KIU, Main Campus - Kampala International University (KIU) is celebrating a remarkable milestone after the IMAFAM innovation team, led by Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa, emerged as the overall winner of the prestigious Entrepreneurship Competition organized by the Africa Research Network (ARN). As the overall winners, the IMAFAM team has earned a prestigious innovation and learning visit to France, where they will engage with leading researchers, agribusiness innovators, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. 

The competition, which attracted innovators from across the continent, sought to identify and support high‑impact, scalable solutions addressing Africa’s most pressing development challenges. IMAFAM’s winning innovation—a nutrient‑dense, multigrain and vegetable complementary porridge designed to combat child malnutrition—stood out for its scientific rigor, affordability, and potential for nationwide impact.

A Solution Rooted in Science and Community Need
IMAFAM’s porridge is formulated from locally sourced grains and vegetables, including sorghum, millet, maize, soybeans, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes. The product is designed for children aged 6–24 months, a critical window in early childhood development where nutrient deficiencies can have lifelong consequences.

Through optimized processing techniques, the porridge improves nutrient absorption, reduces anti‑nutrients, and delivers a balanced, digestible meal that addresses the widespread challenge of stunting and micronutrient deficiency among Ugandan children.

A Competitive Journey to the Top
The path to victory included application screening, intensive training and mentorship, business model development, and a final pitch before a panel of expert judges.

Throughout the competition, the IMAFAM team demonstrated strong technical expertise, a clear understanding of Uganda’s nutrition challenges, and a compelling vision for scaling their innovation.

IMAFAM Team Members
1. Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa - Team Lead and Founder. Plant Scientist and Entrepreneur.
2. Shapiro Norman Paul - Nutritionist, Research and Health.
3. Sanni Haneefah - Nutritionist, Food Formulation & Dietary Counselling.
4. Bendict Ssewanyana - Business Analyst and Commercial Strategy.
5. Amina Nahabwe - Entrepreneur, Raw Materials Sourcing and Supply Chain Lead.
6. Mukasa Yusuf - Laboratory Scientist and Nutrient Testing.

A Gateway to Global Exposure
As overall winners, the team has earned an innovation and learning visit to France, where they will engage with: leading researchers, agribusiness innovators, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and international development partners.

This visit will provide valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and insights to support the scaling of IMAFAM’s product across Uganda and the region.

A Win for KIU and Uganda
The IMAFAM team’s success is not only a triumph for KIU but also a significant step toward improving child nutrition and health outcomes in Uganda. Their innovation demonstrates how locally driven solutions can address global challenges and create lasting change.

Congratulations to Dr. Mariam Oyedeji Amusa and the entire IMAFAM team for this outstanding achievement. KIU is proud to stand behind innovators who are shaping a healthier, brighter future for Uganda’s children.