Ugandan students win sh100m for inventing UTI detection strips

KAMPALA - Sumayya Girls High School Nsangi students emerged the overall winners to walk away with a sh50m trip to South Africa, sh20m for the school, sh5m for the project, sh2m for the patron teacher and two student laptops for innovators.

The group are among participants of the 10th Grand Finale of Stanbic National Schools Entrepreneurs Championship held annually.

The winners were crowned at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Makindye division in Kampala on Friday.

“We invented a strip which is able to  detect urinary tract infections in just four minutes. Our invented strip costs only sh10,000 and the reading  is confidential to user,” Jemimah Kuteesa a BCM student in S.6 said.

Others rewarded are participants from : Ibanda Senior Secondary School, St. Noa Mawaggali Secondary School, Komboni College, and St. Mary’s Girls’ Secondary School Madera Soroti.

The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi  who was chief  guest challenged students to harness the power of innovation and technology to create hybrid jobs that will define the future of work.

This call-to-action Barugahara made comes at a time when the world is experiencing a significant shift in the nature of work, driven by technological advancements and changing societal needs.

Barugahara said that hybrid jobs which combine skills from multiple disciplines in the technological age are becoming increasingly prominent.

“Nikola Tesla, the initiator of modern alternating current electricity supply system, Thomas Edson, the inventor of early versions of the electric light bulb, and Steve Jobs, the pioneer inventor of the personal computer revolution and apple shows that your innovations now can have the potential to change our economy in the future,” he believed.

The State Minister Youths, Balaam Barugahara and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) Vice Chair Board , Sarah Kagingo handing over laptops to Sumayya Girls students. (Credit: Isaac Nuwagaba)

Barugahara insisted that students’ innovation can have the potential to create hybrid jobs and shape the future of work in Uganda and Africa.

“These roles require individuals to think creatively, solve complex problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. You can create data scientists and other professionals who can design and implement sustainable infrastructure projects while considering environmental and social impacts,” Barugahara encouraged.

To create these hybrid jobs, students need to develop a range of skills, including technical, business, and soft skills.

“They should be able to code, analyze data, and understand artificial intelligence and machine learning. Additionally, they should possess strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills,” Barugahara elaborated.

He added that President Yoweri  Museveni is investing in initiatives that promote digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to create a Uganda that is able to take charge of its sufficient economy.

“I would like to challenge Stanbic Bank to also invest and work with presidential skilling institutions across the country. Through my office, I am ready to engage Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to arrange guided tours for finalists to visit Kapeeka Industrial Park, Luwero Industries in Nakasongola and the National ICT hub in Nakawa,” he said.
 
With this level of innovation, soon we shall not be importing equipment or technical assistance but we shall be trekking a road of self-sufficiency in the most critical areas of Uganda’s economy.

“Some key areas where students can focus their innovation efforts include Artificial Intelligence to transform industries, innovate agricultural technologies that promote sustainability, food security, and climate resilience as well as designing education ed-tech solutions that make learning more accessible, engaging, and effective,” Barugahara suggested.

Uganda is one of the world’s youngest nations, with nearly 78% of its people under 30. Yet youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge at about 13.5% (National Labour Force Survey (UNLFS) 2023 report).

Kenneth Mumba Kalifungwa, the Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank Uganda said they are committed over the next three years to deepening investment in youth entrepreneurship and skilling, strengthening partnerships with development partners as well as supporting sectors that create sustainable jobs for youth.

“We have, over the past ten years, transformed a simple school quiz into one of the country’s leading youth entrepreneurship platforms positively impacting more than 500,000 learners, teachers, and communities,” he said.

With investments exceeding sh7b, over 500 schools participated, and we expanded the bootcamp intake from 100 to 150 students to meet the rising demand.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this championship with a sh100 million prize pool, the true legacy lies in the skills, confidence, and opportunities these young innovators gain to shape Uganda’s future,” Kalifungwa emphasised.

We will continue to anchor our contribution in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and ethical business practices guided by strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, he noted.

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) Vice Chairperson Board of Directors, Sarah Kagingo commended student winners for championing brilliant ideas that give solutions to unemployment among the young generation.

“In a few years to come, some of you will be leading companies, innovating in technology, creating jobs and shaping public policy,” she said.