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