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Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today, officially opened the inaugural National ICT Innovation Expo with a pledge to cut down on imported solutions and increased funding for ICT innovators.President Museveni, who was the Chief Guest at the Expo that runs from today December 17th -18th commended the “different Ugandans who are embracing technology as a game-changer in the face of human and global needs.”“Technology is no longer a choice but a necessity, I would, therefore, like to assure Ugandans that we will work towards eliminating import solutions in the ICT sector, such money should be diverted to local innovators,” he said, at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), grounds in Nakawa.Flanked by the outgoing and incoming Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT & NG), Hon Frank Tumwebaze and Hon Judith Nabakooba respectively, Museveni pledged more funding for ICT innovations, provided there is demonstrable return on investment. A passionate Frank Tumwebaze, speaks at the opening ceremony. He reiterated the important of government leading the way in creating a sustainable market for locally developed ICT applications and a supporting policy framework. “The Shs13bn fund given to the innovators if just a starter, if you show that you are using it very well, you shall get more money,” said Mr. Museveni. Over 80 ICT startups and government ministries departments and agencies are participating in the Expo. Organised by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT & NG) under the theme: “Accelerating investment in digital innovation”, the Expo is meant to encourage the creation of inclusive and sustainable wealth, employment, development and growth. The ministry is also working in collaboration with expert innovation hubs and key partners such as Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), National Information Technology Authority (NITA), ACIA, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and…