Dallas, Texas – Uganda’s young robotics innovators have returned home in triumph after excelling at the 2025 VEX World Robotics Championship, where they competed against more than 800 teams from around the world.

The team left the country on May 02, 2025, and last two weeks in Dallas, Texas.

The Ugandan delegation, representing the African School of Innovations Science and Technology/Young Engineers Uganda, showcased exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise at the event, securing victories in two divisions and earning international recognition for their achievements.

Uganda’s Teams and Their Performance

Uganda fielded teams across multiple divisions, demonstrating strong technical capability and teamwork. Their performance was as follows:

Winning Divisions

• VEX IQ Elementary – Science Division  (First Place)
• VEX IQ Middle School – Technology Division  (Fourth Place)

Ugandan Teams in Other Competitive Divisions

• VEX V5 High School – Innovate Division
  • Noman Naushad Tharani (Acorns International School)
  • Kansime Rashid Housna (Heritage International School)
  • Linda Lesley Praise Kansiime (Nabisunsa Girls School)
• VEX IQ Middle School – Research Division
  • Leane U. Garubanda Rugyendo Migisha (Viva College Jinja)
  • Karoobi Aitham Roshan (The Stoneridge School, Nsasa)
  • Hamdan Sande Jazmin (Daffodils Primary School)
  • Kerensa Owembabazi (Daffodils Primary School)
  • Zaki Nathani (Acorns International School)
• VEX IQ Elementary – Technology Division
  • Kaelynn Mbejje Hannah Kalinda (Daffodils Primary School)
  • Josepha Kouyate (Heritage International School)
  • Kabazungu Rashid Aicha (Heritage International School)
  • Hannah Kateu Tumwebalya (Daffodils Primary School)
  • Kasemire Rashid Saira (Heritage International School)

Uganda’s Path to Victory

Ugandan students earned their spots at VEX Worlds through stellar performances at the Uganda National STEM and Robotics Championship 2024, held in November last year. The event was supported by UNDP Uganda, NEC UPDF, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and Kaziire Health Products, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to advancing STEM education.

Their journey to Dallas was a landmark moment for Uganda’s growing robotics landscape, reflecting the nation’s commitment to equipping students with engineering and digital innovation skills.

Reflections from Uganda’s Delegation

Uganda’s success at VEX Worlds has drawn praise from educators and STEM advocates:

“Uganda’s performance reflects our growing commitment to innovation and technology. These students have proven that with dedication, we can compete and win on a global scale.” — Ms. Maureen Karamagi, CEO and Co-founder of Young Engineers Uganda

“The journey to Dallas was intense, but these students worked hard and showed they belong among the best in the world.” — Ms. Carol T. Otaremwa, COO, Young Engineers Uganda

“Winning in the Science Division was beyond our dreams! We met amazing teams, learned so much, and got to represent Uganda internationally.” — Hamdan Sande Jazmin, VEX IQ Middle School Competitor

The Significance of Uganda’s Achievement

Uganda’s triumph at VEX Worlds signals a bright future for STEM education. As Uganda expands its competence-based curriculum, robotics and engineering are playing a crucial role in positioning the country as a leader in technological innovation within East Africa.

The success of these young engineers underscores the importance of critical thinking, teamwork, and advanced problem-solving in Uganda’s education system. As the nation looks ahead, investments in STEM education will continue to empower students to innovate and compete on the global stage.

About Uganda’s Young Engineers STEM Education Program

Uganda’s Young Engineers STEM education program, introduced in 2016 by journalist Arinaitwe Rugyendo, aims to nurture the next generation of Ugandan scientists, innovators, and problem solvers. The program is active in 40 schools nationwide and also runs Holiday STEM Camps for children in schools that have yet to integrate STEM learning.

With this achievement, Uganda celebrates its growing talent in science and technology, inspiring more young minds to pursue careers in robotics and engineering.