On February 7, 2025, the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) officially launched the Research Innovation and Intellectual Property Management Policy (RIIPMP) and the UIPE Innovation Portal (UIPEIP) at Hotel Africana, Kampala. The event was graced by Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The launch attracted 112 attendees, including policymakers, researchers, innovators, and the engineering community.
The RIIPMP aims to promote innovation, ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards, and establish clear intellectual property (IP) ownership, protection, commercialization, and enforcement processes. Meanwhile, the UIPEIP is integrated into UIPE’s website and membership database, providing functionalities to enhance innovation and collaboration among UIPE stakeholders.
The event began with welcome remarks from Mrs. Immaculate Akello Makwo, Project Coordinator, followed by Eng. Henry Mpuuga, VP-MET, who represented the Chairperson of the Research Innovation and Grants Committee. Remarks were also delivered by, Eng. Prof. Henry Alinaitwe Mwanaki, Chairperson of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB), represented by Eng. Ezra Gumisiriza, Assistant Registrar Technical Services, keynote address delivered by Mr. Bageya Waiswa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) represented by Eng. Twinamatsiko Emmanuel, Principal Engineer, MoWT and Eng. Bosco Lepi, President of UIPE.
“We firmly believe that this policy will stimulate a dynamic environment where creativity and innovation can thrive” Eng. Bosco Lepi, President UIPE
A presentation on the RIIPMP and UIPEIP was delivered by Mr. Patrick Mugisha of Innovent Labs Africa, followed by inspiring presentations from innovators showcasing their innovative ideas.
In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Musenero emphasized the crucial role of engineering in national development and innovation, urging engineers to apply their knowledge to create marketable products and industries.
“Engineering is essential for national development; you need to create products that people are willing to pay for.” Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero
She further announced an upcoming program in early March, aimed at training engineering graduates (within three years of graduation) to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. The program will accommodate TVET graduates, diploma holders, and university graduates willing to learn.
“If I run this program for three to four years, I will eliminate unemployment among engineers. Even those working in banks will transition back to engineering because I can host up to 1,300 participants at a time.” Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero
The event concluded with the official launch of the RIIPMP and UIPEIP, followed by a group photo session with the Minister and participants, and a networking dinner.
The initiative was supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), in partnership with Innovent Labs Africa and the University of the West of Scotland.
