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February 2010 events

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February 2010

26th February 2010: The CIT Mentor Series:

CIT has continuously received feedback from the private sector and specifically requesting the faculty to invite people from the Private Sector to come and mentor the students to expose them to what the industry expects of them. This series featured Mr. Robert Kabushenga, CEO, Vision Group of Companies.

23rd – 24th February 2010: Consultative Workshop of DeLPHE Project:

The Consulatative workshop of DelPHE Project : Collaboration of School of Education, University of Nairobi , Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts; Makerere University and the Center for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry University was held at the Conference Hall, Economic Policy Research Center, Makerere University.

22nd February 2010: Mak/ECNU MoU signing ceremony:

Makerere University and the East China Normal University (ECNU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation aimed at strengthening the cooperation in education, science, engineering and technological transfer between the two universities. Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Sun Heping expressed represented Peoples Republic of China at the signing ceremony held in the Council Room, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

22nd February 2010: The 26th MUBS Public Lecture:

The School runs a Public Lecture Scheme as part of its activities to increase the diversity of business management among its clients and as part of its corporate social responsibility. The 26th MUBS Public Lecture was held under the theme:Innovations and Business Growth in the MUBS Conference Hall. The presenters were; Mr. Patrick Bitature (Chairman Simba Group and Uganda Investment Authority) and Mr. Jamil Sewanyana (Lecturer, Department of Entrepreneurship, MUBS).

20th February 2010: International Mother Tongue Day Celebrations:

This day has been designated by UNESCO as Mother Tongue Day and is observed worldwide. This was the third time the Institute of Languages was celebrating this day. The theme of the day was “Mother Tongue to Foster Unity in Diversity” Activities of the day included; reciting of poems and proverbs in mother tongues, reading of essays, singing and dancing among others, held at the Department of Food Science & Tech Conference Hall

19th February 2010: Launch of the Makerere Linux Chapter:

Every third Friday of the month the Linux User Group-Uganda (LUG) gathers at their LUG Meeting. The monthly meeting at the Makerere Faculty of ICT also served as a lunch for their Makerere Chapter. Speakers from DSMagic and AG Commons were on hand to inspire the students.

18th February 2010: Mak-SIDA PhaseIII Research Cooperation signing ceremony:

SIDA has been supporting research in Makerere University since 2000. A number of units including Faculties of Agriculture, Social Sciences, Technology, College of Health Sciences, and School of Graduate Studies, the University Library and the Directorate of Communication and Information Technology Support have since benefited through two phases of support which came to an end in December 2009 2009. The support to the tune of 181 million SEK has benefited over 150 students on PhD programmes and 40 students on Master degree programme. The signing ceremony of the Specific Agreement on Research Cooperation between Makerere University and Sida (represented by the Embassy of Sweden) took place in the Council Room, Main Administration Building.

17th February 2010: Public Dialogue – Desirable Institutions:

The Faculty of Social Sciences, Makerere University, held a Public Dialogue on the theme “Desirable Institutions, or Desirable Leaders. What does Uganda need for development?” at the Lower Conference Hall, Senate Building.

17th February 2010: CHS Needs Assessment Dissemination Workshop:

Makerere University and Johns Hopkins University have undertaken in a Twinning Program to inform and guide a 10-year strategic initiative to build Makerere University's sustainable capacity to improve health outcomes in Uganda and the region. As part of the activities, the MUJHU Twinning Program carried out a Needs Assessment for the College of Health Sciences. The half-day dissemination workshop took place at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.

16th February 2010: Public Lecture by Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis:

Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis, Deputy U.S. Trade representative gave a public lecture entitled “United States – African Trade and Investment in the 21st Century” held in the Conference Hall, Department of Food Science and Technology from 2.30 – 4.00p.m.

13th Feb – 3rd March 2010 2010: MTSIFA Staff Art Exhibition:

Fourteen Members of Staff at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts Exhibited their works at the “Different but One” exhibition, held at the Makerere Art Gallery.

12th February 2010: Consultative Workshop for the Development and use of Pozzolanic Materials Research:

The Department of Construction Economics and Management of Makerere University received a grant from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, under the World Bank's Millennium Science Initiative programs, towards research in the development and use of pozzolanic materials. The Department’s one-day consultative workshop was held at the Protea Hotel, Kampala.

