Steven Kaguhangire, a fourth year civil engineering student of Makerere University (MUK), scooped a $500 award (about sh1.24m) and employment at Joadah Consult, an engineering and architectural consultancy firm based in Entebbe.

Kaguhangire emerged the best intern with the best architectural design. Haruna Ssemujju, also from MUK, came second and was offered employment when he finishes his final exams.

The two were part of 10 students from four universities who interned at Joadah Consult, and had entered into a competition to test their skills.

The chief executive officer, Eng. Joel Aita, said the competition, dubbed ‘Joadah Innovation Challenge Award’ would be an annual event during which teachers would pick on a theme aimed at solving a particular national problem.

Aita said the biggest challenge in the engineering profession was the habit, by engineers, of copying and pasting ideas.

Judges considered presentation skills, innovation, originality and environmental sustainability in picking the winner.

Other participants included Nagib Jjuuko who came third, Daphine Mandhawun, Moses Trevor Matua, Scovia Owomugisha, Eriku Maurice and Rose Kihara.

By Eddie Ssejjoba, The New Vision