Kyambogo University under the School of Art and Industrial Design, in collaboration with Pan Afrikan Design Institute, celebrated 2023 Afrika Design Day, starting from 3rd to 6th October 2023, under the UG Design Summit 2023 that was themed: “Weaving an Afrikan Design Mat”.

Dr. Savana Nuwagaba a lecturer from the Faculty of science explains her innovation to the Hon. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Monica Musenero, the Lt Gen. James Mugira, Prof. Eli Katunguka and other guests during the UG Design Summit 2023.

Dr. Savana Nuwagaba a lecturer from the Faculty of Science explains her innovation to the Hon. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Monica Musenero, Lt Gen. James Mugira, Prof. Eli Katunguka and other guests during the UG Design Summit 2023.

While speaking at the official opening of UG Design Summit at Kyambogo University on Wednesday 4th 0ctober 2023, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Monica Musenero underscored the imperative to honour and protect Africa’s intellectual property. She urged innovators to navigate the paths of industrialization and commercialization to achieve global competitiveness. Dr. Musenero emphasized the role of mass production in national development, emphasizing the synergy between buyers and sellers. She commended Kyambogo University for its dedication to providing holistic education.

Dr. Musenero noted that gone are the days when Africa was looked at as the source of raw materials for foreigners and science technology and innovations have been a missing link towards value addition, massive production of local products with high comparative advantage especially at the East African Community (EAC) level.

The Minister also challenged scholars and designers from different industries including advertising, fashion, interior, photography, illustrators and animators, product designers, craft practice, ceramicists, jewellery and those doing weaving at a local level to consider engaging in scientific and technological ways of promoting African design identity.

“We need to align our African thinking about science and technology such that our contribution in this work is known at the global scene and promoted,” Dr. Musenero added.

Kyambogo University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya said that all innovators need to pass through proper channels to acquire African Intellectual Property to be able to protect their designs for market protection. The teachings in universities must change because artists have always been shying away from technology while trying to operate in isolation leaving our local inventions abandoned and taken for the cheap ones which outcompete us on the international scene.

“Industrialization and technology do not demean artists or even take them as irrelevant but this is the greatest chance in our careers to be able to use technology and science for all our industries to grow,” Katunguka said.

Prof. Des Laubsher, representing the Pan African Design Institute, highlighted the need to create value for African design. Design companies worldwide are superseding other companies by 200% and Africa shouldn’t miss out on these opportunities. He noted that Africa is blessed with diverse cultures which can be incorporated in the world of design and with over 45 years in design, he emphasized selling the concept of African design globally, citing a 200% outperformance of design companies over others.

Lt Gen. James Mugira, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), which is the business arm of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), as a keynote speaker, delivered a compelling presentation demystifying the perception that soldiers are only for war. He showcased UPDF’s involvement in non-war-related operations, contributing to national development. NEC, as the industrial hub of the Ministry of Defense, has been at the forefront of innovations, from Operation Wealth Creation to conservation efforts.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Monica Musenero and Lt Gen. James Mugira, the managing director of National Enterprise Corporation looking at a crocodile invented during the UG Design Summit 2023 exhibition.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Monica Musenero and Lt Gen. James Mugira, the managing director of National Enterprise Corporation looking at a crocodile invented during the UG Design Summit 2023 exhibition.

UG DESIGN SUMMIT 2023 IN PICTURES