Lira | July 19, 2025 — Thirteen schools from across Northern Uganda have converged at Lango College in Lira City for a regional science and technology competition aimed at nurturing innovation and practical problem-solving among secondary school students.
The event, organized by the Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPSTU), is part of a national drive to promote the application of scientific knowledge in addressing real-world environmental and societal challenges, especially under the New Lower Secondary Curriculum.
Speaking to Northern Dailys on Friday evening, UPSTU Deputy Chairperson Benson Tugume emphasized the importance of such competitions in stimulating interest and competence in science among students.
“This strategy was established to ensure that science and technology become part of everyday solutions in our communities,” Tugume said.
“We want students to use what they learn in class to address environmental problems.”
He added that teachers are closely involved in mentoring students throughout the competition, which will culminate in the selection of the top five technological innovations with the potential to address modern-day challenges.
UPSTU General Secretary Betty Auma revealed that the ongoing activity is part of a national program that has already been conducted in the Central, Western, and Eastern regions of Uganda.
“A total of 40 schools qualified for this stage after excelling in over 300 earlier science and technology tests. Fourteen schools are representing Northern Uganda in this round,” Auma said.
She also lauded the participation of schools from the Karamoja region, who had previously missed out on earlier editions, and encouraged them to remain actively involved in future science programs.
Meanwhile, the Northern Uganda Chairperson of UPSTU urged parents to support the new curriculum by encouraging their children to embrace it.
“This curriculum is practical and skill-based. Parents need to support their children by providing materials needed for project work,” he said.
Among the schools representing the Lango sub-region are Loro Secondary School and Acaba Secondary School from Oyam District, along with Comboni College and Lira Town College from Lira City, among others.
The best five innovations selected from this regional round will proceed to the national finals, where top students from all parts of Uganda will compete.
ENDS
