Finalist Bachelor of Fine Art students 2021-2024 showcased their work spanning their academic journey while on the program in the exhibition held at the Makerere Art Gallery/Institute of Heritage Conservation and Restoration from 14th to 30th June 2024.
The “Best of Me” exhibition is a culmination of the tireless dedication and exceptional talent of the final-year students. The exhibition marked the end of their Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Arts program at Makerere University and the beginning of professional artistic careers.
The unique collection, spanning an impressive array of course units, marked the end of an era and the beginning of countless artistic journeys. Each piece in the exhibition was a testament to the dedication, talent, and diverse skill set of remarkable students, who exhibited a mastery of the intricate arts of photography, painting, structural textile, applied textile, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, fashion design, illustration, communication design, and advertising design, weaving, and much more.
The exploration of the exhibition was an encounter with a vast spectrum of sizes, materials, and functionalities, each thoughtfully chosen to enhance the themes conveyed. The works delved into a rich tapestry of subjects, reflecting the depth and breadth of the artists’ inspirations and experiences. From the vibrant celebration of cultural heritage to the nuanced explorations of womanhood and parenthood, the artworks offered profound insights into education, play, health, climate action, mental health awareness, weather, social-economic development, justice, crime, politics, and urbanization.
“The Best of Me” was not just an exhibition; it was a narrative of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of art. It was a tribute to the students’ journey, encapsulating their growth, learning, and the exceptional creativity that they honed over the years. This final showcase stands as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the Industrial and Fine Arts program and a celebration of the legacy it leaves behind.
From July 21st to 23rd, 2025, Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology proudly hosted two major international gatherings: the 2025 International Conference on the Cooperation and Integration of Industry, Education, Research and Application, and the2025 International Conference on Great Lakes Research.
During the Great Lakes Forum, Professor Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), underscored the critical importance of ongoing research into the Great Lakes, especiallyLake Victoria. He emphasized its ecological and socio-economic significance to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, while voicing concern over mounting threats from climate change and human activities particularly sedimentation and deteriorating water quality.
The forum served as a platform for scientists, policy makers, and regional stakeholders to collaborate on preserving the lake’s health and ensuring sustainable use of its resources for generations to come.
On Thursday, 17th July 2025, the studios at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art-MTSIFA came alive with artistic expression and design innovations as the Department of Industrial Arts and Applied Design (DIAAD) unveiled their inaugural Year three students’ exhibition for the Bachelor of Industrial Arts and Applied Design (BIAAD) programme.
This landmark event was graced by Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, alongside Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of the college. Their presence underscored the College’s commitment to nurturing creative thinkers and industry-ready professionals equipped with hands-on artistic practical skills.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Kasozi Dorah, Head of DIAAD, hailed the exhibition as a historic milestone both for the students and the dedicated staff in the department and the school at large. “We are celebrating not only the creative and academic achievements of our pioneer class of the BIAAD program,” she remarked, “but also a significant milestone for us as academic staff, the realization of our vision: to train innovative, research-oriented designers who can address societal challenges through design and applied arts.
Makerere University’s School of Engineering is leading a transformative initiative to reshape Uganda’s engineering landscape through legislative engagement, academic collaboration, and industry integration.
The School, headed by Prof. Dorothy Okello, at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), recently presented a comprehensive memorandum to Parliament on the proposed Engineering Professionals Bill 2024. The document, developed through extensive consultations with academia and industry, reflects the collective voice of Uganda’s engineering stakeholders.
Following the submission, a high-level meeting was convened on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at Makerere University’s CEDAT Boardroom. The gathering brought together officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, university deans, and representatives from the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) to address key recommendations and matters arising from the parliamentary presentation. The Deans of Various Engineering Schools that were at the meeting included the Universities of Gulu, Muni, Busitema, Kyambogo, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Christian University, together with the host, Makerere.