KAMPALA — Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Monica Musenero has defended government investment in laboratory research, recounting how she was criticised for purchasing laboratory rats at Shs8 million, a decision she says ultimately saved the country significant money.
Speaking at the convocation luncheon held Tuesday at the Convocation Gardens at Makerere University, Musenero used the example to highlight the importance of bold decision-making in building Uganda’s scientific and innovation capacity.
“When I was starting this job, people were calling me all sorts of names because apparently I bought a rat at eight million shillings,” she told the audience of graduates, researchers and university leaders.
“But I told them I saved you money because they were selling them at 100,000 dollars,” she added, drawing laughter and applause.
Investing in Research Infrastructure
Musenero said the criticism reflected a broader misunderstanding of how scientific research works and why strategic investments are necessary. “These days I walk with a chip on my shoulder because I have products to present to Uganda, courtesy of Ugandan innovators,” she said.
The Minister explained that laboratory animals are essential for biomedical research and product development, and that building local capacity reduces long-term dependence on costly foreign imports.
Her remarks formed part of a broader appeal for Makerere to accelerate its transition from a teaching institution to a research and innovation-driven university capable of commercialising homegrown solutions.
From Laboratory to Market
Musenero emphasised that research must move beyond academic publications to practical application.
“Science must travel and touch the economy,” she said. “Ideas from laboratories must become technology tools, and those tools must become innovations that solve national problems.”
She warned that Uganda cannot afford to remain dependent on imported technologies despite having strong academic institutions. “There is no reason why we should be lacking technological tools to solve our own challenges,” she said.
Backing Innovators
The Minister announced that innovation award winners from the university would be invited to pitch their projects to the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) secretariat for potential commercialisation support.
“If private sector players are not ready to take on your innovation, we will put up a mechanism to support you, so long as it has potential,” she said.
She added that the Ministry is piloting incubation programmes, including one focused on biomedical innovations, to help researchers navigate the complex journey from prototype to market.
“The next stage is scary,” she acknowledged. “You are scientists and professors. But until we build businesses and create jobs, we cannot touch the economy.”
Scientists as Leaders of Economic Transformation
Musenero challenged scientists and graduates to see themselves as central players in Uganda’s development agenda.
“The war against poverty is going to be led by scientists,” she said. “We must move from being recipients of knowledge to producers of knowledge.”
She encouraged young graduates not to wait passively for employment. “Do not despair if you have not found a job,” she said. “Translate the knowledge you have into something that creates jobs for yourself and for others.”
A Call for Boldness
By sharing the story of the laboratory rats, Musenero sought to illustrate that innovation requires courage, strategic investment and long-term vision. “We cannot fear criticism when we are building capacity,” she said.
Her remarks underscored government efforts to position Makerere and other institutions as engines of research commercialisation and industrial growth.
The luncheon ended with renewed calls for universities, government and the private sector to collaborate in turning scientific research into products that drive Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
