The Chemical Engineers Convention, organised by the Association of Chemical Engineering Students (ACES), was held on Friday, 25th April 2025, at the Central Teaching Facility (CTF) Auditorium 106, Kyambogo University under the theme: “Building a Career in Chemical Engineering.”

Event Objective:
To connect Chemical Engineering students with alumni and industry professionals, providing career insights, knowledge sharing, and professional networking opportunities under the theme ‘Building a Career in Chemical Engineering’.

Convention Highlights

The Chemical Engineers Convention, held on 25th April 2025 at Kyambogo University, convened 87 chemical engineering students, alumni, and professionals from the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Organised by the Association of Chemical Engineering Students (ACES), the event focused on the theme “Building a Career in Chemical Engineering.” It provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and mentorship. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the convention strengthened links between students and industry, offering valuable career insights and fostering a sense of community within the chemical engineering field.

Speech from ACES President

Mr. Remigio Mugomi, the ACES President, began his welcoming remarks by expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of life and the providence that made the event possible. He praised the ACES Executives and the Organizing Committee for their commitment in organizing the event. He recognized the presence of all invited guests and briefly introduced their profiles. He then announced the event’s name, Chemical Engineer’s Convention, held under the theme “Building a Career in Chemical Engineering,” noting it as the first of its kind, and outlined its objectives.

He assured the students that the invited guests were distinguished Kyambogo University alumni, who had pursued the same course and some previously served as ACES leaders. He concluded by inviting the Head of the Department of Mining, Chemical, and Petroleum Engineering to deliver the opening address.

ACES President, Mr. Remigio Mugomi, delivers opening remarks at the inaugural Chemical Engineers Convention, acknowledging alumni, guests, and the efforts behind the event’s success.
ACES President, Mr. Remigio Mugomi, delivers opening remarks at the inaugural Chemical Engineers Convention, acknowledging alumni, guests, and the efforts behind the event’s success.

 

Speech from the Head of Department; Mining, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.Dr. William Wanasolo, who also serves as the Patron of ACES, thanked the ACES President, his Executives, and the Organizing Committee for initiating an event aimed at bridging the gap between continuing students, alumni, and professionals. He advised that future editions of this impactful event should involve the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering to further strengthen its significance. He then officially declared the event open.

Dr. William Wanasolo, Head of Department and Patron of ACES, officially opens the Chemical Engineers Convention with words of encouragement and a call for broader faculty involvement in future editions.
Dr. William Wanasolo, Head of Department and Patron of ACES, officially opens the Chemical Engineers Convention with words of encouragement and a call for broader faculty involvement in future editions.

Key Achievements 

Keynote Speeches.

As the event continued, a series of keynote speeches were delivered by distinguished guests, including Mr. Timothy Obbo, Mr. Anthony Katusiime, and Mrs. Mercy Kitimbo Asiku.

Speech from Mr. Obbo Timothy

Mr. Timothy Obbo, an Application Engineer at Nalco Water – Ecolab and the best overall Engineering Graduate of 2024, delivered an inspiring speech. He emphasized the importance of actively seeking opportunities, building a strong personal brand and professional network early, and pursuing leadership roles, citing his own experience as a class coordinator and a member of the ACES Executive. He also stressed the value of internships, noting that the skills gained during internship placements are crucial for both job performance and interviews. He shared how his internship experience significantly contributed to his success in securing a job position.

Speech from Mr. Obbo Timothy

Mr. Anthony Katusiime

Mr. Anthony Katusiime, a Chemical Engineer currently serving as an Environment Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), delivered his speech as the Guest of Honor, representing the Permanent Secretary of MEMD, Eng. Irene Bateebe. With extensive experience working for various companies, including Total Energies, Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited, Rwenzori Bottling Company Limited, and Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, he shared valuable insights with the attendees.

He emphasized the importance of excelling in the course, urging students to explore all available resources and information related to their studies. “Fail, Stand up, redo and Pass! At this point, make sure you pass.” He stressed the significance of soft skills, attitude, and listening skills in professional development, advising that these qualities are critical for success in the field. He also highlighted that the official MEMD email is a useful tool for applying for opportunities at the Ministry and encouraged students to make use of it for career advancement.