12th February 2010: Mak/UMEME MoU on Bulk Metering signed:

The University now benefits from a lowered average tariff at the main campus, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UMEME and Makerere University.

11th February 2010: Launch of the GRACE book:

The Gender Research in Africa into ICTs for Empowerment (GRACE) is a project that was initiated in 2005 with an aim to provide context specific data on how women in Africa use information communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives, barriers that prevent them from accessing and utilisation of ICTS and how they surmount these barriers. With support from the International Development Research Center (IDRC), GRACE evolved into an African network of gender and ICT researchers involving 14 research teams in 12 different African countries including Uganda. The findings from the first research phase were captured and published in a book titled “African Women and ICTs: Investigating Technology, Gender and Empowerment” and launched at the Faculty of Food Science Conference Room, Makerere University.

10th February 2010: A Student Portforlio’s Presentation, CHS:

The student Portfolio for Makerere was designed in partnership with students and staff of the College of Health Sciences and was piloted this year. Other Institutions at Makerere University such as The School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Computing & IT and the Directorate of Human Resources Management are in the process of piloting it. The CHS presentation was held in the Davis Lecture Theatre, College of Health Sciences

9th – 11th February 2010: MEDI-SHARE National Conference.

MEDI-SHARE is an initiative taken by a consortium of Institutions: CINECA of University of Bologna Italy and Pharmacy schools in three Higher Education Institutions in East Africa; Makerere University, Nairobi University and Muhimbili University of Health Sciences. The project involves a collection of patient information of three conditions; HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. The software and platform for managing this information has been developed by CINECA in conjuction with Almalaurea of Italy. The Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University organized the three-day workshop at the Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala.

1st February 2010: ICPAU Results Release Ceremony

The Vice Chancellor was invited to officiate over the release of the December 2009 results by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU). As part of her Corporate Social Responsibility, Makerere University provides the ICPAU with facilities for conducting practical IT examinations, a relationship which dates back to 1997.

1st February 2010: 2nd Vice Chancellors Media briefing

The 2nd monthly media briefing featured the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the commencement of online registration or students from 1st February 2010, Electronic feedback to parents and guardians on student progress, the putting in place of a Public Relations and Communications Board, to improve the University’s Communications function, and the Alumni Development Fund Account to help raise funds and undertake major projects aimed at creating endowment for Makerere University.

February 2010

26th February 2010: The CIT Mentor Series:

CIT has continuously received feedback from the private sector and specifically requesting the faculty to invite people from the Private Sector to come and mentor the students to expose them to what the industry expects of them. This series featured Mr. Robert Kabushenga, CEO, Vision Group of Companies.

23rd – 24th February 2010: Consultative Workshop of DeLPHE Project:

The Consulatative workshop of DelPHE Project : Collaboration of School of Education, University of Nairobi , Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts; Makerere University and the Center for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry University was held at the Conference Hall, Economic Policy Research Center, Makerere University.

22nd February 2010: Mak/ECNU MoU signing ceremony:

Makerere University and the East China Normal University (ECNU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation aimed at strengthening the cooperation in education, science, engineering and technological transfer between the two universities. Chinese Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Sun Heping expressed represented Peoples Republic of China at the signing ceremony held in the Council Room, Main Administration Building, Makerere University.

22nd February 2010: The 26th MUBS Public Lecture:

The School runs a Public Lecture Scheme as part of its activities to increase the diversity of business management among its clients and as part of its corporate social responsibility. The 26th MUBS Public Lecture was held under the theme:Innovations and Business Growth in the MUBS Conference Hall. The presenters were; Mr. Patrick Bitature (Chairman Simba Group and Uganda Investment Authority) and Mr. Jamil Sewanyana (Lecturer, Department of Entrepreneurship, MUBS).

