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IPCC Lead Authors tip Mak KYU Young Scientists on Climate Change

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“Given the interdependence between countries in today’s world, the impacts of climate change on resources or commodities in one place will have far-reaching effects on prices, supply chains, trade, investments and political relations in other places. Thus, climate change will progressively threaten economic growth and human security,” highlighted Dr. Youba Sokona while sharing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) with over 50 young scientists at Makerere University.

On Friday 22nd August 2014, Makerere University hosted the Young Scientists Seminar where students from Makerere and Kyambogo University held an interactive discussion with Lead Authors of the IPCC AR5, the academia and officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment.

In his remarks, the Country Engagement Leader, Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), Dr. Revocatus Twinomuhangi said that the IPCC AR5 Event in Uganda comprised a series of dissemination activities- the media training held on 20th August 2014 as a pre-cursor to the event, the IPCC Outreach event/workshop held on 21st and 22nd August 2014 at Hotel Africana, Kampala; and the Young Scientists Seminar held on 22nd August 2014, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm at Makerere University, Kampala.

On behalf of Makerere University, Dr. Twinomuhangi, who is also a Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climate Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) highlighted the importance of sharing with Young Scientists the key findings and recommendations contained in the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report: What does it mean for Uganda’s development?

“The Young Scientists will face the consequences of climate change. We are aware that some of them are involved in research on climate change, and most of them are conducting research whose dissemination or impact will be affected by climate change.  As part of the IPCC Outreach event, we felt it important to interact with the young scientists so that together we can take on the climate change mitigation and adaptation agenda,” he said.

Opening the Young Scientists Seminar, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of  Kyambogo University, Professor  Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, who joined Makerere University in 1976 and served until 2013, thanked the organizers-the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), and CAES for prioritizing engagement of the youth in the climate change agenda on mitigation, adaptation and building resilience.

Professor Katunguka-Rwakishaya, a former Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University, and Professor of Veterinary Medicine said:

“Climate Change is a reality. I have seen and experienced the effects of climate change.  I am able to observe the change in weather patterns. Rains are unpredictable, and this means that our agricultural productivity is now unpredictable yet Uganda is an agricultural country whose economy Is dependent on weather.”

Continuing with the key note address, Professor Katunguka-Rwakishaya pointed out that increased interaction of human beings and animals as a result of the impacts of climate change, such as drought and floods has led to emerging diseases which have affected economic activities. He warned that the situation would get worse if Ugandans did not actively participate in the mitigation process.

The IPCC authors then shared with the young scientists the mandate and role of IPCC and the key findings of the IPCC Fifth Assessment report. Some of the key messages included:

  • Each of the last three decades has been successively warmer at the Earth’s surface than any preceding decade since 1850.
  • The Fifth Assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds, beyond reasonable doubt that the Earth’s climate is warming.
  • Climate Change will have widespread impacts on African Society and Africans interaction with the natural environment.
  • The IPCC finds that there is 95% scientific certainty that human activity, by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, has been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.
  • Current science provides the clearest evidence yet that human activity is changing our environment.
  • The impacts of climate change will affect food security, water availability and human health in Africa significantly.
  • Further climate change is inevitable in the coming decades unless something is done now
  • Climate change poses challenges to economic growth and development.
  • Adaptation is fundamentally about risk management, and Adaptation experience in Africa is growing and will have an effect of reducing the effects of climate change as it expands.
  • Some low-carbon development options may be less costly in the long run and could offer new economic opportunities for Africa.
  • Africa stands to benefit from integrated climate adaptation, mitigation and development approaches.
  • International cooperation is vital to avert dangerous climate change and African governments can promote ambitious global action.

The Session Chair, Dr. Fred Tanga Odoi, a renowned historian at Makerere University captivated the audience when reminisced his study of Geography, and aligned it to the findings of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report as well as the current changes in weather and climate in Uganda.

Dr. Tanga Odoi informed the participants that since the adverse effects of climate change were affecting all Ugandans, the key stakeholders including the academia and students both in the Sciences and Humanities disciplines should be involved.

“We all have a role to play. This is not an area for only scientists. Climate Change is not an area for those studying sciences. It is important that even those studying humanities and social sciences are actively involved,” he advised.

Dr. Tanga Odoi also emphasized the need for the Government and all Ugandans involved in implementation of urbanization and industrialization processes, to always ensure that the effects on the environment and climate are fully analyzed and appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures considered and included in the contract and implementation.

How can young scientists contribute to the climate science agenda?

During her presentation, Dr. Lynne Carter from Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) advised the young scientists/students to contribute to the climate change agenda:

  • Be willing to work beyond your specific discipline
  • Be willing to work with people in other disciplines such as the journalists to ensure that your research results are better understood and thus more readily to be implemented.
  • Be willing to look for interesting research questions beyond your field answered by science
  • Bring your skills, youthful enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to work. It energizes many research efforts

On behalf of MUCCRI, Dr. Carter expressed their readiness to nurture and mentor upcoming students/youths with a passion for undertaking research in climate change.

