In a remarkable milestone for Uganda’s scientific and technological advancement, a group of 20 young engineers has returned home after completing a prestigious two-year Master’s program in Malaysia. Their journey, supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science Development, symbolizes a bold step toward building a skilled, innovation-driven workforce capable of transforming Uganda into a modern, knowledge-based economy.
A cohort of 20 Ugandan young engineers has triumphantly returned home after completing an intensive two-year Master’s program in Malaysia, marking a pivotal step in Uganda’s journey towards technological transformation. The team, supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science Development, touched down at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, where they were warmly received by Dr. Hillary Emmanuel Musoke Kisanja, Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Agribusiness.
Dr. Musoke reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to science and technology as a cornerstone of national development. “His Excellency, the President, has consistently demonstrated a deliberate and strategic approach to nurturing scientific and technological advancement. These brilliant young minds, all of whom earned their undergraduate degrees in Uganda, were handpicked and supported to pursue specialized technological training abroad. Development without science is a myth, and what we are witnessing today is a clear manifestation of the President’s vision,” Dr. Musoke stated.
He further revealed that the State House is in advanced stages of establishing a National Technological Demonstration Center in Gundu, Entebbe. The center will serve as an innovation hub where talented scientists will develop indigenous, science-based solutions to address Uganda’s pressing challenges.
Among the returning scholars were two outstanding female engineers, Lynette Nazziwa and Chanda Galabuzi, who completed rigorous programs at the prestigious Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The group specialized in a range of high-demand engineering disciplines including Cybersecurity, Power Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, and Automatic Control.
Ms. Chanda Galabuzi, who earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, expressed profound appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Presidential Initiative on Science Development for empowering her and her colleagues with cutting-edge skills. “This opportunity has been nothing short of transformative. The knowledge and exposure we have gained will significantly contribute to our country’s technological evolution. I implore young girls not to shy away from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). We have a critical role to play in shaping the future. STEM is not only intellectually stimulating but also immensely fulfilling,” she noted.
Echoing her sentiments, Ms. Lynette Nazziwa, a graduate of Master of Engineering in Mechatronics and Automatic Control, emphasized their renewed dedication to national development. “We are returning with open minds and ready hearts. We are committed to applying our acquired skills to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s industrial and technological renaissance. We deeply appreciate this rare opportunity, and we pledge to align our efforts with the President’s broader vision of a scientifically empowered Uganda,” she affirmed.
Mr. Tumusiime Anthony, who pursued a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, highlighted the growing urgency of fortifying Uganda’s digital infrastructure. “Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is imperative. Africa remains vulnerable due to the absence of comprehensive cyber frameworks. My focus will be on collaborating with stakeholders to establish robust cybersecurity protocols that will safeguard national data assets and ensure digital sovereignty. We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be proactive in securing our cyberspace,” he urged.
Similarly, Mr. Joshua Kasirye, another expert in Mechatronics and Automatic Control, underscored the need to translate academic knowledge into functional systems that bolster the operational efficiency of government institutions. “We are equipped and prepared to architect intelligent systems that will optimize performance in both the public and private sectors. This is the moment for us to turn theory into tangible impact,” he stated.
The Presidential Initiative on Science Development remains a strategic instrument in Uganda’s broader development agenda. By investing in high-caliber research, fostering excellence in science and engineering education, and bridging the gap between academia and industry, the initiative aims to cultivate a globally competitive workforce. It also seeks to enhance scientific infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of locally driven innovations in the industrial sector.
With the return of these visionary engineers, Uganda takes yet another significant stride toward becoming a technologically advanced and self-reliant nation. Their homecoming marks not just the end of an academic journey, but the beginning of a transformative chapter for science and innovation in Uganda.
