisis and momentum is gathering for a major international switch from fossil fuels to renewal bio-energy.
It has been predicted that in the next 15 to 20 years, bio-fuels will be providing up to 25% of the world’s energy requirements. Already in Brazil, one million cars run on fuel made from sugarcane (bio-ethanol).
There is a large potential for Uganda, with its two cropping seasons per year, to strategically develop new bio-fuel crops and tap this new paradigm in world economics. However, without a specific cabinet-level policy body to lobby and implement such strategies, we will lose out.
Ends
It is great news that the Government has realised the tremendous potential IT has towards development and economic management and has decided to accord it ministerial status.
Uganda has done well in this area as is exemplified by the numerous government departments and organisations with homes on the Internet.
While this is commendable, one realises that an important but broader aspect has been left out; science and technology as a whole. While all the other East African countries have ministries of science and technology, Uganda has none, in spite of Government being pro-science. For example, science has been prioritised in education and the President has, on several occasions, said science and technology is the way up for developing Uganda.
Information Technology is only a small part of science and technology, so why not a fully-fledged ministry of science and technology? Currently, several science-related government organisations/units are either autonomous or scattered in different ministries like agriculture, education, health, commerce and finance.
One important function of such a ministry would be to promote science and technology education.
Another would be to stimulate and interest the young generation in science and technology for creation of novel solutions to problems that not only provide employment opportunities but drive economic development to higher levels.
For example, currently there is a worldwide energy crisis and momentum is gathering for a major international switch from fossil fuels to renewal bio-energy.
It has been predicted that in the next 15 to 20 years, bio-fuels will be providing up to 25% of the world’s energy requirements. Already in Brazil, one million cars run on fuel made from sugarcane (bio-ethanol).
There is a large potential for Uganda, with its two cropping seasons per year, to strategically develop new bio-fuel crops and tap this new paradigm in world economics. However, without a specific cabinet-level policy body to lobby and implement such strategies, we will lose out.
Ends