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Engineering, Art & Tech

21 Students Graduate with First Class from CEDAT

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The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology will this year graduate over 500 students with 21 students graduating with First Class Honors degrees in various fields.  This year’s graduation ceremony will be held starting May 17 to May 21, 2021.

Some of the best students shared with us their motivation to succeed at the university.

Coutinho. K. Gloria

Coutinho. K. Gloria

I am a proud artist and an emerging fashion designer. My three-year journey at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts (MTSIFA) can best be described as an extreme sport indeed! However, despite it being significantly challenging, I feel a great sense of fulfilment because Art is my calling and therefore, I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. My success is inspired by an inbuilt drive for perfection and excellence. In addition, I applaud Makerere University for giving creatives the freedom of expression as well as a conducive environment to blossom and impact positively on society. Last but not least, to mom and dad, for the moral and financial support in a world where the idea of a career in art is often received with a lot of skepticism, gratitude is a must!

Karungi Prunella. N

Karungi Prunella Nielsen

I am a goal-oriented person. I came to campus with a goal of getting a First-Class degree and nothing less. That meant I had prepared my brain for the task ahead and was determined to work as hard as I possibly could to attain it right from the first year. People make the mistake of playing around in first year and yet it’s the stage when things are a bit easier and is a great opportunity to maximise your chance to excel since it contributes to the final score at the end of the course, rather than wait for things to get harder and accumulate.

I believe the company one keeps affects the manner in which they conduct themselves. I for one identified people who shared in the same goal with me and made them very close friends of mine and were actually part of my discussion groups: Owino Shelah, Owot Derrick, Kagimu Solomon were among them. We motivated and challenged each other to push to our best at all times even when it got tiring and that’s what kept us going, which is why we were all able to attain first class degrees.

I really wanted to make my parents proud. I have been blessed with both parents who have provided everything I have ever needed. I never had any trouble at school. I never lacked anything and I knew that all they wanted was for me to emerge as one of the best. I wanted to make them proud in that aspect as a way of my gratitude towards their tireless commitment towards taking care of me and my every need.

Bayiga Sharon Natukunda

Bayiga Sharon Natukunda

I loved art and I had the talent for it. I believe I picked this from my mother who was a gown fashion designer. I look up to my mother and other ladies in the world that have succeeded in using art to express and reveal themselves.  This motivated me to take it on and push this talent to another level.

This talent was driven by passion. I was doing what I love most ‘ art’. That forced me to work hard, be persistent and the desire to achieve my academic excellence in art. It has been said by many students that its impossible to get a first-class degree in BIFA, it is this myth that I wanted to demystify. I am glad I did.

Martin Senkubuge

Martin Senkubuge

Am Martin Senkubuge aka SMQ, during my first week at campus I met with my Primary and High school (Ntare School) friend Davis Tushabomwe, who was doing Petroleum Geoscience and Production. We had a three-hour conversation and he shared with me basic principles of managing campus life and academic excellence.

Out of this long and impactful conversation, I came up with my three principles

1. Living a life without regrets, this controlled my decision making all the time, amidst campus life temptations

2. Never be a beggar. This always encouraged me to work on everything myself incase no one was there to help

3. Act like a fool and be a good listener. This helped me so much in my course since I knew I was an exceptional piece of talent. I had to ensure that I listen to whatever my lecturers and professors passed on to me, whether it made sense at that moment or not, I always believed it would later. This is where most students always think they are too smart than their lecturers and professors. This principle guided me so much and helped me stay Humble

I surely had a number of challenges throughout my years at campus however they never affected me so much since I was passionate about what I was doing.

I had to always raise some money out of small projects to ensure that I submit daily courseworks in time, my friends always complained about my red eyes since most of them didn’t know about my sleepless nights and busy schedules during day.

I had heard from many Alumni, that BIFA wasn’t easy but being a born again Christian always reminded me that Greater is He in us than the one in the world.

And I knew that through prayer, hard work and respect for my principles, I would definitely make it and I did

I am glad that my uneducated parents have a first-Class degree son in the whole clan. Let this motivate you reading this, everything is possible, simply create the right mindset and be positive all the time.

Special Thanks to the MTSIFA fraternity, all my supervisors, my parents, secondary parents and helpers, my art clients all over the world, my classmates, my siblings and everyone else.

Looking forward to pursuing further studies.

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Mark Wamai

Engineering, Art & Tech

Makerere University Launches Summer School Series to Empower Africa’s Young Researchers in Renewable Resources

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Makerere University has officially launched the ReSus Summer School Series 2025–2027, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping Africa’s emerging researchers with the knowledge and tools to harness renewable resources for sustainable development. The program is fully funded by the Volkswagen Foundation under the theme “Renewable Resources for Sustainable Development in Africa (ReSus-AFRICA)”.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, officiated at the first edition of the series, titled “Harnessing Africa’s Potential – Advances and Applications of Renewable Materials for Sustainable Development,” which ran from 3rd to 12th August 2025, hosted by the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Advancing Occupational Safety and Health: OSHE Team Visits Uganda Industrial Research Institute

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On 4th August 2025, a team from the project to Advance Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) knowledge and skills in Uganda’s higher education institutions and industrial sectors, led by Dr. Abubakar Waswa, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Makerere University, recently visited the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) for a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening workplace safety practices.

