KAMPALA — The Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Mary Gorette Kitutu, has urged more women to join the technological industry to exploit the big number of opportunities available there.
Addressing the African Women in Technology conference at the Kampala International University main campus in Kansanga, Ggaba road, Kampala on Friday, Kitutu said women should not underestimate themselves, when it comes to going for opportunities in the tech industry.
“You should not underestimate yourselves. Apply for these tech courses and go for further studies.”, Kitutu told the over 100 women gathered at the conference.
Giving herself as an example, the Minister said women can do more to penetrate the tech industry in particular and science field in general.
She pointed out that women in technology in Uganda are estimated to be 28% of total technology practitioners, which she said is still low, yet there are more opportunities cropping up in sectors like Oil and Gas.
“We should do more. We, the older generation have tried, because now we head some of the most important ministries in the country like Energy and Health.”, she said.
She also thanked Kampala International University for offering scholarships to girls and encouraged the University Vice-chancellor, Dr. Mouhammed Mpezamihingo, who was in attendance, to implore more girls to take on science courses.
On her part, she pledged to offer more opportunities to students from KIU to do internships at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
