Parliament to host Science, Technology, Innovation exhibition – Nile Post

Parliament will next week host the 2nd Science, Technology and Innovation exhibition week intended to identify innovations that require government interventions and funding.

The exhibition will run under the theme ‘Transforming the country through Ugandan innovations,’ and will be held at the Parliament Ground parking from 10 – 14 December 2018.

Over 800 local innovators are expected at the exhibition, which is being organized by the Parliament Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation.

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga (NRM, Kigulu North) explained that while the exhibition and entrance are free of charge, government would support innovators so that Uganda can match the pace of developed nations, where innovation, science, and technology are the primary pillars of economic growth.

“The objectives of this exhibition is to empower and support the innovators, enhance social economic transformation of the country through application and use of local materials and finally identify innovations that require government interventions and funding,” he said during a press conference held at Parliament Building on Monday, 3 December 2018.

He however added that no funds were allocated to the Innovation Fund this financial year due to lack of guidelines.

“We did not get any funding because there was no framework governing the use of the fund. The innovation fund was to be drawn from the Consolidated Fund and since it’s public resources, the guidelines are necessary,” said Bwino.

He revealed that the Ministry of Science and Technology is currently carrying out countrywide consultations to draft guidelines before the next budget reading.

He invited innovators to come and exhibit new ideas, creative thoughts and imaginations in form of new devices, methods and procedures and value additions, in the various fields.

Bwino also said that the institution of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau would attend the exhibition so as to provide important information to innovators on the need to protect their intellectual property rights from what he called ‘intellectual thieves and pirates’.