Kabale University Engineering Students Gain Practical Exposure Through UIPE Mentorship and Industrial Tours

KABALE, September 18, 2026 — Engineering students at Kabale University have gained practical industry exposure through a mentorship and outreach program organized by the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE).

The program, held on 18 September 2026 at UNITE Kabale, brought together engineering students, academic staff, practicing engineers and industry professionals to expose students to practical aspects of engineering beyond classroom theory.

The program featured technical presentations, professional mentorship and field visits to engineering projects, including the Hamurwa Power Substation in Rubanda District, road construction sites and water-related projects around Lake Bunyonyi.

The activities were organized under UIPE’s mentorship and outreach program, which seeks to guide engineering students and graduates on professional development, professional registration, ethical practice and the transition from university to the workplace.

Engineers Urge Students to Gain Practical Experience

Speaking during the program, Eng. Dennis Twesigomwe, UIPE Vice Chairperson, encouraged students to actively participate in professional activities and build relationships with experienced engineers.

He urged students to demonstrate both ability and availability, noting that active participation in professional engagements can help them establish professional connections and gain valuable exposure.

“The moment you show your ability and availability, it gives you connections,” Twesigomwe told the students.

He encouraged students to remain connected to the engineering profession after graduation by participating in professional activities and seeking mentorship.

“Students, we need to cooperate. This is your family,” he said, encouraging students to view engineering as a profession that requires continuous learning and collaboration.

Twesigomwe further encouraged students to promote engineering among young people, noting that engineering skills are relevant across various sectors of the economy.

Kabale University Seeks Stronger Institutional Collaboration

The Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Technology, Applied Design and Fine Art (FETADA), Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Muhwezi, said the faculty is working towards strengthening collaboration with other institutions to enhance academic and professional knowledge sharing.

He noted that the University is in the process of developing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at Mbarara University, which would provide opportunities for collaboration and exchange of expertise.

 

Engineers Emphasize Professionalism and Teamwork

Prof. Ezekiel Nnadi of Mbarara University reminded students that engineering decisions can have a direct impact on people’s lives, infrastructure and the economy.

He cautioned students to exercise care when preparing, approving or signing professional documents and designs, stressing the importance of accuracy, responsibility and ethical conduct in engineering practice.

Nnadi also encouraged students to prioritize acquiring practical knowledge alongside their academic qualifications.

“Your degree is not as important as your knowledge,” he said, urging students to visit project sites and gain hands-on experience.

He highlighted communication and teamwork as essential competencies for engineers, encouraging students to learn how to work effectively with professionals from different disciplines.

Nnadi further encouraged students to develop professional habits while still at university and to support one another throughout their careers.

UEDCL Exposes Students to Electricity Distribution

During the field activities, students were exposed to electricity distribution operations and some of the challenges affecting the sector.

Eng. Kyabaggu Caesar, a Senior Officer and Area Manager at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), explained the company’s role in distributing electricity across Uganda.

He said UEDCL is responsible for operating and maintaining the electricity distribution network and providing safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity services.

Students learnt about some of the challenges affecting electricity distribution, including network vandalism, integrity-related issues and trees falling on power lines.

Kyabaggu urged the students to become competent, ethical and professional engineers while developing strong professional networks.

He encouraged them to seek mentorship, gain practical experience and continuously strengthen their technical skills before and after graduation.

He further advised engineering graduates to pursue the necessary professional registration and continue seeking mentorship as they enter the industry.

Construction Firm Urges Students to Build a Legacy

Peter Nkurunungi, Managing Director of Geses Uganda Limited, encouraged students to focus on the quality and impact of their work rather than financial benefits alone.

He said the company has delivered additional value beyond contractual requirements on 11 projects in six districts, including the construction of additional toilets at Kibuzigye and Bukuky Seed Schools.

The company also carried out quality upgrades involving the replacement of screed with tiles on six projects.

Nkurunungi encouraged students to view every professional assignment as an opportunity to create a positive legacy.

“You should not look at money only when you are at the job, but you have to leave a legacy in your work,” he said.

He also explained that the company runs an education support program through which about 30 students from different schools and institutions have received assistance with school fees.

Among the challenges highlighted by the company were limited local engineering capacity, price fluctuations and competition from foreign firms.

Students Exposed to Wider Engineering Fields

The industrial tours enabled students to observe how engineering knowledge is applied in different areas, including electricity distribution, road construction and water services.

The visits around Lake Bunyonyi also provided students with an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with practical infrastructure and development projects within their community.

The program brought together professionals from different engineering fields, including Eng. Mwesigye Amburozi of Bonnar Company Limited and Eng. Nyesiga Provato of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), alongside Kabale University academic and administrative staff.

The mentorship and outreach program provided engineering students with a valuable opportunity to interact directly with professionals, understand workplace expectations, and appreciate the importance of practical experience, ethical conduct, teamwork, communication, professional networking, and continuous learning as they prepare to enter the engineering profession.

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