The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, has announced a government initiative to invest in youth innovations aimed at fostering job creation. This announcement was made during the Youth Innovation and Expo at Makerere University on October 6. The event, organized by Makerere University in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), focused on “Fostering Innovations for Uganda’s Transformational Development.”
The government’s plan involves allocating substantial funding to university innovation hubs, with the intention of transforming the innovative ideas of young people into scalable businesses. Currently, public universities receive research and innovation funds, with Makerere University receiving a significant share of Shs30 billion, primarily directed toward research.
Mr. Tayebwa emphasized that this strategic investment in innovation hubs directly benefiting students will lead to increased employment opportunities for the youth, thereby expanding the tax base. He highlighted the importance of supporting innovative ventures to enhance the number of taxpayers and potentially boost the nation’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which has remained at 13 percent.
While encouraging innovation, Mr. Tayebwa also cautioned young people about excessive spending and inadequate savings, urging them to develop prudent financial habits for personal development. He emphasized that the UNDP is providing seeds for growth, and it is essential for young individuals to save and invest wisely.
Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, expressed the university’s commitment to nurturing job creators rather than job seekers through research and innovations. He emphasized the potential of Uganda’s enterprising youth to drive the nation’s progress and create opportunities for others.
UNDP Uganda Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, stressed the significance of innovation in addressing uncertainties such as climate crises and the impact of events like COVID-19. She urged the need to build resilience to crises and shocks, emphasizing the importance of reducing poverty and inequality.
Ms. Attafuah reported that progress towards sustainable development goals remains uneven and highlighted the necessity for innovation to overcome development challenges. Over 50 youth innovators, including students, non-students, and persons with disabilities, showcased their creations during the event.
One of the innovators, 23-year-old Ms. Joanitah Namusabi, who crafts jewelry and keyholders from beads, voiced her need for support in terms of capital and marketing to further her innovative endeavors.
