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Engineering, Art & Tech

Land Tenure System: A Challenge for Urban Development and Service Delivery in GKMA

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The opening remarks were given by Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo who represented Professor Moses Musinguzi, the Dean School of the Built Environment, Makerere University. Dr. Mazzi Kayondo is the Chair, Department of Geomatics and Land Management, a senior lecturer and a Geographical Information System (GIS) specialist. She welcomed the participants and appreciated them for making it for the dialogue.

Dr. Kayondo also acknowledged her Department’s influence in training and churning out planners to both private and government organisations. 60% of the urban development in Kampala is informal and land tenure is one of the key factors affecting it. “Tenure of land defines the relationship of how rights are accessed and how to influence development,” she said.

Ms. Amanda Ngabirano, the Acting Chair National Physical Planning Board and also a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University was the guest speaker at the public dialogue. In her presentation she referred to the land tenure system as a ‘white elephant’. “We are stuck with it” she emphasized. She said that land tenure system is the reason why planners are not delivering. Ms Ngabirano also added that urban development is not only glamorous but is about balanced growth, that is to say equity and distribution of services and amenities.

Ms. Ngabirano emphasised the fact that land tenure is bigger than we can imagine. She called upon the participants to identify and open discussions with people on the land, identify areas with partnerships and opportunities and be able to work with them. Ms. Ngabirano said funding and compensation were also affecting development. She, however, pointed out that the land tenure system may not be the only thing affecting development. She challenged participants to identify all the factors and find solutions to them.

To further address the theme , the panel comprised of urban development experts, specialists and researchers such as Mrs. Rehema Nanvuma an urban planner currently working with the Buganda Land Board, Mr. Samuel  Mabala, a representative from Cities Alliance and  a senior urban development expert, Ms. Anitah Kusiima, a physical planner working with KCCA and Dr. Fredrick Omolo Okalebo, an urban planner and researcher at Makerere University shared their thoughts.

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Mark Wamai

Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT Open Day Conference Addresses Green Skills for Green Jobs

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The College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) successfully hosted its 2025 Open Day on March 13th and 14th, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to champion sustainability and innovation. Organized by the Makerere Engineering Students Association (MES), the event aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the pivotal role of green skills in shaping a sustainable future.

Dubbed “The CEDAT Open Day and Exhibition,” the event was aimed to empower students, enhance collaboration between academia and industry, and raise public awareness about green skills and their role in shaping a sustainable future. It also aimed to bridge the gap between students and private sector companies, providing a platform for budding engineers to showcase their creativity, connect with professionals, and gain insights into the evolving green economy. Interactive workshops and panel discussions were an avenue to further fuel innovation and inspire actionable solutions to environmental and related challenges.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

More highlights of the 2025 CEDAT Open Day

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Day 2 of the 2025 CEDAT Open, themed “Green Skills for a Sustainable Future”. Following the successful conclusion of Day 1, which celebrated participants of the Cadence Innovation Award.

This is what happened on Friday, 14th March 2025:
Opening Ceremony: Led by the organizers, patrons, and student association leadership.

Industry Engagements: Companies like SogeaSatom, ATC Uganda, Cadence Design Systems, UIPE, and UETCL shared insights on engineering, innovation, and sustainability in Uganda.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Call for Applications; Makerere University – University of Groningen Erasmus+ Programme (2021 – 2027)

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Don’t miss the chance to apply for the Erasmus+ ICM scholarships from the University of Groningen! Four scholarships available for any discipline, with a 90-day mobility period. Apply by 27 March 2025!

Alex Isemaghendera

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