Nkumba University has embarked on a project to unlock the economic potential of Luffa Aegyptiaca, a natural sponge commonly used for bathing. This was revealed during a meeting on Thursday 13th February 2025, where teams from the three institutions shared project implementation plans.
The project, dubbed Establishing Diverse Application of Luffa Aegyptiaca for Functional Objects Production (EDALFOP), aims to explore the artistic design possibilities of the material to enhance its value beyond its traditional use.
“We want to move beyond the traditional use of Luffa as a bathing sponge and explore its potential in creating functional objects that can generate income for farmers, traders, and artisans,” said Prof. Andrew P. Yiga, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project from Nkumba University.
The project is a collaborative effort between Nkumba University, the University of Applied Arts Vienna (UAAV), and Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (SUAS), both from Austria. Felix Prandl leads the SUAS team, while Prof. Christoph Kaltenbrunner leads the UAAV team.
According to Prof. Yiga, the project concept was initiated by a team from the School of Commercial Industrial Art and Design, Innovation, and Development (SCIAD) at Nkumba University, comprising Dr. Noah Sendawula, Oliver Odongo, Duncan Kiggundu, and Grace Namuwonge. The team made a joint submission for funding to the AfricaUniNet organization.
The project activities include student participation as innovators of product design, which is expected to foster creativity and innovation among young people.
“We are proud to be part of this project, which aligns with our mission of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, we believe that this project will not only enhance the economic value of Luffa but also improve the livelihoods of people involved in the Luffa value chai,” said Prof. Jude Lubega, Nkumba UniversityVice-Chancellorr.
“We are excited to be working with our Austrian partners to unlock the potential of Luffa,” said Mr. Charles Kagwa, Dean School of Commercial Industrial Art and Design, “We believe that this project will be a game-changer for the Luffa industry in Uganda and beyond.” He added.
As a founding member of the AfricaUniNet organization, Nkumba University has been actively involved in several projects since 2021. The university’s leadership role has been key in promoting international collaboration and innovation.