The Ugandan National Research Output report was launched on 21 June at a regional meeting of the Science Granting Councils Initiative. It argues that Uganda must reform its science, technology and innovation (STI) systems to accelerate the country’s move toward middle-income status. The Science Granting Councils Initiative seeks to strengthen the institutional capacities of 18 public science funding agencies across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The analysis highlights persistent gender imbalances and weak domestic support for research. It notes that between 2010 and 2020 less than a quarter (24 per cent) of Ugandan PhD holders were female, and that STEM education in the country is dominated by men. The report also records positive progress: in 2019 the UNCST and the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy founded the Gender Equity in Research Alliance (GERA); GERA registered as an NGO in 2021 and now has members in 70 per cent of Ugandan universities.
Martin P. Ongol, acting executive secretary of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, lists several areas for reform: STI training, gender inclusivity, diversified research funding options, greater use of research by the private sector, and stronger research collaboration. The report warns that publicly funded research budgets remain largely foreign-led and states that "new direct and/or indirect models of research funding need to be explored to incentivize private sector actors to invest in research." It presents strengthening links between research, government and business as a likely next step.
The article reporting the launch was supported by the Science Granting Councils Initiative and produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Difficult words
- reform — to make important changes in a system
- institutional — relating to organizations or their structures
- capacity — ability of an organization to perform necessary taskscapacities
- gender imbalance — unequal numbers or chances for men and womengender imbalances
- diversify — to increase variety or types of somethingdiversified
- incentivize — to encourage investment or action by offering rewards
- collaboration — work together by people or organizations
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What kinds of funding models could encourage private sector investment in research in Uganda? Give one or two examples and explain why they might work.
- What practical steps could universities and research institutions take to reduce the gender imbalance in STEM fields?
- How might strengthening the institutional capacities of public science funding agencies affect research quality and national development?
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