We need to focus more on research and development - Ajedra

Innovations that were recently completed by Makerere University students under the auspice of Makerere University School of Public Health and Resilient Africa Network(RAN) are due for scaling up.

Different students at the school of public health developed innovations which include, Wekebere-your pregnancy companion, Pedal Tap-Hands Free Water Dispensing System, Water Purification System, Akello Banker, EpiTent-a tent that breathes, Gudie Leisure Farm-for organic pesticides, ‘Kungula' Winnowing Maize Thresher, solar irrigation pump and the Solar Dryer.

Mugunga Emmanuel Freddie, the undersecretary in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said the Innovation Fund that was recently initiated aimed at encouraging creativity and supporting research, technology development and transfer, technoprenuership and commercialisation of research products and innovations.

"The fund is intended to help innovators and researchers to overcome some of the challenges they face in applying their innovations for the wider benefit of the community and economy at large. We have explicit potential to be commercially viable and competitive with imports - based on private sector needs," he explained.

Mugunga said the Innovation Fund guidelines/Framework is being finalised to guide the use, application and overall access of the fund.

Dr. Gabriel Ajedra, the State Minister for Finance in charge of general duties during the recent launch of the second State of African Resilience report emphasised the need for all of sectors to work towards breaking operational or working silos in order to meaningfully contribute to better lives in the communities in which we live and work.

"We all need to increase our focus on education, research and development. Everything else can wait except education and efforts to boost Agriculture. He also re-echoed Government's commitment to supporting innovation, science and technology," he said.

Prof. William Bazeyo, the acting deputy vice chancellor at Makerere University, explained that RAN has supported 20 Universities in 13 African countries harnessing, further developing/incubating and working with other stakeholders to scale innovative solutions.

Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, Makerere University's Chairman Council requested the donor bodies to keep the support graceful so that all together realise positive transformation in the communities.