Incoming graduate students in the School of Engineering have been urged to work towards timely completion of the two-year program by adhering to the provisions contained in the graduate handbook. Students were further encouraged to attend the lectures, undertake all assignments and ensure that set deadlines are met.
The Deputy Principal CEDAT, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule presided over the meeting where the students were congratulated upon getting enrolled through a very competitive process. In his remarks, the Deputy Principal encouraged the students to work towards gaining skills that would enable them get self- employed. He cautioned them against engaging in any form of malpractice which he said was not only punishable but could lead to dismissal and cancellation of the academic papers. Kizito further cautioned them against the vice of sexual harassment among students and staff.
The Deputy Principal CEDAT, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule presiding over the meeting
During the orientation meeting held on Wednesday 14th August 2024, the Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Dorothy Okello informed the incoming students that the competition for the limited slots of graduate studies was on the rise each passing year, and advised them to utilize the opportunity before them by taking their studies with the seriousness it deserves in order to complete timely. She said it was only 40% of the applicants that were admitted, and therefore the college had high expectations from them as the best of all the applicants. She encouraged them to join research groups, look out for opportunities like student exchange programs involving international collaboration in order to expand their horizons.
Dr. Dorothy Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering, Makerere University
The graduate students were reminded that by virtue of enrolling on a masters’ programs, graduate students were researchers and that they needed to start thinking of designing software and prototypes. For them to progress, they were encouraged to cultivate the right mindset and attitude, utilize all the available sources of knowledge as one of the ways through which they were to undertake research and complete their program timely.
Other staff that addressed the students included, the Head of Department, Electrical and Computer engineering, Dr. Abubaker Matovu Wasswa, the Head of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Dr. Robinah Kulabako, the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr. Peter Olupot, Dr. Edmund Mugumya, Prof Lating, and the School Registrar.
The graduate students enrolled on various programs in the School of Engineering, including Masters in power systems engineering, Masters in mechanical engineering, Masters in civil and environmental engineering.
This academic year 2024/2025, the University opened its gates to freshmen and women on 3rd August 2024. Inducting students into the University commenced on Monday, 5th August 2024 with a University-wide orientation organized by the Office of the Academic Registrar and conducted in the Freedom Square.
Year 4 Civil Engineering students at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the field, visiting Kasozi Health Centre III inWakiso District to witness the drilling of a new borehole. This is a transformative project set to address the center’s persistent water supply challenges. For both staff and patients, this infrastructure promises a more reliable and sustainable resource.
For the students, the experience was more than just observation. It was a vivid demonstration of how theoretical knowledge in hydraulics and soil mechanics translates into practical solutions for real-world problems.
From Data Collection to Community Impact
This milestone was the culmination of months of collaboration. The Rotary Club of Kiwenda first identified the need for a borehole and mapped out the most strategic location for drilling. Earlier, as part of the WALLACE project facilitated by Engineers Without Borders – EastAfrica, a multidisciplinary team of our students collected site data at the health center. Their insights directly informed the borehole’s placement, allowing them to see their academic work evolve into a tangible community asset.
CEDAT extend our sincere gratitude to the Rotary Club of Kiwenda for funding and organizing this vital project, and for inviting our students to witness the drilling. Special thanks also go to Engineers Without Borders – East Africa for providing such an impactful learning opportunity through the WALLACE project. This initiative highlights the power of partnerships in bridging the gap between education and meaningful action, empowering students to contribute to solutions that improve lives.
Students and staff from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University have completed one week of intensive fieldwork in the Manafwa Catchment, Eastern Uganda, under the DIGITWATER Project.
According to Dr. Jotham Sempewo, the Principal Investigator based at CEDAT, since March 2, 2026, students and staff conducted field activities in the Manafwa River Catchment, collecting critical data on hydrology, water quality, irrigation agronomy at the Doho Irrigation Scheme, and exploring nature-based solutions. The findings, he observed, will inform practical strategies for improved catchment management
The project coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) brings together 10 partner organizations from Europe and Africa, and is focused on designing innovative and sustainable solutions for water resources management.
The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University has officially added a brand-new executive bus to its fleet, a milestone that underscores the institution’s commitment to improving mobility and efficiency for staff and students.
The 41-seater bus, valued at UGX 500 million, received Monday March 9, 2026 is a product of Kiira Motors Corporation. It is equipped with modern features designed to ensure comfort and safety during travel. This acquisition will significantly reduce the logistical challenges previously faced in arranging transportation for official trips and academic activities.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of CEDAT, received the bus from Mr. Tonny Seruyange, Transport Officer at the Directorate of Estates and Works. Speaking at the handover, Prof. Musinguzi expressed optimism about the impact of the new bus:
“This addition will greatly improve our mobility and coordination, easing transportation challenges and fostering greater efficiency in our operations. It is a step forward in supporting our academic mission and enhancing the experience of both staff and students.”
The new bus represents a strategic investment in infrastructure that strengthens Makerere University’s ability to deliver on its academic and institutional goals.