Representing the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Adaptation Officer in the Climate Change Department, Mr. Muhammad Semambo reiterated the Government of Uganda’s commitment to keeping climate change issues on the priority list of the development agenda.

He appealed to the young scientists and youth to join climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts at all levels with special focus on agricultural research as well as research on the emerging field of oil and gas.

Mr. Semambo also commended Makerere University for training and providing knowledge on climate science and climate change and also informed the audience that the Ministry of Water and Environment was coming up with a Climate Change Research Centre that would further inform the research and policies in the field of Climate Science and Climate Change.

This was followed by 20 minutes interactive question and answer session, which climaxed with the young scientists and youth appealing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)  and the Ministry of Water and Environment to come up with more dialogues with the youths, and nurturing and mentorship programmes.

The Young Scientists Seminar was held in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering, Conference Hall, CAES, Makerere University.

Article by  Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office

Mark Wamai

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Mastercard Foundation Scholars Empower Schools in Mukono and Kyegwegwa Districts

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Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead, together with some of the Scholars, handing over the learning materials to the Chairperson of Parents' Association at Little Angels Primary School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.

By Scholars Program Communication Team

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Little Angels Junior School, Mawotto Village, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District celebrated an inspiring, joy-filled event. These two schools were selected to receive the generosity of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service.

At St. Charles Rwahunga Nursery and Primary School, the Scholars donated various products, including Learning Materials, Geometry sets, Sanitary towels for the girls, sportswear for the boys’ football team, and other goodies.

The Community Nursery and Primary School serves 412 pupils with severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure. The buildings are dilapidated, there is a shortage of desks, and the classrooms are small and overcrowded. These issues need to be addressed to ensure a better student learning environment.

Mr. Alex Mugisha,the Headteacher, extreme left, pupils and staff of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary school very excited after receiving learning materials donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
Mr. Alex Mugisha,the Headteacher, extreme left, pupils and staff of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary school very excited after receiving learning materials donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

Mr. Alex Mugisha, the Headteacher of the School, expressed gratitude to the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation for the kind gesture they extended to his school.

“I am deeply grateful, along with the students and staff, for the generosity of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. These materials will significantly enhance the learning environment for our pupils,” remarked Mr. Mugisha.

Mr. Nelson Ddumba, the Scholars Council Representative, encouraged the young learners at the event not to lose hope. He emphasized that regardless of their starting point, they can improve their circumstances by staying in school.

Mr. Ddumba Nelson, the Scholars' Council representative, speaking to the Pupils of St. Charles Rwahunga Primamary School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
Mr. Ddumba Nelson, the Scholars’ Council representative, speaking to the Pupils of St. Charles Rwahunga Primamary School.

“Listen, my fellow students: do not give up. The only path to transforming your circumstances is through a steadfast commitment to your education and remaining in school. I have been in your shoes, but I pushed through and succeeded thanks to my mother’s unwavering support. Today, I proudly attend Makerere University, one of the leading institutions in Uganda. Embrace the challenge ahead and make your education your top priority!” Mr. Ddumba declared.

At Little Angels Junior School, pupils were excited to receive educational materials, reusable sanitary towels, mathematical sets, dictionaries, and textbooks for nursery to primary seven students.

Ms. Sarah Nturo, the headteacher, commended the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University for the kind gesture.

Pupils of Little Angels express their excitement during a group photo with the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
Pupils of Little Angels express their excitement during a group photo with the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

She said the books will help the school improve its reading culture and performance.

“We are grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University; we believe these books will significantly contribute to improving our pupils’ performance,” Ms. Nturo said.

Nturo also pointed out that they have challenges with the facilities and water as a school.

“Ever since we started this School, the education has improved because, in the past, parents could not allow their children to come here; instead, they would send them to the lake for fishing. But now, the children come only because they do not have somewhere to sit. We have few desks,” Nturo said.

A cross-section of Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose in a photograph with pupils of Little Angels Junior School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
A cross-section of Mastercard Foundation Scholars pose in a photograph with pupils of Little Angels Junior School.

During the visit, the pupils mesmerised the scholars with rare dance moves. The excitement did not leave the Programme Implementation team and teachers in their seats, making it a fun-filled event. The audience was left yearning for more.

Addressing the school, Mr. John Osuna, the Transition Lead at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, urged the pupils to use their school time to prepare for a bright future.

“Do not mind where you are coming from. We all started like this. Education is an equalizer. Now that you have an opportunity to study, focus on making the best out of it. Be disciplined pupils and listen to your teachers. The sky will be the limit,” Mr Osuna said.