He also mentioned that chemical engineers have excellent employment prospects with organizations such as UEDCL, UETCL, UEGCL, UNOC, and PAU, and noted that public lectures and events could serve as important platforms for networking and growth.

Mr. Anthony Katusiime, Guest of Honor and Environment Officer at MEMD, shares career insights and motivational advice with students, emphasizing resilience, soft skills, and the value of networking in the chemical engineering profession.
Mr. Anthony Katusiime, Guest of Honor and Environment Officer at MEMD, shares career insights and motivational advice with students, emphasizing resilience, soft skills, and the value of networking in the chemical engineering profession.

Mrs. Mercy Kitimbo Asiku

Mrs. Mercy Kitimbo Asiku, a Chemical Engineer at Uganda Industrial Research Institute, expressed her gratitude to the ACES President for organizing the event. She emphasized the importance of making the Chemical Engineering Convention a recurring tradition, highlighting its numerous benefits for both students and professionals. She encouraged the continued hosting of such events to foster growth, learning, and networking within the field. She further went on to unveil the line-up of panelists from the pharmaceuticals industries.

Mrs. Mercy Kitimbo Asiku, Chemical Engineer at UIRI, commends the initiative behind the Convention and advocates for its continuity, while unveiling the panelists from the pharmaceutical industry.
Mrs. Mercy Kitimbo Asiku, Chemical Engineer at UIRI, commends the initiative behind the Convention and advocates for its continuity, while unveiling the panelists from the pharmaceutical industry.

Engaging panel discussion with pharmaceutical industry experts.

The Pharmaceutical Panel was moderated by Mr. Jonathan Okello, a recent Chemical Engineering graduate and alumni, currently serving as a Quality Assurance Auditor at Quality Chemical Industry Limited. The panel featured four participants from various pharmaceutical industries: Ms. Valeria Wanyana, a Quality Control Chemist at Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited; Mr. Emmanuel Ntale from Quality Chemical Industry Limited; Ms. Vivian Zawedde from Palin Corporation Limited; and Mr. David Akampulira from East African Medical Vitals.

During the discussion, the panelists shared valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of skills and the value one can bring to the industry. Key points included:

  • The need for individuals with strong skills and the ability to create value.
  • The importance of humility, effective communication (both verbal and written), and discipline.
  • Essential course units for success in the field, such as Heat Transfer, Engineering Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Mass Transfer, Process Control, and Instrumentation.
  • The need for strong supervision, planning abilities, and the consistency in producing quality work.
  • Teamwork and empathy as critical factors in professional success.
  • Understanding and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
  • The role of a Chemical Engineer in the production process, including learning, planning, troubleshooting, R&D, process design, and data analysis in pharmaceutical quality control.
  • The significance of testing finished drugs to ensure no contamination.
  • The importance of research, innovation, and clinical trials, including animal studies.
  • Gaining hands-on experience through internships.
  • For students at the entry level, being an aggressive learner is crucial to career growth.

Active Students participation during the Chemical Engineering quiz. competition.

The Chemical Engineering Quiz featured two representatives from each class (Year I, II, III, and IV). They included; Hiswill John Bright, Ssekanyo Charles, Elogu Emmanuel, Ocen Ciprian, Ningo Henry, Mungufeni Peter, Mutatwala Pius and Amwesigwa Martin

In Round One, Year I faced Year II, with Year II emerging as the winner, scoring a perfect 50/50 (100%), while Year I scored 30/50 (60%).

In Round Two, Year III competed against Year IV, with Year III winning by scoring 45/50 (90%), while Year IV scored 35/50 (70%). Year II progressed to the final to face Year III, where Year II won with a score of 41/50 (82%), while Year III scored 32/50 (64%).

2.3 Active Students participation during the Chemical Engineering quiz. competition

The 2025 Chemical Engineers Convention successfully met its core objectives, providing a valuable platform for learning, engagement, and inspiration. The quality of interactions and feedback received highlight the event’s positive impact. With strategic improvements, future editions are poised to be even more successful.

 

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