The Makerere University School of Engineering continues to prioritize student growth and innovation. From June 10–12, 2026, students across mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and public health disciplines benefited from the Nexus+ student training, facilitated by Engineers Without Borders–East Africa (EWB‑EA). This intensive program equipped participants with practical skills in Community Led Asset Resource Evaluation (CLARE), preparing them for real‑world field deployment and data collection.
The training emphasized that communities are not simply sources of information but vital partners in co‑creating sustainable solutions. Guided by facilitators Justin Otai and Brian Ngure, students learned to integrate empathy, collaboration, and technical expertise in their approach to engineering challenges. Through a dynamic mix of lectures, group work, presentations, and practical exercises, participants gained hands‑on experience that will serve them well in the field.
Peter Nzabanita, Executive Director of EWB‑EA, captured the essence of the program with a powerful reminder:
“It’s not all about engaging with the community, it is also about learning from them.”
A section of the participants at the training
He challenged students to measure success not by the number of interviews conducted but by the positive changes they leave behind. His words reinforced the importance of integrity, continuous self‑evaluation, and daily improvement in professional practice.
The Nexus+ training reflects Makerere University’s commitment to nurturing engineers who are not only technically competent but also socially conscious. By embedding community‑driven approaches into academic programs, the School of Engineering is shaping graduates who can bridge the gap between innovation and societal needs.
CEDAT is proud of its students for embracing this transformative learning experience and looks forward to seeing them apply their skills during upcoming field deployments. With support from EWB‑EA, the Nexus+ initiative is helping to shape a new generation of empathetic, community‑driven engineers who will contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s sustainable development.