Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, PhD

Areas of Research Interest: Vernacular Architecture and Informal Settlements.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe is currently the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University. Before that he served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in charge of Finance and Administration from  from September 2013 to August 2017.  Prof. Nawangwe is a Registered Professional Architect and has worked widely as a consulting Architect in Uganda and beyond. He also served as acting Principal, of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) from January 2011 to August 2013.  Prior to that, he was the Dean of Faculty of Technology (2002-2009) and Head of the Department of Architecture from its inception in 1989 to 2002. He has chaired several University committees, including the University Research, Administrative and Financial Reforms Committee. Prof. Nawangwe has supervised several Masters and PhD students. He has presented numerous papers at local and international conferences and published several articles in internationally reviewed journals and books. He has also been author to a number of research reports.

• Vice Chancellor of Makerere University
• Deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in charge of Finance and Administration from  from September 2013 to August 2017
• Ag. Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University (from January 2011 to August 2013.)
• Appointed Associate Professor, Department of Architecture (2004)
• Dean, Faculty of Technology, Makerere University (2003 – 2010)
• Associate Dean, Faculty of Technology (2000-2002)
• Head of Department of Architecture, (1987 – 2002)
• Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture (1996 -2004)
• Lecturer, Department of Architecture (1987-1996)
• Tutorial fellow, Kiev Institute of Building Sciences (1983-1986)

1. Chairman, Architects Registration Board
2. Member, Uganda Society of Architects
3. Registered Architect (No. 005)
4. Member, Practice Committee, International Union of Architects (No.153)
5. Member, African Association of Planners
6. Honorary member, Uganda Society of Professional Engineers
7. Member, the Uganda Society
8. Member, Board of Graduate Studies, Makerere University
9. Member, Examinations Committee, Makerere University
10. Member, Makerere University Senate
11. Member, Uganda National Council of Science and Technology
12. Member, Estates and Works Committee of Makerere University Council
13. Member, International Association of People-Environment Studies (IAPS)
14. Member, International Association for Housing Science

1. Past President,  Uganda Society of Architects
2. Honorary Secretary, Uganda Association for Housing Science
3. Chairman. Architects Registration Board.
4. Coordinator, Southern and Eastern Africa Research Cooperation for Habitat (SEARCH)
5. Chairman, Research Collaboration for the Universities of Dar es Salaam, Eduardo Mondlane and Makerere (Sida/SAREC supported)
6. Chairman, Physical Sciences Committee, Uganda National Council of Science and Technology
7. External Examiner, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology
8. External Examiner, University College of Lands and Architectural Studies, University of Dar es Salaam
9. Chairman, Organising Committee for the 2004 Makerere University Stakeholders’ conference
10. Chief Examiner, Uganda Society of Architects
11. Coordinator, Innovation Systems and Innovative Clusters Programme, Uganda
12. Alternate Chair, Sida/SAREC Steering Committee (VC is Chair)
13. Chairman, University Research, Administrative and Financial Reform Committee
14. Board member, The Competitiveness Institute (TCI)
15. Chairman of Council of the Pan-African Competitiveness Forum (PACF)
16. Chairman, Committee on Irregularities in the Mature Age Admissions at Makerere University
17. Ag. DVC (AA) of Makerere University on several occasions
18. Vice Chancellor of Makerere University

1. Patron, Busia District Students Development Association
2. Patron, Sirwa Development Association
3. Member, Board of Governors, Syanyonja Primary School, Busia District
4. Chairman, Board of Governors, St. Barnabas Academy, Wakiso
5. Member, Church of Uganda Busia Archdeaconry Synod
6. Member, Board of Trustees, East African Institute of Architects
7. Member, Board of Trustees, Uganda Gatsby Trust
8. Chairman, Gatsby Uganda Limited
9. Coordinator, Innovation Systems and Innovative Clusters, Uganda

Prof. Nawangwe has more than 20 years experience in the practice of architecture. After initial assignments at KievZhniep while still in the former Soviet Union, Prof. Nawangwe has participated on a number of large and small architectural and planning projects in Uganda and beyond. He has been largely responsible for the physical transformation of Makerere University’s main campus. In all the assignments at Makerere University, Prof. Nawangwe has endeavoured to ensure cultural continuity while pursuing modernisation at the same time.

Projects Undertaken

RENOVATION OFMakerere University MAIN BUILDING

The main challenge in this assignment was the need to conserve the historic nature of the façade of the building, while at the same time replacing the rotten wooden external window shutters with more permanent material, steel. In the face of much criticism and scepticism from sections of the public and the professional fraternity, the building was renovated as designed and the historic façade was maintained.

