Makerere University science don  Izael Pereira Da Silva has appealed to the Uganda government to consider investing in creating awareness for science projects to enable the grassroot people use them to improve their livelihoods.

Uganda's Finance Minister Syda Bbumba

Da Silva who is also the Makerere University Director of the Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation called for the use of Uganda politicians like Members of Parliament to disseminate science information.

He also called for the use of the mass media like the internet and radio stations to disseminate science information.

The Makerere University don says implementation of academic science findings can help improve the livelihoods of the people especially those living in the rural areas.

Da Silva singled out the science project carried out by Jeep NGO in Northern Uganda district of Amuru which teaches people how to build energy saving stoves using local materials. He says with increased awareness, such projects can uplift people’s standards of living and can be a great way of transferring scientist’s knowledge to the grass root people.

In the 2010/11 Uganda National budget, Uganda finance minister Syda Bbumba increased funding to science initiatives especially through the Ugandan National Council of Science and Technology.

The National budget also increased salaries of Uganda scientists by 30 percent which analysts believe it will help uplift the Uganda science sector, an engine for economic growth and development because it provides conducive conditions for the growth of industries.

Solomon Akugizibwe, Ultimate Media