Civil Engineering Year Four and Master’s students from Makerere University have taken part in a practical borehole drilling exercise at Kisozi Health Center III, an initiative that is set to transform water access for the facility and its surrounding community.
The field trip, organized under the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and guided by Dr. Philip M. Nyenje, was part of the Water Resources Engineering II course. Students observed the air rotary drilling method, using compressed air pressures of 300–900 psi, and learned key aspects of groundwater exploration including geophysical surveys, casing installation, aquifer identification, well development, and water quality testing.
Two aquifers were identified at depths of 35–40 meters and 65–78 meters, confirming the site’s potential to provide a reliable water source. The borehole lies within the Precambrian Basement Complex, a geological formation common in Uganda where groundwater is stored in weathered rock layers and fractured basement structures.
Beyond its academic value, the exercise carries significant community impact. The borehole will supply clean and safe water to the health center, reducing reliance on unsafe sources and improving hygiene standards. For patients and staff, reliable water access means better infection control, safer maternal care, and improved overall service delivery. The surrounding residents will also benefit, with reduced time spent fetching water and improved resilience against water scarcity.
“This project not only equips our students with practical engineering skills but also strengthens the health and wellbeing of the community,” said Dr. Nyenje.
The initiative underscores Makerere University’s commitment to linking education with community development, ensuring that academic exercises deliver tangible benefits to society.
Attached is the report of the filed trip.
Written By Musinguzi Harriet, Principal Communication Officer, CEDAT.
Posted by Isemaghendera Alex, IT Officer, CEDAT