Engineering, Art & Tech

How a Researcher is Using Art to Create HIV Awareness

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2021

Some of the HIV awareness and prevention messages engraved on furniture at an exhibition by Mr. Robert Ssewanyana at the Makerere Art Gallery, MTSIFA, CEDAT, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

By Betty Kyakuwa & Isaac Abaho

Researchers have been called upon to increase awareness about HIV among the population. The call was made by Rtd. Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga, during the opening of Mr. Robert Ssewanyana’s art exhibition that sought to create HIV awareness and prevention in slum areas of Kampala. Maj. Rubaramira said the biggest reason for the increase in HIV is lack of knowledge and information by the population especially in the rural areas. The exhibition was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Dr. Josephine Nabukenya as well as organisations doing HIV treatment and rehabilitation.

Maj. Rubaramira said there was no reason as to why people should contract HIV even if raped. He pointed to the existence of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), an emergency treatment to prevent HIV after exposure. This treatment is given before 72 hours after exposure or rape.

The spread of HIV has been on the rise especially among the young people aged between 15 and 24 years. This has been due to lack of knowledge about HIV especially among the rural communities. In the urban centres, HIV increase has been attributed to a number of factors, including, poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, a thriving commercial sex industry and lack of knowledge of matters relating to the spread of HIV. To this end, Mr. Robert Ssewanyana, an artist and lecturer at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art set out to work with communities in an effort to create awareness and prevent the spread of HIV. He worked with communities of Bwaise, Ndeeba and Katwe.

Related Topics:AIDS Art Awareness featured HIV MTSIFA PEP

Up Next

Kayoola Diesel Bus launched

Don't Miss

Guide to Sanitation Resource Recovery Products & Technologies

Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT Open Day Conference Addresses Green Skills for Green Jobs

Published

2 weeks ago

March 20, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

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.

Click here for more details

Engineering, Art & Tech

More highlights of the 2025 CEDAT Open Day

Published

2 weeks ago

March 20, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

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.

Click here for more details

Engineering, Art & Tech

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

Published

1 month ago

February 20, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

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!

Call for Applications – University of Groningen – RevFeb2025 Download