Connect with us

General

Makerere University Leading innovations in the Higher Education Solutions Network

Published

on

This year, the second annual technical convening TechCon2014, held from November 8th-10th, 2014 in the Bay Area, California, showcased more than 40 innovations emerging from USAID’s Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN) Development Labs and partners. TechCon2014 was proudly hosted by the University of California, Berkeley in the United States of America.  TechCon2014 offered a variety of both group and one on one discussions, networking opportunities, conference sessions, and talks by leading voices in development. Additionally, TechCon2014 uniquely convened researchers, students, entrepreneurs, innovators, field practitioners and private/public sector professionals focused on creative approaches to solution ideation, testing, and scaling for international development.

Eight university-based labs comprising USAID’s HESN participated in this technical convening. These included the following;

  • University of California, Berkeley’s Development Impact Lab
  • Duke University’s Social Entrepreneurship Accelerator
  • MIT’s International Development Innovation Network
  • MIT’s Comprehensive Initiative on Technology Evaluation
  • College of William and Mary’s AidData Center for Development Policy
  • Texas A&M University’s Conflict and Development
  • Michigan State University’s Global Center for Food Systems Innovation
  • Makerere University’s ResilientAfrica Network (RAN), based in UgandaThe Winners bright smile

The climax of TechCon2014 was an Innovation Marketplace to showcase innovations. Eight teams of innovators from Makerere University’s ResilientAfrica Network (RAN)  including Cost effective and efficient phototherapy units, ‘Dduka’ Landslide Early Warning System, The Asthma Grid, Grain Amaranth: from Vegetable to Health Solution, Hydroponic Fodder Production for Livestock, K-Free: Early Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Unearthing the potential of earthworm domestication and the Ethio-Manual Oxygen Backup device (EMOBD) participated in the technical convening Innovation Marketplace. This was concluded with one young innovator being crowned the top winner through a Shark Tank style competition.

In the Innovation Marketplace, each participant received $1000 Development Dollars that was to be used to vote for one’s favorite project or projects. It was entirely up to the participant to decide on how best to use these Development Dollars to support the ideas and projects in the Innovation Marketplace; you could invest all the dollars in one project, split your money between ten projects or invest at levels somewhere in between. The Development Dollars were later counted and the top nine teams in which Makerere University’s Hydroponic Fodder Production for Livestock a project from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security also emerged, proceeded to the next round-the Technical Review Panel. It was exciting to witness Makerere University Resilient Africa Network (RAN) including Hemafuse: Auto transfusion for Internal Hemorrhages and Purdue:

The Practical Utility Platform second-USD 1,250 (both partners are not directly under the Higher Education Solutions Network-HESN) and Makerere University, the only African based HESN Lab emerged third triumphing with USD 750 outstandingly leading the other HESN Labs. These funds are towards further development of these projects aimed at responding to communities’ development challenges. Such projects also benefit from the visibility, mentorship and incubation opportunities within the greater HESN and at the RAN Resilience Innovation Labs. “It is amazing how much potential is in this great institution, we all need to explore, build and support it further” remarked Prof. William Bazeyo, Dean Makerere University School of Public Health and RAN Chief of Party/Lab Director.David Lubega, student Innovator on the Hydroponic Fodder Production for Livestock project in the Innovation Marketplace

The Makerere University team was led by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration and RAN Patron. While interacting with the student innovators, he commented “Young men and women, our future is in your hands, Innovations is the way to go and Makerere University has been committed to supporting and nurturing innovations since 1922, the ball is in your courts to make use of all the available opportunities to develop solutions to African communities’ most pressing challenges”. Prof. David Serwadda, RAN Technical Advisor, the Resilience Innovation Lab (RILab) Directors (Eastern Africa, West Africa, Horn of Africa and Southern Africa RILabs) and faculty were part of this team in support of innovations as solutions to development challenges.

The TechCon2014 sponsors including VENTUREWELL, the Lemelson foundation-improving lives through invention, World Vision, the Development Impact Lab and the Higher Education Solutions Network cannot go without mention. Thank you for the commitment to accelerating Global Development.

Article by ResilientAfrica Network (RAN)

Elias Tuhereze

Continue Reading

General

Pre-entry Exam Results for Bachelor of Laws 2025/2026

Published

on

The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2025/2026 held on Saturday 12th April, 2025.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration.

Those who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

The list includes the different categories of applicants namely: A-level, Diploma Holders, Degree Holders and Mature-Age:

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Makerere Team Excels at Olympia Debate Tournament held in Nairobi

Published

on

Makerere University team receiving their Certificate of Participation. Olympia Debate Society, Nairobi Kenya, East Africa.

The Makerere University team comprising Ms. Apili Esther Cynthia from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Mr. Muhwezi Joshua Lawel from Makerere University School of Law (SoL) emerged 2nd at the Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament held 18th to 20th April in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ms. Apili was recognised as best female speaker/debator at the tournament and 3rd best open speaker while partner Mr. Muhwezi was recognised as 4th best open speaker.

This year, Makerere University was represented by two teams: Team A: Kemigisha Daphine, SoL; Nakalanzi Melody, College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHUSS); Team B: Muhwezi Joshua Lawel, SoL; Apili Esther Cynthia, MUBS.

The Olympia Invitational Debate Tournament organised by the Olympia Debate Society is an exclusive Invitational Round Robin Tournament that invites outstanding universities in the debate circuit in Africa bringing together the best speakers on the continent.

The tournament, like all University debate competitions, takes the format of the British Parliamentary format which is also used at the World Universities Debate Championship (WUDC).

Strathmore University (Kenya) was the overall winner of the tournament, African Leadership Institute (Rwanda) was ranked in 3rd position while the University of Nairobi was ranked in 4th position.  

In her words, Ms. Apili describes herself as a passionate peace and conflict resolution advocate. She notes that, ‘debate has been a great learning experience emotionally, mentally and argumentation maturity but also a motivation to reading and research’. She views her participation in the Olympia Debate Tournament ‘as a privilege and great moment as a female speaker, and partnering with brilliant Lawel Joshua Muhwezi who has made significant strides in the debate space. Cynthia added, ‘being an invitational tournament with a straight break to finals that recognizes vibrant speakers within the East African region, getting to do the tournament was fulfilling’.

Zaam Ssali

Continue Reading

General

NTU Global Summer School – A Unique UK Experience for Students

Published

on

NTU Global Summer School 2025

The Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Global Summer School will run from 7 July – 1 August 2025 in the heart of England.

Why join this summer?

A diverse range of credit-bearing courses
The Global Summer School offers a variety of exciting courses, from cybersecurity to creative industries, and space science to entrepreneurship – truly something for everyone! With two distinct blocks of courses, students can either dive deeper into their passions or broaden their horizons by exploring new subjects.

Explore Courses

A truly international experience
Students will join peers from many countries across the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment that enhances the global student experience.

An exciting cultural and social programme
Beyond the classroom NTU offers a full schedule of activities, including visits to iconic UK cities, sports and evening events ensuring that students make the most of their time in the UK.

A safe and welcoming destination
Nottingham is a city renowned for its safety, having earned the prestigious Purple Flag award for its excellent night-time safety and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring your students feel at home both on and off campus.

Application Deadline: 1 June 2025

Apply Today!

Limited places available – apply soon!

Don’t miss out! This is the perfect chance for students to develop new skills, make new friends and experience the best of British culture. NTU looks forward to welcoming students this summer!

Have questions? Contact NTU here! 

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending