The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration) and Principal CEDAT, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (L) presents candidates for the conferment of degrees and other awards for excellent performance during the Fifth and Final Session of Makerere University's 72nd Graduation Ceremony on 27th May 2022. Right is Dr. Allan Birabi, Graduation Emcee and CEDAT Member of Staff.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 atMakerere 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.