The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports Headquarters were alive with excitement as the Huawei ICT Competition Awards Ceremony unfolded. Presided over by Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, the event celebrated the remarkable achievements of Ugandan students in the realm of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
With awards and gifts totaling a staggering forty million Ugandan Shillings, this ceremony not only recognized individual excellence but also highlighted the collective potential of Uganda’s youth in the global tech arena.
Celebrating excellence
The Huawei ICT Competition, now in its 8th year, has evolved into a significant platform for aspiring ICT professionals worldwide. This year’s competition was particularly noteworthy, attracting over 170,000 students from more than 2,000 universities and colleges across 80 countries.
The global finals took place in Shenzhen, China, where Ugandan teams showcased their innovative ideas and skills that had previously earned them success in national and regional competitions.
Among the standout performers were Network Track Team 1 from Gulu University and Muni University, who clinched the Grand Prize. The First Prize was awarded to Network Track Team 2 from Kabale University, while Muni University’s Computing Track Team 1 secured the Second Prize.
Additionally, Network Team 2 from Kabale University received the Women In Tech Award. This impressive haul underscores not just talent but also the hard work and dedication of these students, who were officially sent off by First Lady Janet K. Museveni on May 16, 2024.
Her encouragement resonated throughout the event, inspiring participants to leverage their skills for innovation and societal advancement.
In his address, Hon. Muyingo delivered a message from First Lady Museveni, urging all young people skilled in ICT to build upon their training. He emphasized that innovation is today’s competitive edge across all sectors.
The minister also expressed gratitude towards Huawei Technologies Uganda and the Chinese Embassy for their unwavering support in fostering educational initiatives that empower Ugandans.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports, echoed these sentiments by thanking Huawei Technologies and the Chinese Embassy for their longstanding partnerships that have significantly contributed to Uganda’s development across various sectors.
H.E Zhang Lizhong, the Ambassador of China to Uganda, extended his congratulations to the Ugandan teams for their outstanding performance.
He acknowledged Huawei’s commitment to education as a vital component of corporate social responsibility in Uganda. His remarks highlighted China’s dedication to deepening cooperation with Uganda over the next three years through various strategic initiatives aimed at modernization.
Mr. Ssali Gao, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Uganda Limited, commended the students for their remarkable achievements. He recognized that their success is a testament to their hard work and innovative spirit.
Mr. Gao also praised the Ministry of Education for its support in nurturing young talent, emphasizing that such encouragement is crucial for creating an environment where students can thrive.
The Huawei ICT Competition serves as a global initiative designed to inspire young talent in ICT through structured training and industry exposure. With its theme “Connection, Glory, Future” and slogan “I.C. The Future,” it aims to cultivate an ecosystem where ICT talent can flourish.
Benefits of participation
The annual competition offers numerous benefits for participants. One significant advantage is access to cutting-edge technology training provided by Huawei Technologies.
Participants receive fully sponsored training in advanced areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Big Data, 5G, Cybersecurity, and IoT. This training equips them with essential skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market.
Additionally, participants have opportunities to gain globally recognized Huawei certifications that enhance their employability both locally and internationally. These certifications serve as valuable credentials that can open doors to various career paths within the ICT sector.
Moreover, the competition provides students with exposure to real-world ICT scenarios and allows them to connect with industry leaders. This networking can lead to future collaborations and career opportunities that might not have been accessible otherwise.
Finally, this initiative strengthens ties between local universities and Huawei Technologies, paving the way for future partnerships in research and innovation. Such collaborations are vital for fostering an environment where academic institutions can work closely with industry players to develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to local needs.
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