President Museveni has pledged to fund three Makerere University projects running under its Faculty of Technology.
The President, who was touring Makerere University on Wednesday, promised funds to improve the first model of Vision 200, a four-passenger vehicle, designed by a team of 11 Makerere University engineering students, a sanitary pad project and solar power generation scheme.
Supporting the projects, Mr Museveni said these would increase production of affordable solar panels as an alternative source of energy and sanitary pads for primary school girls who drop out due to lack of the facilities.
"In the next budget, we shall make a slot for you. We even talked about it in the Cabinet because it's science and technology that propel development," he said.
The President said he missed the exhibition of the students' hybrid power vehicle last year after one of his aides, whom he refused to reveal, delayed to give him the invitation.
He said: "I am sorry I did not come for the exhibition because some character never forwarded the invitation to me. But it's good I have come and we will support you."
The vehicle, which is expected to be ready for commercial production next year, was also showcased in the World Design Capital, Torino in Italy.
The Dean of Faculty of Technology, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, said the government should allocate one per cent of its budget to science and technology to avoid reliance on donor funding.
"There is need for more direct state intervention in science technology and innovations. It is known that donors are not keen to fund our own plans," he said.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, told the President that there is "a lot of untapped" potential at the faculty of technology, which he said if exploited, would transform Uganda's economy.
He said the university administration wants to make education more relevant to the demands of the job market.
"We want to make sure that our programmes are relevant," he said.
The President also held a meeting with academic staff from the departments of political science and history. He told the lecturers to teach patriotism.
"I have been wondering what you teach our children, so I decided to come here and interact with you. I am happy that you are speaking about integration (of East Africa) and patriotism. We must have these values," he said.
Source:allafrica.com/
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