The Uganda Industrial Research Institute officially welcomed its new Board of Directors, with the members taking their oath on 15th August, 2025, at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Boardroom. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Industry, Hon. Dr. David Bahati, who emphasized the importance of clear roles between the Board and management. He cautioned the Board members to avoid overlapping their responsibilities with those of UIRI’s management and tasked them with providing focused and strategic leadership to the Institute. Leading the new Board, Chairperson Retired General Ivan Koreta pledged to collaborate closely with the Board members and UIRI management. He outlined a commitment to promoting innovation, value addition, applied research, and the development of appropriate technologies to strengthen Uganda’s industrial sector. “Our aim is to create a strong, effective, and competitive industrial landscape that contributes significantly to national development, Gen. Koreta affirmed.” The new Board members sworn in include; Retired General Ivan Koreta – Chairperson Ms. Jolly K. Kaguhangire – Member Dr. Catherine Wandera – Member Ms. Magdalene Akite – Member Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi – Ex-Official Dr. Joshua Mutambi – Ex-Official Prof. Charles Kwesiga – Secretary The establishment of this Board is expected to provide strategic guidance to UIRI as it continues to advance industrial research and technological development in Uganda.
UIRI Interns Unveil Groundbreaking Innovations at Namanve Campus
UIRI Interns Unveil Groundbreaking Innovations at Namanve Campus The Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) proudly hosted a vibrant showcase of innovation, featuring interns from Uganda Christian University (UCU), Makerere University, and Kyambogo University. Held at our Namanve campus, the exhibition celebrated the creative ingenuity and technical prowess of Uganda’s next generation of innovators. This showcase reaffirmed UIRI’s commitment to nurturing talent and accelerating technological advancement as a cornerstone of Uganda’s industrial transformation. Innovative Projects That Address Real-World Challenges The interns unveiled a diverse range of projects aimed at solving pressing societal and industrial challenges. Highlights included: Smart Soil Water Management System Designed to harvest and conserve rainwater for use during dry spells, this solution benefits smallholder and urban farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture. Robotic Arm for Agriculture Built to mitigate labour shortages during harvests, this robotic solution reduces post-harvest losses and boosts efficiency. Smart Proximity and Hazard Detection System A safety solution that detects smoke and potential fire hazards, ideal for homes and storage facilities. Roadwise Traffic Management System Developed to reduce traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility. Smart Parking System Offers intelligent space utilisation and real-time tracking to ease urban parking stress. Smart Home Management System Enhances home security and automation for improved quality of life. Vaccine Cold Storage Monitoring System Ensures safe temperature regulation for vaccines, vital for healthcare delivery. Investing in Uganda’s Industrial Future UIRI’s internship program offers hands-on, real-world experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to innovative solutions that align with Uganda’s development agenda. Through mentorship and access to cutting-edge facilities, these young minds are equipped to lead the charge in industrialisation and entrepreneurship. As we celebrate the creativity and commitment of our interns, we also recognise the immense potential they bring to Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. Their achievements underscore the role of institutional support in shaping a resilient, tech-driven economy. Congratulations to all our interns on their remarkable innovations—we look forward to witnessing the lasting impact of your contributions to Uganda’s industrial journey.
