Nuwagaba urges Uganda to fund local research
Bank of Uganda deputy governor says importing solutions weakens the economy and pressures the currency.
Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Professor Augustus Nuwagaba has urged the government to increase funding for local research and innovation. He warned that Uganda’s continued dependence on imported technologies and solutions is undermining efforts to strengthen the economy. Nuwagaba said universities should lead in developing homegrown solutions for agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare to reduce the country’s import bill and improve its trade balance. He argued that reliance on imported products contributes to the current account deficit, which pressures the local currency.
Speaking at Uganda Christian University, Nuwagaba challenged higher education institutions to align academic research with national development priorities. He stated that research and innovation are central to achieving the National Development Plan IV and the 10-fold Growth Strategy. Nuwagaba urged universities to prioritize research addressing practical challenges for farmers, manufacturers, and healthcare providers, rather than solely academic publications.
He called for research into drought-resistant crops, improved farming methods, pest control, and affordable storage technologies for agriculture. Nuwagaba also advocated for stronger university-industry partnerships to develop production technologies using local raw materials. In healthcare, he stressed research into affordable diagnostic equipment and locally developed treatments. Nuwagaba warned that meaningful research requires increased government funding, academic freedom, and independence from external agendas.
Why it mattersUganda's continued reliance on imported technologies and solutions is weakening its economy and putting pressure on the local currency.