Summary:

• The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), in partnership with WIPO, has launched a rainwater harvesting and treatment technology at Mengo Senior School. The initiative, part of the Appropriate Technology Project, aims to improve water access and quality while promoting sustainable development.

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has unveiled an innovative water harvesting and treatment technology at Mengo Senior School in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This initiative, part of the Appropriate Technology Project, aims to improve water access and quality, while promoting sustainable development through the use of intellectual property.

During the launch, Gilbert Agaba, representing the Registrar General, highlighted the role of intellectual property in driving technological innovations that benefit communities. “This project shows how creative solutions can meet critical needs and promote sustainability,” Agaba stated. “URSB is dedicated to supporting initiatives that advance national development.”

The newly introduced technology collects rainwater, processes it for safe consumption, and ensures a reliable supply of clean water for the school’s 6,300 students. Mengo Senior School was chosen for its active innovation club and extensive network of alumni and partners.

Samuel Mulindwa Mukasa, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, praised the initiative, explaining that the facility would provide sufficient clean drinking water for students, while also lowering utility costs.

WIPO representatives lauded the project for its alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. The event featured a technology demonstration, student interactions, and discussions on the significance of intellectual property in fostering education and innovation.