Engineering, Art & Tech
The 7th Advances in Geomatics Conference successfully convened at Makerere University.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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