Students urged on tackling climate change through apps

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Over 200 University students have been asked to develop advanced technological applications to address climate change, engineering and medical care challenges.

The call was made by Makerere University head of engineering Dr Abubaker Wasswa during the launch of the NASA international Space APPs challenge at the National Information Communication Technology (ICT) Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala on September 30, 2024.

This is the second time Uganda is hosting the NASA space APPs challenge at National UICT the first was at Makerere University.

Wasswa said university students need to come up with solutions that tackle challenges in the fields of agriculture, healthcare, climate change and engineering, among others.

He appealed to students to engage in innovation to solve the problems the country is grappling with especially climate change.

The head of aerotic space at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Doreen Agaba addressing partcipants during the launch of the international space Apps challenge at National ICT Innovation Hub on September 30, 2024. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

The space provides university students with an opportunity to develop ideas using advanced technological applications to solve society's problems and once their innovation comes out on top, the winners will receive prizes and grants.

The NASA International Space Apps Challenge held under the theme: The Sun Touches Everything, The World Needs Ideas attracted over 200 students from different universities and mentors from different fields.

Keep innovation alive

The university don was supported by Dr Doreen Agaba, the head of aeronotics at the science ministry, who urged students to innovate apps to help farmers, in e-commerce, digital users and monitoring borders.

“We don’t want hype that will become popcorn, but we want apps with a good foundation. Hold the fire and don’t allow it to burn out. Keep pushing it bit by bit,” Agaba, who was chief guest, said.

She emphasized that the students should own their innovation taking into account copyright and not be swayed by foreign innovation.

“We want indigenous African innovation so that we can replicate and showcase. We don’t want you to get innovation space from foreigners,” she stated.

Agaba underscored the need for students not to keep doing technology the same way but take into consideration the evolving and changing technology.

“Don’t limit your thoughts every submission is a winner,” Agaba said.

Agnes Lumala, the academic registrar at UICT who represented principal Dr Fredrick Kitoogo, advised the youth that digital space is continuous learning and, therefore, they should be keen to come up with innovations that help in financial inclusion and health services to close the digital gap.

“Technological advancement is important. Therefore, at the back of your mind, put a lot of effort and ensure that there is continuous learning,” Lumala said.

Leila Nalukwago, a project management specialist at the National ICT Innovation Hub, challenged the students to be creative and innovative and ensure the ideas are scalable and sustainable.

According to Gastervas Rutwara the research and innovation co-ordinator Nasa space is supported by partners including the Uganda Communication Commission, ISBAT University, NITA-U, Nakawa Vocational Training College, Makerere University and the ICT ministry.