The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye has heaped praises on the outgoing United States (US) ambassador to Uganda, H.E Deborah Ruth Malac.
He lauded the ambassador’s service on Thursday at his Ministry’s office on Lumumba Avenue Kampala.
Tumwesigye thanked Deborah for her dedicated ways of serving as she was the first ambassador to visit Elioda and his new ministry at the then offices Ntinda three years ago when the ministry had just been created.
The minister went on to thank the ambassador for linking the Ministry to organizations and institutions in the US which later proved pivot in the process of the establishment in the ministry. These organizations include National Sciences Foundation which provides grants to scientists and researchers, USAID Development Lab which provides support for people to further refine and commercialize their innovation, National Institute of Health (NIH) which provides grants in the field of health science and Uganda is now the second largest recipient of NIH grants in Africa, Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor in States department and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
During her regime, it facilitated Ministry of Science’s officials travel to Universities and other organizations like Miranda and Bill Gates Foundation.
“We thank her for USAID support to the development of Science, Technology and Innovation sector development plan which is in the final stages of completion and lining it up to SDG’s goals. We also thank her for the support of US government in developing our National Research and Innovation program frame work,” Elioda said.
While bidding farewell to the Ministry, Her Excellence Deborah Ruth Malac appreciated Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye for building the Ministry from scratch three years ago to a now reputable International sector.
“The US government is willing to support the ministry to further its strength in building capacity and play its pivot role in the promotion of science technology and economic system,” Deborah said.
She also indicated willingness of the US government to help Uganda to take stock in research laboratory capacity available in the country across sectors like agriculture and health by universities to improve on them as well as the ministry to fill the gaps.
“It is crucial for the ministry to play a central role so that the young people in Uganda get required skills and knowledge to help them fit in the job market or help them to start enterprises that can enable them get income and improve on their standards of living,” she said.
“Uganda given its biological diversity can get a lot of money from its bio science field or sector and implementing modern bio economic strategies,” she added.
She will be leaving Uganda at end of January and she is confident her successor will build on what she has done.
Deborah was nominated by President Barack Obama and was confirmed by the Senate Nov. 19, 2015. She previously served as United States Ambassador to Liberia.
