General
Agro Starch Uganda tops Mak Students’ Entrepreneurship Expo
Makerere University Students have showcased outstanding entrepreneurship and business projects at the fourth Annual Student’s Entrepreneurship Expo. The colorful exhibition took place on 11th October 2019 in Makerere University Freedom Square. Students from College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and students from Makerere University Jinja Campus participated in the exhibition.
Among the thousands of innovations exhibited, the Agro Starch Uganda; a faster and easier method of extracting starch from cassava emerged the best project. The team was inspired by the million uses of starch and one being a key product used in pharmaceuticals. The team received the Vice Chancellor’s award of UGX 1.5million.
The Green Biogas was the second outstanding innovation that won the Principal’s Award worth UGX1.0million. The team developed a cheaper and safer system of extracting bio gas from leftovers The project targets mainly household users and food management stores.
The Jua Kali Business Enterprise scooped the Dean’s Award worth UGX 700000 after emerging the third outstanding project.
Makerere University Entrepreneurship Expo is organized annually by Makerere University Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (MAKEIC) with the aim of providing platform for students to showcase their business prototypes.
According to Head of the Department of Marketing and Management Dr. Peter Turyakira, the event empowers students with the right knowledge and skills to start and sustain profitable ventures.
“It is also an avenue to create networks and linkages for students and provides a direct interaction between students and practicing entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Fourth Annual Makerere University Entrepreneurship Expo was organized under the theme: “Decent work Opportunities”.
The day’s Guest of Honor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe- the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University was astonished with the students’ innovations that are geared towards solving societal problems. In the remarks he made, the Vice Chancellor said, “I have toured the exhibition and I am happy to note that our students in business are developing projects that are geared towards job creation, environmental conservation, food and health security and poverty eradication. With the creativity employed, I am hopeful that we are nurturing strong leaders.”
He applauded the leadership of the College of Business and Management Sciences for organizing the event. Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged students for dedicating their minds and time towards their work.
He appreciated Vision Group 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 for sponsoring the event.
The function was also graced by Mr. Kayanja Emmanuel who represented the Special Personal Assistant to the President of the Republic of Uganda. He advised youth to cultivate partnerships and attract funds for their projects. Mr. Kayanja also encouraged students to register their companies.
The Principal of Business and Management Sciences Prof. Eria Hisali 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 Dean School of Business, Dr. Godfrey Akilenge called upon all academic institutions to strategize in promoting key skills required for competency.
The day was crowned with the visit to the Student Entrepreneurship Centre.
Article by Mpindi Percy Christopher, Student of Law, Makerere University
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
General
Press Release: Government of Uganda and Partners Launch SAY Plus+ to Scale Youth Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Impact in Underserved Regions
USD 50 million national programme moves into full implementation, strengthening
adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to youth-responsive
services in 13 districts across five sub-regions
KAMPALA, 7 MAY 2026: The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the SAY Plus+ Programme, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative designed to strengthen adolescent and youth rights, empowerment, protection and access to quality services in Uganda’s underserved regions.
The launch, held at Makerere University‘s Freedom Square under the theme “My Voice Matters: Youth Voices for SAY Plus+” and the tagline “Nothing for us, without us”, marks the programme’s transition into full implementation.
SAY Plus+, formerly known as Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment: Scaling Impact, is led by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with other Ministries, with UNFPA Uganda serving as the Managing and Technical Agency.
Backed by a USD 50 million pooled fund from the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the initiative is scheduled to operate between 2024 and 2030. It is currently being rolled out across thirteen districts within five sub-regions, providing targeted assistance to regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu. Furthermore, the programme supports the Human Capital Development goals established in Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
“SAY Plus+ represents a shift from fragmented interventions to a coordinated national effort that meaningfully places young people at the centre of both design and delivery. Through our partnership with the Government of Uganda, development partners, and implementing partners, we are investing not only in services, but in the systems, communities, and environments that enable adolescents and young people to thrive not only today but also in the future,” said Ms. Kristine Blokhus, Representative – UNFPA Uganda.
Officially launched by the Minister of State for Health Hon. Margaret Muhanga, the SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24 years, with particular focus on adolescent girls and young women, refugees and host-community youth, out-of-school young people, those not in employment, education or training, adolescents with disabilities, and young people in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.
“For many of us, things like this one are designed without listening to what we go through every day, think or even feel. SAY Plus+ feels different because it starts with our voices and gives us a real role in shaping solutions. It is not just about information, it is about being supported to make decisions, access services, and build the future we want.” – Jovia Dranzoa, Young person.
SAY Plus+ operates through three pillars. First, it empowers youth to exercise their rights and make informed choices. Second, it engages families, communities, and leaders to address harmful social norms. Third, it strengthens youth-responsive SRHR, HIV, and gender-based violence services via health facilities and community platforms, aiming to reach over 2.3 million direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The SAY Plus+ initiative stands as a model of international cooperation and multi-sectoral synergy. Through the combined support of the Governments of Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and the technical leadership of UNFPA, Uganda is now equipped to scale-up critical interventions in HIV prevention, gender-based violence response, and reproductive health. With implementation now in high gear through 2030, the programme is poised to make a lasting contribution to the nation’s human capital development goals.
— ENDS —
Photos from the event
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