Engineering, Art & Tech

Minister Monica Musenero Unveils Locally-made Diesel Engine

Published

5 years ago

August 19, 2021

Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero (3rd L) with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L), Principal CEDAT-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (4th L), college leadership, MAPRONANO’s Prof. John Baptist Kirabira (7th L), Kiira Motors’ Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi (R), Kevoton Motions Engineering Team (in white) and other officials at the launch on 19th August 2021, Freedom Square, Makerere University.

It was a show of innovations geared towards mechanisation of farming processes as the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovations, Dr. Monica Musenero, launched locally made engines today August 19, 2021.

A team of researchers from the African Centre of Excellence for Material science and nanotechnology (MAPRONANO) partnered with artisans from Kevoton Engineering, to design and assemble a diesel engine, the first of its kind in Uganda.

It is a single cylinder 4 stroke engine with 13 horse power and consumes 1 litre of fuel per hour. The engine is a water-cooled and therefore does not heat up.

The engines are able to run a generator and a water pump to facilitate irrigation on farms. The generator, is single phase and can therefore be used to power home appliances and small workshops.

According to Mr. Mubiru Rogers of Kevoton Engineering, work on the engines started in 2017, but they were not able to make much progress until 2019 when they partnered with MAPRONANO ACE. The centre of excellence was then able provide training and technical advice, designing and student attachments to the project.

The Minister commended the MAPRONANO team, led by Prof. John Baptist Kirabira, for various innovations that the team in churning out, which included a sanitizer made in Makerere, solar panel slasher, and a mini tractor.

Dr. Musenero challenged researchers to have a mindset change and also change the pedagogy to reposition theory to practical works. “We need to teach the students knowing that they are going to design and develop an engine or a brake system,” Dr. Musenero emphasised. She encouraged innovators to ensure their products do not stay on the selves, saying the biggest role of science and innovation is economical. The Minister said, for this reason, PRESIDE which she chairs focused on equipping laboratories in universities so as ensure that scientists receive the facilitation that they require. “Research is like a river which needs an outflow and the Ministry is here to provide that outflow,” she said.

She advised the university to prioritise certain areas of research when it comes to grants instead of awarding small grants to different projects which only end up being a drop in the ocean. Dr. Musenero thanked the President for his continued support and belief in science and technology.

The minister advised that the prototypes be refined so that they are genderised to allow women to be able to operate the generator and water pump.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, called on the minister to support the introduction of an innovation park in Makerere University, saying the park would be able to spinoff companies. Giving an example of Instabul University, the Vice Chancellor said the university has been able to produce 300 companies over the last one year, saying Makerere University should be supported to do the same.

Related Topics:#MakDieselPower Diesel engine featured KEVOTON MAPRONANO MoSTI Musenero Uganda

Up Next

Advances in Trustworthy AI

Don't Miss

CEDAT Students Showcase Innovations at HEPSSA Workshop

Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT students and staff complete intensive DIGITWATER fieldwork in Uganda

Published

18 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Alex Isemaghendera

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.

For mored details click here

Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT Acquires New Executive Bus to Enhance Mobility

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2026

Alex Isemaghendera

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.

Engineering, Art & Tech

Makerere University Announces Call for Papers for 10th National Conference on Communication (NCC 2026)

Published

7 days ago

March 5, 2026

Alex Isemaghendera

The 10th National Conference on Communications (NCC 2026) is officially here, hosted by the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). This milestone edition, themed “Accelerating Market-Driven Innovation for Uganda’s Development,” serves as a premier platform for advancing research, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the nation’s ICT ecosystem. Scheduled for 24th – 26th June 2026 at Makerere University, the conference will bring together thought leaders to discuss the future of connectivity and digital transformation.

We are now inviting submissions from researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers across eight diverse conference tracks. These tracks cover critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Digital Financial Services (Fin Tech), Smart Societies, and ICT for Social Impact in health and education. Whether your work focuses on digital infrastructure or environmental resilience, NCC 2026 provides the visibility needed to drive meaningful technological advancement in Uganda.

Prospective contributors can submit Full Research Papers (up to 8 pages), Extended Abstracts for work-in-progress, Industry Case Studies, or Policy and Position Papers. All submissions should be made through the link : https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=ncc2026

Please take note of the upcoming deadlines;

The Submission Deadline is 1st May 2026, with Acceptance Notifications being sent out by 22nd May 2026. For more information regarding the program and registration, please contact the organizing committee via email at ncc.cedat@mak.ac.ug.

Join us as we shape the future of communications and technology in Uganda.