Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) welcomed new entrants for the 2026/27 academic year during an orientation held in the CEDAT Conference Hall on August 4, 2026. The event that brought together both graduate and undergraduate students, was aimed at equipping them with the information and skills needed for a smooth transition into university life.
The programme focused on familiarizing students with the College’s teaching and learning environment, the academic calendar, university policies and procedures, library and ICT services, scholarship opportunities, leadership platforms, and student support services. The orientation was also aimed at preparing students for personal growth, leadership, and innovation as they navigate their academic careers.
CEDAT Principal Urges Freshers to Embrace Innovation and Integrity
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of CEDAT, while welcoming the new students to Makerere University, called upon them to embrace discipline, innovation, and integrity as they begin their academic journey. Prof. Musinguzi congratulated the new entrants for earning admission to one of Africa’s most distinguished universities. He reminded them that admission was both an honour and a responsibility, urging them to cultivate strong study habits, attend lectures consistently, and take practical sessions seriously.
Prof. Musinguzi highlighted the role of CEDAT in shaping Uganda’s future, noting that engineering, design, art, and technology disciplines are central to national development. He pointed to innovations such as the locally designed electric bus under Kira Motors Corporation as evidence of the College’s impact, encouraging students to think about the innovations they could contribute before graduation.
He cautioned students against academic dishonesty, stressing that integrity is the foundation of professional reputation. “A degree is valuable not because of the paper on which it is printed but because of the knowledge, competence, and integrity it represents,” he said.
The Principal also urged students to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and digital engineering, while combining them with creativity, ethics, and sound judgment. He emphasized collaboration across disciplines, noting that today’s challenges require teamwork among engineers, architects, planners, designers, and artists.
Prof. Musinguzi further encouraging students to participate actively in professional associations, innovation competitions, sports, and student leadership, reminding them that employers seek graduates with both technical competence and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The Deans Urge Freshers to Embrace Creativity, Innovation, and Integrity
The Deans of the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art, the School of the Built Environment, and the School of Engineering jointly welcomed first-year students to Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), calling on them to combine creativity with discipline and integrity as they begin their academic journey.
Assoc. Prof. Stephen Mukiibi, representing the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art, emphasized that the creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. He reminded students that their ideas, talent, and imagination are vital to shaping the future, but success at Makerere requires commitment, respect, and hard work. “Attend your lectures, meet deadlines, ask questions, respect your lecturers and fellow students, and use every opportunity to learn beyond the classrooms,” he advised, adding that curiosity should be their greatest strength as they interact with peers from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds.
The Dean of the School of the Built Environment highlighted the critical role of architects, planners, surveyors, and construction managers in national development. He urged students to take their training seriously, stressing that professionalism, responsibility, and integrity are essential in shaping Uganda’s infrastructure and communities.
The Dean of the School of Engineering pointed to innovations such as Uganda’s locally designed electric bus under Kira Motors Corporation as evidence of what CEDAT students can achieve. She encouraged freshers to embrace emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and digital engineering, while combining them with creativity, ethics, and sound judgment. “Your first days here should be directed to thinking about what innovation you should make before leaving the University. The College is ready to support you,” she said.
Together, the Deans assured students that CEDAT provides a conducive environment for learning and innovation, with all stakeholders committed to playing their roles effectively. They urged students to celebrate diversity, cultivate curiosity, and use every opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally.
Counsel on mental health concerns
Ms. Evelyn Kharono, a counselling psychologist from Makerere University’s Counselling and Guidance Center, advised first-year students to prioritize discipline, balance, and mental health as they begin their academic journey. She highlighted the major adjustments new students face, including managing time, finances, academic workload, and social life. “Develop discipline, plan your schedules carefully, and take responsibility for your academic progress, she said, noting that university life requires greater independence than secondary school. She stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, encouraging students to eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, and manage their use of smartphones and social media to avoid distractions that could undermine academic performance.
Tuition Payments and Vigilance against Fraud
The first-year students were urged to strictly follow official tuition payment procedures and exercise financial discipline during the ongoing orientation programme. Ms. Rosette Mbabazi who spoke on behalf of the College Bursar explained the Makerere University Tuition Policy, emphasizing the importance of using the official university portal and generating Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs) before making any payments. She urged the students to frequently consult the Bursars office to avoid being inconvenienced along the way.
Ms. Caroline Nannono the College Registrar emphasized the need for students to understand the different steps they need to go through before they become bonafide students , including enrolment, registration, and fees payment procedures. She explained that enrolment confirms a student’s intention to study at the University, while registration enables them to select and officially register course units for the semester. She cautioned the students against fraudulent investment schemes and unrealistic business opportunities that promise unusually high returns.
ICT Directorate Introduces Freshers to Digital Services
Speaking to the new entrants, Arthur Moses Opio from the Directorate of ICT Support highlighted the various areas where students can access and utilize information technology resources. He emphasized the role of ICT in enhancing learning, research, and communication across the University. Opio encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the University’s digital systems, including the online portals for course registration, tuition payment, and library access. He noted that effective use of ICT tools would not only ease their transition into university life but also improve their productivity and academic performance.
Written by Musinguzi Harriet,
Principal Communication Officer, CEDAT