Touring over 15 exhibition stalls, the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Jessica Alupo commended the students in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) for organizing the 2nd Annual CEDAT open day 2012 under the theme, “Promoting Youth Innovation to boost Job Creation and Employment.”

“I am impressed by the quality of innovations and research exhibited by students. I encourage everybody to take off time to witness the student’s innovations and projects. The young generation of scientists has a role to play in the industrialization of Uganda. I have observed that the students in CEDAT constitute the generation of students to change Uganda. And the Government of Uganda shall continue to offer full support to the field of research and innovations, “remarked the Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.

The Dean, School of Built Environment– Dr. Henry Alinaitwe represented the Ag. Principal, Eng. Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe at the function. Eng. Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe was representing the college on special mission-to forge collaboration with universities in Russia.

In his speech, the Ag. Principal, Assoc. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe thanked the students for organizing the Open Day aimed at disseminating research and innovations in the college. Eng. Dr. Nawangwe informed the congregation that through the two day exhibition, 5th and 6th October 2012, the students will share the knowledge and skills they have acquired as well as their plans to contribute to the technological advancement in this country and beyond. He paid tribute to the Government of Uganda for supporting the innovations in CEDAT through the Presidential Science Initiative. The students also used the same occasion to welcome and congratulate Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu upon his appointment as Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. The students were happy to see the Vice Chancellor touring the exhibition stalls and nodding in appreciation.

“Can you imagine? When I was explaining to the Hon. Minister our innovation, the Vice Chancellor listened keenly and followed each process. I am convinced that he has understood the processes involved. I am happy to be associated with this exhibition,”remarked one of the excited students.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked the students for organizing the Open Day as a part of the celebrations to mark the 90th Anniversary of Makerere University (1922-2012).

“As we celebrate 90 years of Makerere University, I am happy to be part of the team witnessing the great ideas from the students in this college. With the numerous research projects and breakthroughs in research and innovations, CEDAT has significantly contributed to the rise in the University ranking as well as the efforts aimed at promoting Makerere University‘s contribution to national development. I salute the staff and students in this college for their dedication,” said Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu.

He re-echoed the University’s appreciation to the Government of Uganda for the financial support to research and innovations in CEDAT which has helped the University to engage and retain skilled human resource in the college, in addition to improving the research infrastructure in form of online laboratories and automation processes among other initiatives.

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu emphasized the need to write proposals to attract the private sector to partner with Makerere University in the areas of research and innovations.

Total Uganda is one of the private companies that participated in the 2nd Annual CEDAT Open Day. The General Manager, Total E &P Uganda, Mr. Loic Laurandel informed the congregation that they were planning a long term partnership where Total Uganda and Makerere University will have a joint collaboration in the oil industry.

The Minister of Education and Sports, Honourable Jessica Alupo represented the Guest of Honour-the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi at the function.

In his speech, the Prime Minister, reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting science, innovations and industrialization. Reflecting on the theme for the Open day, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi said that the Government of Uganda will address unemployment among the youth by engaging young people in the industry and those in the academia in decision making. He also appealed to the students to utilize the Venture Capital Fund (UGX. 25billion) to enable them access capital to support their projects and enterprises.

On behalf of the students, Mr. Ashraf Kasango, President- Makerere Engineering Students Society (MESS) 2012/2013 thanked students and the college management for their contribution towards the success of the exhibition. He then appealed to the students, partners, stakeholders and well-wishers to join the climax of the Open Day on Saturday 6th October 2012 at 5:30pm for the Talent and Fashion show by Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art Students (MITSFA).

Some of the items at the exhibition include: The Kiira EV, Kayola Solar Bus; EOD Robot (Bomb Detector Robot), the Mobile toilet project, the Makapads (the Natural Feminine Protection), the iLabs project, Makerere and Total Uganda engagements, Clusters and Innovations among others.

Story by: Ritah Namisango, Senior Public Relations Officer, Makerere University

View Exhibition Photo Gallery