Surveyors from across Uganda have converged in Gulu for the 2026 Global Surveyors Week, a six-day event aimed at promoting the profession, inspiring young talent, and advancing conversations on sustainable development.
Organised by the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda, the celebrations—running from March 16 to 21—are being held alongside the institute’s 10th Pre-Annual General Meeting Conference.
The highlight of the week will be Global Surveyors Day on March 19, themed: “Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration: Land, Water and Construction Professionals’ Role in Conserving for the Present and Future Generations.”
In a deliberate effort to inspire the next generation, surveyors have stepped beyond boardrooms into classrooms across Gulu and neighboring Nwoya District, offering career guidance and practical exposure to students.
At Sacred Heart Secondary School Gulu, learners were introduced to diverse branches of surveying, including land, valuation, mining, and quantity surveying.
Jacqueline Lamunu, a land valuer at the Ministry of Works and Transport and alumna of the school, said the initiative helps demystify the profession.
“This kind of engagement helps students understand what surveyors actually do and opens their minds to the many career paths within the field,” she said.
Students welcomed the outreach, noting that it reshaped their career ambitions, while some appreciated additional support, such as donations of water storage tanks to participating schools.
Surveyor Jordan Akandwanaho said the outreach aimed to tackle widespread misconceptions about surveying, especially in upcountry regions.
“There is a lot of misinformation about this profession. Many people don’t fully understand what surveying entails, so sensitization is critical,” he noted.
The team has already visited schools including Gulu College, Gulu Secondary School, and St Joseph’s College Layibi, targeting primarily science students.
Professionals say surveying remains one of the most versatile and impactful careers, offering opportunities in infrastructure development, land management, mining, and environmental conservation.
Quantity surveyor Stella Aiso encouraged students to consider the field, emphasizing its growing relevance in Uganda’s development agenda.
“Surveying offers diverse career paths and plays a critical role in national development. It’s a profession worth pursuing,” she said.
At the national level, leaders are using the platform to highlight the profession’s role in sustainable development.
Ronald Ssengendo, Chairperson of the Surveyors Registration Board, said the event allows professionals to share knowledge and best practices.
“We expect strong engagement from surveyors and stakeholders as we explore solutions around sustainable land use and development,” he said.
Ssengendo also pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen the profession through regulatory reforms, including the implementation of the new Valuation Act and a drive to register more practitioners.
Since September 2025, over 100 new surveyors have been registered, with a target of reaching 500.
The conference will feature key voices such as Nathan Kibwami and Collins Okello, alongside policy insights from Ogenga Latigo.
As Global Surveyors Week unfolds, stakeholders say the Gulu gathering is not only strengthening the profession but also planting seeds for the future.
By engaging students, promoting awareness, and championing sustainability, surveyors hope to inspire a new generation ready to shape Uganda’s land, infrastructure, and environmental future.