Local innovations key to addressing Uganda’s challenges
According to ATC, many homemade innovations remain underutilized due to limited exposure, inadequate technology transfer mechanisms, and insufficient engagement between innovators and end-users.
Exhibitors showing some of the urban farming solutions during the Appropriate Technologies Expo and Innovation Lounge 2025 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association, (UMA) in Lugogo. (Photos by Juliet Kasirye)
By Juliet Kasirye
Journalists @New Vision
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The Ministry of Water and Environment, through the Appropriate Technology Centre (ATC), has urged government agencies and the private sector to adopt locally developed technologies to tackle Uganda’s challenges.
According to ATC, many homemade innovations remain underutilized due to limited exposure, inadequate technology transfer mechanisms, and insufficient engagement between innovators and end-users.
The manager of Appropriate Technologies Centre, Ashabrick Nantege, noted that though Ugandans are grappling with environmental challenges such as poor sanitation, dwindling water quantity and quality, food insecurity, and poor health, all these challenges can be addressed through local innovations.
"Some people perceive Ugandan-made products as low-quality, but our innovations are effective. These innovations are unknown to the public, and those who know them think they are expensive. We need the public to engage with innovators and break the misconception that homemade solutions are substandard," Nantege said.
To address water quality, climate change, and solid waste management, Nantege stressed, "We must promote these innovations as they are crucial for our present and future. For instance, the recent Kitezi tragedy, caused by poor solid waste management, resulted in loss of life. What we threw away was a valuable resource."
She made the remarks during the three-day Appropriate Technologies Expo and Innovation Lounge 2025 organised by Appropriate Technology Centre at the Uganda Manufacturers Association, (UMA) in Lugogo on Friday, May 30.
The Expo and Innovation Lounge 2025 held under the theme: “Homemade innovations for sustainable future” focuses on promoting innovation, drive technology adoption, stimulate entrepreneurship, and also contribute to Uganda’s broader development goals.
According to the water ministry, this expo also supports Uganda’s strategic frameworks, including the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040, by fostering innovation, technology transfer, and partnerships for socio-economic transformation.
Some of the innovations exhibited include innovations in clean energy, supply of water, agriculture, food and nutrition, sanitation, health and wellness among others.
Addressing journalists, Nantege said, this annual expo gives exhibitors an opportunity to showcase locally developed technologies, promote knowledge exchange, and facilitate connections between innovators, funders, regulators, and end-users.
“To help the innovators scale up and break through to commercialization, we are using this platform to showcase our country's effective solutions for addressing local challenges,” Nantege stated.
Exhibitor
The agricultural officer at Appropriate Technology Centre, Florence Nansubuga said, they developed a Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Vermicomposting technology to address challenges faced by livestock and crop farmers.
According to Nansubuga, today, some farmers are losing interest in farming due to unaffordable nutritious feeds and fertilizers. To address this challenge, they introduced a simple technology that farmers can adopt themselves.
“We utilize Black Soldier Fly larvae to manage biodegradable waste from animals, chicken, and markets. The waste is used to feed the Black Soldier Flies or earthworms, producing compost and animal feed. Earthworms break down biodegradable waste into organic manure, providing organic fertilizer for crops and nutritious feed for animals, all while being environmentally friendly,” explained Nansubuga.