Kampala International University (KIU) proudly stood out at the 11th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and 9th African Engineering Conference, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, from September 8th-20th, 2025.

The prestigious continental gathering, organized under the theme “Engineering for Sustainable Development in Africa: Addressing Climate Change and Building Resilient Infrastructure,” brought together engineers, researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.

Representing H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, officially opened the event, emphasizing the critical role of engineering in driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

In his message, President Museveni called upon African countries to invest more in science and technology, stressing that while the continent is rich in natural resources, it has lagged behind by missing out on past scientific revolutions. He urged nations to build a modern, science-led society that would create a skilled working class and propel Africa into a fully monetized economy.

At the conference, KIU showcased a range of groundbreaking innovations that reflect the university’s vision of producing research-driven solutions for sustainable development. These included:

1. Smart Robotic Arm System – An automated robotic arm that performs tasks with precision and flexibility, reducing human effort and improving efficiency.
2. Firefighting Robotic System – A wirelessly controlled robot designed to navigate challenging environments, potentially aiding in firefighting efforts.
3. Energy Harvesting Shoe – A shoe that converts walking energy into electrical energy, storing it to charge devices like smartphones, promoting sustainable energy use.
4. Solar Powered Cold Storage System – A renewable energy-driven cold storage solution that preserves perishable goods, reduces losses, and supports food security in off-grid areas.

The KIU delegation was led by Prof. Muhammad Ngoma, Vice Chancellor, accompanied by Dr. Mustafa Mundu, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration), Dr. Asiimwe Eva, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Main Campus), and Mr. Ernest Edozie, Departmental Examination Coordinator for Electrical, Telecommunications, and Computer Engineering, among others.

The conference provided KIU with an invaluable platform to demonstrate its leadership in innovation, share research with regional and global stakeholders, and network with industry leaders and experts from across the continent. By presenting solutions that address climate change, energy sustainability, and food security, KIU reinforced its contribution not only to Uganda’s development but also to Africa’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.

About the 11th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week & 9th African Engineering Conference

The UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and African Engineering Conference is a premier gathering that promotes engineering excellence and professional development across the continent. Hosted this year by the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), the conference aims to influence policies supporting sustainable engineering practices, build capacity in engineering education and research, and foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation to address Africa’s unique challenges.