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Our Story: Pioneering STEM Education in Uganda
The story of ASIST/Young Engineers Uganda traces its roots back to the early 1980s, inspired by the creativity and dedication of Dr. Rugyendo’s mother, a primary school teacher. Watching her use innovative teaching aids to make her lessons engaging, Dr. Rugyendo often joined her at home to model these tools using local materials.
This “edutainment” approach, blending education with entertainment, left an indelible mark on his young mind. It shaped his belief that learning, especially in challenging subjects like Math and Science, should be both enjoyable and stimulating.
In 1990, as a secondary school student at Kitabi Seminary in western Uganda, Dr. Rugyendo encountered a widespread bias against science subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. These disciplines were often dismissed as "too hard" by students, a sentiment he himself adopted during his time there. However, his perspective changed when he joined
Makerere University in Central Uganda in 1996.
While studying Social Sciences—particularly Demography and Research Methods—he discovered the value of Mathematics. Through perseverance and constant practice, he excelled in the two subjects and came to appreciate its importance in his academic and professional journey. Later, as a journalist, Dr. Rugyendo realized that interpreting statistics, visualizing data, and presenting figures were essential skills for comprehensive reporting on topics like political economy.
By 2012, alarmed by the declining performance in science subjects within Uganda’s education system, Dr. Rugyendo developed an unrelenting desire to address the root causes. He sought to challenge the biases against science, tackle the rote learning culture, and inspire a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
While attending the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Programme in South Africa, Dr. Rugyendo conceived a project to simplify the teaching of science across Africa. His vision focused on fostering a critical mass of future problem solvers on the continent. In 2014, during a visit to Israel, he encountered the Young Engineers program in Tel Aviv, renowned for its innovative STEM education initiatives.
Driven by inspiration, he wrote to the program’s founders, shared his vision for Uganda’s education sector, and received prompt approval. By 2015, Dr. Rugyendo had acquired the rights to represent the Young Engineers program in Uganda. A year later, in June 2016, the program was piloted under the African School of Innovations Science and Technology (ASIST) Limited and later launched officially in 2016 by current Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon Vincent Bagiire.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, Uganda ordered several lockdowns that left the school system shut down. The Young Engineers experienced several setbacks, forcing the founder to look out for more partners to propel the idea forward.
ASIST/Young Engineers programme has since welcomed on board more co-founders who have seen the idea thrive beyond expectations. These are: Maureen Karamagi, Wilson Kajwengye, Sheila Ankunda, Locas Otaremwa, and Carol Otaremwa.
Launching the program in Uganda in 2016 was no easy feat. The concept of using LEGOs and robotics to teach science in a fun and engaging way was foreign to many schools. Faced with repeated rejection, Dr. Rugyendo turned to family friends, inviting them to enroll their children free of charge. Ultimately, 12 children, including his own, formed the inaugural cohort of the Young Engineers program in Uganda.
Allen Nanyonjo, Monica Arinaitwe, and Phyllis Ntananga—Computer Scientists from Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology—formed the first cohort of instructors who received training from Israel.
This first cohort of instructors and their students marked a milestone, establishing the Young Engineers program as the pioneering STEM education initiative for children under 17 in Uganda. Since its inception, the program has remained steadfast in providing a rigorous and engaging educational experience. Students graduate from ASIST programs equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve their communities, while pursuing scientific careers.
Every day at ASIST is filled with enriching and fun activities that cover the foundations of science, mathematics, engineering, design, technology, robotics, coding, and art. These activities ignite curiosity and creativity, preparing young learners for a rapidly evolving world.
Our Impact: Leading the STEM Revolution
ASIST is committed to building a future where STEM education inspires new problem solvers, catalyzes socio-economic transformation, and positions Uganda as a leader in science and innovation on the continent. For more on this, please visit our IMPACT page on the menu bar.
The African School of Innovations Science and Technology aims at offering all our students a broad and balanced curriculum that provides rewarding and stimulating and Skills to prepare them for the best social and cultural life
Considered the best Robotics and STEM Educator according to International Ranking in uganda providing children with adequate skills for the 21st Century
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