RENOVATION OF Makerere University MAIN LIBRARY

The University main Library had for a long time experienced the problem of leakage, which was a danger to the library’s stock. The main challenge was to design a pitched roof over the large span library structure without considerably affecting its architectural outlook and that of the surrounding area. This was achieved.

SENATE BUILDING

The new massive building to house the Academic Registrar’s building was to be constructed in the proximity of the Freedom Square. The main challenge was to design a building the would not adversely affect the architectural image of the university campus, particularly the prime area surrounding the Freedom Square. This was achieved.

NEW BUILDING FOR INSTITUTE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The main challenge in this project was to design an ultra-modern facility, with all the high-tech systems near the main entrance to the university, while at the same time maintaining the architectural and historical character of the campus. This was achieved.

NEW BUILDING FOR DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES

This building, located opposite the Main Administration Building across the Freedom Square was expected to be elegant to reflect the nature of Uganda’s women and at the same time enhance the continuity of the architectural and historical character of the university campus. Both these challenges were successfully resolved.

RENOVATION AND RE-STRUCTURING YMCA VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE AT JINJA

The Uganda YMCA wanted to transform their building used as a vocational training centre into a modern conference facility. This challenging job was executed successfully.

1. Renovations to University Hospital; Value 50m.
2. Rehabilitation of School of Education buildings; Value 200m.
3. Rehabilitation and expansion of Buyama Farm; Value 300m.
4. Rehabilitation of University Primary School; Value 120m.
5. Rehabilitation of School of Fine Art buildings;Value 200m.
6. Rehabilitation of Tutors’ College building at Mulago Hospital;Value 80m.
7. Re-roofing and general renovations of Dept. of Physics building; Value 160m.
8. Re-roofing and general renovation to Faculty of Social Sciences building;Value 200m.
9. Proposed Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics building; Value 2.5bn.
10. Extensions to University Guest House; Value 250 m.
11. Economic Policy Research Centre building; Value 250 m.
12. Proposed University stadium; Value 2 bn.
13. National Herbarium at Makerere; Value 95m.
14. Makerere Institute of Environment and Natural Resources. Value 100 m.
15. Visitors’ Centre for Mt. Rwenzori National Park. Value 150 m.
16. Renovation of Main Administration building; Value 200 m.
17. Rehabilitation of Faculty of Technology building; 450 m.
18. Temporary classroom block for Greenhill Academy; Value 450 m.
19. Proposed new campus for Kampala Parents Primary School; Value 3.2 bn.
20. Community Based Rehabilitation building for Makerere University; Value 250 m.
21. New Building for Dept. of Forestry;  Value 500 m
22. Proposed Renovations to Physiology Department at Medical School; Value 50 m
23. Proposed Renovations to Post Veterinary Medicine, Science block; Value  80 m.
24. Proposed Warehouse for Makerere University;  200 m
25. Proposed renovations to Sir Apolo Kaggwa house; Value 130 m
26. Rehabilitation Dept. of Science and Technical Education. Value 300 m
27. Proposed Uganda Youth Centre for Uganda Youth Forum; Value 500 bn
28. New Building for Faculty of Law, Makerere University; Value 1.2 bn
29. New Building for Makerere University Business School; Value 900m
30. Rehabilitation of Jinja Hospital; Value 2 bn
31. Extension to Kyambogo University main Building; Value 600 m
32. Renovation of Lincoln Flats at Makerere University; Value 800 m
33. Rehabilitation of Soroti Hospital; Value 1.8 bn
34. New building for Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation,. Value 500 m
35. Headquarters for Lubaga Division, Kampala; value 1.3 bn
36. Rehabilitation of Bukalasa Agricultural College, Value 1.7 bn
37. Proposed bus park for M/s UBOAIL in Kampala, Value $ 20 m
38. New Building for Faculty of Computing at Makerere University
39. New library extension at Makerere University
40. New building for Faculty of Technology at Makerere University
41. Golf Lane Hotel in Masaka
42. Kampala Hospital at Nakasero
43. Many others.

