Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) Commissions Gulu University Bio systems and Computer laboratories and Metrological Station

Bachelor of Science in Bio systems Engineering in Gulu University was created after winning a competitive grant amounting to US$ 1,249,998 from the World Bank under the Millennium Science Initiative (MSI) implemented by Uganda National Council for science and Technology (UNCST) and funded by Government of Uganda. The committee of experts developed a curriculum which was approved and accredited by Uganda National Council for Higher Education (UNCHE) on 27^th march 2009.

The program aims at producing professionals who use engineering tools to utilize, protect and manage natural resources as well as address concerns like agricultural, environmental and food safety concerns across the entire production-processing systems like irrigation and drainage, waste management among others. The program started with twenty one (21) students in 2008 including seventeen (17) female and four (4) male who are currently awaiting graduation. Currently, seventy eight (78) students have been admitted in the program.

Dr. Peter Ndemere, Executive Secretary, UNCST, commissions the computer laboratory while Prof. Callistus Baliddawa (right), the principal Investigator of the project and his team look on.

Dr. Peter Ndemere, the Executive Secretary UNCST officially commissioned the metrological station, Bio systems and   computer laboratory which was equipped by the project and handed over the tractor, books, furniture, vehicle, workshop tools and other assets to the University.  Dr. Ndemere thanked the Principal Investigator, Prof. Callistus Baliddawa and his team for putting the funds to great use and also marked that UNCST had developed a Science and technology Policy which was adopted by the Government of Uganda. He added that the Science and technology plan had been rolled out to stakeholders so as to operationalize the policy.

Dr. Ndemere noted that UNCST in collaboration with other stakeholders had worked hard to ensure that science and technology are given a sector status as it is in Chapter six of the National Development Plan. He pointed out the upcoming science, technology and innovation parks which are yet to be put in place in different regions of the county like Namanve, Busitema, Mbarara, Gulu and Mengo which had been finalized and is awaiting commissioning this year. UNCST thanked Gulu University officials for offering land to UNCST for the science park and promised to put it to good use to promote science and technology in Uganda.

Aminah Bukenya

Science officer (Public Relations)

Uganda National Council for Science and technology