A cross-section of schoolgirls of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo with sanitary towels donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
A cross-section of schoolgirls of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo with sanitary towels donated by Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

During the event, Francis Kabuye Kaggwa, the Chairperson of the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) leadership, said that ever since the school started over 10 years back, they have never received guests who bring them gifts like how the Mastercard Foundation Scholars did.

“I think you have seen how excited the children were. We are all happy this has never happened to our school. Who are we to receive these gifts? We have challenges, but with friends like God on our side, we shall conquer,” Mr. Kabuye noted.

The boys' football team of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo after receiving the sports wear donated by the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation. Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, Kampala during the Annual Scholars Day of Community Service at Little Angels Nursery and Primary School in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, and St. Charles Rwahunga, Nursery and Primary School in Kyegegwa District, Uganda, East Africa, 16th November 2024.
The boys’ football team of St. Charles Rwahunga Primary School pose in a photo after receiving the sports wear donated by the Scholars of Mastercard Foundation.

The Scholars’ Day of Community Service is an annual event where Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University engage in community service as a way of giving back. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable individuals in the community and contribute positively to society.

Mak Editor

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Prof. Nawangwe calls for Increased Government Sponsorship for Students with Disabilities

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe addressing the gathering during the International Day for Persons With Disabilities commemoration. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Mak Communication Team

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, while speaking at the inaugural commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities at Makerere University has appealed to the Government to increase the number of students with disabilities on government sponsorship.

The event held on Wednesday, 13th November 2024 was organised by the Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students’ Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities and held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

Part of the audience, listening attentively during the event. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience, listening attentively during the event.

The day’s theme was: “Empowering Inclusion: Breaking Barriers, Unlocking Potential”

“Students with disabilities should be the first to be admitted on Government sponsorship because there are not so many,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

Hon. Hellen Asamo, signing a commitment card to continue supporting inclusivity at Makerere University and the country as a whole. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Hellen Asamo, signing a commitment card to continue supporting inclusivity at Makerere University and the country as a whole.

 Prof. Nawangwe called upon the government to devise a scheme and policy for integrating students with disabilities into the working environment after graduation.

Prof. Nawangwe noted that the University has established a Disability Support Centre, a one-stop facility to ensure equal access to education and life, promote inclusivity, and support students and staff with disabilities.

Prof. Nawangwe handing over a gift to the Chief Guest, Hon Asamo. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe handing over a gift to the Chief Guest, Hon Asamo.

“Over the years, Makerere University has branded itself as a place that actively and loudly promotes increased awareness about the rights and needs of students and staff with disabilities.” Prof. Nawangwe remarked.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, the State minister for Disability Affairs, called upon Persons with Disabilities to always believe in themselves and be able to break the barriers of the inferiority complex.

One of the students with disability receiving an award for being supportive to other students with disabilities. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
One of the students with disability receiving an award for being supportive to other students with disabilities.

“You have to show people that you have the potential, and when people get to know your potential, they will begin to include and engage you. But if you do not have your potential, nobody will include you. They will think you are just someone who is just there seated and begging,” Hon. Asamo noted.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, the Dean of Students at Makerere University, said that the University is making a deliberate effort to pay particular attention to the decisive implementation of inclusive Policies and Practices.

Dr. Kabumbuli, receiving the award on behalf of the VC, as recognition for the efforts the university was making towards inclusivity. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Kabumbuli, receiving the award on behalf of the VC, as recognition for the efforts the university was making towards inclusivity.

“This is where we want all people to thrive and grow. Therefore, we are proud to accept and celebrate our differences and uniqueness. We welcome you here to build a culture of active support for each other and to declare that by championing a conducive environment for students and staff with disability, we are part of the change-makers of today,” Dr Kabumbuli said.

Dr. Kabumbuli also highlighted several policies the University has implemented, such as the Policy for Persons with Disabilities and safeguarding, Accommodation policy, University rules and regulations, the Human resource manual, and the student guild constitution that provides inclusive participation in student leadership and admission policies.

Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program receiving the award on behalf of the Team. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, the Program Director of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program receiving the award on behalf of the Team.

“These policies protect and enhance the rights of both staff and students with disabilities. For example, we have a student guild minister for persons with disabilities to ensure their voices are heard,” Dr. Kabumbuli noted.

Makerere has directed attention to ensuring accessible and comfortable accommodations for students with Disabilities by having designated accessible hostels and rooms. The University provides salaries, lodging, and meals for helpers who assist students with disabilities. A concentrated effort is also being made to build ramps, elevators, and accessible pathways to facilitate navigation for students and staff.

A panel of experts discussing the issues affecting PWDs and how to mitigate them. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A panel of experts discussing the issues affecting PWDs and how to mitigate them.

According to Dr Kabumbuli, the University has embraced a drive to facilitate students’ access to assistive devices, including wheelchairs, white canes, brailling machines, hearing aids, etc.