1. Spearheaded the commencement of the architecture course at Makerere University. Together with two other colleagues, we were able to break the myth that the course of architecture could commence only with the assistance of expartriates. From a humble beginning, the Makerere School of Architecture is now recognised as one of the leading schools of architecture in Africa.
2. Accreditation of the Bachelor of Architecture course at Makerere University by the Commonwealth Association of Architects in 1999. This was achieved despite the very unfavourable conditions in which the school operated. Currently the Makerere School of architecture remains among the 5 schools in Africa accredited by the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
3. In the five years I have been Dean of the Faculty of Technology, by putting emphasis on team work and the use of delegation, four new degree course have been approved by Senate. These include BSC. (Quantity Surveying), BSc. (Land Economics), BSc. (Construction Management) and BSc. (Telecommunications Engineering). The Faculty has embarked on the process of developing into a diversified unit for transformation into a college.
4. In recognition of my contribution to the development of the Engineering profession in Uganda, the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers elected me Honorary member of the UIPE in April 2004.
5. In recognition of my contribution to knowledge in the area of vernacular architecture through co-authorship of the Encyclopedia of Vernacular architecture of the World, I was nominated by the Governing Board of editors for inclusion of my biography in the 2003/2004 edition of The Contemporary Who’s Who. In the same vain, the American Biographical Institute has invited me to become a Consulting editor of The Contemporary Who’s Who reference title.

Supervised over 5 PhD, 5 Masters and 5 postgraduate diploma students to completion. The PhD students were Alan Birabi, Steven Mukiibi, Tom Sanya,  Assumpta Nnaggenda Musana,  Ian Senkatuka and others

