Innovation
Press Release: Growing Uganda’s Next Generation of Technology Leaders: Applications Open for Cutting-Edge Student Training Program
Makerere University through its Innovation Pod (UniPod) hosted a delegation from the Belgian Embassy in Uganda, accompanied by representatives from ENABEL and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on September 1, 2025. The visit included a tour of all ten maker spaces at the UniPod, offering guests a first-hand experience of Makerere’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of the Belgian Embassy, the Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation, Mr. Michel Dewez, who arrived in Uganda only a month ago, expressed delight at visiting Makerere for the first time. He commended the university for its well-organized approach to innovation, noting that the delegation was impressed by the creative processes underway. He added that the tools and instruments available at the UniPod not only support students but also extend benefits to the wider community.
Representatives from ENABEL described the UniPod as an “impressive and inspiring place” for their very first external engagement. They applauded Makerere not just for generating innovative ideas but also for translating them into tangible businesses already creating jobs. Congratulating the hosts, they highlighted the shared belief in innovation as a pathway to addressing challenges, creating employment, and empowering young people, particularly women. They equally expressed ENABEL’s readiness to actively seek future opportunities for synergy and collaboration.
The Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, Mr. Ian King, also praised the creativity on display, emphasizing UNDP’s strong commitment to innovation and progress. He noted that with Africa being the youngest continent, innovation is vital in addressing its pressing challenges. He expressed admiration for Makerere’s success in translating academic ideas into applicable solutions and called for the scaling of the most promising innovations through partnerships with the private sector and investors. Mr. King reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to Makerere, stressing that the organization views itself not as a donor but as a facilitator helping to identify ideas, merge solutions, and support partners in scaling them despite a challenging global financial context.
On behalf of the University, the Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala extended a warm welcome to the guests. He expressed gratitude to the Belgian Embassy delegation, as well as UNDP and ENABEL representatives for their unwavering support towards Uganda’s development. He described the Innovation Pod as a hub where students, researchers, and innovators transform ideas into solutions for pressing societal needs. Prof. Wamala emphasized that Makerere’s research agenda aligns closely with Belgium’s focus areas, including climate change, agriculture, health systems strengthening, digitalization, gender equity, youth employment, and governance. He further noted the importance of linking innovators at Makerere with regional and international counterparts to foster collaboration, digital learning, and scaling of innovations.
The Assistant Manager of the UniPod, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma introduced the Innovation Centre and its mandate. Established in 2020 under the Office of the Vice Chancellor, the Centre seeks to translate research outputs into commercial projects, focusing on ideation, protection, commercialization, and scaling of innovations. She added that the unit transitioned into an Innovation Pod in 2024 with support from UNDP and established ten maker spaces, including a studio used for recording lectures and presentations. She highlighted that the Centre is evolving into the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), with a vision of enhancing commercialization and industry linkages to promote sustainable industrialization. Dr. Nagwovuma further emphasized inclusivity, highlighting programs designed to support students, staff, industry partners, the private sector, and marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities and refugees.
During the tour, the delegation interacted with innovators who showcased their solutions. One of the highlights was a researcher who has developed a clinically tested malaria syrup effective against resistant strains. Already recognized internationally in Pakistan, South Africa, Kenya, and the UK, the innovation is progressing through advanced clinical trials and is seeking industry partnerships for commercialization. Another innovator, Ms. Rebecca, a Bachelor of Science in Palliative Care student and founder of Alpha My Africa, presented reusable menstrual packs designed to address menstrual poverty. Her initiative has already reached 300 girls in five schools across Wakiso and Mityana districts and is training 30 youth to replicate the work in their communities.
The visit reaffirmed Makerere University’s position as a hub for transformative ideas and meaningful partnerships. By opening its doors to international collaborators and development partners, the UniPod continues to drive inclusive, youth-led innovation that responds to Uganda’s needs and contributes to global progress.
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