General
Mak, UNDP Commission Innovation pod
It was a celebration as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, and the UNDP Resident Representative, H.E. Elsie Attafuah, commissioned equipment worth $1 million for the newly constructed state-of-the-art innovation Pod at Makerere University. The innovation hub is expected to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration among students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
Commissioned on January 9, 2024, the research facility is expected to drive technological advancements in the country. The Innovation Hub aims to provide a collaborative space for entrepreneurs and researchers to develop groundbreaking solutions. The hub will offer state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support the growth of startups and facilitate knowledge sharing. It will also foster networking opportunities and mentorship programs to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and scaling their businesses. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, the Innovation Hub will empower entrepreneurs and researchers to push the boundaries of innovation in the country. Additionally, the hub will serve as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth by attracting investors and fostering collaboration between startups and established businesses.
The innovation pod houses several sections, which include the food technology section, technology transfer office, two computer-aided design rooms, vitual reality studio, Computerized Numerical Control workshop (CNC), textiles and design lab, electronic maker space, tools workshop, and 3D printing, among others.
While commissioning the facility, H.E Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP resident representative, called on more innovation among the youth and a need to have Ugandans that have a burning desire to change the status quo so that we can develop the country. This, she said, is the only way the African continent will reduce donor dependence.
She underscored the importance of empowering young people and fostering a culture of ambition and determination.
She said the world is changing and technological advancements are happening at a fast rate which calls for the need to cope with the digital world to address the challenges and create opportunities for poverty alleviation among the people.
“We have had uncertainties in the world, and the changes that we are seeing, including those of a political nature, should open our eyes. The COVID pandemic brought changes but also created opportunities for new technologies and digitalization for new possibilities,” Ms. Attafuah said.
Ms. Attafuah said the future is artificial intelligence, and Africa needs to adapt to the new normal.
Prof. Banarbas Nawangwe, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, said it is universities that are going to change Africa, and this will only be achieved through conducting a lot of research and creating companies. He shared with the audience the importance of embracing technology and leveraging artificial intelligence for innovation and development in Africa. His dream, he shared, is to see companies born out of research at Makerere University, creating employment for thousands of graduates and driving economic growth.
“We are looking at creating innovations that can employ people who are not as privileged as we are. We must deal with population growth because it is worrying to tackle the economic challenges among people,” Prof. Nawangwe said, adding, “Innovation is the heartbeat of development.” It is crucial for us to find solutions that can uplift marginalized communities and ensure inclusive economic growth, he said.
He cautioned against Africa being left behind in the digital era. “Artificial Intelligence is not a choice; it is a necessity that we must embraced” he concluded.
The Vice Chancellor lauded UNDP for the support extend not only to Makerere University but to the whole of Africa.
He urged the student innovators to make good use of the pod to help them in turning their ideas into commercial products.
“We want to ensure that our students leave the university with startup ideas, which are the products they have come up with. This will act as a ladder to get them to where they want to be,” Prof Nawangwe said.
The vice chancellor used the same event to bid farewell to HE Elsie Attafuah following her transfer to Nigeria.
Mr Nathan Tumuhamye, the head of exploration at UNDP, said the innovation pod is part of the broader UNDP support to the innovation ecosystem within public universities and is being implemented in 13 countries across Africa.
Mr Tumuhamye said the pod will serve students from different disciplines and researchers and it is open to every person who has innovations they want to implement.
He revealed that their ultimate goal is to have a pod that will help youth to create jobs and leave university with business products.
The Innovations
Some innovators took the opportunity to exhibit their ideas. Some of these included Grace Nakyanzi, a third year student pursuing Petroleum Geo-Science and production, who innovated a carbon structure and innovation project designed to mitigate climate changes through capturing carbon dioxide emissions through storing them and repurposing them in various industries.
“This leads to a cleaner and sustainable environment as well as reducing or slowing down the pace of global warming,” she explained.
