Section
science
Recent science coverage and related updates from across Uganda Online.
science 15 April 2026
Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza, Uganda's Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, asserts that the controversial Shs 8 million lab mice have led to billion-dollar drugs at Dei Biopharma, urging the public to witness results at National Science Week 2026. She promises tangible demonstrations of STI investments transforming Uganda into a $500 billion economy. Source: https://observer.ug/news/musenero-shs-8m-lab-rats-produced-a-billion-dollar-drug
Health 12 April 2026
Toothaches deliver severe pain due to pressure on nerve fibres in the dental pulp and the powerful trigeminal nerve, which rapidly transmits signals to the brain. This pain often radiates, serving as a critical warning to seek prompt treatment and prevent serious complications. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/healthy-living/toothache-explained-why-it-hurts-so-much-5419508
agriculture 11 April 2026
Researchers from NaRL, Makerere University, and Uganda Banana Producers Cooperative Union have initiated a five-year project to boost banana resilience against climate change impacts like drought, pests, and soil degradation. Funded by Denmark with Shs5 billion, the effort focuses on drought-tolerant varieties, beneficial microbes, efficient irrigation, and organic soil practices. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/scientists-develop-climate-resilient-banana-farming-breeding-methods-5419982
science 9 April 2026
Uganda is set to launch its indigenously developed ClimCam climate monitoring camera to the International Space Station today, enabling four daily passes over East Africa for precise weather imaging and data collection. The joint project with Kenya and Egypt will enhance predictions for floods, droughts, agriculture, and disasters using AI-driven early warning systems. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-to-launch-climate-monitoring-camera-into-space-today-5418626
science 8 April 2026
Dr Andrew Kiggundu, Principal Research Officer and Anti-Tick Vaccine Production Manager at NARO's NaLIRRI, has died after over 25 years of distinguished service in agricultural biotechnology. NARO expressed deep sadness, highlighting his enduring legacy in research innovation and national development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ugandan-biotechnologist-behind-anti-tick-vaccine-dr-kiggundu-is-dead-naro-5416980
Politics 7 April 2026
President Yoweri Museveni has urged MPs to allocate budget funds for developing medicines against cancer and diabetes created by innovator David Ssenfuka. He highlighted the project's potential as a one-time investment with major benefits for Uganda and beyond amid rising non-communicable diseases. Source: https://observer.ug/news/museveni-seeks-funds-for-ssenfuka-drug
agriculture 7 April 2026
Experts from NaRL, Makerere University, and banana producers are collaborating on a five-year project to combat climate-induced challenges in banana production, including drought, pests, and poor soil fertility. Funded by Denmark, the initiative aims to boost yields from current low levels to meet food security needs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/agricultural-scientists-devising-climate-resilient-banana-production-methods-5415804
Health 6 April 2026
Scientists have advanced a new long-acting injectable drug, MMV371, that provides up to three months of malaria prevention and treatment from a single dose. As Uganda faces increasing malaria prevalence, especially among young children, this innovation could aid elimination efforts by 2030. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-long-acting-injectable-malaria-drug-offers-three-month-immunity-5414880
environment 5 April 2026
Uganda loses approximately 200,000 hectares of tree cover each year due to encroachment, which is severely impeding research activities by government scientists. Experts warn that this environmental degradation is disrupting vital scientific studies in forested areas. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/encroachment-on-forests-slowing-research-govt-scientists-warn-5413944
Politics 3 April 2026
Scientists from two Ugandan professional bodies have petitioned President Museveni to withhold assent to the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill 2025, citing provisions that could hinder the growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing. They demand amendments to allow broader professional oversight in drug production supervision. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/scientists-petition-museveni-to-reject-drugs-authority-bill-5412964
education 30 March 2026
Uganda's leadership stresses the need for more engineers, scientists, and technicians to drive industrialization, yet many secondary schools lack proper laboratory facilities and equipment. This gap hinders hands-on learning, turning science into rote memorization rather than practical skill-building. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/uganda-wants-scientists-but-are-our-schools-ready--5407494
education 27 March 2026
Uganda's students have shown modest gains in Biology performance on the 2025 UACE exams, but experts warn of persistent challenges like inadequate labs, teacher shortages, and poor practical training. A Makerere University study highlights the need for better collaboration between Uneb and NCDC to sustain progress. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/solutions-to-biology-puzzle-trickle-in-as-worries-persist-5405626
crime 21 March 2026
In a landmark case, Ugandan police used DNA evidence for the first time to arrest and convict a cake decorator for the 1983 and 1986 murders of two 15-year-old girls, after initial investigations stalled. The breakthrough came after testing thousands of samples and uncovering a cover-up at a local bakery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/insight/the-first-time-dna-was-used-to-arrest-a-killer-5398332
Health 18 March 2026
Doctors in China have successfully reversed Type 1 diabetes in a 25-year-old woman using an experimental stem cell transplant, allowing her to produce insulin naturally without injections for over a year. This development offers cautious optimism for Uganda, where around 18,200 people live with the condition amid limited treatment access. Source: https://observer.ug/news/doctors-reverse-type-1-diabetes-what-next