In the heart of Mbarara, Uganda, a wave of excitement surged through the campus of the University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM). The air was filled with anticipation as students, faculty, and esteemed guests gathered for the launch event of the USJM Innovation Club.
The auditorium was adorned with the vibrant colors of the national flag, setting the stage for the commencement of the event. The Launch event kicked off with the resonating melodies of the national anthems and a solemn prayer, creating an atmosphere of unity and purpose.
The Patron of the Innovation Club, a distinguished figure in the academic community, took the stage to deliver the welcome remarks. With passion in his voice, he elucidated the club’s purpose, emphasizing the significance of innovation in today’s fast-paced world. He spoke of a future where students would not only seek employment but create opportunities for themselves and others.
The Academic Registrar (AR) Magara Silver, echoed this sentiment, promising unwavering support for the club. He pledged the establishment of a dedicated physical workspace within the university, a hub for creative minds to collaborate and bring their ideas to life. Encouraging the students, he set a challenge – to develop tangible innovations within a year, promising university backing for viable projects.
As the AR concluded his speech, he extended his gratitude to the Club team, led by the dynamic Tusiime Patience, the student Vice President of the University. With a sense of pride and determination, Patience stood tall as a beacon for the innovative spirit that the club aimed to foster.
The launch event reached a symbolic moment as the AR and Patron, accompanied by invited guests, signed the launch banner, a visual testament to the commitment to innovation within the university.
The stage then belonged to Mr. Tushabe Ronard, the founder of Empower Youth In Technology (EYIT), a key partner of the University Innovation Club. Ronard shared insights into the collaborative efforts between EYIT and the club, unveiling the Startup Garage program. This initiative aimed to empower university students with the skills and knowledge needed to become tech-savvy entrepreneurs, creating job opportunities for themselves and others.
With a vision encompassing multiple universities in Southwestern Uganda, the Startup Garage program sought to transform students into innovators and creators. The project’s goal was clear – to bridge the gap between education and employment by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.
The guest speaker, Mr. Dandus Muhwezi, the Principal Agricultural Officer of Mbarara Local Government, took the stage next. With practical wisdom, he urged the youth to break free from their comfort zones, challenging them to think outside the box. He emphasized that entrepreneurship and innovation were the keys to solving community problems and securing a sustainable livelihood.
The event, a celebration of possibilities and potential, came to a close with a sense of optimism lingering in the air. The seeds of innovation had been planted, and the USJM Innovation Club stood poised to make a lasting impact, not only within the university walls but throughout the community and beyond. Watch the Full Video on EYIT TV here.