Undergraduate students from Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) have emerged as the best performers in the 2024 Marketplace Simulations Awards held during the AFRIC2024 Conference in Alexandria, Egypt, from November 4-15, 2024.

Makerere University students triumphed clinching the top prize in a fiercely contested competition that featured participants with advanced degrees, including master’s and Ph.D. holders. This remarkable achievement not only underscores the students’ ingenuity and determination but also serves as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.

The winning team, consisting of fourth-year Software Engineering students Fortunate Tusiime Agnes and Nampwera Elisha, alongside third-year Computer Science student Atuhaire Ronnie, was led by Dr. Swaibu Kyanda Kaawaase, the Head of the Department of Networks. Their success has secured them a fully-funded trip to the United States next year to participate in the UN Convention on Climate Change.

The 10-day competition tasked participants with integrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and climate change into a simulated business environment. The Makerere team excelled with their project, Kakati Fit Bikes, a concept emphasizing the urgency of climate action. Kakati, derived from Luganda, translates to “now,” signifying immediate action against climate challenges.

The simulation tool, widely used in prestigious institutions like Oxford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), challenged participants to model a business environment. Makerere’s innovative approach outperformed competitors from countries including Kenya, Niger, Egypt, and Ghana.

The workshop was organized by Marketplace and the University of Senghor under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Mahamadou BIGA-DIAMBEDOU. The team’s participation was made possible through sponsorships: Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal of CoCIS, funded their air tickets, while their accommodation, meals and other expenses in Egypt were covered by Prof. Dr.  Ernest R. Cadotte.

Prof. Cadotte, an Emeritus Professor of Innovative Learning at the University of Tennessee, has spent over three decades developing business simulation tools used by over a million students and professionals globally. His Marketplace family of simulations has become a cornerstone in business education, fostering innovation and real-world problem-solving skills.

The Makerere team’s victory according to  the students’ mentor does  not only highlights the university’s academic excellence but also underscores Uganda’s potential to lead in innovation and climate action on the global stage.

Dr. Kyanda described the competition as rigorous but rewarding. “We had to spend sleepless nights to master the Marketplace Simulation, understand market dynamics, and model a business that aligns profits with climate sustainability,” he said.

He highlighted the significance of the win for Makerere and Uganda. “We represented not just Makerere University but Uganda and Africa. This victory opens doors for collaborations with institutions in Egypt, Niger, and beyond. It also raises Uganda’s profile in climate change initiatives,” Dr. Kyanda added.

Dr. Kyanda expressed gratitude to College  Principal Prof. Tonny Oyana, who funded their travel, and Prof. Ernest Cadotte, the founder of Marketplace Simulations, who covered their stay in Egypt.

As part of their prize, the Makerere team will participate in the 2025 UN Convention on Climate Change in the U.S., where they will present their project and represent Uganda. “This is an opportunity to flag Makerere’s research agenda and showcase Uganda’s commitment to addressing climate change,” Dr. Kyanda noted.

This victory underscores the integration of computing, entrepreneurship, and innovation in education. The team’s success demonstrates the potential of tools like the Marketplace Simulation to equip students with practical skills for tackling global challenges.

Students speak out

Reflecting on the victory, Nampwera Elisha, a software engineering student, expressed both astonishment and pride. “Winning in entrepreneurship means the world to me. I felt deeply fulfilled, and this victory reinforced my confidence in pursuing my vision of launching KaKa – a technology-driven ecosystem. I want it to become Uganda’s largest innovation hub, competing with global giants like Y-Combinator and Silicon Valley,” he shared.

Nampwera explained that the competition, which integrated real-world business challenges through the Marketplace Simulation, was a transformative experience. “It came at the perfect time as I’m developing KaKa. The lessons I learned have already shaped its strategy. This win validated that my tech-preneurship endeavors are viable in the real world,” he said.

Despite competing against seasoned professionals, Nampwera attributed their success to teamwork and resilience. “We’re all entrepreneurial at heart and have honed our skills through hackathons in Uganda. This wasn’t our first exposure to high-pressure platforms, and our shared experiences prepared us for this challenge,” he added.

Nampwera also called for the widespread adoption of the Marketplace Simulation in Africa. “It’s a transformative tool that can foster entrepreneurial thinking, especially in regions like Africa, where unemployment and financial illiteracy are major challenges. Universities like Makerere should lead the charge in adopting this tool,” he urged.

For Fortunate Tusiime Agnes, the victory was a personal and professional milestone. “This win wasn’t just about the competition—it was about demonstrating the innovative spirit and resilience that Makerere University stands for. It was a proud moment for our institution and Uganda as a whole,” she said.

Tusiime described the experience as a confidence booster and an inspiration to aim higher. “This achievement reminded me that there are no limits to what we can achieve with determination and hard work. It reinforced my belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and make an impact,” she remarked.

On how they outperformed competitors with higher qualifications, Tusiime explained, “Our focus was on teamwork. Everyone stepped up, contributed their part, and delivered what was expected. We didn’t let the fact that we’re undergraduates hold us back.” She also acknowledged the guidance of their mentor. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kyanda Swaib for his unwavering support. His wisdom and encouragement made this victory possible,” she said adding, “Dr. Kyanda is truly a man for all seasons,” she noted.

The students’ victory  at the Marketplace Simulation Awards demonstrates the power of innovation, collaboration, and mentorship in tackling real-world challenges. Their triumph is a shining example of Makerere University’s role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders poised to make a global impact.

By

Jane Anyango

Principal Communication Officer, CoCIS