Nakyanzi believes this project will create employment opportunities, technological advancements, and improved air quality among others.
The project is designed in a sense that it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which can also be collected from the oceans, or from an industry emitting a lot of carbon dioxide.
Dr Gabriel Tumwine, a lecturer at Makerere at College of Veterinary Animal Resources and Biosecurity, has done research in making briquettes. He said his research was driven by the lack of wood fuel to cook food in Butaleja district. He then conducted research that can enable him to make briquettes out of rice husks.
Dr Tumwine said people in Butaleja engage in rice farming from low lands where forests were cut down. And most of these people, he said, only eat rice because they cannot afford wood fuel to boil hard food like beans that take a lot of fuel.
“We did our simple science to see how we can convert husks into briquettes. Firstly, we change the rice husks into carbonation, making it black. And thereafter, we use binders to make them into the sizes we want to turn them into charcoal,” Dr Tumwine said.
Mr. Mulonde Muwanguzi, a first year student from CoBAMS, came up with a cooking stove that uses old oils after realizing that they had refused people to cut down more trees in Uganda and yet the cost of cooking gas is very high.
“We wanted to minimize the costs to enable even the underprivileged to get access to decent cooking methods recommended by the government,” he said adding, “The stove consists of used oils that are put in a tank and a solar power that powers the battery.
He believes the cooking stove is cheaper since a 20 litre jerrycan of used oils costs UG Shs.20,000 compared to a sack of charcoal which goes for more than UG Shs.150,000.
Matia Ategeka, a graduand of Water and Irrigation Engineering, came up with a water pump that is capable of pumping water without using electricity and solar power to operate.
The water pump is installed in a river or a stream and it keeps rotating as it pumps water being driven by the gravitational force of the flowing water.
Ategeka comes from a village in Kabarole district where they are experiencing a challenge of access to water for irrigation caused by the high cost of pumps available in the markets and maintenance costs.
“We have rivers but accessing water was a problem and when I got a chance and joined Makerere, I sat down and thought of how I can help poor people to solve that problem such that they can access water during the dry season,” Ategeka said.
Joel Felix Ochom, a third year student of Pharmacy also exhibited a new malaria treatment, which he has been researching since 2022. Felix said the drug has undergone various clinical trials in both animals and humans and it has proved to work. “We want to provide cheaper malaria drugs for our population,” he said. The drug, has been packaged as a syrup, capsule and tablet format. The drug, Felix was happy to report has been patented. The dose of 100ml, for an adult cost Shs3000 while that for a child, 50mls costs Shs1500. The team led by Felix has also made mosquito repellent.
Also on display were various varieties of improved cow peas seeds.
Uganda joined the global community on December 3rd, 2024, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities (PWDs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with significant disabilities, and many of them encounter substantial barriers to accessing higher education. Statistics from the Dean of Students Office at Makerere University indicate that the number of students with disabilities has steadily increased. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the university welcomed over 100 students with disabilities.
We spoke to Sam Omukaga, a 22-year-old first-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Adult and Community Education at Makerere University. He shared his testimony on coping with a physical disability while studying there.
Sam, the second of six children, comes from Manafwa District. He completed his Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) at Hope Primary School before attending Rock High School in Tororo for his O and A levels. He attained 12 points in History, Economics, Divinity, and Entrepreneurship.
Despite attaining 12 points, Sam did not qualify for the Bachelor of Education course on Government sponsorship at Makerere University, prompting him to seek other opportunities to join the university.
“Since childhood, I have dreamed of attending Makerere University, but my parents could not afford the tuition. Therefore, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University for giving me this opportunity to study. I used to think that Makerere was only for wealthy people,” Sam said.
When Sam enrolled at Makerere University, a place he believed was meant for the wealthy, he was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he received from his lecturers and fellow students, many of whom were older than him.
