Representing the Minister of Education and Sports at the CEDAT Open Day, Hon. Charles Bakabulindi commended students of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology for the innovations exhibited. He however challenged them to improve on their level of skills and innovativeness. “You cannot be called an engineer unless you are innovative” he said.
In her Speech, the Minister for Education and Sports called upon the students to be creative on top of the knowledge gained from class. The minister noted that “Uganda needs not only scientists and engineers, but creative people. The innovations that I have seen show a great sense of creativity. Such people will be the ones to move this country to a knowledge based and modern society”.
Hon. Janet Museveni confirmed Government support towards technological innovations and advancement fostered towards addressing Youth unemployment. “The government is working towards increasing investments in research and innovation so that the work displayed today can be supported more and scaled up. The Ministry will also work towards improving technical skills, and support technology entrepreneurship, especially among the youth.”
The minister appreciated CEDAT for the profound investment in research, innovation and technological advancement in particular Kiira EV with 3 prototype vehicles. She called upon the researchers to invent solar water pumps to curb down the problem of water during seasons of drought and improve food security in the nation.
Principal of CEDAT, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe warmly welcomed the Guests and all participants at CEDAT for the Sixth Annual CEDAT Students’ Open Day. He explained to the guests gathered that the Open day is for students and CEDAT to show case a few of the things that the College has done and those it has potential to do.
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba Ssentammu also graced the event and in his remarks, he thanked the Government of Uganda for supporting Makerere University particularly through the various projects such as the Presidential Initiative and the African Development Bank Funded projects.
The Vice Chancellor cited the Kiira EV Project which has been taken up by Government for commercialization and MakaPads project which has been taken on as a community outreach. He also made mention of research in solar irrigation pumps that is also on going at the College.
Prof. Ssentamu appealed to the Ministry of Education and Sports to partner with Makerere University in growing the number of beneficiaries of Maka Pads so that girls can be kept in schools and he pledged to continue working closely with the Ministry to advance High Education Service provision.
The CEDAT Students represented by Mr. Muyanja Emmanuel the President of The Makerere Engineering Society (MES) and Chairman of the Open Day Organizing Committee appreciated the Government for the support to Student Projects at CEDAT especially the Kiira EV in promoting Science and technological innovations in the country.
