Name: Mackay A. E. OKURE
Address: Department of Mechanical EngineeringSchool of EngineeringCollege of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology,

Makerere University

P.O. Box 7062

Kampala – UGANDA

 

Telephone: +256 41 4534227
Fax: +256 41 4531048
Mobile: +256 772666876
E-mail: mokure@tech.mak.ac.ug

 

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

ACADEMIC

Ph.D. – Northwestern University, Evanston Illinois, USA 1994

By coursework and research. Specialised in neural networks applied to nondestructive evaluation (NDE) signal classification with emphasis on real-world data applications, performance evaluation and over-training. Dissertation title: “Neural Networks for NDE Signal Classification.”

M.S. (M.E.) – Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey 1986

A two year program of coursework and thesis. Specialised in computer-aided process planning with emphasis on software development for computer numerical control (CNC). Thesis title: “Development of a Software Process Planning Package for Rotational Parts.”

B.Sc.(Eng.) First Class Honours –  Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 1981

Four year course of study in mechanical engineering with emphasis in systems engineering.

PROFESSIONAL

Certificate of Achievement –  Leadership and Management Dynamics for Individuals & Organisation. July & September 2005. A formation programme in Self and Organisational Leadership and Strategic Management.

 

Certified Unigraphics NX Trainer –  UGS PLM Solutions 2004

Authorized to offer training in Unigraphics NX Fundamentals.

 

Certified Solid Edge Training Associate –  UGS PLM Solutions 2004

Authorized to offer training in Solid Edge Fundamentals.

 

PUBLICATIONS (Since June 2001):

  1. “Small-scale CHP for Rural Electrification in Uganda – The State-of-the-Art and prospective Development.” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Henry M Alinaitwe, Ed. Pp 128- 134. Macmillan Uganda (Publishers) Ltd, Kampala, Uganda. 2011. ISBN 978-9970-214-00-7
  2. “Role of Intangible Assets in the Adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs) in Developing Countries: Case Study of Uganda.” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Henry M Alinaitwe, Ed. Pp 193- 199. Macmillan Uganda (Publishers) Ltd, Kampala, Uganda. 2011. ISBN 978-9970-214-00-7
  3. “Optimising Densification Conditions of Coffee Husks Briquettes Using Response Surface Methodology.” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Henry M Alinaitwe, Ed. Pp 214- 220. Macmillan Uganda (Publishers) Ltd, Kampala, Uganda. 2011. ISBN 978-9970-214-00-7
  4. “Country Chapter: Uganda”  in Renewable Energies in East Africa . Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Ed. Pp 1064- 133. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Germany. 2009. www.gtz.de.
  5. “Non-Ferrous Metals.” Ch. 9 in Development and Application of Construction Materials in Uganda. Anthony G. Kerali, Jackson A. Mwakali and Mackay A. E. Okure, Ed. Pp 94- 118. Fountain Publishers, Kampala, Uganda. 2007. ISBN 978-9970-02-681-4
  6. “A Novel Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Cycle Based on Gasification of Bagasse.” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Gyavira Taban-Wani, Ed. Pp 465- 472. Elsevier Ltd, Oxford, UK. 2006. ISBN 0-08-045312-0
  7. “Field-Based Assessment of Biogas Technology: The Case of Uganda.” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Gyavira Taban-Wani, Ed. Pp 481- 487. Elsevier Ltd, Oxford, UK. 2006. ISBN 0-08-045312-0
  8. “Modelling the Development of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) in Developing Countreis.” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Gyavira Taban-Wani, Ed. Pp 488-494. Elsevier Ltd, Oxford, UK. 2006 ISBN 0-08-045312-0
  9. “Suitability of Agricultural Residues as Feedstock for Fixed Bed Gasifiers” Advances in Engineering and Technology. Jackson A. Mwakali and Gyavira Taban-Wani, Ed. Pp 756-763. Elsevier Ltd, Oxford, UK. 2006. ISBN 0-08-045312-0
  10. “The GHG Emission Reduction in the Energy Sector- Uganda’s Experience.” Industrial & Commercial Use of Energy. p 193-196. Somerset West, South Africa. 2004. ISBN 0 -9584246-1-6
  11. “The Role of Nonwoody Biomass as an Energy Source in the Tropics: The Case of Uganda.” Energy and the Environment 2002. Vol. 1 p 135-145. Opatija, Croatia. 2002. ISBN 953-6886-05-7
  12. “Challenges of Maintenance of Equipment in Developing Countries. Case Study of Maintenance of Road making Equipment in Decentralised Districts of Uganda.” Maintenance of Equipment for the Advancement of Science. B.T. Kiremire, E. Mhamilawa, S.D. D.Sithole, F.D. Kronga, P. Kambarami and D. Mzengeza Ed.  Network of Users of Scientific Equipment in Eastern and Southern Africa (NUSESA). P 28-41. Harare, Zimbabwe. ISBN0-7974-2432-6.
  13. “Technical Viability of Manufacturing Fire-Bricks Using Locally Available Materials.” On Creating Capacity for Sustainable Development Through Technical Knowledge. Faculty of Technology. Makerere University. Kampala, Uganda. November 2001. ISBN 9970-812-00-9 p 23-25

