Bridging the Gap: Engineering Education in Uganda Needs Industry Insight

Kampala, Uganda – The engineering profession in Uganda faces a critical gap between industry demands and academic training, according to Ronald Mitte, Chief Technical Officer of American Tower Corporation (ATC). In a recent panel discussion, Mitte emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration between academia and industry to better prepare engineering students for the evolving job market.

“Many institutions are still teaching based on outdated workforce requirements from decades ago,” Mitte explained. He highlighted the importance of academia understanding the current challenges faced by the industry to tailor educational programs accordingly. “If we don’t communicate our needs, universities may continue to churn out graduates that may not meet the demands of 2025 and beyond,” he added.

ATC, which specializes in building and maintaining communication towers, offers a structured internship program aimed at bridging this skills gap. Over the past three years, the 12-month program has provided students with practical training in various fields, including engineering, human resources, and supply chain management. “Many of our interns secure employment right after their training, either within ATC or with other organizations,” Mitte noted.

Mitte’s comments come in light of student innovations presented at a recent event, indicating potential for fruitful partnerships. “We are observing the students’ work and sharing our challenges; this intersection is key to addressing the disconnect between academic projects and field demands,” he stated.

To effectively meet modern challenges, continued dialogue between industry leaders and educational institutions is essential, ensuring that Uganda’s engineering graduates are equipped to contribute effectively to the workforce.

Innovative AI System Aims to Transform Agriculture for Ugandan Farmers

Kampala, Uganda – Anthony Ejot, a second-year electrical engineering student at Macquarie University, has developed an innovative AI-based agricultural monitoring system designed to empower farmers with crucial information. The system leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning to guide farmers on irrigation, fertilization, and early pest detection.

“My innovation helps farmers get timely access to information about their crops,” Ejot explained. Using IoT sensors embedded in fields, the monitoring system collects data on soil conditions and crop health. This data is analyzed through machine learning models, enabling predictions and scheduled tasks directly beneficial to farmers.

Ejot emphasized agriculture’s vital role in Uganda’s economy, contributing approximately 24% to the GDP and employing over 70% of the population. However, many farmers lack access to essential information, resulting in significant crop production losses. “By harnessing technology, we can greatly improve agricultural outputs,” he noted.

The AgroPlus mobile application allows farmers to monitor their fields from anywhere, with the added benefit of SMS alerts for those without smartphone access. The initial prototype cost around 350,000 Ugandan shillings, with plans for commercial deployment.

Ejot and his group envision charging smallholder farmers 500,000 shillings for installation and a monthly subscription fee of 10,000 shillings for access to vital information. They also plan to conduct training sessions to ensure all farmers can effectively use the system. This initiative seeks not only to enhance productivity but also to ensure technology is accessible to all in the farming community.

Students Urged to Join Professional Associations for Future Success

In a recent address, the president of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) emphasized the critical importance of student membership in professional associations for aspiring engineers and other professions. He called upon students, especially those entering universities, to view their academic journey as the foundational step towards their professional careers.

“Joining these associations is essential,” he stated, highlighting that many professional bodies offer student memberships. “By becoming a member, students can ease their transition into the workforce and start building valuable connections early on.”

The president elaborated on the structured pathway to becoming a registered professional engineer, detailing how student members are provided with opportunities for professional development, such as conferences and mentorship from supervisors. “These experiences not only enhance your skills but also contribute to a smoother registration process as a certified professional,” he added.

He expressed his disappointment at the low student involvement in professional associations, urging students to recognize the advantages of membership. “Don’t turn your back on this vital opportunity for your future.”

In addition to professional growth, he also addressed the significance of innovation, urging students to cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills. “Innovation is key to staying competitive on a global scale,” he stressed, pointing out that the world’s strongest nations have leveraged human resources and technological advancements to succeed.

Students were encouraged to spend time reflecting on their environment and questioning the status quo as a means to foster creativity. “Make it a habit to invest a couple of hours each day in thinking and reflecting—this will prepare you for the challenges ahead.”

As the president concluded his remarks, he applauded the efforts of the School of Engineering and encouraged all departments to guide students toward professional success, reiterating that “the journey to professionalism begins now.”