Outgoing Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr. Monica Musenero, has urged scientists to think beyond laboratory research and product development and focus on how their innovations can ultimately become profitable and commercially viable.
Dr. Musenero, who was the first person to hold the STI portfolio and has now been transferred to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development following President Yoweri Museveni’s latest Cabinet appointments, said that during her tenure, the ministry supported the development of several vaccine prototypes and therapeutics.
However, many of these innovations have struggled to progress beyond the development stage. Musenero was speaking at a meeting attended by academics, researchers, and the newly appointed STI Minister, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe.
She explained that when the ministry embarked on its innovation agenda in 2020, one of its priorities was to develop herbal remedies to a level where they could be prescribed within the healthcare system.
However, years later, many of these products remain stuck due to delayed regulatory approvals and a lack of entrepreneurial activation. She added that several products have already completed clinical trials and only require entrepreneurial support to move into commercialization.
At the Biomedical Innovations Accelerator (BIOMIC) meeting, stakeholders discussed the future of biomedical innovation in Uganda.In his remarks, incoming Minister Eng. Jonard Asiimwe said he was being briefed on the achievements made and the challenges that remain in strengthening Uganda’s pathogen economy. Asiimwe said he is still conducting a desk review as he prepares to take over from Musenero, but emphasized that his leadership approach will prioritize listening to scientists, noting that ego cannot drive innovation.
Musenero maintained that Uganda must deliberately invest in science and innovation systems capable of moving the country from import dependence to local production. “We cannot sustainably build our economy while remaining consumers of products developed elsewhere. Innovation must become part of our industrial transformation agenda,” she said.She revealed that developing the pathogen economy was her primary assignment and noted that she leaves behind a strong institutional framework and partnerships that can advance innovations emerging from research.
Responding to criticism that she initiated too many projects without producing a major commercial product, the molecular biologist said her strategy was to build a pipeline of innovations with strong commercialization potential that could eventually generate significant economic returns for the country. Although this vision has not yet fully materialized, Musenero revealed that the government has engaged a consultant to support commercialization efforts under the Biomedical Innovations Accelerator programme.
Commenting on the initiative, Senior Scientist Prof. Bruce Kirenga said Uganda continues to generate promising biomedical research, but many innovations fail to reach the market because of limited commercialization pathways, weak manufacturing ecosystems, and inadequate business development support for scientists.“The gap between research and commercialization remains one of the biggest challenges in our innovation ecosystem. BIOMIC is intended to help innovators navigate that journey,” he said.
Dr. Winters Muttamba, Chief Executive Officer of the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Epidemics Research (ICER), who presented details of the accelerator, explained that the programme will support innovators through mentorship, technical guidance, laboratory access, funding linkages, and assistance in navigating regulatory requirements.
According to the organizers, the accelerator is intended to create a pipeline of market-ready biomedical products while strengthening Uganda’s capacity for local production and health innovation.Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, the Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, stressed the need for universities to rethink how research success is measured.
She argued that institutions should place greater value on innovation and product development alongside academic publishing.“We need systems that encourage researchers to translate ideas into practical solutions that can improve lives and contribute to national development,” she said. Panelists also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among academia, industry, government, and investors in building a sustainable biomedical innovation ecosystem-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
