Uganda National STEM & VEX Robotics Championship — 29 November 2024
The Uganda National STEM and VEX Robotics Championship, hosted at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa, Kampala, brought together over 25 schools and more than 200 students. Organized by ASIST and Young Engineers Uganda, the event featured competitions in VEX Robotics (IQ and V5) and STEM project showcases under AgroTech and Energy-Tech themes. Winners will represent Uganda in international competitions in the USA and UK. The event emphasized innovation, gender inclusion, and the importance of practical, hands-on STEM education.
Championship Goals & Impact
Organized by ASIST Ltd under the Young Engineers Uganda program, the Uganda National STEM & VEX Robotics Championship had clear, measurable objectives:
Ignite Passion in STEM
Participants reported a 95% increase in interest toward STEM subjects and careers, proving the event’s effectiveness in transforming student attitudes.
Develop 21st-Century Skills
Beyond coding and building, students practiced communication, collaboration, and time management, critical for real-world success.
Promote Hands-On Learning
The event emphasized project-based, real-world problem-solving over traditional rote memorization, in line with Uganda’s new educational vision.
Launch Global Opportunities
Top teams will compete on global stages: VEX World Championship in Dallas and the Greenwich Olympiad in the UK, proudly representing Uganda.
Theme & National Recognition
Championship Theme
“The Future is Now: Empowering Uganda’s Next Generation of Innovators”
This theme captured the spirit of the championship—encouraging students to embrace technology, creativity, and real-world problem-solving as Uganda builds a future-ready workforce.Recognition by the First Lady
The First Lady of Uganda and Minister of Education & Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, officially endorsed the Uganda National STEM & VEX Robotics Championship through a speech delivered by Commissioner Juliet Atuhaire Muzoora. She commended the organizers and student participants, emphasizing that the event aligns with the government’s priorities of national skilling and preparing youth for future challenges. She urged wider participation in future editions and acknowledged the crucial support of sponsors, educators, and parents.Championship Results
VEX Robotics Category
| Category | Winning Schools |
|---|---|
| VEX IQ (Primary) |
1. Daffodils Primary School 2. The Stoneridge School |
| VEX V5 (Secondary) |
1. Acorns International School 2. Soroti Municipal Secondary School |
STEM Project Competition
Aggrotech Category
| Level | Position | School | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 1st | Kampala Diplomatic International School | Smart Irrigation System |
| Senior | 2nd | Ntare School | Integrated Automatic Hydroponics |
| Senior | 3rd | Ntare School | AgriBot |
| Junior | 1st | Edusmith International Christian School | Garden Rover |
| Junior | 2nd | Little Petals International School | Mechanical Plough |
| Junior | 3rd | Buyala Junior School | Automated Crop Harvester |
Energy-tech Category
| Level | Position | School | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 1st | YE–Semawatta Centre | Cyber Truck |
| Senior | 2nd | The Stoneridge School | Gesture-Controlled System |
| Junior | 1st | Shekinah International School | Water and Air Turbine |
| Junior | 2nd | Kampala Academy | Intruder Detection System |
| Junior | 3rd | YE–Semawatta Centre | Mars Rover |
🎖 Special Awards
| Award | Recipient | Project/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Innovative Award | The Stoneridge School | Cable Car |
| Girl-Powered Award | Heritage International School | Empowering girls in STEM innovation |
Special Guests & Dignitaries
Juliet Atuhaire Muzoora
Role: Commissioner of Primary Education, Ministry of Education & Sports
Remarks: Represented the First Lady. She conveyed her message of support, urging institutions to scale up participation and reinforcing the Ministry’s interest in STEM integration across schools.
Joseph Kiggundu
Role: Commissioner, Department of ICT, Ministry of ICT & National Guidance
Remarks: Commended the innovation displayed by the youth, calling STEM education the backbone of Uganda’s digital transformation. He pledged continued support through the Ministry’s innovation hubs.
Dr. Grace Baguma
Role: Director, National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC)
Remarks: Applauded the alignment of the competition with Uganda’s competence-based curriculum. She emphasized the need for practical STEM projects in learning to prepare students for real-world challenges.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde
Role: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance
Remarks: A strong advocate for digital innovation, Dr. Zawedde encouraged more public-private partnerships to scale STEM programs. She emphasized empowering girls in tech and reducing the digital skills gap.
Guest Speakers & Highlights
Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni
Position: First Lady of Uganda & Minister of Education and Sports (represented by Commissioner Juliet Atuhaire Muzoora)
Key Message: She officially endorsed the event, applauding the organisers and student participants. The First Lady emphasized that the championship aligns with national goals on skilling and youth empowerment. She encouraged more schools to join future editions and thanked sponsors, educators, and parents for their vital support.
Maureen Ayebare Karamagi
Position: CEO, Young Engineers Uganda (ASIST Ltd)
Key Message: Maureen highlighted the importance of the championship as a platform for students to gain hands-on experience in robotics and innovation. She celebrated the dedication of the participants and reiterated the organization’s commitment to empowering young minds through accessible STEM education.
Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo
Position: Founder, ASIST & Young Engineers Uganda
Key Message: Dr. Rugyendo passionately called for a transition from traditional theory-based education to a more practical, project-based learning approach. He emphasized that events like this championship are crucial in equipping Ugandan youth with the skills needed to thrive in the modern, tech-driven world.
Partners & Sponsors
We’re grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and partners who made the Uganda National STEM & VEX Robotics Championship possible.
