President Museveni has urged scientists to practice and study science that will help to solve day-to-day problems affecting society, stating that every change in science and technology affects society.
Museveni said this in his speech as the Chief Guest during the celebrations of the restoration of the Makerere University Ivory Tower and the installation of the new Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, on October 2, 2024, at the Square, Makerere University.
During his speech, President Museveni urged scientists to continue conducting research and come up with innovation that will help to solve day-to-day problems affecting society at large, stating that it is what scientists are meant to do.
“Refine your knowledge about the laws of nature and use those laws to solve issues faced by our people. Every change in the level of science and technology affects society in different ways. Scientists should keep up to date with these changes,” he noted.
President Museveni also advised universities to differentiate between what knowledge is and the use of the knowledge they provide for students, stating that part of the problem in Africa is bringing confusion in the idea of what this knowledge is.
“When we came into power, I insisted on full focus on science and technology, but not the science of studying about cockroaches, but rather ensuring that knowledge about nature science is put in the lead. This is the main reason as to why I opened up Mbarara University of Science to provide knowledge of science of nature,” he advised.
Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, who was present at the event, revealed that the restoration of the iconic ivory building has ignited new hope for the future, stating that the restoration of the Main Building symbolizes a rising again of Makerere University, and the restoration design undertaken by our academicians from the Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) is even more fulfilling.
“This exemplifies how our academic expertise can be practically applied to deliver public goods and services. We hope to see more initiatives where academicians directly support government projects, extending beyond the gates of Makerere.” she noted.
The restoration of the Makerere University ivory tower event marks the culmination of nearly four years of extensive restoration work following a devastating fire in September 2020, which led to the destruction of the building.
