The managing director of the National Enterprise Corporation, Lt Gen James Mugira, has said that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces is pursuing a deliberate policy of engaging itself in productive activities for the socio-economic development of Uganda and the development of Defence Industries with Science, Technology and Innovation as a major Research and Development component.
Lt Gen Mugira was delivering a keynote address at the Uganda Design Summit 2023 at the Kyambogo University School of Art and Industrial Design under the theme: “Weaving an Afrikan Design Mat”
Lt Gen Mugira presented a paper on “Demystifying the old perception that soldiers are for war: Innovations and creatives of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces for Sustainable Development” and highlighted how UPDF has engaged the creative and innovative industries for national growth and development.
He emphasized that the local defence industry capabilities are extremely important for any country by providing self-reliance and sustainability in-country capability for supplying the armed forces, especially during combat.
Lt Gen Mugira elaborated on the NEC’s multifaceted contribution to national growth and development through its subsidiary companies and Joint Ventures.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, who was the Chief Guest emphasised the need to translate designs into output by transiting from science – technology – innovation to commercialisation.
Earlier, the Chief Guest visited the exhibition stalls and appreciated the innovated products exhibited by NEC and underscored the importance of design and its impact on beauty, image and construction.
The Summit which has attracted about 200 people both local and international kicked off on 3 October and runs till 6 October 2023. It intends to offer a broad exchange of ideas by academia, design researchers and practitioners, and stakeholders from a variety of perspectives, disciplines and fields across Africa and beyond.
