Uganda: Makerere University Invites IT Firms for Business Innovations

Makerere University has invited more companies in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to engage in viable business partnerships.

The business relations will be aimed at improving the quality of high skilled information technology workers in the country besides generating new products and services, said Michael Niyitegeka, the head of corporate affairs at the Faculty of Computing and Informatics Technology, Makerere University.

"As a faculty, we have a desire to have many indigenous companies to work with us. If students work with companies in the industry, they will get the appropriate skills that are needed in the market," he told journalists in Kampala on Tuesday.

Mr Niyitegeka made the remarks as the university announced a deal with Blue Cube, an ICT firm that has committed itself to reward with $1000 (Shs2.2 million), the best mobile phone-based solution from the university every year.

The award is expected to spur innovation in mobile computing at the university. Mr Niyitegeka said the first award will be given to the most innovative student on Friday, during Makerere's 5th Annual Open Day. At the event, up to 30 ICT projects will be showcased.

Mr Innocent Nahabwe, Blue Cube's marketing manager said through the deal, Blue Cube, which specialises in SMS products is seeking to tap into Makerere's top IT brains and at the same time work with the university to help the students commercialise their ideas.