Young Ugandans invent Smart Kuku brooder system

A team of innovators from Uganda could transform poultry farming in Africa with their Smart Kuku Brooder System.

The project follows a collective ambition to blend technology with entrepreneurship.

According to Peter Okoci Samuel, a final year Bachelor’s student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), this cutting-edge solution addresses a critical challenge in the poultry industry: high chick mortality due to inadequate temperature control.

“Mechanisation is the future of agriculture. As engineers, we are well-placed to realise this”, said Okoci.

The team, which includes Maureen Nayebare, Aaron Etyang, Peter Beinamaani, and Frank Magezi Rubandamayonza, co-founded the Smart Kuku Brooder startup at the university.

“Our parents employ manual farming methods; so, we aimed to automate the tasks to ease their workload”, explained Aaron, now serving as the project’s team leader.

They share a vision to solve community problems using their university-acquired knowledge, innovating the agricultural sector, mechanising the processes, and creating job opportunities.

Their journey began with victory in the Agro-Entrepreneurship Challenge at the university, showcasing their ingenuity and commitment.

“We created the Smart Kuku Brooder System to combat high chick mortality caused by poor temperature regulation”, said Peter, adding: “This innovation automates temperature control, optimising conditions for chick rearing in local households”.

Driven by a commitment to address real-world problems, the team automates poultry farming processes, enhancing productivity and sustainability while fostering youth employment.

It is supported by mentorship and skills development initiatives, continuously innovating their products for widespread adoption.

With each milestone, they advance their vision of transforming poultry farming, improving livelihoods, and shaping Africa’s agricultural future.

Their aspirations extend beyond Uganda as they seek expansion, investment, and partnerships to impact Africa.Rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment, the Smart Kuku team is poised to catalyse economic growth and social development in the continent’s agricultural sector.