Students and staff from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University have completed one week of intensive fieldwork in the Manafwa Catchment, Eastern Uganda, under the DIGITWATER Project.
According to Dr. Jotham Sempewo, the Principal Investigator based at CEDAT, since March 2, 2026, students and staff conducted field activities in the Manafwa River Catchment, collecting critical data on hydrology, water quality, irrigation agronomy at the Doho Irrigation Scheme, and exploring nature-based solutions. The findings, he observed, will inform practical strategies for improved catchment management
The project coordinated by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) brings together 10 partner organizations from Europe and Africa, and is focused on designing innovative and sustainable solutions for water resources management.
“This fieldwork has given our students the opportunity to connect theory with practice, while addressing real challenges in water resources management,” said Dr.Sempewo, Lecturer at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). “It is a transformative experience that prepares them to become leaders in sustainable water solutions.”
The DIGITWATER Project is an EU-funded initiative aimed at digitally transforming higher education and research in water resources management, with a strong focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. It combines field-based learning, digital tools, and international collaboration to train the next generation of water professionals. DIGITWATER partners include IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands), Eummena BV (Belgium), Sakarya University (Türkiye), and universities in Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Africa.
