The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier student technology competition. It provides an opportunity for students to use their creativity, passion, and knowledge of technology to help solve global challenges and make a difference in the world. While competing for cash and prizes, students gain real-life experiences, make new friends, and change the world.

Uganda got the opportunity to represent East and Southern Africa at the world wide event in New York City (July 7th to 14th 2011). Team Quest0 from Makerere University featured a unique tool for law enforcement performs intelligent crime data mining in developing countries. The team’s philosophy was that the rule of law in society is a pre-requisite to achieving the MDGs.

I got the opportunity to mentor Joseph Lutaalo and Joshua Kaizzi of Quest0. As a past competitor, I was in position to guide and direct them accordingly. The mentor’s role at the Imagine Cup is purely advisor, a Counselor - no matter what you call it; but it is about ensuring that the students work together efficiently as a team. I stuck with the team at every stage providing financial, technical and any other assistance required.

In the past, mentoring was a very uncommon thing for African teams with would be mentors being so pre-occupied with their day jobs and faculty members not showing much interest in the competition. There’s need to generate a lot more interest in the Imagine Cup as a way of promoting the programming culture in students. The Imagine Cup is an annual competition that’s open to both Undergraduates and Postgraduates.

I challenge all students reading this to stand up to the challenge and solve the world’s toughest problems. Sign up for Imagine Cup 2012 today!
Joseph Kaizzi | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it