By Joseph Mary Buwule
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Makerere University has celebrated a major achievement in engineering and technology following the election of Associate Professor Dorothy Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering, as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
The prestigious recognition honours Assoc. Prof. Okello for her outstanding contributions to engineering and technology, as well as her commitment to using innovation, research and technological solutions to create positive impact in society.
Her election to the Royal Academy of Engineering represents a significant milestone in her career and places her among distinguished professionals recognised for exceptional contributions to the engineering profession.
Assoc. Prof. Okello has built a strong reputation through her work in engineering education, research, innovation and technology development. In her leadership role at Makerere University’s School of Engineering, she has been instrumental in promoting an environment where engineering knowledge and innovation can respond to real-world challenges facing Uganda and the wider African continent.
Her recognition also highlights the growing contribution of Ugandan and African engineers to global technological advancement. Through universities and research institutions, African engineers and scientists are increasingly contributing solutions in areas such as digital technology, communications, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and sustainable development.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to advancing engineering. Fellowship of the Academy is a distinguished honour that recognises engineers who have made significant contributions to the profession and whose work has demonstrated exceptional impact.
For Makerere University, Assoc. Prof. Okello’s election is another indication of the institution’s contribution to engineering education, research and innovation. The university has continued to position research and innovation as key drivers of national development, with its scholars participating in projects addressing challenges in Uganda and beyond.
Her achievement is particularly significant because of the importance of engineering and technology in Uganda’s development agenda. The country requires a growing pool of highly skilled engineers and innovators capable of developing locally relevant solutions, strengthening industrialisation and supporting the transformation of communities.
As Dean of the School of Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Okello has also been part of efforts to strengthen engineering training and encourage students and researchers to move beyond theoretical knowledge towards practical solutions that can improve people’s lives.
Her election is expected to inspire a new generation of engineers, particularly young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The recognition also underscores the importance of women’s leadership and participation in engineering and technology. Assoc. Prof. Okello’s achievement provides an important example for young women and girls considering careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her election as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider African engineering community.
The honour comes at a time when innovation and technological advancement are increasingly important in addressing Africa’s development challenges, making the contribution of engineers such as Assoc. Prof. Okello particularly valuable.