UNCST Policies
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Item Stimulating Production of Shea Butter for Industrial Application in Uganda.(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:The global demand for shea butter, projected to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2025, continues to grow across the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and confectionery industries. Despite Uganda’s potential in this market, local production primarily relies on traditional artisan and cold-pressing methods, which produce low-quality shea butter unsuitable for industrial applications. To address this challenge, a study was conducted to enhance the quality of Ugandan shea butter through advanced fractionation techniques. Using both dry and solvent-based methods, the study successfully separated shea butter into two components: shea olein (liquid) and shea stearin (solid), at crystallization temperatures of 15°C and 20°C. Solvent fractionation using acetone at 20°C yielded the best results, producing high-quality shea olein suitable for industrial use. Notably, artisan-processed shea butter yielded higher olein fractions (59.4–59.8%) than cold-pressed butter (41.5–41.8%) at both temperature points. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting solvent fractionation at 20°C for large-scale processing and equipping local producers with the necessary training and technology. It further calls for the development of national standards for high-olein shea butter and the promotion of its broad industrial applications. A pilot fractionation machine has already been fabricated to support industrial-scale implementation.Item Commercialization of Propolis Powder for Improved Health and Incomes in Ugandans (Proven boost)(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This policy brief presents key findings from a project supported by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) under the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), aimed at commercializing propolis in Uganda. Despite Uganda's potential to produce 325–870 tonnes of propolis annually, over 99% remains underutilized. The project addressed this gap by developing quality and safety standards, fabricating essential processing equipment, conducting intellectual property (IP) training, and raising awareness among rural beekeepers. Quality testing in collaboration with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards confirmed that Ugandan propolis meets international safety standards. Infrastructure improvements, including a pilot processing facility and IP protections for new products, have laid the groundwork for market entry. The brief calls for policy action in areas such as standards enforcement, IP promotion, public-private partnerships, and continuous training to position Uganda competitively in the global propolis market and empower rural livelihoods.Item FRACTIONATION OF UGANDAN SHEA BUTTER INTO COMMERCIAL SHEA STEARIN AND SHEA OLEIN(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This presentation outlines a study focused on the development and commercialization of fractionation technology for Ugandan shea butter into two high-value components: shea olein and shea stearin. Uganda produces an estimated 880 metric tons of shea kernels annually, but current applications of shea butter remain limited to food and cosmetics, with minimal product diversity and limited exports. The project employed both traditional artisan and cold pressing extraction methods, followed by laboratory-based fractionation using dry and solvent techniques at crystallization temperatures of 15°C and 20°C. The resulting fractions were analyzed for physicochemical properties including acid value, iodine value, and fatty acid profile. The study successfully piloted a fractionation machine for industrial use and demonstrated a wide range of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications for the derived shea olein and stearin. It concludes with a recommendation to maximize the use of these ingredients and expand their industrial application.Item Developing and Promoting Supplement and Beverage Product Prototypes for Improved Commercial Exploitation of Propolis and Bee Venom in Uganda(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This presentation outlines a research initiative focused on developing and commercializing propolis-based supplement and beverage products in Uganda. Despite Uganda’s 2 million beehives capable of producing 870 tons of propolis worth approximately USD 3.5 million annually, 99% remains unutilized due to unstandardized processing, lack of purification technology, and minimal research and development. The first phase of the project involved documenting propolis production potential, developing prototypes, evaluating antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and assessing market opportunities. The second phase emphasized commercialization through equipment fabrication, quality analysis, intellectual property registration, and beekeeper capacity building. The study highlights the potential of academia-private sector collaboration, calls for increased investment, and proposes a scalable model for propolis exploitation across Africa.Item The Industry Knowledge Clinics: Translating Research Results into Social and Commercial Applications.(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:The Industry Knowledge Clinics (IKCs) initiative addresses critical barriers to translating academic research into practical industrial applications in Uganda, aligning with national development goals such as Vision 2040 and NDP IV. Led by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), IKCs provide a collaborative, demand-driven platform to bridge gaps between academia, industry, and regulators. Key challenges include skills deficits, limited technology access, complex standards, and weak institutional linkages. The IDE-STABACO project—a case study highlighted in this presentation—exemplifies the IKC model’s success by simplifying bakery and confectionery standards, delivering targeted training to over 240 practitioners, and fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs). Outcomes include enhanced industry skills, adoption of simplified standards by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and improved market competitiveness. Recommendations emphasize integrating IKCs into national policies, securing dedicated funding, incentivizing stakeholder participation, and strengthening coordination platforms. The IKCs demonstrate a scalable solution to accelerate Uganda’s industrialization by transforming research into actionable knowledge for SMEs. Keywords: Knowledge translation, industry-academia collaboration, Uganda, SMEs, standards, public-private partnerships.Item Increasing wheat production and productivity for a competitive wheat manufacturing value chain in Uganda (WIN4CoM-U)(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:The WIN4CoM-U project aims to