IUEA innovators develop machine to boost produce value

KAMPALA - In a groundbreaking development, engineering students at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) have designed and built a packaging machine that could transform the way Ugandans process and package agricultural produce and manufactured goods.

The innovation, unveiled during the university’s 12th graduation ceremony yesterday, is being hailed as a major step towards value addition and technological independence for local industries.

The student-developed machine is designed to package a wide range of items, including grains, fruits, and various manufactured products, hygienically and efficiently.

According to the university, the technology is user-friendly, affordable, and adaptable to multiple packaging requirements, making it ideal for small-scale farmers, processors, and local manufacturers.

International University of East Africa (IUEA) officials and invited guests arriving in a procession for the 12th graduation ceremony of the International University of East Africa at the main campus in Kampala on November 27, 2025. (All Photos by Lawrence Mulondo)

Officials say its introduction could significantly reduce reliance on imported packaging machines. “Businesses in Uganda that need to package products, whether eggs, bottles or any other goods, no longer have to import these machines,” the university stated.

Cutting import costs through local engineering 

IUEA vice-chancellor Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa said the innovation aligns with ongoing national calls for value addition and local production. “Building machines here will cut down the cost of importing them.

It ensures affordability by reducing purchase and maintenance expenses,” he said. Akaezuwa added that maintenance costs will drop because local engineers will be trained to service the equipment, and spare parts will be readily available within Uganda.

“You won’t have to wait for parts from Dubai, China or the UK. They will come from Kampala or other areas around Uganda. Because we built the machines, we also understand how to fix them affordably,” he said.

Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, the Vice Chancellor International University of East Africa (IUEA) addressing during the 12th graduation ceremony of the International University of East Africa at the main campus in Kampala on November 27, 2025.

Driving job creation and industrial growth 

Beyond reducing import dependence, the vice-chancellor said the machine will generate employment at various stages, from manufacturing to operating and transporting the completed products.

“Our graduates won’t need to look for jobs. They will be building machines, employing others, and taking orders from customers across the country and continent,” he said.

“These machines will be needed in other African countries as well, so Uganda will have something to export.”

Akaezuwa revealed that the university plans to digitise the production process to enhance efficiency and scale. He said the institution aims to start by manufacturing five machines a day, gradually increasing production as demand grows.

He noted that 80% of the materials used are sourced locally, although challenges remain with quality and construction timelines.

Dr. Amina C. Mohamed, the University Chancellor International University of East Africa (IUEA), addressing during the 12th graduation ceremony of the International University of East Africa at the main campus in Kampala on November 27, 2025.

“We are not ready to give up because we know where we want to be,” Akaezuwa said.

The vice-chancellor said the priority is to supply the Ugandan market before exporting to the region. “The machines will be affordable because production costs are low. We also avoid the heavy transport and shipping costs associated with importing equipment through Mombasa,” he said.

Akaezuwa emphasised that affordability will empower small and medium enterprises, which often struggle with high packaging costs and a lack of suitable equipment.

Innovation beyond packaging 

The packaging machine adds to a long list of inventions by IUEA students. Over the years, they have developed electric motorcycles, electric tractors, electric boats and even a ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university has also produced farm and intelligent rovers, AI systems for agriculture and smart farming technologies.

Last year, its Intelligent Virtual Reality STEM Lab won the 2025 Global AI Movement Evolution (GAIME) Startup Battlefield competition.

“We are now moving into a new direction, where innovations are no longer stopping in classrooms and laboratories. They are being transformed into real businesses,” Akaezuwa said.

Gael Ongor Iko (L), one of the innovators of the packaging machine, explaining to officials of the International University of East Africa (IUEA) and guests how it was built and how it is used. This was during the 12th graduation ceremony of the International University of East Africa at the main campus in Kampala on November 27, 2025.

Built on technology, vision

Founded in 2010, IUEA was established on a vision of technological advancement and a modern learning philosophy that blends traditional academic values with innovation-driven approaches.

Technology remains at the heart of the university’s identity. IUEA believes the 21st century is defined by rapid change and that technology should be embraced rather than resisted.

The institution says its mission is to support students to the best of their abilities, provide the opportunities they deserve, and treat them as future innovators, rather than merely learners.