Johannesburg, South Africa – In a stunning display of resilience and innovation, Okullo Daniel, a Medical Laboratory Technologist from rural Otuke District, has put Uganda on the global map by winning the grand prize at the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Southern Africa.
His groundbreaking achievement at the competition, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 4, 2025, showcases the power of determination and creative thinking despite the odds stacked against him.
Okullo, who has always been passionate about robotics, initially found himself caught between two worlds: medicine and technology.
His journey into the world of robotics began in December 2024 when he received a call from Ocheng Jerome, a contact that would lead him to an innovation project at Gulu University.
Despite his background in medical sciences, Okullo saw the potential of merging his medical knowledge with technology, especially robotics.
Alongside his team, Okullo embarked on developing Agrikbot (a robot that drives on its own without human control), a sophisticated agricultural robot designed to help farmers detect plant diseases, monitor soil health, and assess irrigation needs.
The project aimed to address the critical challenges faced by Ugandan farmers, particularly in improving productivity and resilience to climate change.
With limited resources and little funding, Okullo and his team had to overcome significant obstacles. They relied on their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and determination to build the robot within a tight timeline.
This persistence paid off when their innovation won the national competition, beating teams from Uganda’s top universities, including Ndejje University.
The regional Huawei ICT competition, where teams from across Africa competed, was a moment of truth. Facing seasoned participants from several African countries, Okullo’s team defied expectations and secured the grand prize, outshining more experienced contenders.
The victory is a historic first for Uganda, placing the country at the forefront of innovation in Africa.
At the awards ceremony, Okullo was presented with a trophy and certificate of recognition, an honour that not only celebrates his hard work but also highlights Uganda’s untapped potential in the ICT sector.
The win was especially poignant given the challenges Okullo faced, including the lack of resources and technical expertise, among others. Yet, his commitment to innovation propelled him to success.
“Winning this competition is not just a personal achievement. It’s a win for Uganda and for all the young people who are passionate about technology,” Okullu said. “This proves that with the right mindset and determination, we can compete with the best in the world.”
The journey was also a transformative one for Okullo. He described his experience in South Africa as surreal, with moments of self-reflection and awe as he stood among global innovators.
His victory has already sparked interest in his work, and he hopes to secure more opportunities to collaborate with experts globally.
For Uganda, Okullo’s success is not just about winning a competition—it’s about sending a message to the world that the country has a growing tech talent pool capable of achieving extraordinary feats.
His triumph is a beacon for other young innovators across Africa, inspiring them to pursue their dreams despite the barriers they may face.
Okullo’s victory stands as a testament to the potential of African youth in the global innovation space as he prepares to represent Uganda at the May Global Competition in Shenzhen City, China.
