Uganda took a significant step towards its vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy with the official launch of the Uganda Deep Tech Centre of Excellence in Namanve, Kampala.
The launch, officiated by the Minister for Energy, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, and the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, marks a key moment in the country’s technological and industrial evolution.
Minister Nankabirwa emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Deep Tech Centre and her ministry, particularly in maximizing Uganda’s mineral resources for local value addition.
“We have a lot to do together. We must ensure that our unprocessed minerals are not exploited and focus on local production,” she stated, urging stakeholders to work together to foster understanding and growth in the mining and industrial sectors.
Dr. Musenero shared her vision for the Centre, stating, “Through this Centre, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem where deep technology propels economic transformation and provides new opportunities for young people.”
She highlighted the Centre’s role in advancing Uganda towards its goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy, aligning with the country’s Vision 2040.
The state-of-the-art Deep Tech Centre will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Biotechnology, Cloud Computing, and more. The Centre aims to elevate Uganda’s global competitiveness by positioning Science, Technology, and Innovation as key drivers of economic growth.
The launch event also featured the unveiling of the Local Electronics Manufacturing Facility, implemented by Lwera Semiconductors, and showcased innovations from Ugandan deep-tech pioneers such as Innovex, Kaara Energy, and Tech Anatomy.
Key initiatives announced include the AI for BPO initiative, aimed at integrating AI technologies to improve service delivery within government institutions, and a Deep Tech Venture Studio to empower local innovators. Furthermore, the Centre will host a local data repository, promote commercialization of academic research, and foster corporate venture capital.
David Gonahasa, Lead of the Industry 4.0+ Bureau at the STI Secretariat, emphasized the Centre’s alignment with Uganda’s broader Industry 4.0+ framework, aimed at positioning the country at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Arthur Mukembo, CEO of Future Lab and Co-Founder of the Centre, highlighted their focus on providing world-class infrastructure and nurturing talent to address key challenges such as healthcare, agricultural productivity, and youth unemployment