education 1 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandan Universities Unveil Groundbreaking Student Innovations at Gulu Exhibition
Over 50 higher education institutions showcased student-led innovations at the 16th Annual Higher Education Exhibition in Gulu, highlighting solutions from smart tractors to odorless fertilizers under the theme of driving economic transformation through education. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/universities-showcase-innovations-5410268
Last week, more than 50 universities gathered at Gulu University’s playgrounds for the 16th Annual Higher Education Exhibition, organized by the National Council for Higher Education from March 27 to 29. The event, themed “Harnessing Innovations in Higher Education for Accelerated Economic Transformation,” featured remarkable student inventions addressing local challenges.
Kumi University students shone with practical tech solutions. Reuben Oligo created an automated chicken feeder that dispenses food every 30 minutes and water every 24 hours, boosting his grades from a 2.68 to 3.95 CGPA by saving time. Timothy Ariong built a smart tractor that outperforms ox-ploughs, alerts for maintenance, and detects operator intoxication to prevent accidents. Aaron Engwau invented internal car wipers to clear foggy windscreens during rain, enhancing driver safety.
Kyambogo University’s Hope Adero developed a portable electric power bank offering an extra 15km range for e-motorcycles and cars, supporting Uganda’s push toward electric mobility. Uganda Christian University’s Jolly Joshua Lumbuye and Rebekar Mugenyi designed a hexapod rescue robot inspired by the 2024 Kiteezi landfill disaster, which autonomously locates buried victims using coordinates or manual control.
Ndejje University students produced herbal medicines like nutrient-rich moringa powder, boasting more vitamins and minerals than common foods. University of Kisubi innovators introduced soil-free hydroponics for space-limited farming, plus electric tuk-tuk tricycles for affordable farm transport. Muni University’s Farouk Mandela crafted odorless fertilizers from soil microorganisms and rice balls fermented with molasses.
St Lawrence University’s Winfred Lunkuse Mirembe created a smart electric meter that auto-activates after mobile money payments, eliminating token hassles. Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara displayed everyday products like shoe polish, vaseline, and soap, alongside methods for pasture growth using millet and legumes. The National Council for Higher Education committed to funding prototype commercialization.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)