“As a student with a physical disability, I have never felt discriminated against. The university has made significant efforts to create a supportive environment for students like me. Students with disabilities enroll, study, and graduate with the same skills and qualifications as their peers,” noted Sam.
Although his condition sometimes restricts his movements, it has not impacted his social life. He actively participates in sports and entertainment, which has helped boost his confidence. In his village, he farms and teaches at a nearby primary school.
He urges all students living with disabilities to make friends with students who are not facing similar challenges because they need their help and support. He also encourages new students living with disabilities to enjoy every moment at the university.
“Some students living with disabilities tend to befriend others with disabilities, but I would advise them also to have friends without disabilities,” Sam guided.
Education plays a crucial role in determining one’s success. Therefore, Sam encourages all individuals with disabilities to study diligently.
“Being a student living with disabilities does not mean that one’s intellect is disabled. Focus on your education so that when an opportunity arises, you are prepared to seize it. Fortunately, policies in place encourage organizations to employ persons with disabilities. Read diligently, as books are a reliable source of knowledge,” Sam said.
As someone who walks on crutches, his biggest challenge is movement. He calls upon the University management to design facilities that accommodate students with different impairments, be it visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive.
What the University is doing
Under the office of the Dean of Students, Makerere University has led the implementation of strategies to create a supportive environment for students with disabilities.
According to Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students, the university has a policy for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and a disability scheme.
Upon admission, students are accommodated in halls of residence featuring designated spaces for improved accessibility. Dr Kabumbuli explained that “most PWDs occupy ground floor rooms in their respective halls, which helps to reduce accessibility challenges.”
Financial Assistance
However, that is not the only support available. Dr. Kabumbuli explains that students enrolled in the disability scheme receive financial assistance to help them acquire the necessary equipment and materials for their studies. Additionally, guides and interpreters for students who require these services are paid a salary for this support.
Helpers/Interpreters/Guides allowances
The helpers and interpreters are entitled to accommodation, meals, utilities, security, and sports facilities. The Main Library offers several exclusive benefits for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to Elizabeth Rwabu, the Inclusion and Safeguarding Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, the library features three rooms on the ground floor designated for PWDs: an equipped computer lab for users with visual impairments, a computer lab with accessible computers for PWDs, and a dedicated study room for PWDs.
Extracurricular activities are another area in which the university supports PWDs. Students participate in annual Inter-University games.
The Persons with Disabilities Act stipulates that a person in charge of a building to which the public is allowed to access shall, subject to the requirements of the law on building standards and other relevant laws, provide appropriate access for PWDs to the building. Right now, it is a University Council Policy that all new buildings must be user-friendly to students with disabilities. Most teaching facilities have ramps, lifts, and special access areas to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.
A winding ramp runs alongside the entire Frank Kalimuzo and Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facilities. Some parts of Mary Stuart Hall, the Arts/CHUSS Building and old buildings like the Department of Chemistry have recently been fitted with ramps.
To ensure that laws safeguarding the rights of students and staff living with disabilities are fully implemented, the University set up a disability centre that serves as a one-stop facility for students with disabilities to access the necessary learning equipment, counsellors, and support.
Leadership
Students with disabilities participate in leadership at the hall, college and guild house levels.
Nature of disability
The following are some of the types of disabilities that are considered in the selection of applicants with disabilities for undergraduate courses at Makerere University
(a) Severe visual impairment
(b) Low Vision
(c) Severe Hearing impairment
(d) Hard of hearing
(e) Mobility appliances
(f) Physical Disability
(g) Albinism
(h) Chronic medical problems (sickle cell, Epilepsy, Asthma etc)
Dr. Simba Sallie Kayunga, the Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, has urged University student leaders to embrace unity if they want to live in a peaceful society.
He made the remarks on Wednesday 4th December 2024, during the second day of training of finalists and Graduating former student leaders from different Universities in Uganda. The training was conducted by Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), at Makerere University.
