The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) has said that the National Science, technology and innovation skills enhancement project will be completed by May 2023.
This project is aimed at enhancing the technology and skills of Ugandans to participate in strategic national infrastructure projects and manufacturing industries.
The government secured a loan from the Exim Bank of China worth 433.6 Billion Shillings for the construction of two innovation centres in the country. The centres will be constructed in Namanve and Kiruhura District.
Anthony Okimat, the project coordinator noted that the country has been lacking skilled locals to manage key infrastructure developments in the country. He adds that the project will expose the trainees and enable them to execute huge contracts.
According to Okimat construction of the two innovation centres commenced in July 2020, but stalled due to the covid- 19 pandemic. He says at the Rwebitete centre in Kiruhura, construction is at 21% and Namanve 13%.
According to Okimat, the Rwebitete Centre will boost Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) by retooling the trainers.
Rwebitete centre will be focusing on seven engineering technology areas that include Civil engineering, construction, and automotive technology, industrial/mechanical, electronic and electoral and agriculture mechanization.
The move is in line with the vision 2040 of setting up science and technology parks, engineering centres, technology and business incubation centres that will meet international standards and also one of the 18 focuses of the National Development Plan III that focuses on innovation, technology and development.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation came up with an innovation fund to encourage young people to come up with innovative ideas that can be turned into tangible solutions and hence viable companies that can provide jobs to the population.
-URN
