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The 7th Advances in Geomatics Conference successfully convened at Makerere University.

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Prior to the conference, a number of activities were conducted including trainings in Mapping using unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Wetland Vulnerability Analysis, both of which were held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) from the 14th to 16th of August 2023.

Another pre conference activity was a Public Lecture on the subject of the progress of the implementation of the Land Policy- 10 years after it was launched held on the 16ht of August 2023.  The panelists included Ms. Naome Kabanda, Ag. Director Land Management, Ministry of lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Frances Birungi Odong from the Civil Society, Dr. Moses Musinguzi from CEDAT, and Mr. Simon Peter Mwesigye from Un Habitat.

The 2-day conference was conducted under the Theme; ‘Geomatics Excellence for a modern Society-Sustainable Fit for Purpose Solutions for the 21st Century,’ and it drew the participation of researchers, scholars, and distinguished guests from a cross section of areas of Geomatics.

(L-R) Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo- Ndandiko, HoD, Geomatics and Land Management, Prof. Robert Wamala (DRGT), Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, Deputy Principal CEDAT, Assoc. Prof. Anthony Gidudu, Dean, School of the Built Environment, CEDAT.

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, the Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that the gathering hosted at the CTF II was testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation in the field of geomatics, where cutting-edge advancements continue to reshape our perception and interact with our world.

Prof. Robert Wamala (DRGT) represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Wamala at the opening ceremony

In a statement read for him by Prof. Robert Wamala for the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT), The Vie Chancellor noted that Geomatics, with its diverse array of disciplines encompassing remote sensing, GIS, cartography, surveying, land management and more, has played a pivotal role in addressing some of our planet’s most pressing challenges. From environmental monitoring and urban planning to disaster management and resource allocation, the impact of geomatics on our global society cannot be overstated, he observed.

He said the 7th of the biennial conferences covering diverse areas of technology, science, and exploration, serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, the dissemination of groundbreaking research, and the fostering of collaborations that have the potential to shape our future.

‘It is a forum where experts from around the world converge to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and explore novel methodologies. It is a space where we celebrate the successes of the past while laying the foundation for a future that is technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and socially equitable’, he said.

He extended gratitude to the sponsors, whose support was instrumental in making this event possible. Your belief in the power of knowledge and collaboration is a driving force behind the progress we continue to make in the geomatics field.

Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, Deputy Principal represented the Principal CEDAT, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe

Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, the Deputy Principal CEDAT on behalf of Prof. Henry Alinaitwe extended her appreciation to the Department of Geomatics and Land Management for sustaining the conference initiated in 2011.  She said through the conference, the staff, the alumni and continuing students have a forum to showcase their knowledge through training and research dissemination for their career growth.

The conference attracted a number of dignified Scholars as key note speakers and they included; Dr. More blessings Shoko from the University of Cape Town, Dr. Moses Musinguzi from CEDAT, Ms. Vineet Chaturvedi a Research Scientist from the Technical University of Munich, and Ms. Viola Otieno, an Earth Observation Scientist.

Staff and the guest speakers at the conference

In the preparations for the conference, a call was sent out to researchers to submit abstracts on topics related to Geomatics research which were reviewed and evaluated by the organizing committee based on their relevance to the conference theme, originality, and scientific quality and that included; GIS Science & GIS Applications; Remote Sensing Applications; Photogrammetry & LiDAR Applications; Cartography; Spatial Information Management; GPS/GNSS Applications; Cadastre & Land Management; Geomatics Professional Standards & Practices; Engineering & Mining Surveying; History of Surveying & Measurement Geomatics Education; Hydrographic Surveying; Positioning & Measurement; Location-based Services and Integrated Spatial Planning.

HoD Geomatics and Land Management, Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo-Ndandiko, addressing the participants

According to the Head of Department, Geomatics and Land Management, Dr. Lydia Mazzi Kayondo – Ndandiko, the conference, the 7th of its kind was aimed at highlighting, promoting and encouraging scholarship in various Geomatics disciplines that are locally and internationally recognized as listed above.  ‘The conference has created a for a where academia, researchers and practitioners in the field of geomatics within and outside Uganda have discussed and peer reviewed their work thus advancing geomatics scholarship in the nation’, she said.

