On Friday, March 6th, 2026, the Mbarara University of Science and Technology Kihumuro Main campus became the epicenter of African biomedical innovation. The MBUBESA Open Day brought together bright minds from across the region to prove that the future of healthcare is being built in Uganda.
A milestone for MUST and beyond The event opened with a powerful historical perspective from Dr. Johnes Obongoloch , Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at MUST. He officially opened the event.
“We are not here to compete and say who is the best… The ultimate aim is to see that we can get students to work on projects together. Education today is about collaboration and partnership.” Dr. Wasswa William, Head of Department Biomedical Engineering, MUST
Dr. Wasswa emphasized “Internationalization,” a new concept where students from different universities including Kampala International University, Ernest Cook University, and Makerere University share lectures and labs to solve the same global health issues.
The winning breakthrough: Posture monitoring and correction
Amidst competition from various universities, a team of Year 1, Semester 2 students from Ernest Cook University stole the spotlight. Isabirye Augustine Garry, Gipake Aaron, and Muhindo Elvin showcased a Posture Monitoring and Correction Device that perfectly aligned with the day’s theme of market-ready innovation.
Why it won:
- Originality: As Dr. Bashir Bwogi(Ernest Cook University) noted, the judges were looking for original work, not “refabricated” projects.
- Impact: The device addresses tech neck and spinal health through real-time sensor feedback.
Potential: The project was identified for immediate incubation through the UCoBS pathway. - Voices of Leadership Dr. Bashir Bwogi, Dean and HoD at Ernest Cook University, challenged the students to distinguish themselves from traditional electrical or mechanical engineers.
“We are the backbone of the healthcare system. I hope we can push the boundaries so much that the world is surprised by what we can invent in the medical world.” Ayebare Vicky, President of MBUBESA, echoed this sentiment, driving the energy of the exhibition:
“Events like this give us the motivation to continue the work biomedical engineers should be doing,to innovate and do great things for our world.”
Vicky emphasized that the Open Day is just the beginning, calling for an Action Plan that includes community outreach and inter-university research projects.
The Road to Incubation
The competition was rigorous, featuring a two-stage process:
- Exhibition Round: Held in the BOP labs, where judges assessed the practical functionality of prototypes.
- Final Pitch: The top teams presented in the main hall to a panel of experts from Joint Medical Stores and academia to decide who would take home the funding and incubation slots.
The road ahead For these young "Youth Champions," the journey is just beginning. By winning the pitch competition, their project has been fast-tracked for formal business incubation and mentorship. They will now work to refine their prototype into a sleek, wearable product, supported by a multidisciplinary ecosystem of alumni and industry experts. Their success serves as a direct pathway from an academic prototype to a viable startup, contributing to the ultimate goal of eliminating youth unemployment in the region.
