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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 Acquires New Executive Bus to Enhance Mobility

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CEDAT Acquires New Executive Bus to Enhance Mobility

The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University has officially added a brand-new executive bus to its fleet, a milestone that underscores the institution’s commitment to improving mobility and efficiency for staff and students.

The 41-seater bus, valued at UGX 500 million, received Monday March 9, 2026 is a product of Kiira Motors Corporation. It is equipped with modern features designed to ensure comfort and safety during travel. This acquisition will significantly reduce the logistical challenges previously faced in arranging transportation for official trips and academic activities.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of CEDAT, received the bus from Mr. Tonny Seruyange, Transport Officer at the Directorate of Estates and Works. Speaking at the handover, Prof. Musinguzi expressed optimism about the impact of the new bus:

“This addition will greatly improve our mobility and coordination, easing transportation challenges and fostering greater efficiency in our operations. It is a step forward in supporting our academic mission and enhancing the experience of both staff and students.”

The new bus represents a strategic investment in infrastructure that strengthens Makerere University’s ability to deliver on its academic and institutional goals.

Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Makerere University Announces Call for Papers for 10th National Conference on Communication (NCC 2026)

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The 10th National Conference on Communications (NCC 2026) is officially here, hosted by the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). This milestone edition, themed “Accelerating Market-Driven Innovation for Uganda’s Development,” serves as a premier platform for advancing research, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the nation’s ICT ecosystem. Scheduled for 24th – 26th June 2026 at Makerere University, the conference will bring together thought leaders to discuss the future of connectivity and digital transformation.

We are now inviting submissions from researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers across eight diverse conference tracks. These tracks cover critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Digital Financial Services (Fin Tech), Smart Societies, and ICT for Social Impact in health and education. Whether your work focuses on digital infrastructure or environmental resilience, NCC 2026 provides the visibility needed to drive meaningful technological advancement in Uganda.

Prospective contributors can submit Full Research Papers (up to 8 pages), Extended Abstracts for work-in-progress, Industry Case Studies, or Policy and Position Papers. All submissions should be made through the link : https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=ncc2026

Please take note of the upcoming deadlines;

The Submission Deadline is 1st May 2026, with Acceptance Notifications being sent out by 22nd May 2026. For more information regarding the program and registration, please contact the organizing committee via email at ncc.cedat@mak.ac.ug.

Join us as we shape the future of communications and technology in Uganda.

Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Makerere University and University of Warwick Strengthen Ties in High-Level Visit

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On Friday 13th February 2026, Makerere University was honored to host Prof. Daniel Branch, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick. This visit marked a significant follow-up to a 2025 delegation from Makerere to Warwick, emphasizing a growing and reciprocal relationship between the two prestigious institutions. Organized by the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (Mak-RIF), the day began with a strategic meeting in the office of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, alongside key university leadership including Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi chairperson of Mak-RIF and Mr. Simon Kizito the Deputy University Secretary.

During the initial discussions, Mr. Simon Kizito, reflected on the eye-opening experience of visiting Warwick, specifically praising their forward-thinking approach to industry collaboration and innovation. These observations set the stage for exploring new possibilities for student exchange programs. Such initiatives are envisioned to allow students from both universities to share valuable experiences in research and technology, fostering a global academic environment.

Prof. Nawangwe provided Prof. Branch with an overview of Makerere’s historical significance as the oldest university in East Africa and its immense research capacity, supported by an academic staff holding approximately 1,390 PhDs. He highlighted Makerere’s leadership in technological advancements, citing the design and production of Africa’s first electric car, the Kiira EV. Prof. Nawangwe also addressed the global knowledge gap, noting that Africa currently contributes only 3% of the world’s knowledge. He emphasized that collaborating with institutions like the University of Warwick is essential to increasing this percentage by improving supervision capacity and research impact.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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