The UNCST was established in 1990 by Act of Parliament (CAP 209 of the Laws of Uganda) as a semi-autonomous government agency to advise, develop, implement policies and strategies for integrating Science, Technology and Research development in Uganda.

UNCST’s Mandate: To facilitate and coordinate the development and implementation of policies and strategies for integrating Science and Technology (S&T) into the national development process

UNCST’s Vision: A prosperous Science and Technology led Ugandan Society

UNCST’s Mission: To provide effective and innovative leadership in the development, promotion and application of Science and Technology and its integration in sustainable national development

Science and Technology Management
UNCST provides opportunities for funding multidisciplinary research and technology development activities in strategic areas for national development. It also ensures that research and technology development activities in the country are carried out in a safe and ethical manner, and that the results of research guide public policy formulation. Furthermore, the programme provides for developing, testing and/or disseminating novel technologies that are strategic for environmental sustainability, better health, national security and socio-economic development.

Science and Technology Outreach
As part of a national strategy to promote Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Uganda, the UNCST has a programme for Science and Technology (S&T) Outreach, aimed at raising awareness and appreciation of the pivotal role of S&T in Uganda’s socio-economic development process; and promoting its application for achievement of improved health and education services, agricultural productivity, industrial development, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability among others.   Outreach entails recognition and awarding of scientific excellence, popularizing of science among youth and the general public, S&T information management and documentation and exhibitions.  The progamme aims at demystifying science; informing and engaging stakeholders (policy makers, students, scientists, researchers, the business community and the general public) in activie participation in and reflecting on achievements and progress towards building a stronger national S&T capacity.  

Science and Technology Policy and Coordination
UNCST operationalizes the national S&T policy; formulates and coordinates the implementation of other related policies; strengthens the national S&T human resource capacity and; strengthens the technology transfer and intellectual property management. This is done through analysis of national expenditure on S&T activities, maintenance of the national S&T statistical systems, monitoring stock and quality of S&T graduates-their productivity and mobility and the demand for them by the labor market.  The programme further analyses industrial policies and monitors trends in technological and industrial sector performance, all of which provide the basis for UNCST’s policy advice to the Government of Uganda on S&T as well as issues pertinent to industrial development, such as intellectual property management and technology transfer.

Corporate Affairs and International Relations
This programme coordinates the implementation of Uganda’s bilateral and multilateral science and technology agreements.  It also manages cooperate governance and collaboration with national and international stakeholders.