Makerere University has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish the Innovations Pod, a cutting-edge hub designed to promote student creativity and employment opportunities. The Innovations Pod, launched on January 9, 2023, is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to serve as a catalyst for creative inventions across various disciplines, including science and technology, fashion and design, engineering, and multimedia.
Prof. Barnabus Nawangwe, the Vice-Chancellor of Makerere University, emphasized the institution’s vision to transform into a fully entrepreneurial modern entity. The partnership with UNDP aims to realize this vision by providing students with a platform to showcase their creative abilities and contribute to societal development. The Innovations Hub is structured to host various sections, fostering inclusivity and accommodating students with diverse passions for exploration and creativity.
During the launch, Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP resident representative for Uganda, highlighted the strategic importance of universities in fostering growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She urged leaders to create conditions empowering students to generate wealth and address unemployment challenges.
Nathan Tumuhamye, the head of exploration at UNDP, emphasized the hub’s inclusivity and plans to replicate similar hubs in other universities, tailoring them to each institution’s specific strengths. The Innovations Hub is set to officially launch on January 23, 2024, marking a significant step in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship on the Makerere University campus.