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

August 2008 – Present Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
June 2001 – July 2008 Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
September 1986 – May 2001 Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Makerere University
July 1981 – August 1986 Graduate Fellow, Department of Mechanical Engineering

 

 

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

Jan. 2011 – May 2013 Ag. Deputy Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University
Feb. 2007 – Dec 2010: Deputy Dean (Research and Graduate Studies) Faculty of Technology, Makerere University
Oct. 2001 – Feb.  2007: Head of Department, Department of Mechanical Engineering,  , Makerere University

 

Courses Taught:

Degree Department Years Course Title(s) 
MSc. Renewable Energy Electrical Engineering 2007 – Present Bioenergy, Project Management, Design and Modelling of Thermal Power Systems
M.Sc., M. Eng Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering 1999 – Present Research Methods for Engineers
M.Sc. Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering 1999 – 2001 Computer Applications in Engineering
M.Sc., M. Eng Mechanical Engineering 1999 – 2001, 2006 Materials Handling and Management
B.Sc. IV Mechanical Engineering 1998 – 2001 Materials Handling
B.Sc. III Mechanical Engineering 1999-2009 Machine Design, Dynamic Systems Engineering
B. Sc. Mechanical Engineering 2004 – Present Dynamic Systems Engineering, Control Systems Engineering

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

2010–Present: Senior Researcher, Rural Electrification in Uganda – Increasing Access to Modern Types of Energy

  • Uganda national Council for Science and Technology – Millenium Science Initiative Grant
  • Development and testing of optimal scenarios that match existing energy resources to energy conversion technologies in Uganda
  • Create an Ugandan specific database for the identified systems concerning conversion and distribution efficiency
  • Develop management model for small scale, rural renewable energy systems

 

2001–Present: Principal Investigator, Renewable Energy Systems – Gasification

  • Sponsored by Sida/SAREC under the Bilaterial programme with Makerere University
  • Investigated the utilisation of non-woody biomass in gasifiers for production of heat and power in the ceramic industry and for electric power generation in small isolated grids.
  • A gasifier has been constructed, tested and a variety of agricultural residues tested for their suitability as feedstock.
  • The project is now in Phase II
  • Carried out in collaboration with Prof. Bjorn Kjellstroem of the Lulea University of Technology in Sweden and Prof. Trosten Fransson of the Department of Energy Technology, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

 

2003 – Present: Assessment of Automation of the Machine Tool Industry in Uganda

 

  • Sponsored by NUFU under the Research Capacity Building programme with Faculty of Technology in Collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • Investigates the possible development of Uganda’s Machine Tool Industry through adoption of Advanced manufacturing Technology (AMT)
  • Modelling the adoption process and a status survey of Machine Tool industry.
  • Carried out in collaboration with Prof. Bjorn Otto Elvernes of the Department of Industrial Engineering and management of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology

2003-2005  Assessment of the Performance of Biogas Technology in Uganda

Research on the impediments towards wider adoption of biogas technology. Funded under the Sida/SAREC Faculty Research fund.

2003-2005  Assessment of the Operation and  Maintenance of Road making Equipment Under Decentralized Governance in Uganda

Research on the state of road equipment in the districts. Funded under the I@mak.com programme of Makerere University

 

1997 – 1999  Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

  • Topic: National Long-term Development Strategy for Uganda – Uganda Vision 2025 Project
  • Carried out policy research towards Uganda Vision 2025 formulation. Key areas of contribution included Science and Technology, Energy, Communication. Title of research reports :
    • “The Energy Sector in Uganda: A Background to Issues”
    • “The Communication Sector in Uganda: A Background to Issues”

1998  Uganda National Forum Group on Rural Transport and Development

Research on the impact of rural transport on agricultural production in Uganda.

1991-1994 Graduate research Assistant, Centre for Aviation Systems Reliability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University.

Research Project entitled “Neural Nets for Signal Classification” within the broader task of “Evaluation of Advanced Nondestructive Inspection Concepts” sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration, USA under the National Aging Aircraft Program

SUPERVISION OF POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES AND STUDENTS:

The following Makerere University students have completed their Master degree studies

Degree

Programme/Project

Student(s)
M Sc. Agric. Eng. 2010

Evaluating Thermo-chemical Properties and Optimising Densification Conditions of Coffee Husks Under Low Pressure

C. Okello
M Sc Ren. Energy 2010

Analyzing the effectiveness of Gasifier-Produced Biochar as A Soil Amendment in the Humid Tropics

C. W. Deal
M Eng, 2006

Evaluation of the Operations and Maintenance of Road Making Equipment under Decentralised Governance

S.G. Onep
M Sc, 2005

Technical Performance Assessment of Biogas Systems in Uganda

B. Nabuuma
M Sc, 2004 Characterisation  and Manufacture of High Temperature Ceramics Products funded by Sida/SAREC P.W. Olupot
M Eng, 2004 Solid Waste Handling Situation in Kampala City Mansoor Ilahi
M Sc, 2002 Characterisation  and Manufacture of High Temperature Ceramics Products funded by Sida/SAREC J.B. Kirabira
M Eng, 2002 Development of A Quality Assurance System in National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Uganda Alex Gisagara
M Sc, 2001 Computer Aided Process Planning P. Ssembiro

 

The following foreign students have completed their Master degree studies

University

Programme/Project

Student(s)
Lund University

Batteries used within Solar Electric Systems in Rural Uganda.

