The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University has emerged as a national leader in vocational empowerment, earning praise from the National Building Review Board (NBRB) for its commitment to strengthening the technical capacity of construction site workers. The recognition came during the closing ceremony of a two‑day training workshop and exhibition, where artisans, technicians, and fundis were equipped with practical skills aligned to modern construction technologies.
Speaking on behalf of NBRB Executive Secretary Eng. Flavia Bwire, Eng. Dr. Morris Oleng commended CEDAT for bridging academic knowledge with industry needs. He emphasized that CEDAT’s initiative is a milestone in professionalizing Uganda’s construction sector, particularly at a time when inadequate training and substandard materials have contributed to building collapses. By offering structured, hands‑on training, CEDAT is directly addressing these challenges while empowering communities.
The initiative by Department of Urban and Regional Planning at CEDAT since 2023, has trained more than 700 artisans and technicians, with each cohort exceeding 100 participants. Dr. Tamale Amin Kiggundu, Head of Urban and Regional Planning, explained that the program was upgraded into an annual initiative due to overwhelming demand from youth seeking practical skills. Professors Anthony Gidudu and Moses Musinguzi underscored that CEDAT’s approach provides less formally educated youth with pathways to employment and entrepreneurship, positioning the college as a driver of inclusive development.
Sponsors such as Uganda National Oil Company, Plascon, Steel & Tube Industries Ltd, Hima Cement, and Crest Tanks Ltd offered technical support, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in raising onsite standards. Prof. Maria Kizito further urged parents to encourage their children to pursue vocational training, noting that such skills transform young people into job creators rather than job seekers.
CEDAT’s leadership in vocational training reflects Makerere University’s broader mission of societal transformation, equipping Uganda’s workforce with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to build safely and sustainably. The two‑day event brought together over 250 masons, builders, metal fabricators, painters, plumbers, and electricians from the Greater Kampala region. The workshop aimed to enhance skills in sustainable building design and modern construction technologies, while strengthening collaboration between academia, communities, government, and the private sector. Key objectives included assessing current skill levels, introducing innovative construction methods, improving knowledge of building codes, and developing leaders in Uganda’s construction sector. An exhibition of building materials from local manufacturers and suppliers ran alongside the training.
Uganda faces a shortage of decent housing and skilled manpower, and this initiative is part of Makerere University’s outreach strategy to empower informal contractors and contribute to national development.
Related News Articles
Written by Musinguzi Harriet, Principal Communication Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University.
Posted By Isemaghendera Alex, IT Officer, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University