UIPE calls for stronger engineering skills to support government development plan

24 September 2026, 1:14 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) has called for stronger engineering skills and closer cooperation among stakeholders to support the government’s development plans.

The call was made during the fourth edition of the UIPE Voice, held at the institution’s headquarters in Kampala.

The meeting was attended by UIPE Vice President in charge of Public Relations, Practice and Ethics, Engineer Zainabu Mpakiraba, Engineer Peter Kakeeto, the Acting Director of Technical Compliance and Monitoring at the Electricity Regulatory Authority, among other members and stakeholders.

The engineers discussed challenges affecting the electricity sector, including power shortages and electricity tariffs. They also advised authorities on measures they believe could help the country achieve its development targets and increase economic benefits from the sector.

Engineer Peter Kakeeto said the electricity sector is working to address the current challenges while ensuring that electricity tariffs remain affordable.

He said Uganda is targeting 52,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity by 2040.

Kakeeto urged UIPE to strengthen professional skills and promote sound engineering practices while continuing to work closely with the Electricity Regulatory Authority.

Engineer Zainabu Mpakiraba said the UIPE Voice provides a platform for the institution to communicate with the public and highlight its activities.

She said UIPE membership has continued to grow and currently stands at 11,049 members.

Mpakiraba said the institution is focusing on supporting its members, strengthening its branches outside Kampala and encouraging assessors and knowledge exchange among engineers.

The meeting also provided an update on the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers SACCO.

Andrew Kawuuki, the UIPE SACCO chairman, urged members to comply with the requirements for joining the SACCO, saying this would help create a stronger platform for engineers to address their financial challenges.

Members were informed that registration costs 50,000 shillings, while 200,000 shillings is required for shares and 50,000 shillings for savings.

UIPE has also encouraged members to mobilise other engineers to join the SACCO and take ownership of the institution, which it says is intended to help address some of the challenges faced by engineers.