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 on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
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