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CEDAT Annual Report 2020

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Africa Centre of Excellence in Materials Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO). The Center was developed out of the need to strengthen research and training in the thematic areas of materials science and engineering, nanotechnology and nanomedicine in order to develop human resource capacity in applied science engineering disciplines for the development of the great lakes region.

MAPRONANO ACE offers highly specialized short courses in welding technology, health safety engineering, Oil & gas, Monoclonal and Nanobodies generation, Bioinformatics & Next Generation sequencing techniques. Nanomedicine Program is implemented in partnership with College of Health Sciences (MakCHS).

The centre is supported by the World Bank to the tune of USD 6 million.

The centre has registered a number of success/ achievements during the last 3 years, some of which include;

Student Training

  • 1 PhD student & 110 MSc students were enrolled in the academic year 2019/2020.
  • 50 students attended the Short Course in Tablet development of which 22 were regional students from University of Nairobi.

MOUs generated

  • 3 MOUs with Vaal University, Sefako Makgatho University of health Sciences South Africa and industrial partner CODEK Engineering Ltd have been signed, budgets and work plans submitted

Peer Reviewed publications

  • 7 peer reviewed publications in high impact journals have been published and 4 conference papers have been presented by the faculty and students.

Industry Engagement

  • MAPRONO ACE conducted industry engagement and student placements in the Eastern and Western region to promote University-private partnerships. A total of 30 manufacturing industries have participated and over 20 internship placements have been secured for the students.

Gender Awareness and Career Guidance in High School

  • MAPRONANO ACE conducted career guidance and gender awareness in high schools in Eastern and Western Uganda to encourage students mostly girls to take up STEM subjects. Over 35 high schools and over 1,500 students participated.

Revenue Generation (Grants/Contracts at Various Stages)

MAPRONANO ACE won several grant awards from Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) and COVID19 Emergency Fund for:-

  • Viral load determination and antibody profiling among Covid-19 patients UGX 60,000,000 ($16,216.2), Prof. Charles Ibingira (PI)
  • Perfecting the design and testing the feasibility of disinfecting gloves (D-Gloves) UGX 60,000,000 ($16,216.2) Prof. John Baptist Kirabira (PI)
  • Valorization of cassava peels for abatement of active pharmaceutical contaminants from water systems in Uganda UGX 219,720,000 ($59,383.7) Prof. John Baptist Kirabira (PI)
  • Up-cycling plastic wastes by incorporation of agricultural residues for the development of environmentally friendly packaging products, UGX 104,310,000 ($28,191.9) Dr. Michael Lubwama (PI)
  • Nanobody based point of care diagnostic kit for cervical cancer UGX 194,000,000 ($52,432) Prof. Charles Ibingira (PI)

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Mark Wamai

Engineering, Art & Tech

Civil Engineering Students Witness Borehole Drilling at Kasozi Health Centre III

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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 BordersEastAfrica, 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.

Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT students and staff complete intensive DIGITWATER fieldwork in Uganda

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Students and staff from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University have completed one week of intensive fieldwork in the Manafwa Catchment, Eastern Uganda, under the DIGITWATER Project.

According to Dr. Jotham Sempewo, the Principal Investigator based at CEDAT, since March 2, 2026, students and staff conducted field activities in the Manafwa River Catchment, collecting critical data on hydrology, water quality, irrigation agronomy at the Doho Irrigation Scheme, and exploring nature-based solutions. The findings, he observed, will inform practical strategies for improved catchment management

The project coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) brings together 10 partner organizations from Europe and Africa, and is focused on designing innovative and sustainable solutions for water resources management.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT Acquires New Executive Bus to Enhance Mobility

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CEDAT Acquires New Executive Bus to Enhance Mobility

The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University has officially added a brand-new executive bus to its fleet, a milestone that underscores the institution’s commitment to improving mobility and efficiency for staff and students.

The 41-seater bus, valued at UGX 500 million, received Monday March 9, 2026 is a product of Kiira Motors Corporation. It is equipped with modern features designed to ensure comfort and safety during travel. This acquisition will significantly reduce the logistical challenges previously faced in arranging transportation for official trips and academic activities.

Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of CEDAT, received the bus from Mr. Tonny Seruyange, Transport Officer at the Directorate of Estates and Works. Speaking at the handover, Prof. Musinguzi expressed optimism about the impact of the new bus:

“This addition will greatly improve our mobility and coordination, easing transportation challenges and fostering greater efficiency in our operations. It is a step forward in supporting our academic mission and enhancing the experience of both staff and students.”

The new bus represents a strategic investment in infrastructure that strengthens Makerere University’s ability to deliver on its academic and institutional goals.

Alex Isemaghendera

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