CoNAS Participates in the 2025 National Science Week Exhibition

*****15 students from different departments at CoNAS are showcasing their projects.

Over 300 Ugandan innovators, among them students from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and other science-based colleges at Makerere University are participating in the 2025 National Science Week exhibition, currently underway at the Kololo Independence Grounds.

Launched in 2021, the National Science Week is an annual event organized by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President. The exhibition serves as a strategic platform for showcasing Uganda’s advancements in science, technology, and innovation, both at the national level and on the global stage.

Held under the theme “Made in Uganda: Innovation to Market”, the 2025 edition (running from 15^th-20^th June) aims to highlight the country’s growing capacity to transform home-grown scientific ideas and research into viable, market-ready products and technologies.

Key highlights from the official launch of the National Science Week

During the official launch held on 13^th May 2025, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, outlined several milestones Uganda has achieved over the past year, including:

1. The commencement of clinical trials for locally developed therapeutics, marking a significant step in Uganda’s biopharmaceutical sector.
2. Notable growth in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, including the deployment of over 5,000 electric motorcycles and 27 electric buses across the country.
3. Establishment of critical green infrastructure, including 140 battery swapping stations and more than 30 direct current (DC) fast chargers nationwide.

According to the Minister, these developments demonstrate Uganda’s advancing capabilities in green technology and sustainable mobility solutions.

The Minister also highlighted additional achievements by the STI Secretariat, including the revitalization of Sukulu Phosphates, the launch of both the Deep Tech and Climate Tech summits, and the operationalization of vaccine production lines for both human and animal health. Dr. Musenero expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued support, emphasizing its strategic vision of leveraging science, technology, and innovation as a transformative vehicle to position Uganda as a continental leader in deep tech innovation.  

The 2025 National Science Week Activities

The National Science Week is designed to be an interactive experience for all attendees. According to Ms. Cathy Muhumuza from the STI, the exhibition will feature various activities including the official opening by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, expected to take place on Thursday, 19^th June 2025. Other activities will include policy dialogues, the Academia Day dedicated to young innovators, and the Investor Day providing a platform for innovators to connect with potential investors.

Additionally, the event will host a “Made in Uganda Supermarket,” allowing visitors to purchase products directly from exhibitors.  

CoNAS Students’ projects

Among the many innovators featured at the exhibition are several talented student teams from CoNAS, presenting a diverse array of projects across scientific disciplines, including biotechnology and green energy. Guided by their lecturers and coordinated by Prof. Juma Kasozi, Deputy Principal of CoNAS, the students are showcasing the following projects:

1. Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial Gel Research Project
   Team Leader: Mwebaze Bruce
   Team Members: Atim Martha, Sebastian Jordan
   This project explores the development of a topical gel with both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, aimed at improving public health outcomes in communities with limited access to conventional treatments.
2. Minoxidil Production for Hair Regrowth
   Team Leader: Keinembabazi Melissa
   Team Members: Hashima Nanyiri, Nkamusiima Andrew
   Focused on producing affordable, locally made Minoxidil, this project aims to provide a cost-effective solution for treating hair loss.
3. Infrared Biosensor for Aflatoxin Detection
   Team Leader: Rubeihayo Randolp
   Team Members: Namuleme Martha, Wabitereza Teddy
   This innovation utilizes spectrophotometry to develop an infrared biosensor capable of detecting harmful aflatoxins in food, contributing to food safety and public health.
4. Biofuel Production from Water Hyacinth
   Team Leader: Bill Garvin
   Team Members: Kalanguka Patience Pearl, Nuwagaba Victor
   The project converts invasive water hyacinth into sustainable biofuels using hydrothermal liquefaction, offering an environmentally friendly alternative energy source.
5. Automobile Fuel Gauge Detector
   Team Leader: Ayebare Sam
   Team Members: Achieng Rosemary, Nakirinda Winnie
   This project involves the development of a reliable fuel gauge detector to improve vehicle fuel management and efficiency.