Collaboration between Makerere University and Strathmore University in Renewable Energy

Effort is on to enhance collaboration between Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and Strathmore University in the area of renewable energy.

Prof Izael Pereira Da Silva from Strathmore University

During a meeting held between the College management and Prof Izael Pereira Da Silva from Strathmore University on Monday 13th December in the College Boardroom, the two institutions agreed on a way forward to champion the establishment of a center for renewable in Makerere University drawing from the experience from Strathmore University.

Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe while welcoming Prof. Izael Pereira Da Silva, observed that a number of organizations had contacted the University but the process did not get started for lack of a champion to propel the drive.

He commended Prof. Izael Pereira Da Silva for coming back to Makerere where he served over ten years ago to share ideas that would not only see the University lead the process  of  greening the campus but also start on a journey that would lead to reduced energy costs in the running of the University.

Dr. Dorothy Okello to take lead in the process with support from Prof. Da Silva.

Dr. Dorothy Okello and her team in the School of Engineering were charged to take lead in the process with support from Prof. Da Silva.  It was noted that the School of engineering was  in the process of strengthening the programming and therefore in position  to take the process ahead by starting on a small project.

According to Prof. Izael Pereira Da Silva of Strathmore University, there was a lot that Makerere could do towards realizing the needed partnerships in the area of renewable energy borrowing a leaf from his University which had realized a number of milestones in the use of renewable energy.

He said Strathmore University had started a program of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and that there was a lot that they could learn from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and technology and hence the need for close collaboration.

Principal, CEDAT, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe

The Principal, CEDAT, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe affirmed the College’s commitment towards collaboration with Strathmore University and proposed that links be identified in the respective universities building on what the College had already done in some projects.

He commended the Vice Chancellor for taking off time to come back to his mother unit to welcome Prof. Da Silva who came with the idea of collaboration, an opportunity that needed to be embraced fully.  He said issues of renewable energy were cross cutting and that the college of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences was in attendance. He urged the members to concretize what was needed of them so that through such interventions, society can be moved.

Prof. Da Silva served Makerere University for thirteen years before he joined Strathmore University in 2011 where he is now championing the drive for renewable energy.

Authored by Harriet Musinguzi, principal Communication Officer, CEDAT

Posted by Isemaghendera Alex, Web Administrator, CEDAT