The first The RoboPanthers- was a lively elementary school team led by Tabitha Irungi Aloyo of Hungry Caterpillar Primary School and Cindy Hindou Dobler of Galaxy International School. The team captured the Rising Star Award for Uganda.

“Their coding skills and fearless energy won admiration from judges and peers alike, especially as first-time competitors,” announced the MCee.

Meanwhile, the CyberKnights, a high school team from Soroti Municipal Secondary School featuring Simon Jamori Ochieng, Amayo Mary Flavia, and Samuel Rwotomiyo, claimed second place overall in the Stars League.

“Their robot design and engineering notebook drew praise for creativity, technical strength, and teamwork—marking Uganda’s highest-ever finish at PARC,” said Team Leader Allen Nanyonj.

For the students, the experience was transformative. “It was eye-opening to see other young Africans using robotics to solve real problems,” said one competitor.

Another added, “Winning the Rising Star Award has made me more confident about my future in STEM.” These reflections underscore the deeper impact of the competition: beyond the medals, it was a moment of growth, inspiration, and continental solidarity.

Yet the journey to Dakar was not without its challenges. The Ugandan teams navigated language barriers in a French-speaking environment, logistical hiccups during travel, and the unfamiliarity of new routines and cuisine. Despite these hurdles, their resilience shone through, earning them respect across the competition and reinforcing the strength of ASIST’s mentorship and preparation model.

Founded in 2017 by Senegalese-American Dr. Sidy Ndao, PARC has become a continental hub for nurturing Africa’s next generation of scientists and engineers. Over the years, it has offered young innovators a platform to showcase their talent and collaborate on solutions for Africa’s pressing challenges.

Uganda’s participation in robotics is relatively new but growing steadily. Schools like Soroti Municipal Secondary School and institutions under ASIST have been instrumental in building a culture of STEM learning through coding bootcamps, mentorship, and participation in international contests. Ugandan teams have previously featured in global competitions such as the VEX Robotics Championship and the FIRST Global Challenge, showing that the country is fast emerging as a serious contender on the global STEM map.

This year’s success is particularly significant because it demonstrates the potential of Uganda’s youth when given opportunities in science and technology. It signals the importance of investing in STEM education to prepare students for the digital and industrial revolutions shaping Africa’s future.

The victories in Dakar come with an even bigger prize: qualification for the VEX Robotics World Championship 2026 in Missouri, USA—the world’s largest robotics contest. Back home, the achievement is being hailed as a boost not just for the students but also for Uganda’s growing reputation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The teams expressed heartfelt appreciation to the parents and guardians who supported them, to Pilgrim Africa—led by Madam Dorothy Echodu—for sponsoring Soroti’s team, and to the mentors who guided them through months of preparation.

Special recognition was given to Aunt Assetou Maiga of Mali and Aunt Carol Nakiranda of Uganda for their generosity and encouragement throughout the journey.

According to ASIST CEO Maureen Karamagi Rugyendo, the triumph in Dakar is a testament to what Ugandan youth can achieve when given opportunity and support.