The Acting Commandant of the Uganda Military Engineering College (UMEC), Colonel Dr Engineer Charles Muhigirwa, has urged engineering students to prioritise practical and technical training, saying hands-on experience is vital to producing competent professionals who can support the country’s development agenda.
Addressing students at the start of the 2026/27 academic year, Colonel Muhigirwa stressed 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 warned 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 full use of the college’s practical training opportunities, saying 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 is located at Lugazi Cantonment in Buikwe District, along the Kampala-Jinja highway. It was commissioned in 2009 and has since grown into a key institution for training military personnel and civilian students in several engineering disciplines.
The college offers national diplomas in civil, water, electrical and mechanical engineering, as well as architecture.
It also offers certificate courses in building and concrete practice, motor vehicle technology, plumbing, carpentry and electrical installation.