20th February 2010: International Mother Tongue Day Celebrations:

This day has been designated by UNESCO as Mother Tongue Day and is observed worldwide. This was the third time the Institute of Languages was celebrating this day. The theme of the day was “Mother Tongue to Foster Unity in Diversity” Activities of the day included; reciting of poems and proverbs in mother tongues, reading of essays, singing and dancing among others, held at the Department of Food Science & Tech Conference Hall

19th February 2010: Launch of the Makerere Linux Chapter:

Every third Friday of the month the Linux User Group-Uganda (LUG) gathers at their LUG Meeting. The monthly meeting at the Makerere Faculty of ICT also served as a lunch for their Makerere Chapter. Speakers from DSMagic and AG Commons were on hand to inspire the students.

18th February 2010: Mak-SIDA PhaseIII Research Cooperation signing ceremony:

SIDA has been supporting research in Makerere University since 2000. A number of units including Faculties of Agriculture, Social Sciences, Technology, College of Health Sciences, and School of Graduate Studies, the University Library and the Directorate of Communication and Information Technology Support have since benefited through two phases of support which came to an end in December 2009 2009. The support to the tune of 181 million SEK has benefited over 150 students on PhD programmes and 40 students on Master degree programme. The signing ceremony of the Specific Agreement on Research Cooperation between Makerere University and Sida (represented by the Embassy of Sweden) took place in the Council Room, Main Administration Building.

17th February 2010: Public Dialogue – Desirable Institutions:

The Faculty of Social Sciences, Makerere University, held a Public Dialogue on the theme “Desirable Institutions, or Desirable Leaders. What does Uganda need for development?” at the Lower Conference Hall, Senate Building.

17th February 2010: CHS Needs Assessment Dissemination Workshop:

Makerere University and Johns Hopkins University have undertaken in a Twinning Program to inform and guide a 10-year strategic initiative to build Makerere University's sustainable capacity to improve health outcomes in Uganda and the region. As part of the activities, the MUJHU Twinning Program carried out a Needs Assessment for the College of Health Sciences. The half-day dissemination workshop took place at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.

16th February 2010: Public Lecture by Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis:

Ambassador Demetrios J. Marantis, Deputy U.S. Trade representative gave a public lecture entitled “United States – African Trade and Investment in the 21st Century” held in the Conference Hall, Department of Food Science and Technology from 2.30 – 4.00p.m.

13th Feb – 3rd March 2010 2010: MTSIFA Staff Art Exhibition:

Fourteen Members of Staff at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts Exhibited their works at the “Different but One” exhibition, held at the Makerere Art Gallery.

12th February 2010: Consultative Workshop for the Development and use of Pozzolanic Materials Research:

The Department of Construction Economics and Management of Makerere University received a grant from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, under the World Bank's Millennium Science Initiative programs, towards research in the development and use of pozzolanic materials. The Department’s one-day consultative workshop was held at the Protea Hotel, Kampala.

12th February 2010: Mak/UMEME MoU on Bulk Metering signed:

The University now benefits from a lowered average tariff at the main campus, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UMEME and Makerere University.

11th February 2010: Launch of the GRACE book:

The Gender Research in Africa into ICTs for Empowerment (GRACE) is a project that was initiated in 2005 with an aim to provide context specific data on how women in Africa use information communication technologies (ICTs) to improve their lives, barriers that prevent them from accessing and utilisation of ICTS and how they surmount these barriers. With support from the International Development Research Center (IDRC), GRACE evolved into an African network of gender and ICT researchers involving 14 research teams in 12 different African countries including Uganda. The findings from the first research phase were captured and published in a book titled “African Women and ICTs: Investigating Technology, Gender and Empowerment” and launched at the Faculty of Food Science Conference Room, Makerere University.

10th February 2010: A Student Portforlio’s Presentation, CHS:

The student Portfolio for Makerere was designed in partnership with students and staff of the College of Health Sciences and was piloted this year. Other Institutions at Makerere University such as The School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Computing & IT and the Directorate of Human Resources Management are in the process of piloting it. The CHS presentation was held in the Davis Lecture Theatre, College of Health Sciences

9th – 11th February 2010: MEDI-SHARE National Conference.

