• Latest
Oxitec to Partner with UVRI in Fight Against Malaria

Pictorial: Makerere, UNDP Unveil Cutting-Edge Innovation Pod

2 years ago
PostBank Staff Equipped to Drive Climate-Smart Lending, Support SMEs

PostBank Staff Equipped to Drive Climate-Smart Lending, Support SMEs

2 hours ago
Joy Cheptoyek, Halimah Nakaayi Shine at World Athletics Championships

Joy Cheptoyek, Halimah Nakaayi Shine at World Athletics Championships

3 hours ago
Hoima Sugar, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Partner to Restore Muhangaizima Site

Hoima Sugar, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Partner to Restore Muhangaizima Site

4 hours ago
Uganda and China Deepen Cooperation

Uganda and China Deepen Cooperation

4 hours ago
UGEFA, Equity Bank Launch Phase II Partnership to Accelerate Green Finance

UGEFA, Equity Bank Launch Phase II Partnership to Accelerate Green Finance

4 hours ago
Uganda Law Society Extends Tenure of Radical New Bar Council for Six Months

Uganda Law Society Extends Tenure of Radical New Bar Council for Six Months

9 hours ago
SoftPower News
Thursday, September 18, 2025
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women
No Result
View All Result
SoftPower News
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

Pictorial: Makerere, UNDP Unveil Cutting-Edge Innovation Pod

by Rogers Atukunda
January 9, 2024
Oxitec to Partner with UVRI in Fight Against Malaria

Makerere University and UNDP commission a cutting-edge Innovation Pod

45
VIEWS

Makerere University in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Uganda, has inaugurated the Makerere University Innovation Pod—a cutting-edge initiative aimed at fostering creativity, research, and technological advancement.

The Makerere Innovation Pod Equipment Installation will open a new era of innovation and possibilities at Uganda’s most prestigious institution.

Related Stories

PostBank Staff Equipped to Drive Climate-Smart Lending, Support SMEs

Joy Cheptoyek, Halimah Nakaayi Shine at World Athletics Championships

Hoima Sugar, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Partner to Restore Muhangaizima Site

This state-of-the-art Innovation Pod is designed to be a dynamic hub where academia, industry, and community collaborate to address pressing challenges, foster innovation, scale startups and enhance livelihoods.

This multidisciplinary hub which will connect with research and fuel enterprise creation, serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary projects, encouraging students, faculty, and external partners to explore inventive solutions to societal issues, is equipped with modern facilities.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and outgoing UNDP Representative Elsie Attafuah commission the Makerere Innovation Pod

While commissioning the Innovation Pod on Tuesday at Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, called for tangible actions to address poverty.

He challenged the university to go beyond traditional research, leveraging youthful staff to turn research into impactful solutions, creating jobs and uplifting communities.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe

“Innovation is the heartbeat of progress; let’s transform universities into pulsating hubs of creativity and excellence,” he stated, adding:

“The true power of a nation lies in empowering its youth; a country’s stability depends on harnessing the potential of its young minds.”

He said scaling up innovation is not just in theory but in action.

“Create modern universities that are not just centres of learning but engines of progress. Let our universities be the catalysts that propel regions forward, generating companies and opportunities,” he noted.

He added: “Artificial intelligence is not a choice; it’s a necessity. Let’s ensure Africa is at the forefront, not left behind in the AI revolution. Collaboration fuels innovation; together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. UNDP Uganda, a true partner in progress.”

Speaking on the same occasion, outgoing UNDP Representative Elsie Attafuah, said the new equipment at Makerere opens endless possibilities for students.

“Let’s use this technology responsibly for a positive impact on our community, environment and society. UNDP strongly supports Uganda’s innovation and startup ecosystem,” she noted.

Outgoing UNDP Representative Elsie Attafuah

She said COVID-19 revealed challenges and opportunities, urging people to innovate.

“It’s time to rethink development, create our wealth, and not be overly dependent. We must get hungry to empower our youth and transform them amidst uncertainties. Development financing is shifting, and we must create our wealth as a continent.”

According to her, the geopolitics of today demands a new approach hence universities and partners must be interested in how they create wealth for Africa sustainably.

“In a world of change, let’s not walk away from poverty. Innovation, resilience, and gender equality are key. Our partnerships with Macquarie University showcase what’s possible when we think beyond boundaries and embrace diversity. The future demands action. Disrupt the norm, leverage spaces at universities for innovation,” she said.

She added: “Embrace digital transformation, e-commerce, and policies that propel us forward. Let’s collectively reach out to governments for a more impactful future. As we commission equipment and explore spaces like maker spaces and collaborative hubs, remember it’s not just about impediments but about the innovation and technology that shapes the future of development.”

UNDP’s involvement underscores the commitment to supporting sustainable development through knowledge creation and technology-driven solutions.

The collaboration aims to empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by providing a conducive environment for research, experimentation, and the development of impactful projects.

Innovation Pod is poised to become a focal point for hosting workshops and fostering partnerships with local and international organizations.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing Uganda’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

On the 20th of September 2022, at the Makerere Senate building, UNDP Uganda signed a development partnership with Makerere as part of the university’s yearlong centennial celebrations.

The partnership saw US $500,000 (Shs1.9bn) earmarked for the setting up and equipping of a model engineering and creative design University Innovation Pod.  

Tags: Elsie AttafuahMakerere Innovation PodProf Barnabas NawangweSoftPowerSoftPower NewsTop Uganda NewsUganda

Recent Stories

PostBank Staff Equipped to Drive Climate-Smart Lending, Support SMEs

Joy Cheptoyek, Halimah Nakaayi Shine at World Athletics Championships

Hoima Sugar, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Partner to Restore Muhangaizima Site

Uganda and China Deepen Cooperation

UGEFA, Equity Bank Launch Phase II Partnership to Accelerate Green Finance

Uganda Law Society Extends Tenure of Radical New Bar Council for Six Months

SoftPower News Logo

SoftPower News is a subsidiary of SoftPower Communications LLC, a Ugandan digital media group. Keep posted of the latest from Uganda and East Africa.
Plot 4B Malcolm X, Kololo
P.O Box 1497, Kampala - Uganda
Tel: +256-392-001-701
Email: info@softpower.ug

This news site is licenced by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)

ADVERTISEMENT
Stanbic Remittance Ad
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Regional
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More

© SoftPower News

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

error: Content is protected
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women

© SoftPower News

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?