On 15th November 2024, a delegation from the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) met with the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, at his office in Kampala. The delegation was led by UIPE President Eng. Bosco Lepi, including Eng. Stephen Kitonsa, Acting Engineer-in-Chief, Ministry of Works and Transport, and UIPE Past President Eng. Ben Kyemba, among other distinguished members.
This meeting followed an earlier discussion held on 4th September 2024 with the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Musa Ecweru. The engagement focused on addressing critical challenges and proposing solutions to advance Uganda’s engineering sector. The key Issues discussed included;
1. Graduate Training Program: The delegation emphasized the need for a structured program to attach fresh engineering graduates to government projects for skills development.
2. Incorporation of Training and Research in Government Contracts: UIPE proposed adding training and research items in the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) to enhance capacity-building opportunities.
3. Regulating Foreign Engineers: The team highlighted the importance of registering and regulating foreign engineers through the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) while ensuring they also enroll as UIPE members.
4. Kyambogo Land Ownership Dispute: UIPE sought the Ministry’s intervention regarding the ownership of Plot No. 2, Gloucester Avenue, Kyambogo, allocated to the Institution in 1993. The title remains with the National Housing and Construction Company, leading to a legal dispute that has stalled development plans.
5. Hosting African Engineering Events: UIPE has applied to host the 2025 and 2026 African Engineering Week and the Assembly of the Federation of African Engineering Organizations, which will attract professionals from across Africa and boost tourism and the economy. Government support is requested for this initiative.
6. Financial Support for UIPE: The delegation urged the Ministry to reinstate financial contributions to the Institution, which were previously provided to support UIPE operations.
7. Engineering Professional Bill 2024: Collaboration was sought to ensure the timely passage of this crucial bill into law.
8. Registration of Ministry Staff: UIPE requested the Ministry to conduct a registration drive for its staff, encouraging other government agencies to follow suit and mobilize registrable engineering professionals.
9. Support for Local Companies: The government was urged to provide support to local construction companies to build capacity within the industry.
10. Performance Guarantees for Contracts: UIPE expressed its commitment to supporting the presidential directive on performance guarantees for contracts to improve accountability and efficiency.
11. National Emergencies: The delegation advocated for collaborative responses to emergencies to enhance disaster management.
12. Improving District Engineering Conditions: UIPE stressed the need to address the poor working conditions faced by engineers in district local governments.
+13. Technology Transfer Framework: For unavoidable foreign engineering contracts, the team recommended a technology transfer framework to build local capacity.
Commitment to Collaboration
The discussion also provided an opportunity to plan annual engagements with district engineers to address challenges and explore practical solutions for advancing the profession.
UIPE pledged to support major infrastructure projects for Uganda’s socio-economic development.
In closing, the Minister extended an invitation to the UIPE Executive to attend the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway, reinforcing the partnership between the Ministry and UIPE.
The meeting concluded with a photo session, capturing the unity and shared vision between UIPE and the Ministry.
