Gulu University Second in Uganda at the East African Community Exhibition

Gulu University has come second in the East African Exhibition among over 150 Exhibitors from Uganda who traveled to Bujumbura, Burundi for the 23^rd East African Exhibition, commonly referred to as Jua Kali.

On December 15^th, 2023 at the closing ceremony presided over by Burundi Minister of Commerce, Transport Industry and Tourism, Nijimbere Marie-Shantal, Gulu University was announced second after, Elite Shoes, a craft Business also in Uganda and Giri Melody Uganda which adds value to shear-butter.

The Presiding judges maintained that Gulu University is still up in innovation and Manufacturing services.

This award is a credit to Dr. Lamwaka Alice Veronica and the university team, known for the Covilyce Invention during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the mastery of the blend between indigenous local herbs and science, Dr. Lamwaka still displayed the indigenous knowledge wealth of Gulu University in Bujumbura.

Associate Professor, Echodu Richard, the Chief or Director of Gulu University Multifunctional Research Laboratories where traditional medicine is tested from and added value also teamed along with Dr. Lamwaka with his innovation that surprised the East African Market in Bujumbura, was the test kits for the Banana Bacterial Wilt, Cassava Mosaic Virus and the Sweet Potato Virus.

This Combination brought Gulu University to number two among the Ugandan exhibitors.

However, at the East African Community Level, Tanzania took the first position, followed by Kenya and Uganda was the third.

The Exhibitors are scored by a team of Judges picked from all the participating countries based on alignment to the theme, customer care, originality of the products, innovation, and creativity.

About the 23^rd Edition of Jua Kali.

The 23^rd Edition of the EAC Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, popularly known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition, was officially opened on December 8^th 2023 by the Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Prosper Bazombanza.

The 23^rd EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, ran from 5^th to 15^th December 2023 at the Cercle Hyppique or Golf Course Grounds in Bujumbura, Burundi, and attracted more than 1,000 artisans from all the seven (7) EAC Partner States.

The theme of this year’s fair was “Connecting East African MSMEs to enhance Intra-EAC Trade,” which aligns with the EAC.