Overview:
Ugandan students win Pan-African STEM competition with innovative smart city design, showcasing talent and creativity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – A team of 15 students from Uganda has emerged victorious in the second Pan-African STEM competition, beating out teams from Tanzania and Kenya with their innovative design for a smart city.
The competition, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, brought together over 200 students aged 6-14 from across East Africa to showcase their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Ugandan team’s winning design envisioned a sustainable and efficient smart city for Kampala, complete with integrated transportation systems and green infrastructure.
“We are thrilled to have won this competition,” said Maureen Karamagi, CEO of Young Engineers Uganda. “Our students have worked incredibly hard to develop their skills and showcase their talents. This victory is a testament to their dedication and creativity.”
The competition was organized by Young Engineers Tanzania, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). It aimed to promote STEM education and encourage innovation among young people in Africa.
“The Pan-African STEM competition provides a platform for young people to develop critical skills, collaborate, and innovate,” said Benazir Kurji, franchise owner and director of Young Engineers Tanzania. “We are proud to support the next generation of leaders and innovators in Africa.”
The winning team from Uganda was awarded the top prize for their impressive design, which was created using the Young Engineers Master Builders Kits. The kits contain over 300 motorized LEGO pieces, allowing students to apply real-world principles of engineering, mechanics, physics, and mathematics.
The competition is part of a larger effort to promote STEM education and innovation in Africa. The continent is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and developing a skilled workforce in STEM fields is seen as critical to driving growth and development.
“This competition is an important step in promoting STEM education and innovation in Africa,” said Karamagi. “We hope to inspire more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to develop solutions to the challenges facing our continent.”
The winning team from Uganda consisted of:
- Ntambira Jeannine Hosanna, 8
- Rutatiina Lathan Rugyendo, 10
- Kansiime Linda Lesly Praise, 12
- Rutagumirwa Samuel Kaguta, 10
- Owembabazi Kerensa, 10
- Tubuhaburwa Jeremiah Kaguta, 8
- Rubeinika Simeon Kaguta, 10
- Mugisha Luke, 8
- Talemwa Prince Jonathan Bridge, 8
- Muwaya David, 6
- Katuntu Timothy Christian, 9
- Nsereko Raheem Liam Ahumuza, 8
- Quincy Taremwa, 10
- Korey Nzeire, 8
- Liam Muwonge, 9