St. Joseph’s College Ombaci: A Legacy of Innovation

St. Joseph’s College Ombaci, established in the 1940s, has a rich history of promoting practical skills, research, and innovation. The institution’s dedication to fostering a culture of ingenuity is evidenced by its consistent success in national science and innovation competitions. Students have already demonstrated remarkable capabilities, developing solutions such as an automatic fire detector and pioneering advancements in renewable energy technologies.

Expanding the TISC Network

The Ombaci centre is the third secondary school in Uganda to host a TISC, joining Comboni College Lira and Dr. Obote College Boroboro in this crucial initiative. This expansion is directly linked to URSB’s “IP in Schools” program, designed to integrate intellectual property education into the curriculum and empower young learners to understand and protect their creations.

Resident City Commissioner of Arua, Betty Otekat Akello, presided over the opening ceremony, praising URSB’s proactive approach to extending innovation support services to schools. “This initiative is timely and transformative,” she stated. “By equipping students with knowledge on innovation and intellectual property, we are preparing a generation that can create solutions, protect their ideas, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

James Tonny Lubwama, Assistant Commissioner for Patents and Industrial Designs at URSB, underscored the strategic importance of this move. “The establishment of this TISC is a strategic step towards empowering young innovators with access to information, tools, and guidance needed to transform ideas into protected and commercially viable innovations. We are taking intellectual property closer to where innovation begins, our schools,” Lubwama explained.

Headmaster Charles Ondoga enthusiastically welcomed the centre, affirming St. Joseph’s College Ombaci’s long-standing commitment to innovation and research. “This centre will greatly enhance our students’ ability to research, create, and protect their ideas, positioning them for future success,” he said.

Technology and Innovation Support Centres are vital hubs, offering access to high-quality technical information, intellectual property resources, and comprehensive innovation support services. They are instrumental in guiding students, researchers, and innovators through the complex process of developing, safeguarding, and commercializing their ideas.

Through the continued expansion of TISCs across Uganda, URSB is actively strengthening the nation’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy fueled by creativity, research, and robust intellectual property protection. This initiative directly supports the Bureau’s broader goals of fostering a more innovative and competitive Uganda.

Did You Know? Uganda’s commitment to intellectual property rights is a key factor in attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth.

But what role can the private sector play in further supporting these young innovators and bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application? And how can Uganda ensure that these innovations translate into tangible benefits for all citizens?

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Frequently Asked Questions about URSB’s TISC Initiative

• What is a Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC)?

  A TISC provides access to high-quality technical information, intellectual property resources, and innovation support services to help individuals and organizations develop, protect, and commercialize their ideas.

• How does the “IP in Schools” program benefit Ugandan students?

  The “IP in Schools” program integrates intellectual property education into the curriculum, empowering students to understand their rights and protect their creations.

• What types of innovations have emerged from St. Joseph’s College Ombaci?

  Students at St. Joseph’s College Ombaci have developed solutions including an automatic fire detector and innovations in the field of renewable energy.

• Why is intellectual property protection important for Uganda’s economic development?

  Protecting intellectual property encourages innovation, attracts investment, and fosters economic growth by rewarding creativity and ingenuity.

• How many TISCs does URSB currently operate in Uganda?

  URSB currently operates 39 Technology and Innovation Support Centres across Uganda, with three located in secondary schools.