On 4th August 2025, a team from the project to Advance Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) knowledge and skills in Uganda’s higher education institutions and industrial sectors, led by Dr. Abubakar Waswa, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Makerere University, recently visited the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) for a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening workplace safety practices.
The visit was part of a broader initiative supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK to promote OSHE integration in engineering education and industrial operations across Uganda. The project, hosted at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, seeks to establish Centers of Excellence in OSHE at Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Busitema University, while also building capacity among students, faculty, and industry professionals.
During the meeting with UIRI, the OSHE team emphasized several critical areas:
- Health and Safety Certification: The team underscored the importance of certifying staff in occupational safety and health to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and awareness to prevent workplace hazards.
- Health and Safety Audits: Regular audits were recommended as a proactive measure to identify risks, improve compliance, and foster a culture of safety within industrial environments.
- Integration into Daily Operations: The discussion focused on practical strategies for embedding OSHE principles into UIRI’s day-to-day activities, from machinery handling and laboratory protocols to SME outreach and staff training.
Dr. ABubaker Waswa Matovu, the Principal Investigator (L), together with Dr. Serugunda ®, at the meeting
Such discussions matter a lot because Uganda continues to face significant challenges in workplace safety, with over 25,000 injuries reported annually and many more going undocumented. Additionally, a large percentageof engineering graduates enter the workforce without formal OSHE training, leaving them vulnerable and less prepared for industrial environments.
The team’s visit marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between academia and industry in promoting occupational safety. By working collaboratively with institutions like UIRI, the OSHE project aims to build a safer, more resilient workforce and contribute to Uganda’s industrial transformation.