Uganda

Science Granting Council

Summary

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) promotes and coordinates research, science, and technology to support national development and improve the quality of life in Uganda.

Council details

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) promotes and coordinates research, science, and technology to drive national development. It plays a critical role in shaping science policy and advancing innovation to improve the quality of life in Uganda.

UNCST provides the Government of Uganda with scientific evidence for policy formulation and planning. Its national science reports offer valuable insights into Uganda’s research capacity and its journey towards a knowledge-based economy. The Council highlights the need for targeted policy reforms to foster impactful change.

Advancing Research and Innovation through the SGCI

As a member of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), UNCST has benefited from increased capacity for managing research grants and oversight. SGCI has enabled UNCST to run competitive research calls that align with Uganda’s National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.

SGCI funding supports research projects that translate findings into real-world solutions. These projects focus on areas that strengthen public-private partnerships, particularly in industrialisation and manufacturing value chains. This ensures research directly contributes to social progress and economic resilience.

Fostering Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

UNCST also developed the Technomart, an online platform that connects researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs to support technology commercialisation across Africa. Funded through SGCI, the platform fosters public-private partnerships and strengthens collaboration between academia and industry within Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. It also strengthens regional research networks and increases the visibility of Ugandan innovation.

UNCST hosts knowledge dissemination webinars to showcase SGCI-funded research. These online events highlight research outcomes with the potential to inspire innovation and collaboration across sectors. They bring together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders.

Continuing to Build Uganda’s Research Future

UNCST remains committed to building Uganda’s science, technology, and innovation capacity. Through regional partnerships, national programmes, and policy development, it supports sustainable growth and a stronger innovation ecosystem.

Impact we’re having

Low-tech health app engages

Five years after its launch, PENSA – a mobile app developed in Mozambique— has been accessed by…

Read Story

SGCI funded projects

Young African child being examined by healthcare provider

6 projects improving Uganda’s healthcare, sustainability, economic growth

Project Titles & Institution Areas of Research Number of Projects being funded Project Duration Grant Amount In-Kind Distribution Council Collaboration with other councils

Related News

Francisco Cundacami Bondo (FUNDECIT, Angola)

Angola and Togo join SGCI

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has officially welcomed Angola and Togo as new members. With their addition, SGCI now numbers 19 councils across the continent, strengthening its role in supporting science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems in Africa. The announcement was made on 15…

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is funding a public-private partnership to create a new poultry vaccine in Brazil.

IDRC-funded partnership develops new poultry vaccine in Brazil

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is funding a public-private partnership to create a new poultry vaccine in Brazil. The initiative is part of InnoVet-AMR 2.0, a four-year partnership between IDRC and the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF)….

Addressing the SGCI 2024 forum in Botswana.

SGCI all partners forum to chart course for next phase

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) will hold its 2025 All Partners Forum and Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034) advocacy meeting in Accra, Ghana. The meeting will reflect on lessons and capture recommendations for the next phase. The Forum will take…