Teachers under their umbrella body Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPSTU)have appealed to government to support their National Science Innovation Projects competitions an initiative aimed to promote science education and skills innovation in schools country wide.
UPSTU is a labour union for all science teachers in Uganda actively pursuing diverse initiatives to uplift science teachers and advance practical science education.
“We call upon government, Development partners and stakeholders to join UPSTU in this initiative which we have plot eths year and will be running annually. Your support will not only enhance the quality and reach of these competitions but also contribute meaningfully to building scientifically innovative and solution-oriented society in Uganda,” Dr Mugaiga Aron UPSTU General Secretary said,
Speaking at the opening session of the National Science Innovations Projects Competition 2025 at Makerere University Business School on Saturday Mugaiga said involvement in the Science innovation competitions by government will nurture young science innovation skills and help students embrace science as a career.
“By partnering with UPSTU, government will invest in education, nurture talent and empower students to develop innovations that will impact communities and drive national science innovations and sustainable development across Uganda,”he stated.
Mugaiga emphasized that the UPSTU Science Innovation Projects Competition 2025 is a transformative initiative that supports Uganda’s new competence based curricular for both lower and upper secondary education where project work forms acritical component of summative assessment.
“As a union dedicated to the professional growth of science teachers this competition represents one of our flagship program to enhance teaching quality, empower learners and advance science education national wide in line with our mottos, “Science for Development and Transformation”
Betty Auma Chairperson Organisng committee said this year’s competition brought young innovators from 20 schools each representing projects that demonstrate creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills addressing real world challenges.
According to Auma the national exhibition provided an opportunity for students to show case their projects on a larger platform and celebrate the dedication of Uganda’s science educators who continuously nurture the next generation of innovators.
Dr Vincent Elong UPSTU National Chairperson expressed his gratitude to government for its progressive policies in supporting science education saying the enhancement of science teachers’ salaries has not only motivated ou members but has reaffirmed the national commitment to the teaching profession.
“As a union we remain firmly committed to advancing scientific research, fostering innovations in schools and contributing to the broader vision of transforming Uganda into a modern, knowledge driven and industrialized economy. This competition is therefore not just about celebrating projects but about laying the foundation for scientifically innovative society capable of steering our nation toward sustainable growth,”Elong stressed.
During the science competition students from central region presented projects like hand-controlled wheel chairs, drones, AI systems designed to support teaching and learning.
Students from eastern region show cased renewable and mechanized farming science innovations including an energy free generator and bicycle sprayer for low-cost agriculture while students from western Uganda presented modern waste management and healthcare automation while in the North smart walking canes
