World Bank grants $52m to science projects
Sep 17, 2007
The World Bank has given Uganda a grant of $30m (about sh52.5b) to boost science and technology.
By Moses Mulondo
The World Bank has given Uganda a grant of $30m (about sh52.5b) to boost science and technology.
The finance state minister, Fred Omach, said the Government had earmarked $3.5m (about sh6.1b) to support the project dubbed ‘Millennium Science Initiative’ (MSI)
Speaking at the launch of the first science week at Serena Hotel in Kampala yesterday, World Bank country representative Michael Crawford said the African continent was losing many talented scientists to developed countries.
The Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, noted that the difference between developed and underdeveloped countries was the variation in science and technology.
“In Uganda, we have been in slumber for a long time. No country has developed without putting emphasis on science and technology.â€
He attributed this to poor teaching at institutions of learning, which he described as too theoretical.
“Our science graduates don’t want to put their hands in dirt, yet that is the main avenue to innovation.â€
The Vice-President said scientists, like the ones in Katwe who engage in metal fabrication, need support, adding that it was because of such innovations that the Asian tigers like China have developed.
Drawing from his experience from a recent trip to Cuba where best scientists were recognised weekly, Bukenya suggested that Uganda starts a policy of rewarding the best scientists on a regular basis to encourage research and innovation.
Peter Ndemere, the chief executive officer of the Uganda National Science and Technology and Innovation, said the science week would promote awareness on the role of science in transforming society.
A science exhibition to mark the week started yesterday at the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association show ground in Lugogo.
The World Bank has given Uganda a grant of $30m (about sh52.5b) to boost science and technology.
The finance state minister, Fred Omach, said the Government had earmarked $3.5m (about sh6.1b) to support the project dubbed ‘Millennium Science Initiative’ (MSI)
Speaking at the launch of the first science week at Serena Hotel in Kampala yesterday, World Bank country representative Michael Crawford said the African continent was losing many talented scientists to developed countries.
The Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, noted that the difference between developed and underdeveloped countries was the variation in science and technology.
“In Uganda, we have been in slumber for a long time. No country has developed without putting emphasis on science and technology.â€
He attributed this to poor teaching at institutions of learning, which he described as too theoretical.
“Our science graduates don’t want to put their hands in dirt, yet that is the main avenue to innovation.â€
The Vice-President said scientists, like the ones in Katwe who engage in metal fabrication, need support, adding that it was because of such innovations that the Asian tigers like China have developed.
Drawing from his experience from a recent trip to Cuba where best scientists were recognised weekly, Bukenya suggested that Uganda starts a policy of rewarding the best scientists on a regular basis to encourage research and innovation.
Peter Ndemere, the chief executive officer of the Uganda National Science and Technology and Innovation, said the science week would promote awareness on the role of science in transforming society.
A science exhibition to mark the week started yesterday at the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association show ground in Lugogo.