By KT Reporter
From an integrated “smart” walk-mate for the visually impaired to an electricity source out of nowhere, to testing blood sugar using urine, not blood, secondary school children battle for innovation supremacy.
These projects are part of what participants in the National Schools Championships have produced this year, in what has been dubbed the “Battle of Champions” in innovation.
As Uganda grapples with youth unemployment and a shifting economic landscape, Stanbic Bank, the sponsor of the competition, says the NSC has proven that the country’s greatest asset is already in the room: its young people — thinking boldly, building smart, and solving for tomorrow.
“This competition is not just about prizes. It’s about giving young Ugandans the tools, platforms, and confidence to solve real-world problems,” says Mumba Kalifungwa, Stanbic Bank Uganda CEO. “It brings our youth strategy to life — empowering tomorrow’s entrepreneurs today.”
St Noah SSS Mawaggali’s venture is “WalkMate Smart Glasses”, a system that integrates a locator, a smart cane, and wearable glasses for supporting visually impaired individuals. The innovation offers increased independence and safety, pointing toward a more inclusive tech future.
Summayya High School team developed a UTI (urinary tract infection) early detection kit, designed to help especially young women identify and treat urinary tract infections before complications arise. It has been dubbed “a tool for empowerment and preventive health”.
From Western Uganda, Sacred Heart SS Mushanga have created an automated drinking water pumping and purification system, which is already being piloted at their school. It is being tipped as a real-time solution to rural water access and hygiene—a strong contender.
At the Ibanda SS, the students have crafted the “koffia” scented insect-repellent candles from coffee grounds and cloves, a natural alternative with strong market appeal, targeting hotels, lodges, and households.
Eastern Uganda is represented by St. Mary’s Girls SS Mandera, whose innovation is a non-invasive glucose testing kit for diabetics.
Using urine instead of blood, the kit aims to simplify blood sugar monitoring, especially in rural communities.
Still in the East, Musana Vocational High School comes with the MK Independent Power Source, a prototype that generates electricity without sun, wind, fuel, or batteries. It is tipped to be a possible disruptor in sustainable energy.
Comboni College Lira, on their part, responded to the poverty in the north and developed a smoke-free electric generator designed for rural areas with limited access to clean power.
On their part, Mentor Secondary School, still from the north, have brought their automated IV monitoring system. This could revolutionise patient care in under-resourced hospitals by tracking fluid levels and alerting staff, improving healthcare delivery efficiency.
The winning team will receive a 20-million-shilling solar energy system for their school, while the runner-up will take home a water supply system worth 10 million.
Other finalists will receive scholastic materials, while two students and a mentor from the top-performing school will enjoy an all-expenses-paid educational trip to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Under the theme: “A Decade of Impact: From Classrooms to Catalysts,” now in its 10th year, the Stanbic NSC has reached over 500,000 students and resulted in more than 200 youth-led enterprises.
“These innovations show us what’s possible when we invest in youth, not just as customers, but as co-creators of Uganda’s economic future,” said Cathy Adengo, Head of Sustainability, Stanbic Bank Uganda.
This year’s competition saw over 150 schools begin the journey, with 500 students submitting projects in areas ranging from health tech to sustainable energy.
After a rigorous national bootcamp and several elimination rounds, only eight teams remain for the finale this Friday.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
