Kids from Uganda’s  ASIST science academy lift global AI trophy

December 29, 2024 in Companies, Science and Technology by Editor

Youth from the Kampala based African School of Innovations Science and Technology ASIST, were announced champions at this year’s edition of the annual EnjoyAIGlobal Final in Shanghai, China.

The victory is a feather in the cap of ASIST,  which runs the Young Engineers STEM program in Uganda, as a rising force in the global AI and robotics landscape.

The ASIST team, comprising 10 young innovators, departed for Shanghai, China, on December 12, 2024, to fly Uganda’s flag at the EnjoyAI Competition 2024.

ASIST chief executive Maureen Ayebare Karamagi, led the team to the event that brings together talented individuals from around the world to demonstrate their AI skills and collaborate on innovative projects. This year’s championship saw participation from 34 countries, including China, competing in different categories. ASIST competed in the Galactic Defence Battle Challenge, where it emerged as a champion for 2024 Global Final.

ASIST fielded five teams, with three teams participating in the Galactic Defence Battle game and two teams competing in the closing ceremony of sports. The Uganda teams’ robots also stood out, winning the “Dedicated” and “Team Spirit” awards.

The participants consisted of:

1. Aicha Rashid Kabazungu
2. Housna Rashid Kansime
3. Saira Rashid Kasemire
4. Ishanga Nathan Kaguta
5. Ssozi Zaki Muhwezi
6. Kouyate Josepha
7. Kansiime Linda Lesly Praise
8. Noowe Gamaliel Owamaani
9. Lowena Mwiza Rugyendo
10. Migisha Leanne Ulrika Rugyendo

Two coaches Anantori Tucungwire and Monica Arinaitwe, the Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Tusiimire Kapere Caroline, parent representatives Patience Bakyengana and Agatha Abaho, also accompanied the team.

“We are thrilled and proud of our team’s achievement,” Karamagi said adding; “this victory is a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of our young innovators.”

Ms. Karamagi also extended her appreciation to the Young Engineers Uganda coaches for their commitment to training young innovators in STEM and robotics projects.

During their visit to Shanghai, the team also had the opportunity to participate in a STEM tour at The Shanghai Minhang Polytechnic, where they were welcomed by the governor and president. The team was promised collaboration and exchange programs with the polytechnic. The collaboration will also help to scale STEM education activities across the country, helping to reach the undeserved and unserved communities.

While at the polytechnic, the team also participated in STEM activity and face painting, which showcased their creativity and innovation.

Young Engineers Uganda is a flagship program of African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Ltd, a STEM and robotics organization in Uganda.

The program aims to nurture the next generation of scientists, innovators, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and critical thinkers. It was founded in 2016 by journalist and entrepreneur Arinaitwe Rugyendo with the aim of nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders.

This achievement is not the first for Young Engineers Uganda. On November 15-18, 2024, the program participated in the Young Engineers Pan Africa STEM Competition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the ASIST team won first place and returned with a trophy.

In 2023 and this year, various teenagers on the programme represented Uganda twice at both the Vex World Robotics Championship and the Pan African Robotics Championship in the USA and Senegal, respectively.

Recently, on November 29, 2024, the program organized the first-ever Uganda National STEM and Vex Robotics Championship, where over 300 kids showcased problem-solving robotics projects. Fourteen teams emerged as winners and will represent Uganda in the US and UK Robotics events next year.