Aviathon 2025 — Inspiring Through Innovation

Aviathon 2025 — Inspiring Through Innovation

Over the past month, Wings of Opportunity, in partnership with AeroBuddies and GDG on Campus – Makerere University, proudly co-organized Aviathon 2025, Uganda’s first-ever aviation-focused hackathon.

What began as a simple idea soon transformed into a powerful platform that brought together over 200 students from Uganda and across Africa to design innovative solutions to real challenges in the aviation industry. Under the incredible leadership of Halimah Bukirwa as the Organizing team lead, Aviathon 2025 became a true celebration of creativity, teamwork, and innovation.

A Journey of Learning and Innovation

In the build-up to the challenge, participants attended a series of info sessions led by experienced professionals in the aviation and tech sectors:

Derek Nseko introduced participants to the aviation industry in Africa and outlined some of its pressing challenges.

Timothy Agaba explored innovation and the existing gaps within aviation.

Kato Steven Mubiru shared insights on tools and technologies useful in solving aviation problems.

Ronnie Linslay Atuhaire conducted a pitching training session to help participants refine their ideas and presentations.

These sessions provided valuable context and guidance, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to develop solutions with real-world impact.

The Challenge and the Winners

From the 225 participants, 17 teams were formed, and 10 teams submitted their final projects. After careful evaluation, six teams advanced to the final pitching round, where they presented their solutions before a distinguished panel of judges:

George Mazige, Nyasha Manyika, Sheila Ajok Lubangakene, Gilbert Junior Buregyeya, and Henry Mutegeki.

After an impressive showcase of ideas, three teams emerged at the top:

🥇 Code Minds, led by Linda Peruth Nakasaikya

🥈 Trailblazers, led by Miriam Angella Birungi

🥉 PearlRide, led by Adam Katongole

Each team demonstrated an inspiring blend of creativity, critical thinking, and passion for transforming aviation in Africa.

Inspiring Keynotes and Mentorship

The final ceremony featured two inspiring keynote speakers:

Kwame Bekoe, Founder AfriSAF, who encouraged participants to remain curious, challenge the status quo, and keep innovating.

Sheila Ajok Lubangakene, representing the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), who shared how UCAA is actively supporting young innovators in the aviation space.

We are thrilled that UCAA will provide mentorship to the top six teams, helping them refine and advance their innovative ideas into practical solutions.

Behind the Scenes: The Team That Made It Happen

The success of Aviathon 2025 was made possible by a committed and passionate organizing team that worked tirelessly behind the scenes:

Halimah Bukirwa – Overall Lead and Event Coordinator

Asasira Arthur – Session Coordination and Logistics

Ronnie Linslay Atuhaire & Brian Amanya – Artwork and Design

Joseph Diago – Operations Support

Derrick Ngobi – Finance Management

The teamwork and dedication was instrumental in turning Aviathon from a vision into a reality.

Looking Ahead

Aviathon 2025 was more than a hackathon — it was a statement that Africa’s young minds are ready to innovate, collaborate, and shape the future of aviation.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our partners, judges, mentors, and participants who made this event possible. Together, we’ve taken the first step in reimagining aviation innovation not just in Uganda, but across Africa and beyond.

As we look forward to the next Aviathon, we’re excited to build on this foundation — expanding opportunities, deepening mentorship, and inspiring even greater ideas for the aviation industry.

The journey has only just begun. ✈️