Kampala,Uganda– The former Commissioner for Private Education Institutions at the Ministry of Education and Sports, George Mutekanga, has urged schools to allocate resources toward curriculum fairs as a strategic approach to nurturing IT talent and innovation among students.
Mutekanga made the remarks over the while officiating at the inaugural Namilyango College Curriculum Fair 2025.
The event held under the theme: “Empowering Young Minds: Sowing Seeds of Innovation in Science, Arts, Engineering, and Technology for a Bright Future.”
The fair aimed to help students transform classroom learning into practical IT-based innovation projects that prepare them for careers in the science, technology, and innovation-driven global economy.
He emphasized that while curriculum fairs may be resource-intensive, they offer students hands-on experience and essential ICT knowledge that can later be converted into viable income-generating innovations.
Mutekanga also applauded Mount St. Mary’s College Namagunga for sending students to participate and showcase their science and arts-based IT innovations. He noted that such participation gives girls valuable exposure to the fields of science, engineering, and technology—areas traditionally underrepresented by women—and empowers them to become future ICT leaders.
The fair featured a total of 44 projects, including two external entries from Namagunga. Student teams presented innovative solutions across the disciplines of science, arts, engineering, and technology—aligning closely with the college’s 2025 theme: “Sowing Generously and Reaping Generously.”
Mutekanga commended the Namilyango College administration for its commitment and investment in fostering technological creativity among students. He noted that such initiatives equip learners with practical technical skills across diverse fields, bridging academic content with real-world application.
He further encouraged students to embrace the school’s “Do It Yourself” (DIY) program. He emphasized that when integrated with the government’s Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) policy, this approach can empower learners to become future innovators and technology experts.
The college’s Deputy Head Teacher for Academics, Ms. Agnes Namiro Mugoya, extended her gratitude to officials from the Science and Mathematics Teachers’ (SESMAT) Mukono Region Office. She recognized their role in adjudicating the event and supporting student growth in STEM and innovation-related fields.
The top innovation of the day was presented by Wanyama Elijah Matiru and his team from Senior Four (S.4), who developed an automated shower system. The system releases a controlled amount of water when the user steps on a pedal—an invention designed to reduce water wastage.
Second place went to a four-member S.4 team that created an automated, solar-powered irrigation system. Other notable entries included a portable gas digester (4th place) and a manual juice processor, which secured fifth place.
