Edited by Kikomeko Pius & Harriet Musinguzi
On January 6th, 2026, the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University witnessed a landmark academic event as Mr. Jeffy Briton Ssemuddu successfully defended his PhD dissertation titled “Advancing Safety and Sustainability Through Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Integration in the Cement Manufacturing Sector in Uganda.”
The defense, held in the CEDAT New Board Room, brought together a distinguished panel of academics and industry representatives. The panelists included Associate Professor Dorothy Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering; Associate Professor Charles Niwagaba from Civil and Environmental Engineering; Associate Professor Micheal Lubwama and Dr. Betty Nabuma from Mechanical Engineering; Professor Henry Alinaitwe from Architecture; and Dr. Joshua Mutambi from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperation. The candidate was supervised by Professor John Baptist Kirabira and Associate Professor Peter W. Olupot, with Associate Professor Samson Rwahwize serving as the official opponent.
A Well-Managed and Professional Event
The defense was graced by Professor Moses Musinguzi, Principal of CEDAT, who praised the School of Engineering for organizing a professional and accessible event. Both physical and online attendance were strong, reflecting the broad interest in the candidate’s research.
Professor Musinguzi noted that the panelists demonstrated exceptional professionalism, asking insightful and constructive questions that elevated the academic rigor of the defense. He emphasized that the outdated practice of minimizing candidates during defenses is fading, replaced by respectful and supportive engagement.
Research Impact and National Relevance
Associate Professor Micheal Lubwama congratulated the candidate and supervisors, highlighting the innovative predictive risk models developed using hybrid optimization techniques. He noted that the research has significant potential to transform occupational safety and sustainability practices in Uganda’s cement industry.
Dr. Lubwama further observed that CEDAT should take a central role in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) nationally, given that many OSHE systems revolve around engineering disciplines such as construction, building, and industrial operations. While the Ministry of Gender and Labour leads OSHE policy, the practical deployment of labour occurs within engineering systems, CEDAT’s domain of expertise.
A Celebration of Excellence
The defense was not only an academic milestone for Mr. Ssemuddu but also a celebration of multidisciplinary collaboration. The strong interest from industry representatives underscored the practical relevance of the research, while the public engagement reflected the importance of integrating safety, health, and environmental sustainability into Uganda’s industrial future.
The event set a new benchmark for professionalism, relevance, and academic excellence at Makerere University.
Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Brighton Ssemuddu, his supervisors, and the School of Engineering for advancing knowledge that bridges academia, industry, and national development.
Photos taken by Kikomeko Pius
Posted By Isemaghendera Alex, IT Officer CEDAT