enhance domestic wheat production in Uganda by expanding cultivation to non-traditional mid- and low-altitude areas, addressing the significant gap between national demand (650,000 MT) and current production (25,000 MT). Funded by UNCST with a budget of Ugx 109 million over 18 months, the project focuses on developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties adapted to diverse environments, including heat, drought, and rust-prone regions. Key achievements include the evaluation of 19 wheat lines across five agro-ecological sites, selection of four top-performing candidates for national trials, and initiation of on-farm trials in regions like Karamoja. The project also emphasizes seed bulking, participatory farmer selection, and partnerships with millers to fast-track foundation seed production. Future goals include scaling up adapted varieties, establishing a Small Grains Research Unit, and integrating wheat into pastoral systems through the Karamoja Wheat Plus Initiative, targeting a USD 1.4 billion annual industry value within five years. This initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to reduce wheat imports (currently $450 million annually) and strengthen food security and economic resilience. Keywords: Wheat production, import substitution, Uganda, climate resilience, value chain, Karamoja.Item GENDER EQUITY AND INCLUSION BY RESEARCH TEAMS IN UGANDA(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This presentation by Steven Sebbale, under the auspices of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), examines the state of gender equity and inclusion within research teams in Uganda. It highlights the historical and policy context of gender equality in science, technology, and innovation (STI), emphasizing the slow progress in women's representation in research and higher education institutions. The document explores systemic barriers such as the "leaky pipeline" phenomenon, implicit biases, and unequal access to funding and leadership opportunities. Case studies from various projects illustrate both successes and gaps in gender mainstreaming, with recommendations for UNCST to strengthen guidelines, training, and monitoring frameworks. The presentation underscores the importance of intersectionality, equitable participation, and institutional accountability to advance gender equality in Uganda's research ecosystem. Key Themes: Gender disparities in STI education and careers. Policy frameworks and institutional readiness. Challenges in project design, implementation, and evaluation. Strategies for fostering gender-responsive research environments. Audience: Policymakers, researchers, academic institutions, and international partners engaged in STI development in Uganda.Item Essential oils commercialization for Public Health Products Development and Rational Promotion (EOCCPHP)(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04-30) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:The project “Essential Oils Commercialization for Public Health Products Development and Rational Promotion (EOCCPHP)” seeks to address the rising demand for essential oils in the public health sector amidst limited local production. The initiative focuses on bridging knowledge and processing gaps, promoting sustainable cultivation through out-grower schemes, and supporting value addition and commercialization. Key achievements include the establishment of a factory at Bishop Stuart University (BSU), the development of essential oil-based products, and partnerships with farmers—especially women—along the value chain. The project has also undertaken surveys for crop targeting, training on primary processing, and policy engagement. Challenges remain in infrastructure, standardization, packaging, and market access. Future directions include mobile distillation units, regional farmer cooperatives, and integration into leisure and wellness industries. The initiative aims to create employment, promote environmental sustainability, and reduce reliance on imported synthetic oils.Item FOOD WASTE-2-CRICKET FEED(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This presentation outlines a pilot initiative aimed at converting food waste into a low-cost, protein- and micro-nutrient-rich cricket feed to support sustainable edible insect farming in Uganda. The study addresses the challenges of limited cricket production in Uganda, largely due to the high cost of feed, which accounts for approximately 50% of production expenses. With Uganda generating up to 771 metric tons of food waste daily, this project demonstrates how household and market waste can be transformed into safe, digestible, and nutritionally viable feed for house crickets (Acheta domesticus). The results reveal that crickets raised on the formulated feed showed high protein content and digestibility, with low aflatoxin and pesticide levels. Additionally, the production cost is significantly lower compared to conventional feeds, offering high returns on investment. The initiative sets the foundation for small-scale industrial upcycling of food waste into commercial insect feed, with broader implications for food security, waste management, and sustainable protein sources in urban settings.Item Piloting the Production and Distribution of a Low Cost ‘Protein and Micro-Nutrient Rich Cricket Feed from Food Waste in Kampala(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This policy brief presents a sustainable solution to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa through the production of protein-rich cricket feed derived from food waste. The initiative piloted in Kampala, Uganda, developed and tested affordable, safe, and shelf-stable cricket feed made from processed food waste. The feed demonstrated comparable nutritional value and growth performance to conventional diets, with crickets reared on this feed exhibiting high protein content (49–61%) and safety from contaminants. The project also highlights the potential to valorize large volumes of urban food waste, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. Recommendations include developing policies to promote food waste valorization, supporting commercialization of research outputs, incentivizing insect farming, and encouraging public-private partnerships. The study calls for integrated strategies to convert food waste into valuable resources for animal protein production while mitigating environmental pollution.Item GENDER EQUITY AND INCLUSION BY RESEARCH TEAMS IN UGANDA : Preconditions and Success Factors(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This synthesis report by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) presents an in-depth analysis of gender equity and inclusion within six IDRC-funded research projects under the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). It explores how gender was integrated in the design, implementation, and outcomes of projects in sectors such as essential oils, wheat production, bakery, propolis, cricket feed, and shea butter processing. Using mixed methods including field visits, interviews, and desk reviews, the study reveals that while all projects reported some level of gender inclusion, there were critical gaps in systematic planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of gender-specific outcomes. Key findings emphasize the importance of gender-responsive budgeting, capacity building, institutional support, and setting gender-based targets to improve inclusion. The report concludes with actionable recommendations for enhancing gender mainstreaming in future research, policy, and innovation systems to ensure equitable participation and benefits for all genders.Item Essential Oil Crops Commercialization for Sustainable Public Health Products Development and Rational Promotion. (EOCCPHP).