1. Were, A. G., Mukiibi, S., Nawangwe, B., Mukwaya, P. I., Nakangu, B., Nambatya, J., & Kisitu, D. (2022). A Spontaneous Location Theory and How Street Vendors Acquire Spaces (Case Study: Kampala City–Uganda). International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development. Link
2. Nawangwe, B., Muwagga, A. M., Buyinza, M., & Masagazi, F. M. (2022). Reflections on University Education in Uganda and the COVID-19 Pandemic Shock: Responses and Lessons Learned. Alliance for African Partnership Perspectives, 1(1), 17-25.
3. Nawangwe, B. (2022). Africa’s Destiny and Higher Education Transformation. In The Promise of Higher Education (pp. 215-219). Springer, Cham. Link
4. Nawangwe, B. (2021). Africa’s Destiny and Higher Education Transformation. In The Promise of Higher Education(pp. 215-219). Springer, Cham. Link
5. Were, A. G., Mukiibi, S., Nawangwe, B., Mukwaya, P. I., Nakangu, B., Nambatya, J., & Kisitu, D. (2021). A Spontaneous Location Theory and How Street Vendors Acquire Spaces (Case Study: Kampala City–Uganda). International Journal of Architecture and Urban Development. Link
6. Nawangwe, B., Muwagga, A. M., Buyinza, M., & Masagazi, F. M. (2021). Reflections on University Education in Uganda and the COVID-19 Pandemic Shock: Responses and Lessons Learned. Alliance for African Partnership Perspectives, 1(1), 17-25. Link
7. Fonn, Sharon, Laban Peter Ayiro, Philip Cotton, Adam Habib, Peter Mulwa Felix Mbithi, Alfred Mtenje, Barnabas Nawangwe et al. “Repositioning Africa in global knowledge production.” The Lancet392, no. 10153 (2018): 1163-1166. Link
8. Musana, A. N., Elwidaa, E. A., & Nawangwe, B. (2014). User Participation in the Eyes of an Architect and Gendered Spaces. Link
9. Birabi, A. K., & Nawangwe, B. (2013). Between Global and Regional Visions: The Way Forward for Uganda’s Cities. Link
10. Kibwage, J. K., Paude, S. K., Adhikary, N., Deriba, G., Nawangwe, B., Yan, X., & Xuhe, C. (2011). Development and Promotion of Bamboo Housing Technology in East Africa. Link
11. Nawangwe, B. (2011). The Architectural Transformation of Makerere University Neighbourhoods during the Period 1990-2010.
12. Nawangwe, B. (2010). The evolution of the Kibuga into Kampala’s city centre-analysis of the transformation of an African city. Link
13. Fonn, Sharon, Laban Peter Ayiro, Philip Cotton, Adam Habib, Peter Mulwa Felix Mbithi, Alfred Mtenje, Barnabas Nawangwe et al. “Repositioning Africa in global knowledge production.” The Lancet392, no. 10153 (2018): 1163-1166. Link
14. Nnaggenda-Musana, A., Elwidaa, E. A., & Nawangwe, B. (2014). User Participation in the Eyes of an Architect and Gendered Spaces. In Second International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology(pp. 57-63). Link
15. Birabi, A. K., & Nawangwe, B. (2011, June). Mitigating threats to local knowledge embedded in earthen architecture: the case of preserving African architectural semiotics. In Terra 2008: The 10th International Conference on the Study and Conservation of Earthen Architectural Heritage(p. 104). Getty Publications. Link
16. “The Architectural Transformation of Makerere University Neighbourhoods”, Proceedings of the AET 2011 conference, January 2011, Entebbe, Uganda
17. “Lessons From Vernacular architecture For Energy Conservation in Buildings”, a paper presented to RERIC, Bangkok, August 2008
18. Modernism in African Architeture”, chapter in the book On Global grounds, edited by Julia Nevarez, New York, 2008
19. “Expressionism Versus Environmental Sustainability in Modern African Architecture”, a paper presented at the Conference on Modern Architecture, Kumasi, July 2007
20. “Modernism as a tool for development”, an article published by Nawangwe Barnabas and Vestbro Dick Urban in the journal Open House International, vol. 28.no. 3, September 2003.
21. “Practice versus Theory: The Dilemma of Contemporary Housing Research Methodologies in Poor Economies – The Case of Namuwongo Slum Up-grading Project”, a paper presented at the International Conference on Housing research Methodologies, Stockholm, September 2003
22. “Housing and the Environment”, a paper presented to the conference of the International Association of People-Environment Studies (IAPS) at La Coruna, Spain, July 2002
23. “Environmental Lessons in Vernacular Houses of Uganda”, a paper presented to the conference of the Association of Nordic Schools of Architecture in Copenhagen, October 2001.
24. A study of the land tenure and administrative issues in Kampala District and their effect on urban development; a report of a study,; Nawangwe et al, Kampala, August 2002
25. “A Typology of School Buildings in Uganda and the Rationalisation of Building Materials”, a research report published in Kampala, 1999.
26. Articles on the Vernacular Architecture of the Acoli, Soga, Gisu, Luhia and Banyarwanda, and on culture published in the Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World, edited by Paul Oliver, Cambridge University Press, 1997.
27. “The Role of History of African Architecture”, a paper presented at the International Conference on Architectural Education in Africa, Cape Town South Africa, September 1998.
28. “Sustainability and Vernacular”, a paper presented to the International Conference on Urbanisation, Environment and Sustainable Development, Goa, India, April 1997.
29. “As Green As Vernacular”, a paper presented to the International Conference on Green Architecture, Nairobi, September 1997.
30. “Boundary walls as a Reaction to Insecurity”, a paper presented at the International Conference on War-torn Cities, Beirut, Lebanon, March 1997.
31. “Cultural Heritage in Modern Housing”, a paper presented at the International Conference on Housing, Trivendrum, India, October 1996.
32. “Lessons for Environmental Design in African Vernacular Architecture”, a paper presented to the Commonwealth Association of Architects Conference, Mauritius, April 1996.
33. “Vernacular Architecture Series”, a publication on research in the Vernacular Architecture of Uganda by the Makerere University Department of Architecture, Makerere 1994- 1999:
    • Vol. 1 Part 1: “The Ancient Palaces of Buganda”
    • Vol. 2 No.1: “The Mud Houses of the Gisu of Eastern Uganda”
    • Vol. 2 No. 2: “The Traditional Ganda Homestead 1”
    • Vol. 2 No. 3: “The Traditional Ganda Homestaed 2”
    • Vol. 2 No. 4: “The Traditional Rubare Homestead”
    • Vol. 2 No. 5: “The Traditional Soga Homestead”
    • Vol. 2 No. 6: “The Traditional Teso homestead”
    • Vol. 2 No. 7: “The Traditional Hima Homestead”
    • Vol. 2 No. 8: “The Traditional Ngoni homestead”
34. “The Challenges of Modern Housing versus Vernacular Architecture”, a paper presented at the All Africa Conference “Africa 2000 – Towards the Millenium”, on architectural education, Cape Town, April, 1995.
35. “Environmental Response in the Vernacular Architecture of Uganda”, a paper presented at, and published in the proceedings of, the International Conference on Building Envelope Systems and Technology, Singapore, December 1994.
36. “Learning From vernacaular Architecture”, a paper presented at an international conference: Housing Workshop 93 , August 1993, Kampala.
37. “The Land Tenure Systems and development Controls in the East African Countries”, a paper presented at, and published the proceedings of the 21^st International Association of Housing Science, World Housing Congress, Cape Town, 10-14 May, 1993.
38. “Urban Design and Housing, a Course Manual for Master of Physical Planning”, Kampala, 1993
39. “A Philosophy and Vision of African Architectural Education”, a paper presented to the Heads of African Schools of Architecture Confrence, Lagos, 7^th-8^th March 1991.