This episode of the Ugandan Podcast hits close to home for anyone who believes this country can build world-class ideas and homegrown innovation. Titled “Made in Uganda. Innovation, grit and a future built by doers,” the conversation gives listeners and viewers a look at how local creators are shaping the next wave of digital and real-world solutions.
The conversation features Pearl Gakazi, Co-Founder of Kolaborate, Engineer Bainomugisha, Chair of Computer Science at Makerere University and Ronald Hakiza, Founder of Uga Bus. Each guest brings in their own perspective on what keeps Uganda’s innovation engine moving forward, what it takes to build in Uganda and more.
The episode opens with a simple theme. Innovation grows fastest when the problem is personal and Hakiza’s story sets that tone. His idea for Uga Bus started the way many strong businesses do. Public transport was unpredictable, inconsistent and frustrating for everyday commuters. His solution was to build a structured system grounded in real human interaction.
He explains the lesson he learned early on. “In Africa, innovation only works when there’s a strong offline infrastructure beneath it. Anyone can build an app, but what made Uga Bus powerful was our agent network of real people who ensured every ticket purchase was a smooth experience.”
His approach underlines a core message in the episode. Listen first, then build. Hakiza frames innovation as a response to frustration. He notes that paying attention to user experience and moving quickly to solve problems that affect thousands of people is a skill everyone should have.
Gakazi takes that theme into the creative space. Kolaborate was built to make it easier for Uganda’s creatives to connect, work together and showcase their talent. She then breaks down their biggest challenge.
“One of our biggest hurdles is the trust gap. Convincing someone in Uganda, let alone in Europe or America, that a team in Kitgum can deliver high-quality work is still a mental leap. The world knows Uganda for safaris and hospitality, but not yet for our incredible talent.”
She explains why the platform keeps pushing forward. Kolaborate wants users to feel comfortable engaging with digital tools without the pressure of complicated systems. Her conviction is straightforward. Creativity can thrive when people work together instead of isolating themselves.
“As a digital platform, we constantly face the chicken-and-egg problem, do we invest in improving talent quality or focus on securing demand? We have quantity, but quality still needs support and yet without demand, none of it matters. Balancing both is one of our biggest ongoing challenges,” she said.
Engineer Bainomugisha brings an academic view shaped by years of teaching and research. He speaks directly about the speed of technological change and how universities must adapt. “Technology is evolving so fast in that, what is current today may be outdated tomorrow. Our biggest message to students is simple, at university, learn how to learn. By the time students graduate, the technologies they studied may have changed. The ability to self-learn is no longer optional, it is the foundation that will carry them through the rest of their careers.”
He also pushes for innovation that fits local needs while also emphasizing that software engineering education must reflect Uganda’s actual context instead of copying models that work elsewhere.
The episode closes with a clear reminder that Uganda is full of capable builders who need an environment that supports growth. Engineer Bainomugisha calls for a stronger network of training and collaboration platforms. “To prepare graduates for new kinds of work, we need a critical mass of collaborative platforms across the ecosystem. One platform alone cannot absorb the thousands of young people entering the job market each year.”
For listeners who want a current snapshot of Uganda’s innovation journey, this episode of the Ugandan Podcast is available on YouTube through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance channel using the link below.
