General
Al Hajji Kagimu to help Mak produce Uganda’s first electric car
Makerere University Faculty of Technology is conducting extensive research aimed at producing Uganda’s first electric car. The Student team leader, Mr. Richard Madanda explained that the Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at developing a cost effective and environmentally friendly car.
Makerere University Faculty of Technology is conducting extensive research aimed at producing Uganda’s first electric car. The Student team leader, Mr. Richard Madanda explained that the Vehicle Design Project is an innovative research project aimed at developing a cost effective and environmentally friendly car.
Mr. Madanda added that this two-seater electric car will have electrical, mechanical and communication systems, each with their own team of student developers.
This was disclosed on Monday 15th November 2010 when a prominent business man, Habib Kagimu visited the Faculty of Technology at Makerere University on a familiarization tour.
In his speech, the Dean, Faculty of Technology, Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe happily noted that the research and innovations in the Faculty of Technology were in line with the Makerere University Strategic Plan, which prioritizes the transformation of Makerere into a research led university.
Dr. Nawangwe said that when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni visited Makerere University in December 2009, the Faculty of Technology presented a case for support, which resulted into the Government’s support towards ten (10) research projects in the Faculty of Technology.
The Vehicle Design Project is one of the research projects funded by the Government of Uganda. Some of the other projects include the iLabs@MAK project, Innovation Systems and Clusters Program Uganda and the Technology Development and Transfer Center.
Dr. S.S. Tickodri-Togboa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) and the Principal Investigator of this project said that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni named this research project, the Kiira Electric Vehicle.
Al Hajji Habib Kagimu pledged to use his contacts with the private sector to help the Faculty of Technology to turn the theory of the Kiira Electric Vehicle into practice. Whereas most of the Electric, Mechanical and Communications components have been covered under procurement, the project is appealing for support in procuring/fabricating the lightweight Carbon Polymer body.
Al Hajji Kagimu stressed the importance of research and development. “If we want to be like developed countries, we should focus on research and development. The University should focus on teaching students how to think as researchers.”
Al Hajji Kagimu cited Malaysia and Thailand as countries which had less robust economies than Uganda when she gained independence in 1962. However, the above countries have managed to develop at a faster rate because they focused on research and development.
In his conclusion, Al Hajji Kagimu challenged the Government of Uganda and Makerere University to re-visit the budget figures allocated to research and development, so as to nurture a strong generation of researchers and developers.
Downloads
Richard Madanda: Kiira Electric Vehicle Concept presentation
Vehicle Design Project History MS Word version , PDF version
mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office
Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.
Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.
Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.
Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.
The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.
Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.
Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.
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