Kampala, Uganda | Ten brilliant students from the Lango sub-region are representing northern Uganda at the National Secondary Schools Science Fair taking place at Kololo Secondary School in Kampala.
The national competition has brought together top young innovators from across the country to showcase scientific solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
The students were selected from five secondary schools in Lango after excelling in a highly competitive regional contest.
Among the most notable projects are those presented by learners from Loro Secondary School in Oyam District and Comboni College in Lira City.
Leading Loro Secondary School’s team is Tracy Amasu, a Senior Four student, whose project – a modified crossbow for school security – attracted significant attention during regional selections.
Amasu explained that her invention is a safer and more affordable alternative for school security personnel.
She believes that with proper training, the device can be used to protect learning institutions while minimizing harm.
Joshua Elem, representing Comboni College, developed an automated traffic light system using Arduino technology.
His innovation is designed to manage urban traffic by switching lights every 10 seconds using LED indicators.
Elem pointed out that while the system is simple, it has the potential to ease traffic congestion and bring order to busy intersections if adopted by authorities.
The fair, which features innovations in areas such as public safety, environmental conservation, and digital automation, has attracted participation from key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Education and Science, university scholars, and representatives from the private sector.
Canon George Okwee, the regional secretary of the Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers (SESMAT), described the students’ participation as a reflection of the growing innovation culture in northern Uganda.
He said the projects on display are practical, original, and demonstrate that science is alive and thriving in the Lango sub-region.
Sammy Bob Okino, Chairperson of the Lango chapter of the Association of Secondary School Headteachers Uganda (ASSHU), also applauded the young innovators for their bold ideas.
He noted that these learners are not just competitors but future leaders capable of shaping Uganda’s development through science and technology.
The Lango team is not only showcasing innovation but also carrying the pride of their region.
Their presence in Kampala is a strong reminder that some of the country’s most impactful ideas can emerge from its most remote corners.