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Uganda Industrial Research Institute - A lead agency of industrialization in Uganda
UIRI

Directorate

Special Projects

Special Projects supports enterprise development through technology business incubation, capacity building, consultancy services and business-related research.

Purpose

Supporting new and existing enterprises

The Special Projects office supports new enterprises and strengthens existing enterprises in Uganda through technology business incubation, capacity building programmes and activities, consultancies and business-related research.

Like other departments at UIRI, the Special Projects office enhances UIRI's purpose of improving the capacity and competence of the private sector in undertaking viable industrial production processes. Its work supports the production of high-quality marketable products through research, training and technical know-how, contributing to rapid industrialization for the benefit of the people of Uganda.

Core projects

Main areas of work

The office coordinates projects and services that strengthen enterprise growth, technical capability and business development.

  • Technology business incubation
  • Capacity building programmes and activities
  • Enterprise and business-related research
  • Consultancy services

Goals

Enterprise growth and regional development

The Special Projects office works to support enterprise ownership, employment creation and technology transfer in Uganda.

  • Accelerate the rate of growth of business enterprises and micro-enterprise ownership
  • Increase awareness of business ownership as a viable means of economic self-sufficiency
  • Accelerate employment and increase wealth in underserved regions
  • Transfer technologies from universities and major corporations to the region

Ambitions

Research, outreach and capacity building

The office conducts ongoing business-related research geared toward accelerating enterprise growth and success.

It is expected to initiate and coordinate capacity building programmes and activities aimed at strengthening the technological capabilities of small and start-up enterprises, while ensuring that they have access to and make use of relevant technology.

  • Community outreach programmes
  • Workshops and seminars
  • Business lectures
  • Business talks on television or radio
  • Training

Consultancy

Business and enterprise support services

The office is open to offering a range of consultancy services for entrepreneurs, enterprises and business support initiatives.

  • Business idea generation
  • Innovation and technology development
  • Business planning and management
  • Product development
  • Market analysis and market penetration
  • Technology evaluation
  • Business computing
  • Negotiation and market research
  • Sales strategy development
  • Client relations and management
  • Marketing, strategy and business development
  • Financial analysis and business accounting
  • Emerging markets and start-up environment support
  • Product-market alliances, partnerships and leadership

Regional support

Business Development Centres

To cater for entrepreneurial development and success nationwide, UIRI intends to establish similar Business Development Centres in various regions of Uganda.

Achievements

Selected achievements and institutional contributions

The Special Projects office has contributed to enterprise support, incubation capacity and institutional representation through several initiatives.

  • Strengthened incubator capability and supported the launch of the Business Incubation Centre
  • Improved customer service at the centre with less downtime and better help desk response times
  • Supported the setup of an Industrial Resource Centre
  • Equipped the ICT training centre with more terminals
  • Supported the setup of a desktop publishing unit
  • Supported the setup of a video conferencing facility
  • Delivered trainings and consultancies to more than 40 different groups of entrepreneurs
  • Represented the institute at various local and international symposia and workshops
  • Created selection and exit criteria for prospective incubatees
  • Developed a practical guide on elements of a successful business plan for prospective incubatees