Makerere engineering students call upon government to invest in labs, equipment
Students from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University have called upon government and other stake holders to invest in laboratories and equipment at the college to enable them get the necessary practice to compete with other engineering graduates worldwide.
These remarks came as CEDAT celebrated 50 years of existence having been opened in 1969.
The celebrations were held at Africana Hotel in Kampala.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe’s message was delivered by Dr. Umar Kakumba who serves as the first deputy vice chancellor in charge of academics.
He applauded CEDAT for carrying out research and engaging in collaborations that have been important for the country and the East African region at large.
“I want to applaud you for this milestone and engaging in research that is in line with not just the country’s objectives but the region at large,” Kakumba said.
The event was well attended by alumni, stakeholders and government officials.
Speaking on the sidelines of the celebrations, Edwin Muramuzi, a finalist of civil engineering castigated government for not investing enough in laboratories and equipment which enable graduates from the college to compete favourably with their counterparts.
“The government should invest in laboratories and equipment to enable our graduates to compete with other graduates world wide. You find that our laboratories are not equipped enough and this affects us a students. We don’t get enough practice like we should,” Muramuzi said.
The Faculty of Technology was established in 1969 but it fully opened its doors in July 1970 with an intake of 26 students in the three traditional areas of Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
At a special meeting held on 12th November 2010, the Makerere University Council approved the senate recommendation to transform Makerere University into a collegiate university which saw the Faculty of Technology transforming into the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology that it is now.
