Staff Reporter
Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, Vice-Chancellor of Kabale University, has criticized the government’s approach of increasing scientists’ salaries as a strategy to enhance human resources in science, technology, and innovation, deeming it ineffective for its intended purpose.
Prof. Kwesiga expressed these views on Monday during the official opening of the week-long Inaugural African Women in Algebra workshop at Kabale University, located in Kabale Municipality. This event has gathered female algebraists from 13 African countries to empower and inspire future leaders in STEM.
She emphasized that the government has yet to make substantial investments in equipping schools and training institutions with the necessary resources and facilities to inspire students from the primary level onwards.
According to Prof. Kwesiga, increasing salaries for scientists will only motivate those currently in the field but will not help the country achieve its goal of nurturing and producing more scientists. She stressed the need for the government to allocate resources to ensure that schools and training institutions are well-equipped.
Dr. Sarah Nakato, a mathematics lecturer at Kabale University and the current convener of the African Women in Algebra, stated that the event aims to bring together women from across Africa to collaborate and support each other in research and science-related publications.
Dr. Nakato highlighted the challenge Africa faces with the low number of women pursuing sciences, particularly mathematics, due to negative attitudes and gender-related stereotypes against the subject.
