Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard.

Minister of STI,National Vice Chairman-Western Uganda (CEC-Member),Governor Hoima-City,Projects Development Engineer@Jonard Group of Companies!!

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

During a high-level strategic meeting with Lira University, the STI Secretariat team and I made commitments and presented proposals to ensure that the university keeps pace with a rapidly changing world.

I urged the university to prepare for students coming through the competency-based curriculum. They are coming with the ability to reason, question and apply knowledge. If universities remain basic in their approach, Darwin’s theory of natural selection will take its course: those that adapt will thrive, while those that fail to evolve risk becoming irrelevant.

“If prisoners can generate income for a prison, why can’t students generate income for their university?”

Our universities must turn knowledge and skills into practical solutions, products and enterprises that generate income and create jobs.

When you see President Trump scrapping some initiatives, introducing others and issuing far-reaching directives to ensure America is not left behind, who are we to remain comfortable at such a defining moment in world history? We must rethink how we teach, conduct research and translate innovation into wealth.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

The 4-Acre Model reflects H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s emphasis on practical, science-based approaches to wealth creation, agricultural productivity and improved household incomes.

During his visit to Lira University, Hon. Minister Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki toured the 4-Acre Model under the Presidential Initiative Hub, appreciating how knowledge, innovation and modern agricultural practices can be translated into practical solutions for communities.

The engagement reflects the President’s longstanding message that Ugandans must move from subsistence production to commercial agriculture, using even small pieces of land to create wealth, generate employment and improve household incomes.
Through the Presidential Initiative Hub, such practical demonstrations provide an opportunity to connect research, innovation and agricultural knowledge with wealth creation and national development.

As President Museveni has consistently emphasised, wealth creation begins at the household level.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

I am pleased to have received a warm welcome from the top leadership of Lira University here in Ayere Cell, Barapwo Ward, Lira City West Division, Lira City.

The team includes the Vice Chancellor, Professor Jasper Ogwal Okeng; Chairperson of the University Council, Mr. David Opiokello; Vice Chairperson of the University Council, Ms. Nellie Florence Okullo; the Chairperson of the University Appointments Board; and members of the Lira University community.

I am very glad to be here and look forward to a fruitful day with the university community.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Universities are important centres for generating knowledge, advancing research and developing practical solutions to societal challenges. Their work can improve livelihoods and enhance productivity.

The Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation – Office of the President is working to strengthen the role of universities in Uganda’s development, in line with the long-standing vision of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to harness science, technology and innovation as drivers of national progress.

Through engagements with universities across the country, the Ministry seeks to strengthen collaboration among academia, industry and communities, helping translate research, innovation and talent into practical solutions that advance Uganda’s industrialisation and socio-economic transformation.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

I am conducting a comprehensive tour of Gulu University’s facilities, which support a wide range of academic and research activities.

I have also met young innovators developing solutions to challenges faced by farmers, addressing traffic concerns and improving home security.

Commercialising research and industrialising prototypes and proven ideas are among the pathways to growth envisaged under Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy. Later, we will hold a high-level strategic meeting to assess the university’s strengths, challenges and opportunities, and agree on how best to advance this agenda.

#STIUganda #STIWorks

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

I am pleased to be warmly welcomed this afternoon at Gulu University in Gulu City by the Vice Chancellor, Professor George Openjueu Ladaah, and the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Theresa Mary Obbo, together with the teaching staff and the entire university community.I look forward to a fruitful day of engagement.
@Parliament_Ug @StateHouseUg

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Yesterday,I concluded my engagement at Muni University in Arua with a strategic discussion on strengthening the role of universities in Uganda’s development. We focused on moving research beyond laboratories and classrooms into practical solutions, enterprises and industries.

