Uganda is aiming to become a regional leader in science-driven development with the launch of the Eco-Satellite City Project, a flagship initiative designed to transform Nakigalala, situated between Entebbe and Kampala, into a cutting-edge, eco-friendly urban hub.
The project, led by Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Office of the President, was unveiled during the Uganda–UAE Business Forum at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday. Musenero emphasized that the Eco-Satellite City would be central to Uganda’s innovation-driven development strategy, serving as a model for sustainable, tech-forward cities across Africa.
“Through science, technology, and innovation, we can turn five dollars’ worth of raw materials into twenty dollars’ worth of value,” Musenero stated. “This transformation benefits both investors and the nation, creating new industries, skills, and opportunities for our people.”
Envisioned as a modern, smart business district, the Nakigalala Eco-Satellite City will feature premium housing, eco-tourism attractions, and an electric public transport system. With land ownership concerns now settled, the project is moving forward in collaboration with Malaysia Inc., and aims to ease congestion in Kampala while promoting sustainable urban living and investment.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the national development blueprint, which seeks to establish a high-tech ICT city and infrastructure to support a knowledge-based economy. Through the Mission Uganda framework, the government is driving transformative growth by embedding science, technology, and innovation (STI) in key sectors, including agro-industrialization, pharmaceuticals, mobility, space technology, and mineral development.
“We aim to create new sectors while enhancing traditional ones,” Musenero explained. “Science, technology, and innovation are not peripheral — they are the foundation for Uganda’s leap toward a ten-fold growth trajectory by 2040.”
Key projects under Musenero’s ministry include the Deep Tech Centre of Excellence, which opened in March 2025 to build national capacity in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and machine learning. Uganda has also launched electric mobility pilot projects with Kiira Motors Corporation in Jinja, showcasing locally developed electric buses and charging infrastructure.
In biotechnology, the Day Biopharma Pharmaceutical Campus, the largest of its kind in Africa, is producing affordable medicines for regional and global markets. Musenero highlighted that these initiatives are supported by the government’s focus on Industry 4.0, infrastructure innovation, and smart manufacturing to boost local production.
She stressed the critical role of the state in driving technological development through a clear national mission — defining strategic priorities, de-risking private investment, and building the technical capacity of Uganda’s young population.
“We are aligning policy, research, and investment to foster competitiveness,” Musenero said, adding that Uganda’s surplus electricity and stable macroeconomic environment make it an ideal destination for high-tech ventures.
The minister also pointed to the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Uganda intends to leverage by linking local innovations to regional markets. The government is utilizing strategic procurement, public R&D programs, and patient capital to build a robust national innovation ecosystem.
Uganda is actively seeking partnerships and investments to fast-track these initiatives, with pilot projects in electric vehicle manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing already proving successful.
“Our environment is naturally conducive to agriculture and manufacturing,” Musenero remarked. “With technology, we can produce organic, high-value products for global markets. We invite investors to help scale these initiatives and drive Uganda’s transformation.”
She concluded by reiterating Uganda’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in science and innovation.
“Uganda is no longer the underdog,” Musenero affirmed. “With intentional leadership in science, technology, and innovation, we are creating industries, generating wealth, and providing jobs for our youth. Together with our partners, we can leverage technology to make Uganda a high-tech hub in Africa.”