The 2011 National Science Week was successfully marked on 19th – 23rd September 2011.  The major celebrations were in Fort Portal; however Week was also marked in Kampala and Mbarara.

The Science Week kicked off with a science debate hosted by Nabisunsa Girls’ School which culminated in a handover ceremony for the leadership of the Science Clubs in the school on Saturday 17th September 2011.

The Launch of the Opening Ceremony for the 2011 NSW took place at Boma Grounds in Fort Portal on Monday 19th September 2011.  Hon. Caroline Akao, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Micro Finance) represented the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development at this event. 

The Opening commenced with a Science Walk through Fort Portal Town, Mr. Jesse Smart Bwango, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Kabarole District was the Chief Walker.  

The Opening Ceremony for the 2011 NSW was notably graced by Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, the Local Council 5 Chairman for Kabarole District, among other dignitaries from Central and Local Government, Scientists, Researchers, Innovators, Opinion leaders, Policy makers and the Media.  The colorful event hosted by UNCST in partnership with the district local government was spiced up with entertainment from a local cultural group – Ngabo za Tooro.

The Science, Technology and Innovation and 1st Science Photo Exhibitions took place at the Boma Grounds, Fort Portal on 19th – 21st September 2011. 

Exhibitors included: Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research Institute (BUZARDI), Busitema University, Centenary Bank, Charcolite Limited, Community Wireless Centre, Makerere University, Kaborole District Farmers’ Association, Kisambwa Technical Conservationist Association, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mpanga Tea Estates Limited, Mt. Rwenzori Action for Rural Development, National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCCRI), Namulonge, National Drug Authority, National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), St. Joseph’s Technical Institute, Tooro Botanical Gardens, USSIA Pharmaceuticals (Herbal) Kabarole.

The Secondary Science Innovation Competition took place on Tuesday 20th September 2011 and was hosted by Mpanga Secondary School.  The competition registered overwhelming response from secondary schools in Fort Portal and the surrounding areas. 

St. Maria Gorretti Secondary School emerged winners, while Mpanga Secondary School (hosts) and Kibiito Secondary School emerged first and second runners-up, respectively

The nearly 30 innovations show-cased the event were from: Kibiito Secondary School, Kyebambe Girls’ School, Moons Vocational Institute, Mpanga Secondary School.  Other schools that participated included: Fort Portal Secondary School, Kabarole Hillside Secondary School Kabarole Adventist Secondary School, Kagote Seed School, Kahinju Secondary School, King of Kings College, Nyakasura School, St. Mary’s Seminary, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe and St. Maria Goretti Secondary School.

The Café Scientifique on tree planting took place on Wednesday 21st September 2011 at the Tooro Botanical Gardens.  Participants decried the indiscriminate environmental degradation observed in the neighboring Kyegegwa district, on the way to Fort Portal. 

The Kabarole district administration was commended for their efforts to promote environmental conservation by among other things, incorporating such provisions in their by-laws.  The economic benefits of trees as well as their role in conservation of soil, and water, and in combating air pollution, were highlighted.  The event culminated in a tree-planting exercise by all participants.  Hon. Prof. Rugumayo are renowned conservationist and opinion leader, graced that event.

Hon. Jachan Omach, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties) presided over the opening of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Dialogue organized under the theme: “Building Uganda’s Science, Technology and Innovation Capacities: For creating a prosperous Science and Technology led Society.”  This meeting took place at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Portal, on Thursday 22nd to Friday 23rd September 2011. 

Participants included: district local government leaders, representatives of Commission and Councils for Science and Technology in the East African Community, Heads of public and private sector Agencies/Research Institutions/Universities, members of Parliament and the media. 

The meeting adopted the draft National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation in Uganda, and recommended for the establishment of a Science and Technology Lobby Group, among other things.  Hon. Elijah Biryabarema, the Resident District Commissioner of Kabarole officiated over the closing of the Policy Dialogue.

The Closing Ceremony for the 2011 National Science Week took place on Friday 23rd September 2011, at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Portal.  This was the culmination of the 2011 National Science Week events. 

The National Bioinformatics Portal for Uganda was launched at this event by Hon. Richard Rwabuhinga (LC5 Chairman, Kabarole District), while the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony, Hon. Alex Ruhunda, Member of Parliament for Fort Portal Municipality, officiated over the 2011 Uganda Science Journalists’ Awards ceremony.  The Journalists’ awards were organized in partnership with the Uganda Science Journalists’ Association. 

Individuals and media houses were recognized for their outstanding contribution to communicating science over the last one year period.  In his remarks, Mr. William B. Odinga the Chairman of the Uganda Science Journalists’ Association informed that public that the Awards were scheduled to be held annually, and encouraged all media practitioners to take interest in reporting on science.  UNCST highlighted the importance of partnering with the media as the key link to the communities who are the originators and consumers of the science and technology goods, services and products. 

Twelve media practitioners/media houses were recognized, while the six winners were awarded as follows: Esther Nakazzi (Online Category), John Kasozi (Journalist Print), Omugave Katamba (Journalist Electronic), Kefa Atibuni (Science Writers), Nation Television Uganda (Electronic Media Houses) and New Vision Newspaper (Print Media Houses).
UNCST appreciates stakeholders, National Science Week partners for their continued support in promoting the application of science, technology and innovation for national development.

The District Leadership and Local Government is particularly appreciated for hosting the Week-long event.

  For more information, please contact:

The Executive Secretary
Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
Plot 6 Kimera Road, Ntinda
P.O.Box 6884, Kampala - Uganda
Tel: 256 414 705 500 / 256 312 314 800
Fax: 256 414 234 579
Website: www.uncst.go.ug