Dr. Moses Musinguzi talks to the UAV trainers and exhibitors

Dean, School of the Built Environment ® and HoD, Geomatics and Land Management hand over a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Moses Musinguzi, one of the Key note Speakers.

Prior to the conference, a number of activities were conducted including trainings in Mapping using unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Wetland Vulnerability Analysis, both of which were held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) from the 14th to 16th of August 2023.

Another pre conference activity was a Public Lecture on the subject of the progress of the implementation of the Land Policy- 10 years after it was launched held on the 16ht of August 2023.  The panelists included Ms. Naome Kabanda, Ag. Director Land Management, Ministry of lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Frances Birungi Odong from the Civil Society, Dr. Moses Musinguzi from CEDAT, and Mr. Simon Peter Mwesigye from Un Habitat.

Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT and KOICA Partner to Advance E-Learning at Makerere University

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A selection of the newly installed micro studio equipment on display during the official handover ceremony held at CEDAT on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.

The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Project Management Committee of the “Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University” initiative. This agreement formalizes the operational and managerial framework for the newly installed micro studio at CEDAT, aimed at strengthening the university’s digital learning infrastructure.

Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of CEDAT, signed on behalf of the college, while Dr. Shon JinGon, Project Manager at the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS), represented the implementing partner during an event held on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Uganda Urged to Strengthen OSHE Enforcement Amid Rising Workplace Injuries

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Dr. Abubaker Waswa Matovu (R) Head of the Department of Computer and Electronics Engineering at Makerere University, emphasized the importance of the training in promoting workplace safety.

In response to Uganda’s growing workplace safety concerns, staff at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) participated in an Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) training session aimed at increasing awareness and improving adherence to safety standards in professional and academic environments.

The workshop, organized by the School of Engineering, was part of a larger effort led by the OSHE Centers of Excellence, an initiative launched at Makerere, Kyambogo, and Busitema Universities on May 4, 2023. This program seeks to enhance workplace safety education, with a focus on hazard prevention, PPE usage, risk mitigation, and integrating OSHE principles into engineering curricula and industrial practices.

Speaking at the training, Dr. Abubaker Waswa Matovu, Head of the Department of Computer and Electronics Engineering at Makerere University, emphasized the importance of the training which was aimed at creating awareness about the need for the College, the university and the industry to proactively plan for safety at the place of work. It was indicated that Uganda was faced by alarming workplace injury rates, with over 25,000 workers suffering from job-related injuries annually, yet fatality statistics remain largely unreported.

Dr. Matovu highlighted the urgent need for OSHE integration in higher education, pointing out that 99% of engineering and science graduates enter the workforce without formal safety training. This lack of preparedness has led industries to withdraw internship placements, fearing liability if trainees suffer injuries or fatalities while on the job, he noted.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Makerere University and Nile Basin Discourse Partner on Water Resource Management Initiative

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The NBD team and their hosts led by Dr. Robinah Kulabako pose for a picture at the CEDAT Block

Makerere University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has partnered with the Nile Basin Discourse (NBD) to collaborate on a World Bank-funded, two-year project aimed at improving transboundary water resource management in East Africa.

During a meeting held on 5th June 2025 at CEDAT, Eng. Sylvesta Matemu, head of NBD, engaged with Makerere University representatives, including Dr. Philip Nyenje and Dr. Seith Mugume, to discuss strategies for effective implementation. The project seeks to employ citizen science approaches to involve local communities in water governance, data collection, and policy formulation.

The team also met with Prof. Dorothy Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering, and Dr. Robinah Kulabako, Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, to explore key areas of collaboration. Experts stressed the importance of regional cooperation in water management, citing growing concerns over resource sustainability and environmental challenges.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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