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Engineering, Art & Tech

How a Researcher is Using Art to Create HIV Awareness

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5 years ago

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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.
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.

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Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Engineering, Art & Tech

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

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6 days ago

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December 15, 2025

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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

Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

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

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3 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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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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Alex Isemaghendera

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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

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3 weeks ago

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November 28, 2025

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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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Alex Isemaghendera

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