On Thursday 15 May , 2026, the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology hosted its annual Innovation Awards and Public Lecture at the University’s Kihumuro Main Campus.
The annual event commenced with an innovation exhibition where students from the Faculty showcased more than 40 innovative projects and technological solutions designed to address real-world challenges across various sectors including health, education, environmental conservation, agriculture, mental health, business, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and community development.
The event was spearheaded by Dr. Rogers Mwavu, the outgoing coordinator for final undergraduate research in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics. The exhibition highlighted the growing potential of students to leverage technology and innovation to solve societal challenges while promoting sustainable development and entrepreneurship. The projects reflected creativity, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities among the young innovators, with several innovations attracting admiration from guests, sponsors, and industry stakeholders present at the event.
Speaking during the opening session, Dr. Fred Kaggwa, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, commended students for utilizing technology to develop practical solutions capable of transforming communities and improving livelihoods.
“These projects demonstrate that our students are not simply learning technology in classrooms, but are applying it to solve real-world challenges and build a better future for Uganda and beyond,” Dr. Kaggwa remarked.
He appreciated academic staff, mentors, industry partners, sponsors, and stakeholders for continuously supporting innovation, research, and technological advancement within the Faculty. Dr. Kaggwa further emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and industry in order to expose students to real-world problems requiring innovative solutions.
“If we do not have industry, then we do not have problems to work on. Industry partnerships help students understand real challenges and inspire practical solutions through innovation,” he noted.
The event also featured an inspiring keynote public lecture delivered by Mr. Collins Mugasha Babirukamu, Executive Director IT at Bank of Uganda and an alumnus of MUST, who shared his personal journey from being a pioneer Computer Science student at MUST in 1997 to becoming a leading technology executive in Uganda’s financial sector.
In an engaging and motivational address, Mr. Collins reflected on the humble beginnings of the university’s Computer Science programme, revealing that when he joined MUST, the university had only three computers shared among students and staff. “Your beginning does not define your ending,” he emphasized while encouraging students to remain resilient, focused, and optimistic regardless of their current circumstances.
Mr. Collins narrated how several universities had rejected his applications after Senior Six before MUST offered him an opportunity to pursue Computer Science, a decision that eventually transformed his life and career.“Every university said no to me, but one opportunity at MUST changed my life forever,” he shared. He urged students to embrace internships, volunteering, and hands-on experience, stressing that practical exposure plays a critical role in shaping professional growth and career success.“Do not rush for money. Invest in knowledge, practical experience, and skills because knowledge will take you far,” he advised.
Mr. Collins further challenged students to think entrepreneurially and transform their innovative ideas into impactful businesses and solutions capable of addressing societal challenges.“One idea can change the world,” he said. “I want to see the next globally impactful innovation emerge from MUST.”He also emphasized the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, encouraging students to continuously adapt, learn, and remain competitive in the rapidly changing digital world.“The computer science we studied 30 years ago can no longer survive today. Technology evolves rapidly, and success belongs to those who keep learning, adapting, and solving problems,” he noted.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of communication skills, networking, resilience, and responsible use of social media, reminding students that technical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in today’s professional environment. “Some students are brilliant technically but struggle to communicate their ideas. The world rewards people who can solve problems and confidently explain those solutions,” he said.
As part of promoting innovation and technological advancement among young people, Mr. Collin announced an upcoming Artificial Intelligence Hackathon organized by Bank of Uganda and encouraged MUST students to participate actively.
The event also featured remarks by Mr. Bernard Asiimwe, Branch Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Uganda, Mbarara Branch, who shared insights on the future of banking, digital transformation, and financial technology.
Mr. Asiimwe emphasized the increasing role of innovation, digital systems, and technology-driven solutions in shaping modern financial services and the future banking landscape. He encouraged students to position themselves strategically for opportunities emerging within the digital economy and fintech ecosystem.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, commended the Faculty of Computing and Informatics for organizing another impactful annual event celebrating creativity, innovation, and excellence among students. Prof. Ngonzi described the evening as more than an awards ceremony, noting that it represented a celebration of brilliance, resilience, teamwork, and the transformative power of technology. “Technology is no longer simply a tool. It is now a language of transformation shaping the future of education, innovation, research, and community development,” he stated.
He further applauded students for the dedication, sacrifice, and long hours invested in developing innovative projects despite challenges such as limited internet access and demanding academic schedules. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also appreciated Mr. Collin Mugasha for delivering a practical and transformative lecture that inspired students to prepare intentionally for life after university.
The Faculty also recognized and appreciated the contribution of sponsors, financial institutions, industry partners, and other stakeholders who supported the successful organization of the annual event and continued to strengthen the relationship between academia and industry.
The event climaxed with the awarding and recognition of outstanding student innovations that demonstrated creativity, technological excellence, scalability, and potential for real-world impact.
Students whose projects did not emerge as winners were encouraged not to lose hope but to continue refining and improving their ideas, with speakers emphasizing that innovation is a continuous journey that requires persistence, resilience, collaboration, and adaptability.
The annual FCI Innovation Awards and Public Lecture reaffirmed MUST’s commitment to nurturing innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven problem solving while empowering students to become future leaders, innovators, and change-makers capable of transforming communities and contributing to national and global development.
