In a vibrant display of innovation, intellect, and inspiration, Kyambogo University’s Soroti Campus hosted the highly anticipated Girls in STEM Day. Running under the powerful theme, “STEM powering her to think, build and lead,” the event drew over 10 secondary schools from Soroti and neighboring districts. The campus was packed with enthusiastic S.5 and S.6 science students eager to break barriers and explore the boundless opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The Government of the Republic of Uganda remains staunchly committed to promoting science and technology as key drivers of development. As the country advances through the Fourth Industrial Revolution powered by rapid progress in ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI), secondary schools have become the frontline for fostering innovations that drive industrial growth, create jobs, and facilitate socioeconomic transformation.
Despite this momentum, women and girls remain consistently underrepresented in STEM fields due to deep-seated societal norms, gender stereotypes, and a shortage of visible female mentors. Kyambogo University’s campaign aims to dismantle these barriers.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya, emphasized the university’s deliberate mission to bridge the gender gap in sciences. “Kyambogo University has a rich history of STEM innovation, as seen in our student-led projects during National Science Week and various STEAM Festivals. By bringing this campaign to Soroti, we want to challenge old stereotypes, build unwavering confidence, and show these young girls that they are entirely capable of creating locally developed solutions for our communities,” Prof. Katunguka noted.
The heartbeat of the event was the opportunity for students to interact with relatable, high-achieving female role models who are already making waves in academia and industry.
- Dr. Savannah Nuwagaba (Lecturer in Mathematics): She captivated the students by breaking down the beauty of numbers, proving that mathematics is not a subject to fear, but a powerful tool for problem-solving.
- Dr. Maureen Ssempija (Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering): She shared her journey through the male-dominated world of engineering, urging the girls to embrace curiosity and hands-on building. “Engineering is about creation and leadership. Do not let anyone tell you it is not for women,” she challenged.
- Wineno Joan (Computing Student): Representing the student innovators, Joan delivered a stellar peer-to-peer testimonial, sharing how tech and computing are empowering her to build real-world applications, sparking immense interest among the high schoolers.
Kyambogo University Guild President, H.E. Agaba Edward, commended the university administration for decentralizing such impactful campaigns to regional campuses. He encouraged the visiting students to look at Kyambogo as the ultimate destination for their academic and scientific aspirations.
The Soroti Campus Deputy Chief warmly welcomed the schools and expressed immense pride in hosting the flagship event, emphasizing that the Soroti Campus is fully equipped and ready to nurture the next generation of scientists and innovators in the region.
To ensure the inspiration translated into actionable academic paths, Ms. Ethel Nabwetema from the Office of the Academic Registrar conducted a comprehensive career guidance session. Ms. Nabwetema meticulously mapped out various high school subject combinations, aligning them directly with the diverse and lucrative STEM undergraduate programmes available at Kyambogo University. She demystified entry requirements and enlightened the students on how their current high school choices link directly to impactful future careers.
The Girls in STEM Day at Soroti Campus successfully ignited a flame of curiosity and ambition. By showcasing that science education directly links to community transformation, Kyambogo University has set a benchmark for how higher institutions can actively empower young women to think, build, and lead the technological revolution in Uganda.
The day’s activities were fueled by generous refreshment sponsorships from Crown Beverages, keeping the energy high as students engaged in cutting-edge STEM exhibitions, interactive question-and-answer panels, and deep-dive career guidance sessions.