KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Eng. Jonard Asiimwe as Minister in the Office of the President in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation, as part of the major Cabinet reshuffle announced on May 26, 2026.
The appointment has been welcomed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat (STI Secretariat), which congratulated Asiimwe and expressed optimism about advancing Uganda’s innovation agenda under his leadership.
In a statement shared on X, the STI Secretariat said it looked forward to working with the new minister to “advance Uganda’s STI agenda and drive innovation towards the realisation of the USD 500 billion economy.”
Eng. Asiimwe, an engineer, businessman and National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for Western Uganda, takes over the strategic docket at a time when Uganda is increasingly positioning science, research, technology, and innovation as key drivers of industrialisation and economic transformation.
Following his appointment, Asiimwe released a lengthy message expressing gratitude to President Museveni for entrusting him with what he described as “a solemn national trust” and “a compelling mandate to contribute to Uganda’s scientific renaissance.”
“I receive with profound humility, immense gratitude, and an unwavering sense of patriotic duty Your Excellency’s gracious appointment of my person as Minister in the Office of the President in Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation,” Asiimwe said.
He praised President Museveni for championing science and technology as pillars of national development long before they became global priorities.
“Your Excellency’s enduring commitment to science, technology, innovation, and knowledge-driven development has fundamentally reshaped Uganda’s development trajectory,” he said.
Asiimwe pledged to strengthen collaboration between research institutions, academia, government, and the private sector in order to accelerate innovation and industrial growth.
“I am committed to fostering stronger linkages between research institutions, academia, industry, government, and the private sector; promoting indigenous innovation; supporting transformative technologies; and ensuring that scientific advancement becomes an instrument of inclusive prosperity and national progress,” he added.
He also called on young Ugandans to embrace innovation, knowledge, and patriotism in shaping the country’s future.
“To the young people of Uganda, this moment is a testament to the limitless possibilities that emerge when talent, discipline, knowledge, innovation, and patriotism converge,” Asiimwe noted.
The appointment comes amid a broader Cabinet reshuffle that introduced several new faces into government for the 2026–2031 term following President Museveni’s re-election.
Supporters, innovators, and youth leaders have since welcomed Asiimwe’s appointment, describing him as a leader capable of bridging the gap between research, technology, and the commercial industry while empowering young innovators across the country.
Uganda has in recent years invested heavily in science-led development initiatives, including support for local manufacturing, innovation hubs, biotechnology research, digital transformation, and value addition, all aimed at accelerating the country’s journey towards middle-income and eventually high-income status.
