Agaba Nikodemu’s Seed Verification Innovation Wins Top Honours At Kampala University Hackathon
Ggaba Main Campus | 29 October 2026
Kampala University’s Ggaba Main Campus became a platform for creativity and practical problem-solving on 29 October 2026 as student innovators gathered for the second edition of the Computer Science and IT Hackathon League. Mr. Agaba Nikodemu of Jinja Campus emerged as the overall winner with an innovation that uses QR codes to help distinguish genuine seeds from counterfeit seeds.
His project addresses the challenge of fake agricultural inputs by helping farmers verify seed authenticity before planting. The innovation demonstrated how digital technology can support informed purchasing decisions and contribute to efforts to improve agricultural productivity.
Held under the theme, “Digital Skills for All: Accelerating Uganda’s Socio-Economic Transformation Through Innovation,” the hackathon challenged students to translate classroom knowledge into technological solutions addressing real community needs. Agriculture, healthcare, finance and education provided key areas of focus, demonstrating the relevance of digital skills across Uganda’s economy.
The event was organised by Kampala University’s School of Computer Science and Information Technology, headed by Ms. Brenda Nakirya. Participating institutions included the International University of East Africa, Victoria University and Metropolitan University, creating opportunities for students to exchange ideas, demonstrate their abilities and learn from one another.
The Chief Guest was Mr. Tonny Bbosa from NITA Uganda, representing the Director of E-Government Services. His participation brought a government perspective to a gathering centred on digital inclusion, innovation and the contribution of young people to national development.
In his address, Kampala University’s Founding Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru Ddungu Kateregga, linked the hackathon to the University’s founding vision of equipping young people with practical skills, independent minds and the confidence to solve problems.
He emphasised that technological progress should benefit people across society, including rural communities, small businesses, farmers and persons with disabilities. He encouraged participants to develop affordable, accessible solutions that remain useful where internet connectivity and access to devices are limited.
“A modest idea that works reliably can make a meaningful difference,” Prof. Kateregga observed, urging innovators to begin by understanding the experiences of the people they intended to serve.
He described the hackathon as an important learning platform through which students develop teamwork, communication, resilience and the ability to improve ideas through testing. These qualities, he noted, prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship and public service.
On artificial intelligence, the Founding Vice-Chancellor encouraged students to explore its potential in learning, research and community problem-solving while exercising sound judgement. He stressed the need to verify AI-generated information, protect personal data, guard against bias and maintain human accountability.
Cybersecurity also featured prominently in his message. Prof. Kateregga urged participants to incorporate security into their projects from the design stage, consider potential misuse and uphold ethical standards when testing digital systems. He further encouraged teams to present their work honestly, explaining both what their prototypes could do and what required further development.
Throughout the event, students presented different technological innovations, demonstrating their creativity and ability to apply computing knowledge to practical challenges. Agaba’s winning seed verification project illustrated the event’s emphasis on developing solutions relevant to the needs of communities.
The hackathon was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Maboh Nkwati; Resident Director, Ms. Rashida Kateregga; Deputy Resident Director, Mr. Faquih Muhammad Kateregga; Financial Controller, Mr. Ronald Kamoga; Human Resource Director, Ms. Aidah Naisanga; and Quality Assurance Director, Assoc. Prof. Chris W. N. Kirunda, alongside other members of staff.
Prof. Kateregga commended Ms. Brenda Nakirya and the organising team, together with lecturers, mentors, judges and partners, for providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain practical experience.
Looking beyond the competition, he encouraged teams to document their projects, seek feedback and continue refining their prototypes. He also called upon academic teams and partners to explore opportunities for mentorship and piloting promising innovations.
By Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar,
P.R.O Kampala University