(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04)This presentation outlines ongoing initiatives and achievements in the commercialization of essential oils (EOs) for public health product development in Uganda. It highlights the growing demand for EOs driven by industrial growth and the gap in local production capacity. The project, led by academic and private sector partners, focuses on sustainable outgrower schemes, value addition, and market linkage development. Key milestones include the establishment of EO processing facilities, product development, community demonstration gardens, and laboratory testing in collaboration with institutions like BSU, UIRI, and UNBS. Emphasis is placed on job creation, particularly for women, environmental conservation, and the need to reduce reliance on imported synthetic oils. Future directions aim at patenting EO-based products, developing mobile distillation units, and expanding regional farmer cooperatives. The presentation also addresses challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, IP issues, market access, and the need for farmer training and certification.Item Identification of standards gaps in the bakery and confectionery industries (IDE-STABACO)(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-04) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:This policy brief highlights critical food safety and standards compliance challenges in Uganda’s bakery and confectionery sector. Despite the growing demand for baked goods, the sector struggles with limited knowledge of food safety standards, inadequate regulatory compliance, poor hygiene practices, and minimal capacity to meet technical standards. Through a cross-sectional study, the project identified key standards gaps, developed simplified and translated versions of existing bread and cake standards (US EAS 43:2012 and US 1923:2020), and delivered tailored capacity-building training to stakeholders. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive regulatory frameworks, enhanced public-private partnerships, infrastructure upgrades, and targeted awareness campaigns. The brief proposes actionable recommendations to improve food safety, promote standard compliance, and enhance the competitiveness and public health contribution of the bakery sector. Key Words: Food safety; Bakery standards; Compliance; Uganda; Small-scale bakeries; GMP; Consumer protectionItem Open Science for Uganda: Enhancing research regulation and collaboration through UNCST(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-02) Uganda National Council for Science and TechnologyThis policy brief presents a strategic framework for advancing Open Science (OS) in Uganda, with a focus on strengthening the regulatory role of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST). It emphasizes the transformative potential of OS in making research more transparent, inclusive, and accessible. The document reviews global and regional best practices, identifies challenges in Uganda’s current research ecosystem—such as policy gaps, limited infrastructure, and weak collaboration—and offers policy solutions to stimulate reform. It highlights the importance of open access, data sharing, and institutional readiness to ensure greater research impact, compliance, and alignment with national development goals. By adopting the proposed OS policy, UNCST aims to foster a more connected and accountable research ecosystem that enhances Uganda's participation in the global knowledge economy.Item Harnessing Open Science to Drive Development: Ensuring Uganda’s Leadership in the Global Knowledge Econo(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-02) Uganda National Council for Science and TechnologyThis policy brief presents Uganda's strategic commitment to Open Science (OS) as a transformative approach to research, innovation, and development. Developed by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), the internal OS policy aims to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration in scientific research by addressing systemic challenges in five key areas: infrastructure, ecosystem, human capacity, investment, and policy. The brief emphasizes the need for open access to publicly funded research, robust data-sharing mechanisms, and alignment with global OS frameworks such as the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science (2021). Through partnerships, capacity building, and regulatory alignment, Uganda positions itself to strengthen its research visibility, improve societal engagement, and drive sustainable development. The document concludes with actionable recommendations for policy integration, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainable financing to ensure the long-term success of OS implementation in Uganda.Item Uganda National Council for Science and Technology OPEN SCIENCE POLICY(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-02) Uganda National Council for Science and Technology:The Open Science Policy by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), published in February 2025, establishes a comprehensive framework to promote openness, accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity in Uganda's scientific research landscape. It aligns with Uganda Vision 2040 and global development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO’s recommendations on Open Science. The policy outlines UNCST’s vision for a research environment that fosters equitable access to scientific knowledge, supports collaboration among stakeholders, strengthens infrastructure, and builds research capacity. Five key policy interventions are prioritized: digital and physical infrastructure, inclusive research ecosystems, human capacity development, governance and regulatory frameworks, and sustained investment. The policy emphasizes adherence to FAIR and CARE data principles, ethical standards, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the integration of Open Science across institutions and disciplines. It also sets up a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess implementation and impact, positioning Uganda as a committed player in the global Open Science movement.