Eight years ago when we championed BSU Week characterized by exhibitions and showcasing students’ innovations, the activities spurred staff to co-create. Students at Bishop Stuart University showed interest in their respective faculties.
Mr. James Katumba went for an apprenticeship at Maryhill High School Mbarara and did well in Agriculture, the Head Teacher, Sr. Anastasia informed me of the excellent work and would even send me bread from her bakery. At one time, her girls came for an exhibition at BSU besides mentorship!
Thanks to Ms. Deborah Akatwetabah (a Ph.D. student at Gulu University under RUFORUM Network (GTA) who has been coordinating BSU Exhibitions; Dr. Rebecca Kalibwani, Coordinator BSU Agribusiness Incubation Hub (AIH); Ms. Kuribakanya Rose Rwankore, Senior Public Relations Officer and Ms. Jacqueline Kyomuhendo, Ag. AR for leading exhibitors vetting and teams for exhibiting at the National level.
Since we started BSU week, we have been advancing innovations from students, staff and AIH some supported by AVSI Uganda and RUFORUM Network. It’s from these internal BSU Week exhibitions that some of the good and innovative young people now employed at BSU were identified in ICT innovations.
We now need to build an Innovations Centre at BSU and perhaps start industries. Hon. Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister MOSTI is emphasizing this. This is what Heritage education 5.0 is all about.
Thank you, Prof. Elly Sabiiti, former Chairperson Council and Prof. Charles Kazooba Chairperson of COFPP and your team for believing in us by creating a vote and giving us funding for exhibitions and BSU week.
Thank you, Prof. Kenneth Kagame, Chairperson Council and the rest of the team for your keen interest and deliberate promotion of innovations and upscaling.
Now the time has come we identify our innovators and grow them as BSU and the Government is willing to work with us. One of our niches is in Agriculture and Agribusiness, let’s advance it.
By Prof. Maud Kamatenesi Mugisha