Students from Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) have showcased their amazing innovations at the Third Annual Entrepreneurship Expo. The Colorful exhibition took on Friday, 12th October 2018 in the Makerere University Freedom Square. Among the many ideas showcased were the five top innovations that won awards. These included:
1. Alpha Investment Limited; producers of fuel from plastics, won the Vice Chancellor’s award of UGX1,000,000/=
2. Green Way Innovation; recyclers of waste materials to make paper, won the Principal’s award of UGX700,0000/=
3. Polypavers; manufacturers of pavers from polythene bags, won the Dean’s award of UGX500,000/=
4. Flora Investments; makers of powdered cakes, and
5. Becova Natural Oil
The Third Annual Entrepreneurship Expo was organized by the Department of Marketing and Management, CoBAMS under the theme: Unlocking Students’ Potential. According to Dr. Peter Turyakira the Department Head, the Third Annual Entrepreneurship Expo was aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship skills among university students.
“The Expo is showcasing some of the students’ innovative ideas. This is done to inspire and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit on campus. We are convinced that if young graduates are entrepreneurially oriented, they can be able to build startups and create employment opportunities,” he said.
According to Dr. Turyakira, this year, both undergraduate and graduate students participated in the Expo. Vision Group was the main sponsor with others including; Post Bank Uganda, Uganda Revenue Authority, Pride Microfinance Limited, Uganda Industrial Research Institute, United Bank of Africa, Eistein Rising Uganda and Business Development Service Providers Network.
The day’s Guest of Honor was Vision Group’s Deputy Managing Director/Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, who advised students to work hard towards the success and growth of their business ideas. He appealed to the business community to render both financial and inspirational support to students.
On behalf Vision Group, Mr. Ndyanabo promised to continue supporting students in the world of entrepreneurship.
Representing the Principal Dr. Eria Hisali, the Dean, School of Business Dr. Umar Kakumba said that initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Expo bridge the gap between theories that are being taught at the University and the world of business.
He urged students to take advantage of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center that has been established by the College through the Department of Marketing and Management to nurture and grow their business ideas.
“The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center will provide mentorship and space for young people to start and nurture business ideas. It will also give us more flexibility in doing other activities such as research and outreach as well as raising financial resources for our activities,” he stated.
He recognized the effort of the Department of Marketing and Management in organizing the Annual Entrepreneurship Expo when he said, “through entrepreneurship, we are able to have a blended learning and students have the opportunity and ideas to create jobs for the nation.”
Article by: Rachael Kanyi and Esther Joyce Nakibombo, Communication Volunteers Mak Public Relations Office.
