What if the solution to saving River Rwizi is sitting in a classroom today? That question set the tone for an exciting start to the Tech Advance Bootcamp 2026, held under the theme "Innovating for River Rwizi." The bootcamp brought together bright and passionate students from the Faculties of Applied Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Business, and Health Sciences, alongside mentors from UCoBS Sub-Projects 1 and 5 and Kreative Campus Ltd.
The journey began with an eye-opening address from UCoBS Project Manager Lydia Assimwe, whose connection to River Rwizi goes beyond professional responsibility. She described the river as a place of personal reflection and quiet meditation, making its conservation deeply meaningful to her.
But beneath the beauty of the river lies a growing crisis. Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Lydia painted a picture of the challenges threatening River Rwizi. One particularly moving account involved a swimmer whose body was recovered from the river entangled in waste, including medical disposables such as syringes and cotton wool. The story served as a stark reminder that pollution is no longer a distant concern it is a reality affecting communities, ecosystems, and lives.
Participants learned that enormous resources are spent treating water from River Rwizi before it can safely reach homes. The cost of environmental neglect, they realized, is paid not only in money but also in public health and lost opportunities. The challenge was clear: How can innovation help reverse this trend?
The search for answers began with Dr. Prudence, who introduced participants to the world of entrepreneurship. Through interactive discussions, students explored what makes a good business idea and how problems in society can become opportunities for impactful innovation. The message was simple but powerful: every great solution begins with understanding a real challenge.
The momentum continued with a virtual session from Patience Ayesiga, a PhD researcher working on River Rwizi conservation. Her findings revealed that the most degraded section of the river lies within the city, where pollution, sedimentation, and damaged riverbanks have become increasingly visible. More importantly, she emphasized that lasting solutions must involve the communities that depend on the river every day. This insight set the stage for the empathy mapping and design thinking activities planned for the days ahead.
Adding an international perspective, Prof. Nathalia Peixoto inspired participants with stories of undergraduate innovation projects, including a remarkable robotic feeding assistant designed to support people with physical limitations. She challenged participants to think boldly while prototyping simply, reminding them that breakthrough innovations often start with the most basic materials. She also encouraged innovators to embrace customer feedback, as users often hold the key to making solutions even better.
Drawing from her experiences in Uganda, Prof. Peixoto highlighted environmental challenges that could spark future innovations, including plastic pollution in waterways and the heavy reliance on charcoal and firewood, which contribute to environmental degradation and harmful air pollution. She concluded by pledging her mentorship and support to the teams throughout their innovation journey.
As Day One came to a close, one thing was evident: this was more than a bootcamp. It was the beginning of a mission. A mission to transform concern into action. A mission to turn ideas into solutions. A mission to protect River Rwizi for future generations.
With Day Two coinciding with Heroes Day, participants are set to take their commitment beyond the classroom by planting trees along the riverbanks. It may seem like a small act, but every tree planted is a vote for a healthier ecosystem and a more sustainable future. The ideas are flowing. The teams are forming. The innovators are ready. And somewhere among them may be the solution that helps secure the future of River Rwizi.
We remain grateful to our Flemish partners and all stakeholders whose support continues to make initiatives like the Tech Advance Bootcamp possible. Together, they are empowering young people to become innovators, problem-solvers, and champions of environmental sustainability.