MEDI-SHARE is an initiative taken by a consortium of Institutions: CINECA of University of Bologna Italy and Pharmacy schools in three Higher Education Institutions in East Africa; Makerere University, Nairobi University and Muhimbili University of Health Sciences. The project involves a collection of patient information of three conditions; HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. The software and platform for managing this information has been developed by CINECA in conjuction with Almalaurea of Italy. The Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University organized the three-day workshop at the Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala.

1st February 2010: ICPAU Results Release Ceremony

The Vice Chancellor was invited to officiate over the release of the December 2009 results by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU). As part of her Corporate Social Responsibility, Makerere University provides the ICPAU with facilities for conducting practical IT examinations, a relationship which dates back to 1997.

1st February 2010: 2nd Vice Chancellors Media briefing

The 2nd monthly media briefing featured the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies. The Vice Chancellor made presentations on the commencement of online registration or students from 1st February 2010, Electronic feedback to parents and guardians on student progress, the putting in place of a Public Relations and Communications Board, to improve the University’s Communications function, and the Alumni Development Fund Account to help raise funds and undertake major projects aimed at creating endowment for Makerere University.

Denis Wamala

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Prof. Sarah Ssali shares institutional best practices ahead of The Trust Summit

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September 16, 2026

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Prof. Sarah Ssali, Panelist, Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy, September 15, 2026. Graphic: X/@GTSummit2026

Prof. Sarah Ssali the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) at Makerere University was one of the panelists that addressed the complex challenges facing African higher education during a Virtual Round Table on Restoring Trust in Academia and the Knowledge Economy held September 15, 2026. The event was organised by Strathmore University as part of the pre-summit events for The Trust Summit (TTS), due to be held in Nairobi, Kenya from October 21-23, 2026.

She was also welcomed in her capacity as the Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, a platform she used to deliver warm regards from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Other panelists included; Dr. Vincent Ogutu-Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University and Prof. Gilbert Kokwaro-Director, Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University Business School, while the Moderator was Dr. Maureen Syallow-Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University.

In her submission, Prof. Ssali emphasised the need to understand that universities are working in a turbulent times, and do not deserve to be at the receiving end of some of the challenges being ascribed to them. She added that challenges affecting society ought to be handled in partnership with other stakeholders and key players.

An example of this kind of criticism is on the question on the quality and integrity of degrees that has come up severally and is being fueled by the fact that not many graduates can find gainful employment after completing university.

“We have many more people living longer, getting educated, and chasing fewer jobs. For example, in the case of Uganda, we graduate around 40,000 students per year, but only 700 jobs are being created in the public sector per year” she noted.

Turning to the need to maintain standards and trust, Prof. Ssali outlined the rigorous systems already in place. These include holistic curriculum development involving stakeholders such as the National Council of Higher Education, Government Ministries, and the National Planning Authority.

Prof. Ssali also highlighted the importance of quality assurance, international benchmarking, and constant evaluations. She nevertheless conceded that despite having all these efforts in place, universities still face immense pressure from ranking systems and the need to prove their worth.

Reflecting on the historical debate regarding the role of an African university, she contrasted the school of thought advocating for global competitiveness with that emphasising practical relevance to local development challenges, concluding that taking the middle path; globally competitive and locally relevant, remains the viable option.

Addressing the issue of trust directly, Prof. Ssali noted that universities, just like the aviation and healthcare industries, are more concerned with what systems are in place to correct any errors should they arise.

She explained that just as one plane crash does not shut down the aviation industry, a single failure in a university does not warrant shutting it down. Instead, the focus should be on checking the black box, correcting errors, and improving standards to ensure the institution continues to serve its purpose.

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

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“We are moving in the right direction” Prof Nawangwe to Press

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September 15, 2026

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Seated: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) flanked by Prof. Sarah Ssali (2nd L) and Prof. Moses Musinguzi (2nd R), Members of Management and other officials (Seated and Standing) at the Press Conference on 15th September 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Conference, VC's Boardroom, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Addressing members of the Media at the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s September 15, 2026 Press Conference, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe shared that Makerere University rose 295 places moving from 1,071st in 2025 to 776th in the July 2026 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. This is a noteworthy improvement on a global scale and on continental level, where the university moved from 13th place earlier this year to 11th.

