By Kikomeko Pius
An unmistakable sense of excitement and innovation filled the air at the Protea Hotel Kampala by Marriott on Friday, August 15th, 2025 as the winners of the UETCL-CEDAT Post Research Innovation Challenge, Patrick Benjamin Makanga and Florence Konga Simon were crowned for their innovation: An IOT System to Curb Vandalism on Transmission Networks.
This was after careful deliberation from the judges that included Dr. Donna Namujju and Dr. Bakkabulindi Geofrey from Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art & Technology (CEDAT) who were joined by senior engineers from Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
The day was a culmination of years of hard work, showcasing the brilliant solutions developed by our own 4th year engineering students to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in Uganda’s electricity transmission sector.
This achievement was not born overnight. Its roots trace back to January 2022, when Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art & Technology (CEDAT) and the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The vision was clear: to create a symbiotic relationship where academic rigor meets industry needs, fostering a new generation of engineers equipped to solve real-world problems.
UETCL presented our students with industry-based challenges, and our students, guided by dedicated faculty, rose to the occasion, turning complex problems into opportunities for innovation.
The event was officially opened by Eng. Diana Nakabugo, Chairperson of the Pioneer UETCL Junior Board. She expressed her honor in being part of the collaboration that, over three years, nurtured the 8 ground breaking projects that were the day’s centerpiece.
Our own Dr. Abubaker Matovu Waswa, Head of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Dr. Jane Namaganda, Head of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and the lead contact for the project, in their opening remarks shared details of the journey. They explained that of 11 topics proposed by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), 8 were selected by students and supervisors for deep research. On this day, 7 complete projects were presented for the challenge, alongside 2 additional bonus topics, presenting the diverse collection of work produced by the students.
Each student team delivered a compelling 12 minute presentation, followed by an intense 3 minute Q&A with the judges and audience. The depth of research and creativity on display was truly inspiring.
The challenge presentations included:
- Developing a Smart System to Mitigate Frequency Instability Caused by Integration of Large-Scale Solar PV Systems on the Grid – Presented by Asiimwe Atamba and Mutsyaba Victor.
- Implementing Reliability-Centered Maintenance to Enhance UETCL’s Grid Performance – Presented by Jacky Akirapa and Princess Nabimanya.
- Protection Coordination of the Power Grid with Increasing Penetration of variable renewable energies – Presented by David Baluuku and Prosper Muriisa.
- Design and Simulation of a Digital Substation – Case Study of Lugogo Substation – Presented by Kerera Deo and Kuteesakwe Dorcus.
- Development of Concrete Monopole Super-Structure Design for the Owen Falls – Lugogo 132KV Line – Presented by Ndagire Janat Mugalu and Matsiko Ernest.
- An IOT System to Curb Vandalism on Transmission Networks: a Case of UETCL – Presented by Patrick Benjamin Makanga and Florence Konga Simon.
- A Transmission Losses Reduction Model for the UETCL Network – Presented by Yashaba Cynthia and Kabi Jenkins Joel.
The bonus presentations included:
- Design and Simulation of an Automatic Generation Control System for Real-time Power Balance of Uganda’s Power Grid – Presented by Ampaire Christine and Kagina Shillah.
- Techno-Economic Analysis of the Impact of Bulk Consumers Connecting Directly to the Transmission Network – Presented by Shallon Nimwesiga and Gloria Wanderemah.
The grand prize of UGX 2 million was awarded to Patrick Benjamin Makanga and Florence Konga Simon for their highly relevant and timely project, An IOT System to Curb Vandalism on Transmission Networks. Their solution directly addresses a major operational and financial challenge for Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).
- 1st RUNNER-UP: Ndagire Janat Mugalu and Matsiko Ernest were recognized for their excellent work on the Development of Concrete Monopole Super-Structure Design.
- 2nd RUNNER-UP: Yashaba Cynthia and Kabi Jenkins Joel secured the third spot with their impactful Transmission Losses Reduction Model for the UETCL Network.
The event concluded with inspiring remarks from key leaders. The Ag. CEO of UETCL, Eng. Richard Matsiko, praised the hard work of everyone involved and promised that this was just the beginning, pledging to collaborate more like this in the future. He added that we should embrace such a cause and keep working towards it so as to have a meaningful impact on the country’s transformation.
Giving the final closing remarks, Dr. Dorothy Okello, Dean of Makerere University, School of Engineering, eloquently stated that she believes Makerere University, School of Engineering is the home of innovation in Uganda but still needs a little work to cement that belief. She made a powerful call for more development at Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art & Technology for example a close to real power lab to give students hands-on, industry-standard experience and Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) engineers to come have a look and give recommendations on where they can improve. In a gesture of true partnership, she also warmly invited UETCL engineers to also contribute as guest lecturers, enriching our students’ learning with invaluable insights directly from the field.
This event was more than a competition, it was a testament to the incredible talent within Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art & Technology (CEDAT) and the transformative potential of bridging the gap between the lecture hall and the industry. We are immensely proud of all our students and grateful to UETCL for this invaluable partnership. Onwards and upwards.