While delivering his overview of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s Ideas and Ideals in relations to Peace and Conflict, Dr. Simba explained that in order to achieve peace, Mwalimu Nyerere believed that it was essential that women live on terms of full equality with men, as their fellow citizens.
Dr. Simba explained that in order to achieve peace, there must be equality because people cooperate more effectively if they are equals.
Highlighting Nyerere’s ideas on peace, Dr. Simba pointed out that Mwalimu Nyerere saw tribalism as one of the biggest dangers to African progress, unity and peace. He reiterated that Mwalimu Nyerere was opposed to racism. He was a great supporter of a multi-racial society.
“Let us desist from manipulating our ethnic and religious identities, or any other identity to our political advantage. Let us embrace the principle of Pan-Africanism. We must have been born differently, but all of us have a contribution to make to our mother Uganda, our continent called Africa. We must, therefore, value and respect each person’s contribution to society,” Dr. Simba said.
Mwalimu Nyerere at glance
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was born on 13th April 1922, to Nyerere Burito and Mgaya Nyang’ombe, at Mwitongo, a village in Butiama in Tanganyika’s Mara Region. He went to Native Administration School in Mwisenge, Musoma for his Primary and later joined Elite Tabora Government School, for his secondary Education.
Mwalimu Nyerere later joined Makerere University College in January 1943, to pursue a Diploma in Education. While at Makerere, he was an active member of the Makerere Debating Society.
Upon completing his education at Makerere University, he went to teach at St Mary’s Secondary School, Tabora. In October 1949, Nyerere joined the University of Edinburgh to study a Master of Arts. In 1952, he graduated with a Master of Arts in History and Economics and returned to Tanzania to teach.
In 1948, Mwalimu formally engaged to Maria Gabriel, and they officially married at Musoma mission on 24th January 1953.
Upon his return, Nyerere joined the Tanganyika African Association, becoming its President in 1953.
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere resigned as President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 5th November 1985, and handed over the presidency to Ali Hassan Mwinyi. He died on 14th October 1999.
Participants equipped with skills
During the second day of the training, over 60 participants listened were equipped with skills through presentations and practical sessions on team building for mediation, negotiation and resilience.
Ronald Ssazi, a Clinical Psychologist, presented the ethos that are crucial for creating an effective team culture.
“Start with investing into a team. When you have a team, go ahead and pay the price for team development. It helps with the growth of the team. Empower team members with responsibility and authority in order to groom and raise leaders for the team,” Ssazi highlighted.
Ssazi stressed that disagreements and conflicts are bound to happen in a team, but he guided on the need-to find healthy ways of handling them diplomatically.
Re-echoing the words of wisdom from Mahatma Gandhi, David Nyaribi, a representative from ActionAid Uganda encouraged the student leaders to always be the change they want to see in the world. Nyaribi urged them to be Servant Leaders who exemplify integrity and a great work ethic to transform Uganda and Africa.
Robert Muhangi, a Lecturer at Uganda Christian University-Mukono, called upon student leaders and the young people to always utilize indigenous ways to provide solutions to some of the problems they come across other than prioritizing external interventions.
“The best time to become a village champion is when you have just left University, let people look at you like a champion. When you solve conflicts by providing solutions, trust me, you will not look for a job, the job will look for you,” Muhangi stated. The practical session on Building Bridges for Peace and Security, focused on identifying the root causes of conflict, applying emotional intelligence, financial literacy and crafting strategies for community-based conflict resolution.
By Bernard Buteera & Carol Kasujja Adii
Moses Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni at Makerere University and the co-founder of a Kampala-based youth Fintech start-up Farmpawa, has been selected among the finalists for a prestigious global award for the project.
Farmpawa is a crowd-farming platform that connects investors with tangible farming assets, empowering farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth.
The start-up had an opportunity to showcase its strategic plan, which, once realized, could benefit many young people from the region.
The contest, which sought to identify the most viable youth project with an economic impact on the community, attracted over 300 teams from 30 countries in Africa and the rest of the world.
