Published on 05/08/2025
Engineer Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, a leading contender for the position of NRM National Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, has called for a radical shift in Uganda’s economic priorities—urging the country to embrace science, technology, and innovation as the new engines of growth.
According to Asiimwe, Uganda must not only catch up with the global digital revolution but also stake its claim in advanced sectors like tech product manufacturing, space technology, and regional tech production if it is to become a competitive player on the African and global stage.
Asiimwe believes that Uganda can learn critical lessons from countries like Taiwan, which has become a global technology powerhouse due to its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing.
“Taiwan manufactures chips used in Apple products, and that makes it indispensable to global superpowers. Uganda needs to start thinking along similar lines,” he said during an exclusive interview with our reporter on Tuesday.
He stressed that tech sovereignty will be essential for Uganda’s future security, economic independence, and regional influence.
Central to his proposal is the establishment of regional technology production hubs across Uganda’s 18 regions. These hubs, he said, would each specialise in the production of specific technology products—ranging from agritech hardware to microelectronics and clean energy solutions.
“We must move beyond importing everything. If each hub produces one high-demand product, Uganda will not only reduce its import bill but also expand its footprint across the East African and COMESA markets,” he stated.
Asiimwe’s idea aligns with the NRM Manifesto and Vision 2040, both of which recognise science, technology, engineering, and innovation (STEI) as critical to national transformation.
His manifesto proposes a Digital Export Acceleration Program, which will support innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs in accessing regional digital markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The program is designed to transform Uganda from a consumer of digital content into a producer and exporter of technological goods and services.
He further emphasized the importance of investing in space technology and satellite development, pointing to successful efforts by regional neighbors including Rwanda and Kenya.
“Rwanda launched its first satellite in 2017, and Kenya has made steady progress in space science. Uganda cannot afford to lag behind,” Asiimwe warned. He said satellite technology could revolutionize Uganda’s agriculture, disaster preparedness, communication, and security systems. “It’s not about vanity; it’s about visibility, data sovereignty, and national pride, as a country we could depend on our own Satellite instead of depending on other countries” he added.
As part of his broader youth empowerment strategy, Asiimwe plans to roll out four Innovation and Business Incubation Hubs in Hoima, Kabale, Mbale, and Kampala. These hubs, backed by partnerships with Makerere Innovation Hub, Huawei Uganda, and MTN Foundation, will train youth in fields such as artificial intelligence, drone technology, agritech, and digital entrepreneurship. “If we equip our youth with the right tools, Uganda can lead the next African tech boom,” he said.
Asiimwe is also set to expand its vocational and digital skills programs to over 30 districts, focusing on trades like mechanics, construction, and electronics. These training centres will be co-financed by local governments and certified by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) to ensure national standards are met. “We want a Uganda where local talent is tapped, trained, and transformed into world-class professionals,” Asiimwe remarked.
He also spoke passionately about creating a Talent to Market Alliance, aimed at promoting creative industries like sports, music, and digital media. Drawing from his support of Kitara FC and Kampala Queens, he envisions a platform where talented youth can monetise their skills through digital platforms like YouTube and FIFA Connect. This initiative complements the government’s Human Capital Development Program and aligns with SDG goals on decent work and economic growth.
With Uganda’s youthful population and strategic location, Asiimwe concluded that the country is well-positioned to become a tech-driven leader in East Africa—if bold investments are made now.
“We must act with urgency. The next generation of global powerhouses will be those who control data, manufacture tech, and dominate innovation. Uganda must be one of them,” he stated confidently.
