Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda’s innovation sector is demonstrating that world-class ideas can be built at home. From digital platforms to practical, real-world solutions, a new generation of creators is redefining innovation in a resource-constrained yet opportunity-rich environment.
This momentum was captured in the latest episode of the Ugandan Podcast titled “Made in Uganda: Innovation, Grit and a Future Built by Doers.” The episode offers an honest look at the people driving the country’s next wave of transformation and the realities of building sustainable innovation in Uganda.
The discussion brought together three dynamic voices: Pearl Gakazi, co-founder of Kolaborate; Engineer Bainomugisha, Professor of Computer Science at Makerere University; and Ronald Hakiza, founder of Uga Bus.
Together, they unpacked what it takes to innovate in Uganda, from navigating limited resources and tight markets to sustaining momentum in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Innovation Rooted in Real Problems
Innovation grows fastest when the problem is personal, and Hakiza’s story sets that tone. His idea for Uga Bus emerged from the daily frustrations faced by public transport users. Unpredictable schedules and inconsistent service inspired him to create a more structured and reliable system grounded in real human interaction.
“In Africa, innovation only works when there’s a strong offline infrastructure beneath it. Anyone can build an app, but what made Uga Bus powerful was our agent network of real people who ensured every ticket purchase was a smooth experience,” Hakiza said.
His approach reinforces a central theme of the episode: listen first, then build. He describes innovation as a direct response to frustration and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to user experience and acting quickly to solve problems that affect large numbers of people.
Building Trust in the Creative Economy
Gakazi extends this thinking into the creative space. Kolaborate was designed to help Ugandan creatives connect, collaborate, and showcase their talent. However, she acknowledges that trust remains one of the platform’s biggest challenges.
“One of our biggest hurdles is the trust gap. Convincing someone in Uganda, let alone in Europe or America, that a team in Kitgum can deliver high-quality work is still a mental leap. The world knows Uganda for safaris and hospitality, but not yet for our incredible talent,” she said.
She explains that Kolaborate is focused on making digital engagement accessible and user-friendly, without overwhelming users with complex systems. At its core, the platform is driven by the belief that creativity thrives through collaboration rather than isolation.
“As a digital platform, we constantly face the chicken-and-egg problem. Do we invest in improving talent quality or focus on securing demand? We have quantity, but quality still needs support, and without demand, none of it matters. Balancing both is one of our biggest ongoing challenges,” Gakazi noted.
Preparing Talent for a Fast-Changing World
Engineer Bainomugisha offers an academic perspective shaped by years of teaching and research. He highlights the rapid pace of technological change and the need for universities to rethink how they prepare students.
“Technology is evolving so fast that what is current today may be outdated tomorrow. Our biggest message to students is simple: at university, learn how to learn. By the time students graduate, the technologies they studied may have changed. The ability to self-learn is no longer optional; it is the foundation for long-term success,” he said.
He also stresses that innovation and software engineering education must be rooted in Uganda’s realities rather than replicating models designed for different contexts.
Building an Ecosystem That Scales
The episode concludes with a reminder that Uganda has no shortage of capable builders, but sustained growth requires stronger support systems. Engineer Bainomugisha calls for broader collaboration across the innovation ecosystem.
“To prepare graduates for new kinds of work, we need a critical mass of collaborative platforms. One platform alone cannot absorb the thousands of young people entering the job market every year,” he said.
Together, the insights shared in the episode highlight a clear message: Uganda’s future will be shaped by practical innovation, local understanding, and an ecosystem that empowers its doers to build, adapt, and scale.
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