The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has inaugurated the first-ever Secondary School Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) at Comboni College and Dr. Obote College in Lira District.
This initiative aims to nurture a culture of innovation among students, equipping them with essential skills and resources to explore technology and entrepreneurship.
The launch event at Comboni College was officiated by Bishop Santus Lino Wanok of Lira Catholic Diocese, alongside URSB’s Deputy Registrar General, Alex Anganya.
It attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including educators, local leaders, students, and members of the community.
The newly established centres will serve as hubs for technological advancement, offering students access to modern tools, training programs, and mentorship. These resources are designed to stimulate creativity and innovation, empowering the next generation of Ugandan innovators.
The TISC program provides innovators and researchers with high-quality resources on inventions and innovations, including patent databases and science journals containing over 100 million documents.
This critical information, which is unavailable on platforms like Google, helps prevent duplication of effort in developing existing technologies, saving valuable resources.
During the launch, students showcased several inventions created through their Robotics Club, which was established two years ago to promote innovation among science students.
Their innovations included a solar concentrator for cooking, an automated garbage management system, a home security intruder alert system, a traffic light control system, and a 500-watt electric generator capable of powering domestic appliances.
The success of these projects has motivated the college to pursue intellectual property protection, with a utility model application already submitted to URSB for approval.
In his speech, Bishop Santus Lino Wanok praised URSB for fostering creativity in young people. He noted that the innovation centre at Comboni College would encourage even more groundbreaking inventions.
URSB Deputy Registrar General, Alex Anganya, stressed the importance of nurturing young talent in technology and innovation.
“This centre represents our commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. By providing them with the right environment and resources, we are investing in Uganda’s future and promoting economic growth,” Anganya said.
The centres will offer workshops on product development and intellectual property rights, allowing students to engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with peers, and learn from industry experts. This dynamic learning environment is designed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
In addition to promoting technological capabilities, the centres aim to raise awareness of the importance of intellectual property protection.
URSB will guide students on how to safeguard their innovations and navigate the patent registration process, a critical step for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into viable business ventures.
Local educators and community leaders have welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to significantly impact students’ futures.
By cultivating a culture of innovation, the centres aim to empower young people to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economy and society.
As this initiative continues, it is expected to inspire a new generation of innovators who will play a key role in driving economic development and addressing local challenges with creative solutions.
