This project is aimed at enhancing the technology and skills of Ugandans to participate in strategic national infrastructure projects and manufacturing industries.
The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) has
said that the National Science, technology and innovation skills enhancement
project will be completed by May 2023.
This project is aimed at enhancing the technology and skills of Ugandans to
participate in strategic national infrastructure projects and manufacturing
industries.
The government secured a loan from the Exim Bank of China worth 433.6 Billion Shillings
for the construction of two innovation centres in the country. The centres will
be constructed in Namanve and Kiruhura District.
Anthony Okimat, the project coordinator noted that the country has been lacking
skilled locals to manage key infrastructure developments in the country. He adds
that the project will expose the trainees and enable them to execute huge
contracts.
//Cue in You find that …
Cue out…demonstration in classes’’//
According to Okimat construction of the two innovation centres commenced
in July 2020, but stalled due to the covid- 19 pandemic. He says at the Rwebitete centre in Kiruhura, construction
is at 21% and Namanve 13%.
According to Okimat, the Rwebitete Centre will boost Technical Vocational
Educational Training (TVET) by retooling the trainers.
//cue in;’’ And then also…
Cue out...and craftsmen’’//
Rwebitete centre will be focusing on seven engineering technology areas that
include Civil engineering, construction, and automotive technology, industrial/mechanical,
electronic and electoral and agriculture mechanization.
The move is in line with the vision 2040 of setting up science and technology
parks, engineering centres, technology and business incubation centres that
will meet international standards and also one of the 18 focuses of the
National Development Plan III that focuses on innovation, technology and development.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation came up with an
innovation fund to encourage young people to come up with innovative ideas that
can be turned into tangible solutions and hence viable companies that can
provide jobs to the population.
Namugabi Eva
Freelancer