Moses Eteku, 27, founded Farmpawa with two partners, Medard Mutatina and Osborn Gumoshabe, in 2023. The project was selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to expand small businesses’ access to capital and financial services in emerging and frontier markets.
According to research, in 70% of emerging markets, SMEs are the primary source of formal employment, accounting for 70% of jobs.
Moses described the win as a miracle and an eye-opener, saying other participants presented world-class proposals.
“Most of my competitors were far advanced. I could not imagine I would be selected,” he said with a smile during the interview.
With this fund, Moses and his partners, Medard and Osborn, envision a future where agriculture bridges the gap, reduces inequality, and transforms the lives of farmers and individuals across Uganda and beyond.
Semi-finalists will participate in an Innovation Showcase at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on December 5 to 6, 2024.
Each semi-finalist team receives $100,000 in funding. Three teams will be selected to move on to the final round, where they will compete for the $1 million Grand Prize.
Who is Moses Eteku
Eteku, a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni from Makerere University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
His passion for changing the community has led him to start several projects, including giving the youth a chance to showcase their talents and connect them with relevant organizations and companies.
While at the University, he developed an interest in managing software. He repaired his classmates’ laptops and earned some money. In his third year, he decided to learn another skill. He teamed up with other members and built business solutions. He developed applications that improved the operations of organisations such as Makerere University Hospital, where he worked on the MakRTI mobile application.
One of his significant achievements was developing the MakRTI App, an Android-based mobile application designed to promote reproductive health awareness and improve access to treatment for students at Makerere University. The app provided critical information about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and facilitated access to healthcare services through appointments and direct communication with specialists.
He also developed an app for students to access the Uganda Museum. Instead of going to the museum and waiting in line to pay, Students would book online, which eases access. At the same time, students can remotely access study materials like archives while at home.
Even when he completed University, he continued using various projects to educate youth on emerging issues.
Among his most impactful initiatives is Kauntabook, a financial record-keeping app targeting SMEs and individuals. The app simplifies financial management by offering tools to track income, expenses, and other bookkeeping functions. With over 800 users, Kauntabook continues to evolve based on user feedback, reflecting Eteku’s commitment to creating user-centric solutions.
Starting Farmpawa
Farmpawa was born from a shared vision among Moses, Medard and Osborn: to empower smallholder farmers in Uganda. Medard, then a Makerere University Business School student, Suggested to Moses and interested him in an idea he had seen in South Africa.
“I researched about it, and we decided to team up and pursue the idea,” Eteku said.
Together, they created a platform that connects farmers with investors, unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth in rural communities.
They aim to make agricultural investment accessible to all, enabling local economies to develop and foster shared prosperity.
“Since the launch of Farmpawa, we have established strong connections between investors and farmers that have directly led to job creation, community development, and wealth generation,” Eteku asserted. They started the business with friends and family who trusted and invested.
Benefits
Initially needing more solid information technology skills, Moses Eteku is now an IT expert.
His opportunities to interact with the Company’s Chief Executive Officers have helped him to improve his entrepreneurship skills.
Farmpawa offers key benefits by empowering smallholder farmers with access to capital, enabling them to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods. It provides investors with easy and transparent access to agricultural investments, promoting job creation, community development, and sustainable agriculture while contributing to economic growth and food security.
How Farmpawa works
Farmpawa enables users to invest in real farming assets while empowering smallholder farmers. Users begin by creating an account and funding their wallet through mobile money or bank transfers. With funds in their wallet, they can explore and select farming projects or assets, such as livestock, and purchase portions as shares added to their investment portfolio.
The platform has a dashboard where users can receive regular updates on project progress and asset performance, track deposit history, and receive tailored financial advice through a knowledge section. It ensures a transparent and efficient investment process while providing valuable farming insights.
Bernard Buteera and Carol Kasujja Adii form the Communications and Public Relations Team at Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Makerere University.
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