CEDAT Open Day Conference Addresses Green Skills for Green Jobs

Some of the exhibitors show case their innovation

The College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) successfully hosted its 2025 Open Day on March 13th and 14th, bringing together students, industry leaders, and policymakers to champion sustainability and innovation. Organized by the Makerere Engineering Students Association (MES), the event aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the pivotal role of green skills in shaping a sustainable future.

Dubbed “The CEDAT Open Day and Exhibition,” the event was aimed to empower students, enhance collaboration between academia and industry, and raise public awareness about green skills and their role in shaping a sustainable future. It also aimed to bridge the gap between students and private sector companies, providing a platform for budding engineers to showcase their creativity, connect with professionals, and gain insights into the evolving green economy. Interactive workshops and panel discussions were an avenue to further fuel innovation and inspire actionable solutions to environmental and related challenges.

Some of the stakeholders that were at the open day

The initiative also aligns with government efforts to promote green jobs, providing an avenue for policy alignment and talent pool development. Companies committed to sustainability are expected to leverage the event to identify purpose-driven talent and explore future collaborations.

While addressing the students at the conference, Professor Moses Musinguzi, the Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), urged them to prioritize membership in professional associations, calling it an essential step in shaping successful careers.  He emphasized the importance of viewing university education as the foundational phase of their professional journey. He underscored the unique opportunities offered by associations like the Uganda Professional Engineers Association (UIPE), such as access to mentorship, conferences, and structured development programs, which facilitate smooth certification processes for aspiring engineers and other professions.

“These experiences not only refine your skills but also ease the path toward becoming certified professionals,” he remarked. However, the Principal expressed disappointment at the low student participation in such associations, urging greater involvement. “Don’t turn your back on this vital opportunity for your future,” he encouraged them.

Professor Moses Musinguzi, CEDAT Principal addressed the participants at the conference

In addition to promoting professional development, Prof. Musinguzi stressed the significance of fostering innovation and analytical thinking. He urged students to challenge conventional methods and explore creative solutions, noting that innovation is a crucial factor for global competitiveness. Highlighting the success of nations that have leveraged human resources and technology, he called on students to reflect on their environment and actively question the status quo to unlock their creative potential.

Other speakers at the conference included the Vice President of UIPE, Eng. Henry Mpuuga, who said the organization was ready to support research and innovation through training. ‘We have knowledge but do not transfer it to make money he said while emphasizing the need to establish whether the undertaking was a project or an innovation. You need to understand whether you want to demonstrate the use of existing software or go to industry and make money, he advised the students about their innovations while encouraging them to aim at making money out of the innovations.

Assoc. Prof.  Dorothy Okello addressed participants at the conference

The Dean of the School of Engineering, Assoc. Prof.  Dorothy Okello said the school wanted to move away from the final year project but move a step further to the market.  While congratulating the students for their work done over two semesters, Assoc. Prof. Okello urged the students to be conscious of the problems they aim to solve using technology. She further commended the support rendered by the industry in training upcoming engineers by availing opportunities for internships and industrial placements, which help in building the needed skills and also enabling the College to produce engineers who are fit for the purpose.

Several stakeholders participated in the open day activities. They included Sogea Satom, ATC Uganda, Cadence Design Systems, UIPE, and UETCL. They  exposed opportunities available for the students ranging from Internship placements, training in soft skills, taking students as trainees,

The Panelists included Sogea Satom, ATC Uganda, Cadence Design Systems, UIPE, and UETCL.

Emerging Innovations pitched by the students

On day one of the event, students pitched groundbreaking projects under the 2025 Cadence Program, which aimed to foster innovation, sustainability, and practical solutions to everyday challenges. The program’s mentorship, funding, and technical guidance propelled a range of initiatives that promise to revolutionize various sectors.

MOTOFIX Asiimire Patricia from the College of Computing and Information Sciences) pitched MOTOFIX, an innovation aimed at streamlining traffic flow across crucial border roads like the Northern Corridor, with plans to extend its impact regionally.

AI-Enhanced Waste-to-Energy Recycling System Motivated by waste management challenges, Segane Stuart from the College of Computing and Information Sciences showcased a system powered by AI robotics to classify and process waste into renewable energy.

AI-Driven Predictive Power Management System by Michael Tumuhaise and Heli Prajapati from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, developing a system that utilizes AI and IoT to optimize electricity usage, aiming to prevent power outages in Uganda’s prepaid system.

ECOFRIEND by Ainebyoona Oscar from the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology, which is a mobile app for effective waste management.

Solar Still with Photovoltaic System for Water Purification by Kihika Kyomuhendo and Mukasi Mark worked on a solar-powered water purification system that addresses waterborne diseases in rural Uganda.

ML-Powered Irrigation System for Agriculture by Amwine Nickson and Kakeeto Francis Creavins, from the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology who have developed an AI-driven irrigation system to address high water and labor costs for farmers.

Recycled Paper Phone Case (Ecophone) by Atuhaire Trevor Wamara is a project that transforms recycled paper into biodegradable phone cases as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic.

Water-Powered Pumping Machine by Blessed Antangaize Baguma from the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology) is addressing water shortages in rural areas with a hydraulic-powered pump that works without electricity.

AgroPlus – AI-Powered Agricultural Monitoring by Ijoot Anthony developed an AI and IoT to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pest control in agriculture.

Remote Monitoring System for EV Chargers; Anyole Jared and Besigye Mukama are designing an IoT-based system to enhance efficiency and safety in monitoring EV charger performance.

PhoenixLearn: Derrick Samuel Gyoga is prototyping an AI-driven e-learning platform that personalizes study experiences and equips teachers with performance analytics.

Sortify: Muyama Monica (College of Computing and Information Sciences) is working on a smart waste management system that streamlines sorting and recycling.

The Smart Water Management System Mbabazi Angel has developed a water management system using sensors and AI for real-time monitoring.

CEDAT’s events attract students, industry leaders, and policymakers, all united by a shared vision of fostering a sustainable, greener future.

Click on Pictorial to Access the Gallery of the innovations and exhibition