In a strategic move to bolster Uganda’s industrial transformation, the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) has officially unveiled a new governing board tasked with steering the country’s innovation and manufacturing agenda.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, David Bahati, the State Minister for Industry at the Ministry of Trade, emphasized the pivotal role UIRI plays in driving industrial development. This sector now contributes nearly 28% to Uganda’s GDP and 18% of national revenue.
He highlighted the Institute’s impact on youth-led innovation, noting that local entrepreneurs are producing goods such as soap and candles, creating jobs, and fueling economic growth. The central government, he added, continues to collaborate with institutions like the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to ensure high-quality production and enhance competitiveness in both regional and international markets.
