Assoc. Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art & Technology
It is my pleasure to present to you the CEDAT annual report for the year 2023. This report highlights the major achievements and the challenges faced during the period under review. The report further provides an overview of the colleges’ performance regarding the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2019/2020-2029/2030.
As you might be aware, I took over the mantle of College Principal on the 2nd of October 2023, together with the Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule. This was during the third quarter of the implementation of the planned activities for the year under review. It is based on this fact that I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to our predecessors, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Dr. Venny Nakazibwe, the Principal and Deputy Principal respectively, for the leadership of the College until the end of their tenure. Much of what is reported therefore is greatly attributed to their effort. That notwithstanding, I take this honor to appreciate the appointing authority for giving me this opportunity to serve and to the CEDAT community for the warm reception and cordial working relations enjoyed so far.
We have a task before us as per our mandate of teaching and learning, research and innovation, as well as knowledge transfer and partnerships. This is no mean task and it calls for concerted effort by all the stakeholders including the students, the academia, and the industry. During my reconnaissance to bring myself up-to-date with the college and the state of affairs as a new leader, I interacted with key administrative units of the college including the centers, the three Schools, namely the School of Engineering, School of the Built Environment, and the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art. Several issues came up, both positive and negative and these need appropriate action if we are to maintain CEDAT as a Home of Innovations. I am optimistic that with the team spirit exhibited at CEDAT, a lot will be realized as we play our specified roles
I extend my sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders including but not limited to all CEDAT staff, students, alumni, partners, funders, and service providers for your unwavering commitment to serving humanity. I entreat you to keep the spirit alive as we journey together toward realizing the vision and mission of Makerere University
We are looking forward to an even more successful period ahead of us, and together definitely we shall achieve all we set out to do
Assoc. Prof. Moses Musinguzi Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) has a new Head of Department following the handover of office from Assoc. Prof. Robinah Kulabako to Dr. Philip Nyenje.
The handover ceremony, held at CEDAT on Monday, October 5, was attended by college leadership, staff, and members of the School of Engineering.
In her farewell remarks, Assoc. Prof. Kulabako appreciated staff and the management of the college and the department for the good working relationships she had over the past nine and a half years. She urged the incoming head to remain committed to doing what is right, even in difficult circumstances.
She noted that leadership does not require perfection, but rather competence, accountability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Reflecting on her nine-and-a-half-year tenure, she encouraged Dr. Nyenje to embrace selfless leadership and focus on building lasting institutional impact.
Assoc. Prof. Kulabako said that throughout her leadership journey, she continually reflected on three key questions: what she had accomplished, who had become more capable through her mentorship, and what would remain stronger after her term of office.
The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University organized a counselling and guidance session for Architecture students following the death of their colleague, the late Kevin Kabuye.
The session, held in the Year Four studio on Monday, October 5th 2026, aimed to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and encouragement while fostering resilience and solidarity within the student community. It brought together students, lecturers, parents, professional leaders, and counsellors to offer comfort and practical support during a difficult period of grief and loss.
Speakers included parent representative Mugume Rina, Chairperson of the Architects Registration Board, Arch. Miriam Lawino, CEDAT Deputy Principal, Associate Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, and Connie Kharono from the Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre, as well as the lecturers led by the Head of Department Architecture, Dr. Ssemwogerere Kenneth. The speakers shared messages of comfort, strength, hope, and resilience, encouraging students to support one another and remain focused on their personal wellbeing and academic aspirations.
Addressing the students, the speakers emphasized the importance of seeking help when overwhelmed, maintaining strong support networks, and embracing healthy coping mechanisms during periods of grief. They noted that loss can be challenging to navigate but that healing is strengthened through community, compassion, and mutual support.
‘There is a need for stronger, more practical partnership between universities and industry in order to push ideas from the laboratories to society’.
This was a statement made by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe who also noted that Ugandan research and innovation will only deliver national benefit if ideas are pushed to ensure they benefit the people.
Prof Nawangwe was represented by the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Prof. Moses Musinguzi at the opening of the 10th National Conference on Communications Conference (NCC 2026), hosted at Makerere University under the theme “Accelerating Market-Driven Innovation for Uganda’s Development.” The conference brought together academia, government, regulators, industry players, students and innovators to discuss varied aspects of communication research and technology.