The visit was part of a broader initiative supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK to promote OSHE integration in engineering education and industrial operations across Uganda. The project, hosted at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)Makerere University, seeks to establish Centers of Excellence in OSHE at Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Busitema University, while also building capacity among students, faculty, and industry professionals.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Makerere University Hosts the 1st Joint AGRC and EALAN Gathering

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Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development-Hon. Judith Nabakooba officially opens the Conference as Prof. Moses Musinguzi (Rear Right) and Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo (Rear Left) witness. Makerere University, through College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), proudly hosted the first-ever Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference, 31st Jul-1st Aug 2025, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, through its College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), proudly hosted the first-ever Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference 2025. The event brought together scholars, land professionals, and policymakers to shape the future of land governance across the continent. Makerere’s role as host was in line with its current Chairmanship of EALAN.

Participants from over five African countries—namely Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and South Sudan—attended the conference, which commenced on July 31 and is set to conclude on August 1. The official opening was presided over by Hon. Judith Nabakooba Nalule, Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. She applauded the Department of Geomatics and Land Management at CEDAT for organizing and hosting the event.

Hon. Nabakooba highlighted the relevance of the conference theme, Geo-Enablement for Sustainable Development: Harnessing Innovation in Geomatics and Land Administration, noting it directly addresses national needs. “Indeed, sustainable development fundamentally depends on effective land management and efficient geospatial data collection,” she stated. She underscored the necessity for accurate information to guide policymakers and emphasized that the NRM government recognizes land as wealth. “This is precisely why we have prioritized the ongoing reforms in Uganda’s land administration systems, from the expansion of the Land Information System to strengthen the land registration services. We are also now focusing on further enhancing our systems through cutting-edge blockchain technology to ensure transparency, security and efficiency in land governance,” she added. Hon. Nabakooba called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector to realize these goals, adding that “research is crucial for generating evidence to inform policy and that universities play a vital role in training professionals.” She urged scientists to be agents of change and devise practical solutions to land-related challenges.

Left to Right: Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Prof. Robert Wamala and Prof. Anthony Gidudu at the conference. Makerere University, through College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), proudly hosted the first-ever Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference, 31st Jul-1st Aug 2025, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Right: Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Prof. Robert Wamala and Prof. Anthony Gidudu at the conference.

Speaking at the same event, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Robert Wamala remarked that the conference’s theme aligns with Makerere University’s revised research agenda 2025–2030, which emphasizes sustainable urbanization and housing. He cited challenges like population growth, informal settlements, housing deficits, and environmental sustainability, stating, “Makerere University is conducting research on urban land governance, spatial planning, infrastructure development, affordable housing models and the integration of innovative geospatial technologies for managing urban growth.” These research efforts, he noted, aim to inform evidence-based policies and ensure urban areas are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vision 2040, and other national development frameworks.

Prof. Wamala encouraged attendees to use the conference as a platform for sharing research and building collaborations that can translate academic innovations into practical outcomes. “The conversations and partnerships that emerge from this conference should help us shape policies, help us strengthen institutional capacities, but also to expand opportunities for technological transformation and entrepreneurship in the field of geomatics and land administration,” he said. He commended the organizing committee led by Prof. Gidudu Anthony, as well as partners and sponsors such as GIZ, UN Habitat, and CEDAT, for their dedication and hard work.

Seated Left to Right: Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Prof. Robert Wamala and Prof. Anthony Gidudu with delegates attending the 8th AGRC and 14th EALAN. Makerere University, through College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), proudly hosted the first-ever Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference, 31st Jul-1st Aug 2025, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Seated Left to Right: Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo, Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Prof. Robert Wamala and Prof. Anthony Gidudu with delegates attending the 8th AGRC and 14th EALAN.

In her keynote address, Dr. Upendo Matotola, Director of Real Estate at Tanzania’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, stressed the critical need for financing innovation to improve land administration systems in East Africa. She noted that land is more than a production tool; it is also a source of identity, heritage, and power. Dr. Upendo called for a transformation in land governance, pointing out that innovation must transcend technology to include inclusive policies, empowered communities, and stronger institutional coordination. Addressing issues such as outdated paper-based records, limited access to land information, and conflicting legal frameworks, she warned that, without urgent action, land insecurity will continue to threaten peace, development, and investment. Drawing lessons from Tanzania, she advocated for harmonized and citizen-centred reforms to build more efficient and equitable land systems.

The conference that was held at Kabira Country Club also featured keynote speeches from respected figures such as Prof. Jaap Zevenbergen from the University of Twente (Netherlands), Prof. Timothy Dube from the University of Western Cape (South Africa), Dr. Pamela Duran-Diaz (Netherlands), and Mr. Simon Peter Mwesigye from UN Habitat.

Hon. Judith Nabakooba poses for a group photo with participants after opening the Joint Conference. Makerere University, through College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), proudly hosted the first-ever Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference, 31st Jul-1st Aug 2025, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Judith Nabakooba poses for a group photo with participants after opening the Joint Conference.

Prior to the official opening, pre-conference activities, including seminars and workshops, were held. One such workshop focused on Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) and was officially closed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. He urged universities to look beyond teaching and graduating students to proactively planning and advising government on land management policies. “We as universities must study these issues and come up with solutions,” said Prof. Nawangwe. He encouraged researchers to lobby government with policy recommendations for implementation. He thanked the Government of Uganda for financially supporting such research and also commended the Department of Geomatics and Land Management at CEDAT for their contribution to improved land use and planning, while encouraging them to continue pushing forward.

The workshop, which started on Monday, July 28, was officially opened by Mr. Joseph Sembatya, Commissioner for Land Administration at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

Principal CEDAT-Prof. Moses Musinguzi makes his remarks. Makerere University, through College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), proudly hosted the first-ever Joint 8th Advances in Geomatics Research Conference (AGRC) and 14th Eastern Africa Land Administration Network (EALAN) Conference, 31st Jul-1st Aug 2025, Kabira Country Club, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Principal CEDAT-Prof. Moses Musinguzi makes his remarks.

Eve Nakyanzi
Eve Nakyanzi

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