By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus-KIU has joined several other Universities, technology companies, and organizations for this year's National Week for Science, Technology, and Innovation at Kololo independence Grounds. The week-long exhibition that began on Monday 7th November will close on  Thursday 10th November 2022. 
The event, dubbed National Exhibition Week for Science (NEWS) is running under the theme ‘Uganda 2040; The Future We Want Through STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation)'.

While announcing the launch of the event on Friday, Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, said Uganda’s annual showcase of science, technology, and innovation is aimed at documenting progress made toward technological advancement to steer national development.

She added that "this year, the NEWS is focusing on Aeronautics and Space Science; Mobility (Indigenous Motor Vehicle Industry); Pathogen Economy; Industry 4.0+; Infrastructure Innovations; Productivity Acceleration; Import Substitution; and Export Targeted Science, Technology, and Innovation."

KIU is displaying some incredible Student innovations including the Pick and place Robotic arm using the Arduino Control system by Emmanuel Ogubuike Emejuru, Gabriel Mvuyekure, and Junior Kavunga Kambale. The three are awaiting graduation in Mechanical engineering.

Apart from representing KIU, Gabriel Mvuyekure who also represented the trio at the NEWS exhibition said that the reason they brought their innovation to the exhibition is to show Ugandans that it is possible for Ugandan firms and industries to incorporate robots in their operations like it is being done in developed countries.

"We are here to showcase our research and to prove to Ugandans that we can make and use robots here as well," he said.

"We understand that humans can't do everything and can not work for 24 hours and can not be programmed yet robots can. That's why we embarked on this research project," he explained.

Paul Akampurira from the School of Mathematics and computing is displaying his groundbreaking Breast Cancer Diagnosis Machine which he innovated in 2021. He said his innovations will help people realize the possibilities of using computer programming to fight and detect diseases like Breast Cancer. Enerst Edozie's Home automation system and Spy robotic system are also on display.

Uganda's prime minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja is one of the high-profile personalities that have been fascinated by KIU'S stall. She was spotted mesmerized by the Students' innovations on Tuesday as she toured around.