Mr. Marc Grechi, Country Director for Sogea Satom (L) Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal CEDAT pose for a picture after signing the MOU
Makerere University has signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sogea Satom to enhance collaboration between academia and industry. This strategic partnership is set to foster research, innovation, and talent development, creating new opportunities for students and faculty alike.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Marc Grechi, Country Director for Sogea Satom, and Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University. During the signing ceremony, Dr. Abubaker Wasswa Matovu, representing the Dean of the School of Engineering, expressed excitement about the partnership. He emphasized the university’s commitment to solving industry challenges through cutting-edge research, particularly in the energy sector. Dr. Matovu highlighted the benefits for students, including industrial attachments and internships that could inspire final year projects aimed at addressing real-world problems.
Mr. Marc Grechi, Country Director for Sogea Satom
Mr. Marc Grechi provided an overview of Sogea Satom’s extensive operations in Africa, as a subsidiary of France-based VINCI Construction. He highlighted the company’s significant projects in Uganda since 1990, with the Katosi Water Treatment Plant as a notable achievement. Grechi underscored the importance of attracting talent in Uganda and helping students familiarize themselves with the company’s operations, thereby supporting their journey towards becoming skilled professionals.
Prof. Moses Musinguzi welcomed Sogea Satom to CEDAT, introducing the various schools within the college and identifying potential areas for collaboration, such as internships, industry demonstrations, and guest lectures. He also stressed the need to equip students with practical skills and urged the company to support the college’s laboratories as part of their corporate responsibility.
This partnership between Makerere University and Sogea Satom is poised to bring about significant advancements in research, innovation, and talent development, strengthening the bond between academia and industry.
Written by Harriet Musinguzi, Principal Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology
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.