The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. James Kisaale as the Executive Secretary, effective 1st June 2026.
Dr. James Kisaale is a high-impact Executive with over two decades of distinguished service in public sector governance. Prior to his appointment as Executive Secretary of Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), Dr. Kisaale served as Strategic Advisor to the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in the Office of the President, where he also spearheaded Uganda’s Strategy towards becoming the most innovative economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, as Chairman of the National Task Force Secretariat for the Global Innovation Index (GII).
He has held key leadership positions at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), including Commissioner for Customs Enforcement and Trade, where he built a reputation for organizational transformation, institutional integrity, and results-driven leadership. As a key architect of URA's Change Management programmes, Dr. Kisaale led comprehensive leadership and talent reforms within the Customs department, embedding a meritocratic, high-integrity culture. He further established lasting partnerships with Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), global regulatory bodies, and Development Partners, to advance Uganda's interests. He is experienced in high-level community mobilization and policy advocacy, with a good understanding of the legislative landscape for regional development and social equity.
A trained Analytical Chemist with a PhD in Global Leadership, Dr. Kisaale’s blend of scientific excellence and strategic, transformative leadership makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide Uganda's premier science and technology Council. As Executive Secretary, Dr. Kisaale will provide strategic leadership to advance UNCST's mandate to regulate and promote the application of science, technology, and innovation for national development. He will champion efforts to strengthen partnerships across government, academia, industry, and communities, ensuring that STI contributes meaningfully to Uganda's development agenda.
The 5th Council, together with UNCST Management and Staff, warmly welcome Dr. Kisaale and look forward to his leadership in driving the next phase of growth, innovation, and excellence across Uganda's science, technology, and innovation landscape.