Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) celebrated a significant milestone on a bright and hopeful day. The Kihumuro Main Campus filled with excitement as the university launched the MUST Holdings Company Limited and the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC). This marked the culmination of two years of dedicated work.
Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko, Director of the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT), welcomed guests with enthusiasm. He proclaimed, “This is the day the Lord has made; we shall rejoice in it!” The launch of MUST Holdings Company, established in 2022 and registered in July 2024, aims to drive commercial ventures, optimize resources, and boost revenue generation.
Professor Nixon Kamukama, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs and Chair of the CITT Board, emphasized the significance of these initiatives. He stated, “We are laying the foundation for a sustainable future for our nation by nurturing innovation and transforming ideas into impactful ventures.”
The launch of TISC, facilitated by URSB and WIPO, positioned MUST as the second institution in East Africa to manage multiple Innovation Centers. This achievement reflects the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration.
Professor Pauline Byakika-Kwibika, the Vice Chancellor of MUST, expressed her delight at the launch. She highlighted how these initiatives would equip the university community with valuable skills and facilitate resource mobilization. She encouraged students to seize opportunities and build connections.
Among the innovators, Etyang Aaron from SMART KUKU BROODER presented a groundbreaking brooder that monitors and regulates chicks over 21 days, keeping farmers connected through SMS updates. This innovation is poised to revolutionize poultry farming, ensuring better outcomes for farmers.
Kagimu Braize Ben from AKOLife Services UG Ltd introduced Dermarlic Tincture, a powerful solution for treating fungal and bacterial infections. Muganga Gershom from GASH CARE unveiled a skincare line designed to combat dead cells and pimples, showcasing the potential of local innovations in healthcare.
Mariam  a former MUST student, and her team demonstrated a low-cost automatic slider that assists medical lab technicians in staining slides for various diseases, while a team from MUST, including David Bamutura, Izaara Martin, and Amanya Raymond, showcased a Student Information Management System aimed at streamlining data management at the university.
The tour was followed by unveiling the the MUST Holdings Company Limited and the Technology and Innovation Support Unit (TISC). this was done by the chief guest Mr. Tony Lubwama the Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, and the CITT board memebers
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Byakika then invited the Vice chair person of council Sarah Nyako Mwaka(Esq) to address the congregation representing the the chairman council Dr. Warren Naamara and the entire University council.
Sarah Nyachwo, Vice Chairperson of the MUST Council, congratulated the university on its achievements and highlighted MUST’s potential to drive innovations addressing societal needs. She acknowledge the support from URSB WIPO and STI.
Mr. James Tony Lubwama, manager patent and industrial design at URSB Â representing the Chief Guest,. Mercy Kainobwisho (Esq) the Registrar General at URSB praised MUST for its comprehensive IP policy, making it a leader in East Africa.
He commended the MUST administration for taking on the responsibility of writing and disseminating the policy. “You and Dar es Salaam University in Tanzania are the only universities that have this policy in detail. Dar es Salaam University was the first, and you are the second in the East African region. Other institutions have only a paragraph or two on it. Thank you, university management, for this initiative.”
Nickson Mpaire, a second-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, volunteered to explain his understanding of MUST Holdings Company Limited and TISU. He discussed their potential impact and how MUST could benefit from commercializing products developed within the institution. His presentation was highly praised by the Vice Chancellor, earning an impressive score of 9.8 out of 10.
The launch of MUST Holdings Company Limited and TISU marks a new era for MUST, characterized by innovation, collaboration, and growth. The university is poised to become a catalyst for progress and positive change.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the chief guest for his time and word of encouragement, she thanked the Vice chair person Madam Sarah Nyakyo Mwaka , the CITT board, University top management, exhibitors and students for attending the launch. She later dissolved the congregation by inviting the guest to lunch.
