KIU CREATES AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENT'S INNOVATION

By Prisca Adaeze Nenger

Kampala International University Western Campus (KIU-WC) from Wednesday 11^th - 13^th September 2019, hosted a mind-blowing Research Dissemination and Innovation Conference (KRIC 2019) tagged - Multi-Sectoral Collaboration Towards The Prevention And Management Of Non-Communicable Diseases. The event which was held in her Western Campus in Ishaka-Bushenyi, had over 500 participants in attendance.

The conference was packed with Pre, Main, and Post Conference activities that challenged the thinking of all participants as they explored the heights. And in line with the mission of KRIC, the conference provided a platform for the dissemination of research knowledge and presentation of various innovations. This was achieved, through the promotion of various students inventions that were turned into products that can benefit the community.

In addition, Dr. David Kalenzi, Director Post Graduate Studies and Research, KIU-WC, could not contain his joy when he stated that the just-concluded KRIC 2019 is a very successful event, despite being the first of its kind in the campus. This is what Dr Kalenzi had to say: "Being the first of its kind, it was fantastic and well attended. We had the presence of the Ministry of ICT and Health and they've promised to support the University.

Outstanding Students Awarded For Their Innovations

The Executive Director/Dean KIU Teaching Hospital (KIUTH), Professor Robinson Ssebuufu posited that KIU as an institution has given a great platform for innovative students to bring their projects to the limelight as such they will be rewarded accordingly.

On this note, the winners of the innovation challenge were rewarded and promised support for the development of their innovations subsequently.

The 2^nd runner up Kyeyune (Pharmacy), Lule Patrick (Medicine) and team invented MED SYSTEM an online-based system software and mobile app that helps fight Non-communicable diseases. They received an award of UGX 500,000/=.

The 1^st runner up Kamyuka Solomon and Kigozi David invented a mobile app called GLUCOHEART that estimates blood glucose levels. The duo was award UGX 750,000/=.

The overall winner was Higenyi Eria (Pharmacy) who invented THE STREET DIAGNOSIS MACHINE that calculates BMI, takes blood pressure, oxygen circulation and heart rate. The machine, which he called The Higenyi Constant, advises on the course of action after diagnosis. He walked away with a rewarding prize of UGX 1,000,000.

The keynote speakers for the event were Dr. Gerald Mutungi; Commissioner Non-Communicable Diseases Uganda, and Prof. Fred Wabwire Mangen of the College of Health Health Sciences, Makerere University. Other personalities that graced the occasion were delegates from the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Uganda, KIU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Extensions; Prof. George Nasinyama, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor KIU-WC; Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, the Director Higher Degrees and Research KIU; Dr. Wardah Rajab-Gyagenda, among others.

The Kampala International University Research Dissemination and Innovation Conference (KRIC) is slated to become an annual event aimed at growing and strengthening a research and innovation culture among all students and staff at KIU Western Campus as well as other universities in the region.