Engineering, Art & Tech

MAPRONANO ACE wins UGX 5 billion in Research Grants

Published

5 years ago

December 2, 2020

Mark Wamai

Covi-Mak, the low-cost alcohol-based hand sanitizer for use in resource-limited settings produced by MAPRONANO ACE in partnership with the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

The Africa Center of Excellence in Materials Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO ACE), Makerere University has attracted grant funding to the tune of UGX 5,348,380,719 towards research and post doctoral studies for students.

MAPRONANO ACE received UGX 2,812,803,300 funding under Presidential scientific initiative for Evaluation of nanoscale materials as candidate adjuvants and delivery systems for SARS Cov-2 (COVID-19) sub-unit vaccine. These funds will also support the purchase of the first of its kind state-of the art Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
MAPRONANO ACE received UGX 1,031,939,998 funding under Presidential scientific initiative for development of saliva test kit for COVID-19. This will solve the issue of lack of cheap testing services in Uganda and hence facilitating massive testing hence effective Covid-19 surveillance and patient management.
Nanobody based point of care diagnostic kit for cervical cancer – UGX 194,770,000
Volkswagen foundation Post doctoral fellowship for African researchers in the Engineering sciences UGX 795,999,500
Antibacterial and antiviral nanocoated cloth mask to limit the spread of Covid-19 – UGX 75,000,000
Green synthesis of graphene from coffee husks and other agro-wastes for energy storage applications – UGX 156,445,850
Development and validation of lateral flow based multiplex test device to detect and differentiate SARS CoV-2 from other human coronaviruses – UGX 157,130,071
Determination and characterisation of viral load and antibody profiles in samples from multiple sites of Covid-19 patients in Uganda – UGX 60,000,000. This is in partnership with Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Perfecting the design and testing the feasibility of Disinfecting Gloves (D-Gloves) – UGX 60,000,000
Multimorbidity and lifestyle prevention in low and middle income countries – UGX 4,292,000

Related Topics:Cov-2 COVID-19 featured grant Research SARS UVRI

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Makerere’s Exhibition Show cases Art as a catalyst for Decolonisation

Published

1 month ago

December 15, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

Makerere University placed art at the heart of its Narrative Practices Conference, unveiling an exhibition from the Margret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art (MTSIFA) that reimagines myths and everyday life. The showcase highlighted how visual creativity can act as a catalyst for decolonisation, inviting audiences to engage with African realities through images that challenge, inspire, and transform.

The Second Biennial Narrative Practices Conference was convened on December 10–11 at the Public Health Auditorium, under the theme Beyond the Ivory Tower: Our Stories, Our Spaces, and Decolonial Visions at Makerere University. The event hosted by the Department of Fine Art (DFA), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), was organized in collaboration with Smith College School for Social Work (USA), The Makula Fund for Children, Peer Nation, Geruka Healing Centre, St. Lucia Children’s Home (Tanzania), and Save the Disabled Children Gaba.

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Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principal Communication Officer, Makerere University, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology

Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT’s OSHE Project Team Meet OSH Officials at Ministry of Gender to Strengthen National Safety Policies

Published

2 months ago

November 28, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

Makerere University’s School of Engineering has taken a bold step toward reshaping national safety standards. On November 21, 2025, a team spearheading the project to advance Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) knowledge and skills paid a strategic visit to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, laying the foundation for stronger national frameworks in workplace safety and sustainability.

The engagement, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, marked a pivotal effort to align academic expertise with government policy and industrial practice. The initiative represents a significant moment in bridging academic research, industrial realities, and government priorities, setting the stage for stronger national frameworks that safeguard workers and promote sustainable development.

By Kikomeko Pius & Harriet Musinguzi

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs Conducts Stakeholder Consultation on Defense Research and Development Policy at Makerere University

Published

2 months ago

November 28, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

On November 26th, 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) held a stakeholder consultation at Makerere University as part of the ongoing development of Uganda’s Defence Research and Development Policy. Hosted at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), the meeting brought together defense officials, academics, and subject-matter experts to align national security priorities with advanced research and innovation.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), chaired the meeting on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. The engagement was convened to gather expert input in shaping Uganda’s Defense Research and Development Policy. According to MODVA, the consultation sought to strengthen partnerships between the ministry and Makerere University in advancing defense-related research. It also aimed to harness science, technology, and innovation to modernize Uganda’s defense capabilities, identify opportunities for training and knowledge exchange, and harmonize defense research initiatives with the country’s broader national security and development goals.

Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principal Communication Officer, CEDAT

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