The Ugandan flag has been raised higher after a former Makerere University student Mr Anatoli Kirigwajjo scooped the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2023 in a ceremony held in Accra, Ghana.
His innovation, dubbed Yunga is a local digital security network that enhances neighbour-to-neighbour safety.
According to a report by BBC, Yunga works by connecting neighbors to one other and to police within a 20km-radius – through a physical device, smartphone app or SMS service, providing security at a low cost.
Mr Kirigwajjo says he was inspired by an unfortunate occurrence in which he lost $1,300 worth of assets after thieves broke into his house.
In his acceptance post of the award, Mr Kirigwajjo said that: “on behalf of my exceptional team, humbled and grateful for this remarkable achievement. Together, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop a groundbreaking engineering solution that tackles a pressing common local challenge. Our innovation has demonstrated the vital role of engineering in enhancing affordable community security and that will foster more economic development across the African continent, using technology.”
Expected to expand to bigger markets in countries like Ghana, Nigeria; Yunga is expected to prevent more cases from the current estimation of 180 cases prevented at the local stage here in Uganda.
Mr Kirigwajjo attended Makerere University from 2011 to 2015, where he studied Computer science. He also won Microsoft National innovation award 2013 while he was at campus.
You must be logged in to post a comment.