Annamaria Sandgren
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Techno-economic design of a biomass micro power system based on gasification and biogas technology

W.B. Musinguzi.
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden The study of the suitability of agricultural residues as feedstocks for fixed bed gasifiers J. Arineitwe
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden Investigation of energy losses in a fixed bed gasifier operated with Various types agricultural residues G. Babangira

 

OTHER ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES:

1. Conference and Seminar Paper/Presentations Since 2001:

  • “Technical Viability of Manufacturing Electric Porcelain Insulators using Locally Available Materials in Uganda”, Proceedings of the Third International Conference of the African Materials Research Society. Dar es Salaam.  2005.

 

  • “Policy Initiatives in Uganda Towards the Use of Renewable Energy Technologies”. International Workshop on Renewable Energy Technologies for Decentralised Rural Electricity Services. June 10 – 12, 2004, Studvik, Sweden
  • “Technology Transfer: An Overview.” International Workshop on University-based Technology Transfer to Small Scale Enterprises in Africa. Jinja Nile Resort, February 10 – 12, 2002. Jinja, Uganda

2. Conference Convened:

  • Member Organising Committee “Second International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology”. 31 January 16 – 1 February 2011, Entebbe, Uganda
  • Member Organising Committee “First International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology”. 16 – 19 July 2006, Entebbe, Uganda

3. Awards

  • Fulbright Senior Visiting Scholar, Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA, 2006-2007
  • University Scholar, Northwestern University, USA, 1990 – 1994
  • Thomas Jefferson Fellow, AFGRAD Program, USAID, USA, 1990 –  1994
  • Exchange Visitor, British Council, UK, 1989
  • UNESCO Fellow, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey 1984 – 1986
  • National Housing and Construction Corporation Price for Best B.Sc. Graduate, 1981
  • State Scholar, 1977 –  1981

 

 

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY:

 

1.         Project/Programme Management

  • 2002 – Present: Coordinator, Technology Programme:Sida-Supported Makerere Research Collaboration Programme with various Swedish Universities.
  • 2010 – Present: Coordinator, NORAD Master Programme on Technology Innovation and Industrial Development with Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • 2009 – Present: Chairperson Person, Mitigation Working Group, Uganda Government Delegation to the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
  • 2004 Contact Person, USAID/MAKERERE/UGS Alliance Project for the Competency Training of Staff and Students in Solid Edge and Unigraphics Software from UGS Corporation in the USA
  • 2003 – 2005: Deputy Team Leader, Capacity Development for Clean Development Mechanism in Uganda; a UNEP Project

 

2.         Consultancies:

  • 2008 – Present Consultant, Mitigation of Climate Change, Ministry of Water and Environment
  • 2007 – 2009: Consultant on Renewable Energy Technologies to  GTZ and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
  • 1996 – Present:  Small Enterprise Development Consultant for Uganda Gatsby Trust, Small Scale Enterprises Project, Faculty of Technology, Makerere University. Giving advice to small-scale industrialists though seminars and drawing up of business plans in Kampala, Mbarara, Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, etc.:
  • Development of the Strategic Plan for Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors
  • Mechanical Engineering Consultant, in conjunction with Technology Consults:

Worked on the following projects:

  • Extension of Commerce Building, Kyambogo University
  • Technology Needs Assessment for Uganda
  • Rubaga Division, Kampala City Council Headquarters
  • Institute of Computer Science Building , Makerere University
  • Rehabilitation of Block A Lumumba Hall
  • Supervision of Laboratory Materials Testing:

Supervised the testing various equipment

3. Committees:

  • Current: Member, Academic Board and Committees, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology
  • 2000 – 2006: Member, Staff Recruitment and Review Committee, Road Agency Formation Unit, Ministry of Works, Housing and Communications, Uganda
  • Member, Makerere University Senate , 2005 – 2007
  • Member, Makerere University Strategic Plan 2000/01-2004/05 Drafting Committee Appointed by the University Council on recommendation by Planning and Development Department
  • Member, Reference Committee on Cost Analysis of Student Expansion in Makerere Appointed by the University Council on recommendation by Planning and Development Department
  • Member, Proposal Review Committee for AICAD Co-opted by the AICAD Board

 

  • Member, Proposal Review Committee for Carnegie Research Grants Appointed by the School of Graduate Studies

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES:

  • Fellow, Uganda National Academy of Sciences
  • Registered Engineer, Engineers Registration Board of Uganda
  • Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers since 1992
  • Member, Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers since 1995
Attachment Name Attachment Type
EMT2201 Engineering Mathematics IV DOC PDF PS