Kabale University Showcases Innovative Solutions at National Higher Education Exhibition

From March 21st to 23rd, 2024, Uganda Christian University Mbale campus played host to the prestigious National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) exhibition, attracting academic institutions from across the region. Among the distinguished attendees was Kabale University, which seized the opportunity to showcase its innovations.

The event, held under the theme “Fostering Graduate Employability and Innovation,” provided a platform not only for academic display but also for networking among students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Notable figures graced the occasion, including the Lord Mayor of Mbale City, Namugali Casim, and the Chief Guest, Hon. Deputy Prime Minister of East African Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga who visited Kabale University stall and had the opportunity to hear what the university was exhibiting.

In her remarks during the closing ceremony on Saturday, March 23rd, Dr. Nora Muniira, an Information technology professional, representing the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the significance of having exhibitions at regional levels. She highlighted the event’s role in fostering collaboration among universities and in disseminating information to secondary schools in the Eastern region.

Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE, commended the participation of secondary schools, noting that twelve schools visited the university stalls during the exhibition. Looking ahead to future events, Prof. Okwakol urged universities to prepare for the 15th Higher Education Exhibition.

However, she also expressed a need for universities to advance their innovations beyond the prototype stage. “We have seen most of your innovations, but I think most of these innovations showcased are usually left at the prototype level,” Prof. Okwakol remarked. She called upon institutions to invest in their faculty’s innovations and move them forward to implementation.

Among the innovations showcased by Kabale University students were:

Indigenous Knowledge and Employability by the Faculty of Education which Highlighted traditional and local expertise and how it can be applied in addressing contemporary challenges.

Sand and Art Therapy byt the Faculty of Social Sciences. This was a tool aiding in development, counselling, and stress relief by leveraging the therapeutic benefits of art.

The School of Medicine exhibited laparoscopic surgery techniques for advanced medical interventions and the Plastipave Technology from the faculty of Engineering, Applied Design and Fine Art. This innovation is all about Introducing sustainable stormwater management through porous flexible pavement technology, addressing environmental concerns.

The National Higher Education Exhibition not only celebrated academic accomplishments but also inspired collaborative efforts towards fostering graduate employability and innovation, setting a precedent for future endeavors in the region’s education sector.