Dr. Silver Mugisha, Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), has encouraged Uganda engineers to move beyond theory and start creating practical solutions to better the industry.
While delivering keynote speech, at the Afriica Engineers Week at Speke Resort Munyonyo,. Mugisha praised the growth of NWSC since 2013, which has expanded water services from 23 towns to over 280, and increased annual revenue from 34 billion to shs150 billion..
He said real engineering success does not only come from degrees but from creativity and problem-solving. He shared a story of Ugandan artisans who built a flying helicopter prototype without formal engineering education.
“Our engineers are good at designing, but we must also innovate.”Mugisha stated.
Mugisha stressed the need for local solutions and digital independence. He explained how NWSC’s internal systems were quickly restored after a cyberattack, while outsourced systems took months.
“What others have done, we can also do,” he said. “Let’s stop thinking that only things made in America or China are better.”
In an opening remarks President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on African countries to invest more in science and technology to achieve social and economic transformation.
The President said that Africa has all the natural resources it needs to grow and prosper, but it lacks modern technology. “Africa missed out on past scientific revolutions,” he said. “It is time we build a modern society led by science.”
He noted that strong economies are built on skilled workers, a strong middle class, and key sectors like farming, industries, science, and information technology. Museveni warned that Africa’s past weaknesses, including colonization, were due to poor technology and low development.
“We cannot stay weak and vulnerable,” he said. “We must build our scientific and technical skills to improve the lives of our people.”
Museveni emphasized that improving infrastructure like roads and electricity is helping Uganda become more attractive for investment. “Lowering the cost of electricity, transport, money, and labor is key to growing farming, industry, services, and ICT,” he added.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Henry Alinaitwe, Chairman of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) called for stronger regulations and proper licensing for both local and foreign engineers working in Uganda. He said the ERB is finalizing its strategic plan to support quality engineering across the country.
He urged African nations to work together to create shared standards for engineering qualifications and practices. “Transformation is not just a dream,” he said. “It is measured in clean water, in megawatts of power, and kilometers of road.”
Eng. Bosco Lepi, President of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) urged engineers to tackle key challenges such as climate change, digital transition, and infrastructure gaps. “Engineering has always been the backbone of progress,” he said. “We must respond with courage and purpose.”