Engineering Students Urged To Prioritise Practical Skills For National Development

The Acting Commandant of the Uganda Military Engineering College (UMEC), Colonel Dr Eng Charles Muhigirwa, has urged engineering students to prioritise practical and technical training, emphasising that hands-on experience is vital to producing competent professionals who can support the nation’s development agenda.

Addressing students at the start of the 2026/27 academic year, Col Dr Eng Muhigirwa emphasised the need to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application.

“Engineering is a practical profession. The knowledge you acquire in class must be translated into practical skills if you are to become competent professionals capable of meeting the country’s development needs,” he said.

He cautioned students against complacency, noting that mistakes in engineering can have devastating consequences.

“Negligence in engineering can result in loss of life, destruction of property, and damage to the environment. You must therefore uphold the highest standards of professionalism, precision, and responsibility throughout your training and future careers,” he said.

He encouraged students to make the most of the college’s practical training opportunities, stressing that technical competence remains the foundation of successful engineering practice.

“As we begin this new academic year, I call upon each one of you to embrace every opportunity for hands-on training. Uganda’s future depends on engineers who can design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that will drive our economy forward,” he added.

UMEC, located in Lugazi Cantonment, Buikwe District along the Kampala-Jinja highway, was commissioned in 2009 and has since grown into a key institution for training both military personnel and civilian students in various engineering disciplines.

The college offers National Diplomas in Civil, Water, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Architecture, alongside certificate courses in building and concrete practice, motor vehicle technology, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical installation.