Still in the right direction, the number of graduate students completing their studies at Makerere has nearly doubled over the past five years as the University steps up efforts to improve training and research output. The completion rates have increased from 1,588 in 2023 to 1,874 in 2024, 2199 in 2025 and 2,922 in 2026.

The Vice Chancellor attributed this growth partly to government funding and digital systems that have been set up to track student progress.

Improving the Academic Environment

In alignment with VC, the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Sarah Ssali assured the media that a number of quality assurance measures have been put in place to improve the university’s core functions. These range from assessment forms that enable students to evaluate their courses and provide feedback that can be used to improve teaching and learning as well as research environments.

In line with digitalisation of University processes, Prof. Ssali noted that the Academic Management Information System (ACMIS) enables supervisors, colleges and University Management to identify delays in student progress and take corrective action.

The system currently empowers students to track their academic progress and print their own testimonials, and in future, transcripts, without having to queue up. These services are accessible by students who have fulfilled their tuition obligations.

Infrastructure Development

The Acting Second Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVC F&A) and Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Moses Musinguzi, shared that the university has undertaken extensive infrastructure expansion and renovation projects, with funding from government, philanthropists and donors.

“One of the infrastructures being the building that is going to house the graduate school, among others” he elaborated.

Research News – FLOWERS Project

Makerere University prides itself as a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation and development. Makerere researchers and partners have launched the FLOWERS Project — Facilitating Local Organic Waste Exchange for Regenerative Systems. Led locally by Assoc. Prof. Charles B. Niwagaba, the two-year project (2026–2028) aims to turn restaurant food waste in Kampala into animal feed and organic fertiliser. Project Kick-off Meeting: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2026/09/makerere-partners-kick-off-flowers-project-to-turn-restaurant-waste-into-a-regenerative-resource/

Upcoming Events highlighted

Makerere Marathon
The sixth edition of the Makerere University Marathon will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026, starting and finishing at Freedom Square. Marathon kits are available at UGX 50,000 and can be purchased online via https://shorturl.at/Vjovo

The Annual Makerere Guild Medical Camp
The camp will be held from 17th to 18th September 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Freedom Square. The Camp is organised by Guild leadership under the Office of the Dean of Students. Link: https://events.mak.ac.ug/events/2026/09/17/816

The Press Conference was graced by Members of Management, Staff and the media fraternity who were all appreciated for their contribution informing the public about developments at Makerere. This press briefing is part of the media engagements organised by the university Public Relations Office aimed at fostering open communication lines with the public through the media. It happens every two months with the previous one having taken place on 15th July 2026.

Please see Downloads for the Press Statement and its supporting documents.

Photography by Benite Uwase, Volunteer, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-StatementDownload
Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Table-1-WebometricsDownload
Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-Admitted-Statistics-2026-2027Download
Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-About-FLOWERS-ProjectDownload
Makerere-VC-Press-Conference-Sept-15-2026-About-2026-Makerere-MarathonDownload

Elvis Lubanga, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Elvis Lubanga

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Agriculture & Environment

Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges

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September 14, 2026

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Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.

The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.

Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.

Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device

Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.

Overall competition winner Andrew Mudhasi (left) receives his first Place award certificate for his innovation

Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.

During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.

He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.

The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.

Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.

Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste

Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.

Rhondah John pitches her innovation repurposing diaper waste into soil moisture retention

Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.

The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.

John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.

The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.

During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.

Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment

Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.

Stuart Mayira (left) receives his 3rd Place award certicate at the school of Public Health Auditorium.

Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.

His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.

Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.

He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.

According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.

Innovators present solutions to practical challenges

The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.

Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.

Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.

His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.

Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.

Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.

Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.

His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.

Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.

Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.

Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.

Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.

The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.

Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.

Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.

Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation

Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Banabas Nawangwe giving his remarks

Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.

He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.

Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.

He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.

The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.

The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.

PositionWinnerInstitutionScore
1stAndrew MudhasiMakerere University90%
2ndRhoda JohnUniversity of Nairobi89.6%
3rdStuart MaheraMakerere University86.2%

Allan Ainematsiko

My name is Ainematsiko Allan. I am a student of Makerere University and currently in my final year. I am pursuing a Bachelors in Journalism and Communication.

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