Engineering, Art & Tech
21 Students Graduate with First Class from CEDAT
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
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
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
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
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.
Education
Makerere University Charts New Future with the unveiling of the Open, Distance and E‑Learning Building and Strategic Plan
By Harriet Musinguzi, CEDAT
Makerere University has embarked on a transformative journey in higher education with the official launch of its Open, Distance and E‑Learning (ODeL) Strategic Plan and the laying of the foundation stone for a new ODeL facility at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). The event, attended by dignitaries, university leaders, and international partners, marked a milestone in Uganda’s quest to harness digital technology for accessible, innovative, and inclusive education.
Presiding over the ceremony, Ms. Jihee Ahn, Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), underscored the spirit of collaboration that has defined the project. She praised the collective efforts of Korean partners, Makerere’s project management team, and the construction and consulting teams.
Quoting an African proverb, she reminded the audience that “a single stick cannot make fire”, emphasizing that the success of the initiative lies in shared purpose and unity. Drawing from Korean wisdom, she added, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” noting that this launch is the first step toward positioning Makerere as a leader in open and distance education across Africa.
“This new building will not be just a physical structure but a driving force that advances our shared vision,” Ms. Ahn said. “KOICA looks forward to continued cooperation with Makerere University and all partners as we move forward together.” she added.
Representing the University Council Chairperson Dr. Lorna Magara, Dr. Silas Ngabirano highlighted the broader significance of the ODeL project. He described it as a turning point in bridging the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern learning needs. “This project is more than just providing technology,” he said. “It’s about enhancing capacity for our students, faculty, and staff. It’s about making education more accessible and affordable, fostering innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning.” He urged staff and students to embrace the opportunities offered by online distance learning, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expand access to higher education.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali, emphasized that e‑learning is a central pillar in Makerere’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030). She noted that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which prioritizes digital transformation by 2030.
“ODeL provides opportunities for students inside and outside Uganda to engage in learning, access cutting-edge research, and participate in innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said. “Now that ODeL is getting a home, there is no excuse for not delivering.”
Prof. Nawangwe expressed gratitude to KOICA and the people of Korea for the US$12.2 milliongrant, describing it as a testament to Makerere’s reputation as a center of academic excellence and innovation. He also acknowledged the support of Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, outlined three core components of the project: the development of the ODeL Masterplan, the enhancement of e‑learning infrastructure through a state‑of‑the‑art facility and modern equipment, and capacity building to equip staff with the skills needed to create high‑quality digital content. He explained that the construction, valued at USD 3.7 million, is being undertaken by SMS Construction Ltd, with designs developed by ArchForum Consultants Ltd, and is scheduled for completion by September 29, 2027.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe explained that the ODeL Masterplan was developed through a highly consultative process, engaging numerous Makerere University staff and working closely with project consultants to ensure inclusivity and relevance. He expressed deep appreciation to the implementing partners, the Korea National Open University (KNOU) and the Korea Institute ofDevelopment Strategy (KDS) for their invaluable support in making the initiative a success.
Prof. Alinaitwe also commended the Makerere University Council for approving the allocation of space and committing to maintain the building and systems once operational. He recognized the dedication of the project implementation team, which includes Dr. Venny Nakazibwe(Co‑PI), Prof. Paul Muyinda, Dr. Godfrey Mayende, Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Mr. Alex Mwebaze, Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, and Dr. Lydia Mazzi Ndandiko, for their tireless efforts in managing the project. He further acknowledged KOICA Country Director Ms. Jihee Ahn for expanding the scope of the project beyond the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) to encompass
Written by Musinguzi Harriet, Principal Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology.
Engineering, Art & Tech
Civil Engineering Students Witness Borehole Drilling at Kasozi Health Centre III
Year 4 Civil Engineering students at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the field, visiting Kasozi Health Centre III inWakiso District to witness the drilling of a new borehole. This is a transformative project set to address the center’s persistent water supply challenges. For both staff and patients, this infrastructure promises a more reliable and sustainable resource.
For the students, the experience was more than just observation. It was a vivid demonstration of how theoretical knowledge in hydraulics and soil mechanics translates into practical solutions for real-world problems.
From Data Collection to Community Impact
This milestone was the culmination of months of collaboration. The Rotary Club of Kiwenda first identified the need for a borehole and mapped out the most strategic location for drilling. Earlier, as part of the WALLACE project facilitated by Engineers Without Borders – EastAfrica, a multidisciplinary team of our students collected site data at the health center. Their insights directly informed the borehole’s placement, allowing them to see their academic work evolve into a tangible community asset.
CEDAT extend our sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of Kiwenda for funding and organizing this vital project, and for inviting our students to witness the drilling. Special thanks also go to Engineers Without Borders – East Africa for providing such an impactful learning opportunity through the WALLACE project. This initiative highlights the power of partnerships in bridging the gap between education and meaningful action, empowering students to contribute to solutions that improve lives.
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