Africa Innovation Fellowship 2024: Engineering Solutions for a Changing World
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Partnership with Engineers Without Borders (EWB), Canada hosted a three months Canada – Africa Innovation Fellowship from May 24 – August 13, 2024. This fellowship brought students from MUST and from Universities in Canada together to create sustainable solutions through engineering. The Canadian students were from; McGill University, University of waterloo, McMaster University and Carleton University.
In the three months, MUST Engineering students worked with EWB fellows and community members from Nyakayojo Division in Mbarara City to identify community challenges and needs which later guided the crafting and implementation of three tremendous projects that aim to improving the livelihoods of the community members with focus on sustainable development. These projects are; The Enyana Health Project, Biogas Project and Optimus Lumina Project.
On August 8, 2024 students presented their projects to the online and physical audience during the ceremony that was hosted in the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT) co-creation space at MUST Kihumuro Main Campus. The function was graced by MUST Staff that included; Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe – Kazooba the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Mr. Vincent Kwatampora the University Secretary, Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko the Director CITT, Dr. Wendo Olema the Dean Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (FIS) and Mr. Solomon Agum the MUST Principal Assistant Academic Registrar among others. Mr. Herbert Kisara the Africa Program Manager EWB Canada attended the presentations and played a pivotal in the whole fellowship coordination. The community members from Nyakayojo Division where the students were hosted during the fellowship graced the function led by Ms. Jadress Mwesigye their Local Council Chairperson. Among the online audience were; Mr. Brian Harrigan the Chief Executive Officer EWB Canada, Ms. Shivani Patel the Chief Operating Officer EWB and parents of the students.
During the presentations, the Enyana Health Team presented their work which focused on improving animal health among farming communities. They developed an application called Amatungo Aid. This is used in the quick detection of any animal diseases so that immediate action can be taken timely to avoid cases from escalating and spreading to other healthy animals.
The Biogas Team designed a cost effective biogas system. Community members needed alternative sources of energy that are less expensive and environmental friendly. The team realized that community members were worried about the high initial cost of purchasing and installing the biogas system, with the cost being Ugx. 2.3m and above for a fixed dome biodigester. Students therefore designed and implemented a relatively cheaper system that ranges between Ugx. 500,000 to Ugx. 600,000 for a fixed dome biodigester. The team was also able to develop a biodigester manual book that guides on how the system can be installed.
The Optimus Lumina Team developed a solar powered irrigation system. The team found out that majority of the grape farmers in Nyakayojo Division find it hard getting water from downhill to uphill where the grapes are planted. In the process of irrigating, it takes them much time and requires much energy to be able to have the task accomplished which in turn affects their overall productivity. The team developed a solar powered irrigation system where the farmers only need to connect a hosepipe to the solar powered water pump and have the water pumped uphill with ease.
Below are the students that participated in the fellowship
NAME | PROGRAM | UNIVERSITY |
Enyana Health Team | ||
Kirabo Ann Mary | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | MUST |
Gabriel Luis Pangan Jabile | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | University of waterloo |
Amelia Nanteza | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | MUST |
Lukuzen Ronnie | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | MUST |
Bamukunda Joanitah | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering | MUST |
Biogas Team | ||
Benjamin Jeong-Ha Pyun | Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering | Calton University |
Mugabe Fortunate | Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Management | MUST |
Elena Sale | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | McGill University |
Archimedes Prince Ishimwe | Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Management | MUST |
Louise Foglia | Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | McGill University |
Optimus Lumina Team | ||
Vitoria Houston | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Calton University |
Gloria Kataike | Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering |
|
Ishan Sharma | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science | McMaster University |
Anna Joy Aylward Burgess | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering | McGill University |
Mugasha Orleans | Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | MUST |
Giving welcome remarks, Mr. Brain Harrigan the CEO EWB Canada congratulated the students upon the great milestones that had been achieved throughout their stay. He applauded MUST for the great effort to make the fellowship a success and highlighted that EWB is committed to advancing the partnership.
While giving his remarks, Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko the Director CITT congratulated the students upon such a milestone and thanked them for working hard to ensure that communities develop and thrive. He uploaded Nyakayojo division community members for their cooperation and supporting the students during the fellowship. “You are now a new modern/global village!” he said to them. He pledged to support the projects for sustainability and is looking forward to other partnerships that shall contribute to the development of our communities.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor incharge of Finance and Administration, Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe – Kazooba also encouraged the fellows to ensure that the networks they have established become like a chain and should not break. He thanked the administration of MUST, CITT Director and team for hosting and supporting the EWB fellows throughout the entire period of their stay. He also appreciated Mr. Brian Harrigan the CEO EWB Canada and Mr. Herbert Kisara the Africa Program Manager EWB Canada, the Partners and funders of the project for their tremendous support in ensuring that MUST becomes a home away from home. He thanked the MUST Communications Officer incharge of International Relations for coordinating the fellowship at MUST.
The University Secretary, Mr. Vincent Kwatampora thanked the Vice Chancellor Prof. Celestino Obua and the entire administration for creating an enabling environment that allows such partnerships. He emphasized that the niche of the University is community engagement to improve lives. The US also appreciated the CITT Director and his team for working tirelessly and ensuring that great innovations find shape and progress in the University and surrounding communities. He pledged to work with the CITT Director in supporting the projects and ensuring that they all come to life and are sustainable. He crowned the function by awarding certificates to the fellows who participated in the Canada – Africa Innovation Fellowship.
The event was moderated by Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko the Communications Officer – International Relations. She highlighted how the fellowship fosters multicultural interactions, enriching students’ experiences and broadening their perspectives on life. This strengthens the internationalisation agenda at MUST. Succeed we must.