I encouraged closer collaboration between universities and industry, more product-oriented research and stronger pathways to commercialise innovation. The STI Secretariat and I made a strong commitment to maintain regular engagement with universities, with my officers expected to be present and work closely with them. Our universities should be recognised not only for the graduates they produce, but also for the problems they solve and the value they create for Uganda.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Our vision is to make universities engines of socio-economic transformation. Around the world, academia plays a central role in developing practical solutions that make life easier and safer while improving people’s livelihoods.

This is the vision H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pursued for decades, and we are here to strengthen those efforts.

Today, we are at Gulu University to engage with its leadership, staff and students on how research, innovation and talent can contribute to Uganda’s development.
@GuluVarsity @Parliament_Ug @StateHouseUg

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

After the engagement with Muni University, I held an evening meeting with the Resident City Commissioner, Division Mayors, women leaders and other local leaders.

They raised several issues, including the condition of the Arua Road. Having experienced the long, rough drive myself, I sympathised with them. I am engaging the Minister of Works and Transport, and together with the leaders of West Nile, we will follow up on the matter.

I told the leaders that West Nile is home to Muni University, with its doctors and professors, and that industries can emerge when scholars innovate and add value to our resources.

The people of West Nile aspire to see opportunities like those young people in Mbale are gaining from the industrial park. I assured the leaders that their vision aligns with what the President has long advocated. We will work hand in hand with fellow ministers and local leaders to identify the requirements and move this vision forward.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

I am making my way to Arua City for today’s engagement at Muni University.

I look forward to engaging with the university leadership, staff and students on the important role of Science, Technology and Innovation in strengthening research, developing local technological capacity and driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Our universities are important partners in building a knowledge-driven and innovation-led Uganda.
@STIsecretariat

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

On my way to Arua City ahead of my official visit to Muni University, I had the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking beauty and rich wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park.

Uganda is truly blessed with extraordinary natural treasures. We must continue to preserve, protect and promote our heritage for generations to come.

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Today, I will visit Muni University in Arua as part of our ongoing work to strengthen the contribution of universities to Uganda’s development.

I look forward to meeting the university’s leadership and students and touring selected research and innovation facilities. Our discussions will explore clear pathways for translating university research into practical solutions, marketable products and enterprises that create jobs and address the needs of Ugandans.

We are working to strengthen research commercialisation and advance industrialisation through import substitution and export promotion, in line with Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy anchored on ATMS.

#STIUganda #STIWorks

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Today, I was honoured to represent H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the EDRM Conference, organised by NSSF at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

In his message, the President acknowledged NSSF’s innovative plans and its work in shaping emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. He encouraged Ugandans to support the development of homegrown ideas and innovations, rather than only enjoying innovations developed elsewhere.

#STIUganda #STIWorks

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Yesterday evening, I met with leaders of Soroti City, including the Lord Mayor, Divisional Mayors, councillors, women leaders and the Resident City Commissioner.

We discussed a range of issues relating to the city’s development and agreed on key resolutions. During the meeting, I also made several phone calls to relevant ministries and individuals to follow up on matters raised.

The leaders pledged to support Soroti University at every level as we work together to strengthen its approach to teaching—placing greater emphasis on practical, real-life problem-solving and preparing students to develop solutions that respond to community and industry needs.

#STIUganda #STIWorks

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

Yesterday our true gospel of Imports substitution was at soroti University
@SorotiUniversi1 @STIsecretariat

[Hon. Eng Asiimwe Jonard. @EngJonard]

This afternoon, I engaged with Soroti University’s leadership, lecturers, support staff and students, sharing my journey and reflections on how education can inspire innovation and enterprise.

I told the students how, at their age, I practised agriculture and poultry farming while at university, balancing these activities with my studies and earning A’s. I encouraged them to remain committed to their education while exploring opportunities to innovate, build enterprises and solve problems in their communities.

I also encouraged Soroti University to capitalise on its position as a young institution by embedding innovation, practical learning and collaboration with industry in its development, ensuring that research responds to market needs, creates opportunities and addresses our day-to-day challenges as a country.
@STIsecretariat