Staff and Students from the School of Engineering, Soroti University, have undertaken an educational visit to the Engineering Development and Innovation Centre (EDIC) located in Rwebitete, Kiruhura District. The visit is part of the University’s efforts to provide practical exposure to students and strengthen their understanding of the latest engineering technologies and innovations shaping Uganda’s industrial development.
The three days benchmarking tour which took place from 23rd-25th October 2025, offered students and staff a first-hand experience of modern engineering practices and cutting-edge technologies currently being developed and tested at the Innovation Centre. The facility is one of the government’s flagship centre of excellence projects established to promote research, design, and innovation in the mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering sectors.
Students and Staff being briefed as a prerequisite for accessing the facilities.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Anthony Okimat Opolot, the project coordinator, Engineering Development and Innovation Centre (EDIC) commended Soroti University for prioritizing hands-on learning as part of its engineering training. He emphasized that partnerships between universities and the innovation hubs are vital in nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers capable of driving Uganda’s industrial transformation.
The Deputy Dean of the School of Engineering, Soroti University, Excellence Favour noted that the visit aligns with the institution’s mission to produce graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to national development. “This tour helps our students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world engineering applications,” she remarked.
School of Engineering staff being taken through a variety of equipment found at the centre
SET staff admiring the state-of-the-art mechanical engineering machines at the centre.
Students expressed excitement about the exposure, highlighting that the experience deepened their understanding of local innovations, renewable energy systems, and fabrication technologies being advanced at EDIC.
Students attentively listening to the EDIC team during the benchmarking and learning tour of the facilities.
The visit reflects Soroti University’s continued commitment to experiential learning, research, and innovation aimed at fostering socio-economic transformation in Uganda and beyond. “We want expose our students to the real-world experiences and shape their determination to blend lecture room knowledge with hands-on technological advancement shaping global engineering and innovations” Eng. Fabian Ebiju, the industrial relations officer Soroti University said in an interview.
Soroti university is currently offering two programs under the school of Engineering and Technology. Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Electronics Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with more programs set to be launched in the coming academic year.