The Young Engineers Uganda team emerged champions at the EnjoyAI 2024 Global Final which took place in Shanghai, China between December 12 and 18.
ENJOY AI is a global robotics competition held by the Federation of Global Youth Artificial Intelligence, a US non-profit organisation. ENJOY AI aims to push boundaries for young innovators, and make them become the next mastermind.
The Young Engineers Uganda team, comprising 10 young innovators from the African School of Innovations Science and Technology, the organisation that runs the Young Engineers STEM programme, won this year’s competition.
Young Engineers Uganda is a STEM Education programme operated by the African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Limited.
The team led by Maureen Ayebare Karamagi, CEO of African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Ltd/Young Engineers Uganda, beat participants from 34 countries including China.
Uganda competed in the Galactic Defence Battle Challenge, where it emerged as a champion for the 2024 Global Final.
Uganda fielded five teams, with three teams participating in the Galactic Defence Battle game and two teams competing in the closing ceremony of sports.
The Uganda teams’ robots also stood out, winning the “Dedicated” and “Team Spirit” awards.
The participants were; Aicha Rashid Kabazungu, Housna Rashid Kansime, Saira Rashid Kasemire, Ishanga Nathan Kaguta, Ssozi Zaki Muhwezi, Kouyate Josepha, Kansiime Linda Lesly Praise, Noowe Gamaliel Owamaani, Lowena Mwiza Rugyendo and Migisha Leanne Ulrika Rugyendo.
Two coaches Anantori Tucungwire and Monica Arinaitwe, the Chief Operations Officer, Tusiimire Kapere Caroline, and parent representatives Patience Bakyengana and Agatha Abaho, were also present to witness this great achievement!
Maureen Ayebare Karamagi, CEO of African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Ltd/Young Engineers Uganda, said the victory “is a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of our young innovators”.
During their visit to Shanghai, the team also had the opportunity to participate in a STEM tour at The Shanghai Minhang Polytechnic, where they were welcomed by the governor and president. The team was promised collaboration and exchange programs with the polytechnic.
Young Engineers Uganda is a flagship programme of African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Ltd, a STEM and robotics organisation in Uganda.
The programme aims to nurture the next generation of scientists, innovators, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and critical thinkers.
On November 15-18, 2024, the programme participated in the Young Engineers Pan Africa STEM Competition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the Uganda team won first place and returned with a trophy.
In 2023 and this year, various teenagers on the programme represented Uganda twice at both the Vex World Robotics Championship and the Pan-African Robotics Championship in the USA and Senegal, respectively.
Credit: UBC TV