Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Monica Musenero Musanza has defended past public spending on research, including the controversial Shs8 million laboratory mice, saying the investment is now yielding tangible results with the potential to transform Uganda’s economy.
Dr. Monica Musenero (photo courtesy of The Observer)
Speaking at the media launch of National Science Week 2026, scheduled for April 30 to May 3 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Musenero said the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat is ready to account for years of public funding and demonstrate its impact.
Musenero, who has previously faced scrutiny over the use of Shs31 billion allocated for Covid-19 vaccine development, including the purchase of four laboratory mice at Shs8 million each, said the outcomes of that investment are now visible. She revealed that the mice have since multiplied to over 160 and contributed to research that has produced high-value pharmaceutical developments.
“No longer will you ask me about the Shs8 million mice, because I will be exhibiting a $1 billion drug that has come as a result of your support,” she said, adding that the public will be able to see and interact with the results during Science Week.
The minister acknowledged that in earlier stages, the STI sector struggled to clearly communicate its progress, but noted that Uganda has now built structured innovation pipelines that take ideas from research to market.
She said the upcoming exhibition will “open the black box” of science and innovation, allowing Ugandans to better understand how research translates into economic value. According to Musenero, the country is positioning itself to transition from a largely peasant-based economy to a value-driven economy projected at $500 billion by 2040.
Throughout the four-day event, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are expected to showcase locally developed innovations across sectors including health, agriculture, and manufacturing. These include advances in pharmaceuticals, satellite technology, vehicle production, and vaccine development.
Musenero expressed confidence that Uganda’s investment in science is beginning to pay off, with several projects moving from laboratory stages to commercial application and entry into global markets.
She added that over the next five years, the STI sector will deliver measurable economic impact, driven by improved systems, funding structures, and human capital development.
Source - The Observer
Dr. Monica Musenero (photo courtesy of The Observer)
Speaking at the media launch of National Science Week 2026, scheduled for April 30 to May 3 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Musenero said the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat is ready to account for years of public funding and demonstrate its impact.
Musenero, who has previously faced scrutiny over the use of Shs31 billion allocated for Covid-19 vaccine development, including the purchase of four laboratory mice at Shs8 million each, said the outcomes of that investment are now visible. She revealed that the mice have since multiplied to over 160 and contributed to research that has produced high-value pharmaceutical developments.
“No longer will you ask me about the Shs8 million mice, because I will be exhibiting a $1 billion drug that has come as a result of your support,” she said, adding that the public will be able to see and interact with the results during Science Week.
The minister acknowledged that in earlier stages, the STI sector struggled to clearly communicate its progress, but noted that Uganda has now built structured innovation pipelines that take ideas from research to market.
She said the upcoming exhibition will “open the black box” of science and innovation, allowing Ugandans to better understand how research translates into economic value. According to Musenero, the country is positioning itself to transition from a largely peasant-based economy to a value-driven economy projected at $500 billion by 2040.
Throughout the four-day event, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs are expected to showcase locally developed innovations across sectors including health, agriculture, and manufacturing. These include advances in pharmaceuticals, satellite technology, vehicle production, and vaccine development.
Musenero expressed confidence that Uganda’s investment in science is beginning to pay off, with several projects moving from laboratory stages to commercial application and entry into global markets.
She added that over the next five years, the STI sector will deliver measurable economic impact, driven by improved systems, funding structures, and human capital development.
Source - The Observer
