The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University is proud to host the VCM Design Week 2026, an annual exhibition organized by the Department of Visual Communication and Multimedia (DVCM). Running from June 1–6, 2026 at the Makerere University Art Gallery, the exhibition showcases the creativity, innovation, and professional readiness of junior designers from the Bachelor of Visual Communication, Design and Multimedia (BVCM) program.
Leadership Engagement
On June 5, 2026, The Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Prof. Moses Musinguzi visited the exhibition at the Margaret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Arts (MTSIFA). He commended the students for their outstanding work and emphasized that “innovation is a continuous journey”, encouraging them to advance their ideas beyond the gallery into practical solutions for society.
National Stakeholder Support
The exhibition attracted high-profile leaders who underscored its national significance:
- Robert Mukiza, Director General of the Uganda Investment Authority, commissioned the inaugural exhibition on June 1, 2026, affirming institutional support for young innovators.
- Alan Kasujja, Director of the Uganda Media Centre, visited on June 5, 2026. He praised the students’ creativity and pledged to connect them to markets, ensuring their work contributes to Uganda’s creative economy.
Impact on Community and National Development
- Youth Empowerment: The exhibition inspires young Ugandans to pursue careers in design and innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
- Market Linkages: Partnerships with national institutions ensure student work reaches commercial platforms, strengthening Uganda’s creative industries.
- Investment Attraction: UIA’s involvement opens pathways for funding and incubation, enabling student innovations to scale into community solutions.
- Cultural Enrichment: By promoting contemporary Ugandan design practices, the exhibition enriches national identity and cultural heritage.
- Academia-Industry Collaboration: The event bridges Makerere University with industry stakeholders, preparing graduates to contribute directly to national development goals.
Celebrating the First Cohort
This year’s exhibition featured the inaugural 2023 BVCM cohort, marking a historic milestone for the program. The Department celebrated its first graduates while promoting contemporary Ugandan visual communication design practices that align with national development priorities.
VCM Design Week 2026 demonstrates how academic innovation can fuel community empowerment, cultural enrichment, and national progress. By connecting students to industry and government, Makerere University continues to position itself as a hub for Ugandan design innovation and sustainable development.
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