Our Lady of Africa SS

Our Lady of Africa SS

We are spark squad, a passionate trio of young innovators from Our Lady of Africa SS in Seeta, Uganda. Representing Uganda at the AI for Good global summit 2025 is both an honor and a challenge we proudly embrace. Each member of spark squad plays a critical role. Nakal¬yango Maria Valeria is our team lead and systems strategist. With a sharp eye for detail and coordination, she ensures all components—hardware, software, and teamwork—run smoothly. Ekayu Emmanuel is our engineering mind and master builder, responsible for designing and assembling a robust robot that can handle the rigors of a simulated disaster zone. Isinga Praise Katto, our youngest member and coding enthusiast, serves as the brain behind the robot’s logic—writing precise programs that bring our machine to life.

Together, we’ve developed a robot designed to respond to earthquake emergencies. It navigates debris, detects obstacles and survivors using sensors (IR, PIR, gas, and ultrasonic), and communicates findings through LED lights, buzzers, and an LCD screen. While we don’t use complex AI models, our robot is powered by rule-based decision-making—an essential form of artificial intelligence that allows it to act independently in changing environments.

We’ve learned to build with limited resources, often using locally available and recycled materials to shape our robot’s body. Every iteration, test, and challenge has made us more resilient, creative, and determined to make a difference.
Our goal is not just to compete—but to show the world what young people in Africa can do with tools, teamwork, and a spark of purpose. We’re here to prove that innovation starts young—and it starts now.