St. Ignatius University Kabale has taken a significant step in promoting research and innovation by hosting its first-ever Internal Science and Agriculture Exhibition, aimed at showcasing students’ creativity and practical solutions to community challenges.
The exhibition brought together students, lecturers, and administrators who explored a wide range of projects in science, technology, and agriculture.
Innovations on display included improved farming techniques, with students designing a dummy water pump, climate-smart agricultural practices such as the use of organic manure and cooking briquettes, as well as student-led research addressing food security and sustainability through the conservation and multiplication of indigenous seeds, particularly peas and beans.
Prof. Fr. Maximiano Ngabirano, the Vice Chancellor, noted that the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen practical learning and equip students with hands-on skills beyond the classroom. He emphasized the importance of research-driven education in addressing real-world problems, especially in agrarian communities like those in the Kigezi sub-region.
Speaking at the event, Caleb Ngabirano the Head of Department for Agricultural Science commended students for their creativity and commitment to research, noting that such initiatives are key in bridging the gap between academic learning and community needs.
Ngabirano added that students are also focusing on making organic pesticides and fertilizers to protect soil health. He highlighted briquette production as another key innovation, saying it is being promoted for its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness in communities.
In an interview, Vincent Atukunda the head of the science department revealed that the science department is prioritizing hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative research to ensure students are well-equipped to compete in an increasingly innovation-driven world. He added that the university plans to expand the exhibition in the coming years by bringing on board more stakeholders and institutions to foster knowledge exchange and inspire groundbreaking solutions.
Students who participated, including Junior Gerald, Agatha Kebirungi, and James Karugaba, expressed excitement about the platform, saying it has given them an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, and potential to contribute to national development.
The university leadership reaffirmed its commitment to making the exhibition an annual event, with plans to expand it into a regional platform that will attract participation from other institutions and stakeholders in science, technology, and agriculture.
