The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering at Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) has a new Head of Department following the handover of office from Assoc. Prof. Robinah Kulabako to Dr. Philip Nyenje.
The handover ceremony, held at CEDAT on Monday, October 5, was attended by college leadership, staff, and members of the School of Engineering.
In her farewell remarks, Assoc. Prof. Kulabako appreciated staff and the management of the college and the department for the good working relationships she had over the past nine and a half years. She urged the incoming head to remain committed to doing what is right, even in difficult circumstances.
She noted that leadership does not require perfection, but rather competence, accountability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Reflecting on her nine-and-a-half-year tenure, she encouraged Dr. Nyenje to embrace selfless leadership and focus on building lasting institutional impact.
Assoc. Prof. Kulabako said that throughout her leadership journey, she continually reflected on three key questions: what she had accomplished, who had become more capable through her mentorship, and what would remain stronger after her term of office.
Speaking at the ceremony, CEDAT Deputy Principal Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule praised Assoc. Prof. Kulabako for her integrity and dedicated service to the department and college.
“People are often quick to point out mistakes despite the effort invested in serving others. I have worked with you and found you to be trustworthy and a person of clear conscience,” he said.
Assoc. Prof. Kasule noted that Dr. Nyenje assumes office at a time when the college faces significant challenges, particularly in maintaining quality standards during the recruitment of students and staff. He encouraged him to work towards maintaining the standards of the department and the college in every decision he takes.
The Dean of the School of Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Dorothy Okello, commended the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for intentionally nurturing future leaders and ensuring a smooth transition.
She described the role of Head of Department as challenging but essential to the success of an academic unit. She also applauded Assoc. Prof. Kulabako for her stewardship of the department and her contribution to strengthening gender representation within the college leadership.
Welcoming Dr. Nyenje to his new role, Assoc. Prof. Okello pledged her support and commitment to working closely with him to advance the department’s academic and research agenda.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Nyenje thanked colleagues and members of the School of Engineering for the confidence they had placed in him.
“I wish to thank my colleagues in the department for giving me this mandate. It is fulfilling, a privilege and an honor, although it comes with great responsibility,” he said.
Dr. Nyenje paid tribute to Assoc. Prof. Kulabako for her dedicated service, particularly her commitment to mentoring students and staff and her passion for capacity building. He described her leadership as humble and transformative, noting that her efforts had contributed significantly to the department’s growth over the years.
The incoming Head of Department pledged to lead with diligence, humility, and fairness. He committed to promoting research and innovation, mobilising resources for the department, and working collaboratively with staff and students to further strengthen teaching, learning, and service delivery.
The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as it continues to advance its academic, research, and professional contributions to the engineering sector and national development.