Engineering, Art & Tech
72nd Graduation: Doctoral Citations – CEDAT
LWANYAGA Joseph Ddumba
Application of process technologies for improved salt production from Lake Katwe, Uganda
Eng. LWANYAGA Joseph Ddumba designed a process that selectively extracts salt from the brines of Lake Katwe coupled with a techno-economic analysis to foster commercial exploitation of the Salt Lake. Through thermodynamic modelling, the study revealed that the mineral precipitation sequence mainly started with sulfate followed by chlorides and lastly carbonates with halite as the most abundant mineral. His study further revealed that the salt pan should be as shallow as practically possible with an optimal depth of 0.1 m. Results from the techno-economic analysis showed that halite of purity >99% was produced after the flotation of burkeite and trona. Additionally, soda ash and sodium sulfate were produced by a combination of flotation, carbonation and calcination techniques. The unit production cost of halite was 0.2629 and 0.4724 $/kg with a NPV of $2,447,853 and -12,085,796 of the solar salt and mechanical evaporation processes respectively. As a result, the solar salt extraction process proved feasible from both engineering and economic standpoints and thus can be scaled up to a pilot scale using conventional industrial equipment. The study was funded by SIDA and was supervised by Prof. John Baptist Kirabira and Dr. Hillary Kasedde.
MAKABAYI Brian
Ground Deformation Modelling Based On Causal Factors in Landslide-Prone Areas. A Case Study of Bududa District, Uganda.
Mr. MAKABAYI Brian undertook a study to model ground deformation in Bududa landslide-prone area. He developed a model for predicting ground deformation hence the occurrence of landslides resulting from a number of casual factors such as rainfall, soil, slope and infiltration. He tested the model using two space technologies namely Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques. This model can be used by stakeholders such as the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees and local authorities to predict ground deformation as a precursor to landslides. This study was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and supervised by Prof Moses Musinguzi and Dr John Richard Otukei.
MAZIMWE Allan
Pattern Driven Data interoperability in situation awareness systems. A case of the disaster management community in Uganda
Mr. MAZIMWE Allan studied how to manage semantic barriers to data sharing and integration in disaster situation awareness systems for early warning purposes. Such barriers arise from the fact that stakeholders manage information using different policies and interfaces while at the same time describing data using different vocabularies and conceptualisations. As a solution, the study adopts the use of patterns (best practices) as building blocks for interoperable architectures that address semantic barriers in line with Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) principles. The study examines the extent to which vocabularies and related best practices for organising data in the disaster risk community are FAIR. A pattern-driven architecture for organising disaster risk knowledge is developed based on existing data-sharing challenges in the disaster community. As a proof of concept, the drought risk-informed response prototype was developed to illustrate the use patterns as building blocks for managing data interoperability in disaster situation awareness systems. The study was funded by SIDA and supervised by Prof. Imed Hammouda and Assoc. Prof Anthony Gidudu.
NAKISANZE Sarah
Social Sustainability and the Ugandan Haute Couture Visual Aesthetic: Articulating The Contemporary Value of Past Tradition
Ms. NAKISANZE Sarah interrogated haute couture artefacts which exhibit Uganda’s traditional cultural heritage fused with aspects of contemporary dress to produce haute couture as a visual language representing social sustainability. Sarah was intrigued by the stride backwards to move forward amidst modern fashion aesthetic innovations, and has established and articulated the value of the traditional aesthetic in the present. The traditional aesthetic is an engender of sustainable development; and haute couture shaped by the aesthetic is an inclusive knowledge dissemination platform. In addition, the past traditions are an agential tool that facilitate agents’ negotiation of contemporary global stage dynamics. The study recommends that the traditional aesthetic is developed beyond traditional culture heritage, but as an aesthetic with contemporary socio-economic sustainability value towards the development of the creative industry and safe environments. The study was jointly funded by the researcher and Makerere University, and supervised by Dr. Nakazibwe Venny and Dr. Ssengendo May.
WADEMBERE M. Ismail
A Localized Geometrical Alignment Technique for updating Geo-Spatial Databases
Mr. WADEMBERE Mugumbu Ismail developed a Localized Geometrical Alignment Technique (LGAT) for Updating Geo-spatial databases. The innovative technique uses differences between corresponding objects so that only the changed parts are updated than copying entire objects between geodatabases. This helps to minimize geometrical errors emanating from openings or overlaps of objects. This technique will facilitate efficient data update within the Uganda national spatial data infrastructures. It will also exploit the potential presented by the Internet computing paradigm in terms of data sharing, utilization of Volunteered Geographic Information, and lead to more use of spatial information in decision-making. This study was funded by Kyambogo University, Makerere University, and Nuffic Project of Dutch Ministry of Development Cooperation; and was supervised by Prof. Patrick Ogao and Prof. Moses Musinguzi.
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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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