Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) has been ranked the second best performing institution nationwide at the recently concluded 16th Higher Education Exhibition organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
Held from March 26 to 28, 2025 at the Gulu University Graduation Grounds in Gulu City, the exhibition marked the third regional edition of the national showcase, following earlier events in Mbale City and Mbarara City. The exhibition stands out as a key platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and public engagement within Uganda’s higher education sector.
Recognized as one of the most important events on the country’s academic calendar, the exhibition convenes accredited universities, policymakers, industry leaders, and the wider public. It offers a unique, one stop platform for institutions to showcase cutting edge innovations, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate their contribution to national development.
A major highlight of MMU’s participation was the Agri Chain Autonomous Agricultural Rover (ACR 003), a student led innovation designed to transform agriculture through artificial intelligence. The ACR 003 is an advanced, AI powered autonomous robot that collects real time data on soil health, crop conditions, and environmental factors. It is equipped with RTK GPS navigation, a 7 in 1 soil sensor, AI driven disease detection, and cloud connectivity, enabling it to deliver actionable insights directly to farmers through a mobile application accessible in local languages.
With more than 70 percent of Uganda’s population dependent on agriculture, yet facing persistent challenges such as low productivity, limited extension services, and minimal adoption of modern farming technologies, the innovation directly addresses a critical gap in the sector. By leveraging precision agriculture, the Agri Chain Rover provides practical, scalable solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.
The rover enables early detection of crop diseases before symptoms become visible, real time soil and environmental analysis, and affordable, cooperative based access to precision farming tools. These capabilities position it as a game changer in improving farm management and decision making.
The potential economic impact of the innovation is significant. Precision nutrient management alone could increase farmer earnings by between Shs 800,000 and Shs 1.5 million per hectare annually, while early disease detection could reduce crop losses by up to 30 percent. At scale, the technology could unlock between Shs 10 billion and Shs 20 billion in additional agricultural output each year, reinforcing agriculture’s role as a key driver of Uganda’s economic transformation.
Commenting on the achievement, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pius Coxwell Achanga, noted that although the university placed second this year, following its overall win at the 15th edition in 2025, the recognition reflects its continued strength at the national level.
He said the achievement underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing applied research and delivering transformative innovations with real world impact. He noted that the Agri Chain Rover exemplifies how African led, science based solutions can effectively address pressing development challenges, while empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable growth.
This latest recognition further solidifies Mountains of the Moon University’s position as a leading hub for innovation, research excellence, and practical solutions aligned with national development priorities. The university remains committed to advancing science, technology, and innovation that directly responds to community needs, particularly within agriculture, which continues to serve as the backbone of Uganda’s economy.
