Building a Knowledge Inclusive Society in Uganda: A Focus on Open Science Best Practices and Procedures

Abstract

The global movement toward Open Science presents an unprecedented opportunity to bridge knowledge gaps and promote inclusivity in research and development. Promoting Open Science and open access to knowledge can significantly contribute to the collective building of national economies and lead to societal progress. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of building an inclusive knowledge society in Uganda through embracing the Open Science best practices at the GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Germany. An institutional survey was conducted by interviewing eight key informants and experts in Open Science at GESIS. The Open Science practices explored include: the regulatory framework, Open Science infrastructure, funding, education and training, data quality & security, and stakeholder engagement. The paper further assesses the current challenges and proposes strategic interventions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic and technological landscape. Emphasis is placed on equity in access to scientific knowledge, infrastructure development, policy, and capacity building. The paper also highlights recommendations for a multi-stakeholder approach to sustainably integrate Open Science into Uganda and other developing economies’ national development agendas.