Earlier this year, WDO Educational Member Sasa College of Industrial Design (SCiD) marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever graduation ceremony. Fourteen pioneering students proudly received advanced certificates in Industrial Design, signaling a new era for Uganda’s creative and industrial landscape.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Honorable Monica Musenero Masanza, Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and featured a series of projects showcased by the graduates. Among the groundbreaking designs was a hospital bed that transforms into a wheelchair, a toy for cognitively impaired children and a product-service system aimed at reducing motorcycle accidents. These projects not only highlighted the student’s creativity but also their potential to make a tangible impact on society.

One of the standout products, an educational kit designed as a board and card game to teach behavior change concepts, demonstrated the practical applications of industrial design education. Another notable project, a customizable school bag made from Ugandan leather, secured a substantial grant of 100 million Uganda shillings ($27,000 USD), underscoring the commercial viability of the student’s work.

As SCiD prepares to welcome its second cohort, the college remains dedicated to advancing locally produced industrial products with a strong foundation in design principles, further evidenced by its recent admission to World Design Organization’s global membership network.

This inaugural graduation ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of SCiD’s first cohort but also set the stage for a promising future in industrial design for Uganda. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and practical application, SCiD is poised to become a leading force in shaping the country’s industrial design landscape.

 ​​To learn more about Sasa College of Industrial Design, please visit their website.