“As part of our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the University has designated a specialized space within the library, equipped with assistive technologies and resources, specifically for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to knowledge and academic success for all. We have also put in place special arrangements, such as extra time during examinations to enable access to education,” Dr Kabumbuli said.

Hon. Minister representing students with disabilities on the students' guild addressing the audience. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Minister representing students with disabilities on the students’ guild addressing the audience.

Dr. Kabumbuli acknowledged the support from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the Ministry of Gender, and the School of Law, which are committed to championing diversity, inclusion, and equity for People with Disabilities.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated annually on December 3rd to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities worldwide.

The Commemorative card that was signed by guest as commitment to supporting inclusivity at Makerere University. Office of the Dean of Students and the 90th Students' Guild-Ministry of Students with Disabilities inaugural International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, 13th November 2024, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Commemorative card that was signed by guest as commitment to supporting inclusivity at Makerere University.

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The 3rd Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition held successfully

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The 3rd annual Fundis and Technicians sensitization event and exhibition by manufacturers of building materials organized by the Department Architecture and Physical Planning at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University came to a close with a call for increased partnerships between training institutions and the community.

The event that attracted 200 participants including masons, fundis, painters, builders, metal and electrical fabricators ran from Thursday 24th to Friday 25th October 2024 at CEDAT. It was supported by several stakeholders and was characterized by training sessions and an exhibition of building materials by different companies that make cement, paint, water tanks tiles and many more.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Makerere University.

Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the opening of the training. In his remarks, he extended appreciation to the technicians for accepting to take part in the training which he said was key in ensuring that they gain from continuous learning. Prof. Alinaitwe observed that although some of them did not get through formal training, it was important that they took part in such training programs to keep abreast of the developments in the construction industry where they undertake the bulk of the work as masons, technicians, plumbers, and metal fabricators.

‘Keep improving, we need to up our game in terms of quality’, he said while making reference to the need for quality output.  He cautioned them on issues of cost and cheating of their clients by making realistic costs.  ‘We need to cost the work well taking into account the materials, the labor, the equipment used, and the overheads’.  The other area that needed to be taken care of by the technicians included time management, which reflects on attitudes towards work, team work.   While addressing the gathering in his capacity as Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board, Prof. Alinaitwe said the upcoming engineering Registration Bill, if approved, has a provision for the registration of all artisans and hence the need to have the minimum requirements for the stakeholders to be registered. He also stressed the need to bring on board as more women as possible.  ‘We want to see more women, who can do some aspects in construction better than men like painting.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology while welcoming the trainees to the college said the training is a good initiative that will help address challenge of skill and work match.  He encouraged the trainees to do smart work, and take due consideration of ethics and customer care. He encouraged the department to extend the training opportunity to other units of the college and the university and also make it more formal, as part and parcel of the training program of the college in liaison with bodies like UBTEB.

Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, the Deputy Principal CEDAT while appreciating the initiative of the department said countries like Germany have apprenticeship training that help the training of students to gain skills equivalent to those acquired while in formal institutions of learning.  He said the academia in Uganda is increasingly recognizing the importance of the informal sector in the growth of the country. ‘We need to learn from you. Almost 90% of the people in the construction industry have been informally trained’. He said by learning from each other, the two sectors jointly make a contribution towards the development of the country.

Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning said the initiative, a community outreach program of the college started three years ago in the year 2022 with 60 Fundis and masons, in 2023, the number was increased to 120 Fundis and the current 2024, was 200 Fundis of various categories, including painters, builders, metal fabricators, plumbers and electrical fabricators. He said this community outreach program aims at sharing the accumulated scientific knowledge in building, design and construction technologies at CEDAT, sharing the expertise, knowledge and experiences with communities in greater Kampala and hence bridging the existing knowledge and skills gap between the training institutions and the communities.

Dr. Amin Tamale Kiggundu, the head of the Department of Architecture and Physical Planning, Makerere University

The 21st century is characterized by collaboration, partnerships, and establishment of knowledge economies.  He said based on the trainings held so far, it is clear that partnerships between the training institutions and the communities were possible especially the Fundis who are closer to the communities. ‘We also want to learn from the Fundi’s experiences, how they are able to connect to the communities in some cases better than those who have gone through the training institutions’, he said. He further noted that the majority of fundis are young people that need to be supported with skills and other ways of nurturing them. The dream of the department, he said is to introduce an open door policy that allows fundis and other university students to come to learn.  

Several organizations supported the event and participated in the exhibition and they included Habitat for Humanity, Uganda, Green Building Council Uganda, The National Building Board, Uganda Clays Limited, Centenary Bank, Steel and Tube Industries Ltd, Simba Cement, Plascon, Goodwill, Cresttanks among others.

Alex Isemaghendera

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