ICT minister Tumwebaze tips on innovation

Aug 31, 2016

“As we spend money on internet, let us think twice about what we are doing with it.”

KAMPALA - The minister for ICT and national guidance Frank Tumwebaze has asked Ugandan technology innovators to standardize innovations so that government can consume their products.

"I understand that innovations are dominating in our country and suddenly some people will start misusing the internet," he said.

"As we spend money on internet, let us think twice about what we are doing with it."

The minister was speaking at an information and technology innovation conference at the Uganda Communication Commission offices in Kampala.

Tumwebaze said part of the sh500bn President Yoweri Museveni pledged for science and technology in his manifesto will be used for ICT innovation.

ICT minister Frank Tumwebaze and UCC chief Godfrey Mutabazi share thoughts at the conference. (Credit: Rschael Nassuna)


UCC executive director Godfrey Mutabazi said the body has aspired and continued to change the mindset of the people, especially the young generation.

He said UCC identifies and awards Ugandan innovators.

Christine Mugimba, who heads research and strategy at UCC, said many people think that innovation is all about technology yet other sectors like business and agriculture also do.

At Tuesday's meeting, innovators pointed at limited funds as a major problem facing their day-to-day work, and called for government support.

An innovators forum was established and will be clustered in different sectors of innovations like health, technology, agriculture, among others.

Tonny James Lubwama, an official from Uganda Registration Services Bureau, said innovations can only grow if other people are given a chance to contribute to the existing inventions.

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