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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 embarks on revolutionizing Teaching, Research, and Innovation to Meet Societal Needs

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The College of engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) embarked on the process for reviewing the ways of teaching and learning, research and innovation in order to produce graduates that are well shaped to meet the needs of the society.A two-day strategy workshop was convened from 14th to 15th April 2025 at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, bringing together academia and others stakeholders, under the Theme; ‘Advancing Education, Research, Innovation for a transformative Future in Engineering, Design, Art and technology’.

The engagement was aimed at advancing the institution’s leadership, management practices, and its core academic functions and discussed strategies for driving excellence and preparing graduates for the job market.  It centered on three main objectives: promoting a better understanding of the roles of Academic Leaders and Administrative Heads in carrying out the University’s core functions, enhancing college management through effective customer care, communication, and documentation practices, and advancing teaching, research, and innovation to produce job-ready graduates.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Industry Academia Exchange: Strengthening Collaboration for Skills Development and Innovation

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Realizing a gap between the Academia and Industry, the School of Engineering hosted a workshop on 16th, April 2025 aimed at strengthening the collaboration for Skills Development and Innovation to ensure that the engineering graduates have the relevant skills needed for the labor market and can contribute effectively to national development.

The workshop was officially opened by the Dean, School of Engineering Dr. Dorothy Okello who emphasized improving the relationship between the academia and industry by having continuous engagement and regularly inviting industry representatives to contribute to the curriculum. She proposed this engagement to be happening every two to three years, with a focus on regular discussions to enhance opportunities and align more closely with market needs aiming on collaboratively increasing productivity and improve the ultimate development for the involved parties.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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Engineering, Art & Tech

Navigating the Future, Through Academia and Industry Partnerships

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The School of Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) has hosted a 2-day Expert Group workshop from 14th-15th April 2025 with the participation of the academia, and industry representatives

Dr. Roseline Akol, who kick started the workshop with the opening remarks acknowledged that Makerere university was not in the race alone and neither was  it a sole trainer since other universities are also training in engineering and hence the need for collaboration. She also stated that there has to be a collaboration with industries because they have the ability to cause change through their research and development, feedback, industrial training and others. As a research led university, Dr. Roseline Akol said that Makerere wants to enhance knowledge generation, access and innovation for basic and applied research. “We want to go beyond innovation and maximize research by translating it into tangible works that is products and resources that can impact the community”, said Dr. Roseline Akol. She stated that most of the research conducted and the good reports written by the university students remains in shelves and was not being translated into a tangible products , and that this was the reason as to why Makerere University wanted to provide support to the researchers to attract funding from international sources through the project.

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Alex Isemaghendera

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