1. Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
CHALLENGES OF INTEGRATING THE “JUA KALIS” INTO THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IN UGANDA
Bashir Rajab Kagere
Policy Analyst
Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
P.O. Box 6884, Kampala, Uganda
August, 2008
Negombo, Sri lanka

2. Introduction Uganda’s industrial sector
GDP contribution of 21% in the financial year 2006/07, up from 20.9% in 2005/06
focused on light manufacturing and offering services for local consumption
90% of Uganda’s exports are agricultural products with little technological input or value addition
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

3. Introduction Cont…………..
Small Scale Industries
Poor performance of industries and the high levels of unemployment have led to the emergence of micro and small scale enterprises within both the formal and informal sector
fill in gaps between imported products and what is produced locally either because they are too expensive to afford or not available in the market
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

4. SSE growth: The Path to Industrialization
SSEs as a source of entrepreneurship and continual innovation
“breeding ground” or “seedbed” from which larger firms emerge
modern small and medium scale enterprises did not primarily originate from micro manufacturing enterprises but rather started with more than ten employees.
Firms uncover their true efficiencies, over time, through a learning process (Jovanovic, 1982)
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

5. “Jua Kali”: Who are they?
“Jua Kali” is a Swahili word meaning hot sun.
term is used to refer to small scale artisans eking out a living through manufacturing of products and offering services in the open scorching heat of the sun
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

6. Metallic doors
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

7. Metallic windows
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

8. Carpentry
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

9. Water Peddling Pump
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

10. Water Peddling Pump Cont…..
The water peddling pump was developed by the “jua kali” in kisenyi, kampala district.
The pump is used for irrigation and is powered by two bicycles
The prototype was tested at Makerere University and is capable of delivering a water flow of upto 27 litres per minute at a distance of 5metres
Still undergoing modification, but could pump upto 300 litres/ 45 sec
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

11. “Jua kali” Contribution to the Economy
It is estimated that there are 800,000 small scale enterprises operating under the informal sector in Uganda, employing 2.6 million people
Over 20% contribution to GDP
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

12. Characteristics of “Jua Kali”
Sole proprietorships with the owner as the only person in a managerial position
Do not have well laid out plans
Labour intensive
Imitation/ copying
Easy entry and Exit
Extensive use of local raw materials in production
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

13. National Innovation System
Uganda possesses a poorly functioning national innovation system and innovation processes for her prevailing objectives and circumstances.
Developing countries are not organized in ‘systems of innovation’ but ‘learning systems’ (Viotti, 2002)
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

14. Components of Uganda’s STI System
STI Policy & Institutional Framework
Institutions
Policies
Resources (financial)
STI Manufacturing and Marketing
Products and services
Prices
Consumers
STI Infrastructure
R&D facilities
ICT facilities
Others
STI Human Resources
Knowledge
Skills
Entrepreneurship
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

15. Management of the STI System
Uganda’s STI system is managed through a constellation of macro and sectoral policies whose major focus is on non-STI specific indices of development
Parallel mandates of STI governing bodies complicate coordination of the system
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

16. Jua Kali: A case of Metal Fabrication
Metal fabrication industry in Uganda is still in its infancy
Skills in the metal fabrication sector are basically learned on the job through an older and experienced worker teaching a novice over a relatively long period of time
Some of the commodities produced include; metallic windows and doors, staircases, mortars, vehicle spare parts, spare keys, grinding machines, tanks, source pans, chairs, tables, etc
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

17. Metal fabrication Cont….
low levels of technology
45% of the metal fabricating firms did not introduce any new products over a 3 year period ranging from 1997 to 2000 (Z.M. Nyiira et al, 2001).
Products introduced are either imitations of domestic models or applications of existing technology in the market
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

18. Metal fabrication Cont…..
Most metal fabricating enterprises begin small (1 to 5 people) and remain in this state since the goal of the initiative is for personal survival and not growth
Modern metal fabricating enterprises in the business include: Hwan Sung, Alminium halloware, Steel Rolling Mills Ltd, casements, etc
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

19. Challenges of Integrating Jua Kalis into the S&T System
Policy Environment
Institutional Framework
Classification of SMEs
Deepening of the Concept of National Innovation System
Financing
Technology Incubation/ clustering
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

20. Challenges Cont….. Technology Transfer and Management
Standardization of Products
Competition and Legal Protection
Link between Jua Kali and Industrial Establishments
Entry and Exit
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

21. Challenges Cont….. Jua kali Capacity to Absorb Technology
Tacit Knowledge
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

22. Conclusion
In developing countries, SMEs are the engines of growth and are responsible for most jobs, products, tax revenue and development. It is therefore imperative that governments in developing countries as a matter of necessity and survival of their economies support and fund knowledge creation and infusion into SMEs
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka

23. Thank You For Listening
August, 2008
Colombo, Sri lanka