Migereko tips engineers on mentoring

By Oyet Okwera

DAUDI Migereko, the minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has advised all engineers to strengthen mentoring sessions to groom more professionals. 

Migereko observed that there is need for engineers to often consult each other before engaging in any professional work so as to avoid shoddy work.

"As engineers, you need to know that you are accountable to the people who consume your services. If you do shoddy work, you will be sanctioned. You need to often work as a team through mentoring others to become better engineers," said Migereko

He was speaking as guest of honour while officiating at a training of municipal engineers organized by Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE). The training was held under the theme "Infrastructure Development Training Programme for Municipal Engineers" at the public works training centre in Kyambogo.

The training was aimed at ensuring that all municipal engineers in the country develop adequate capacity to undertake the projects.

The ministry of lands, housing and urban development contracted UIPE to conduct tailor made trainings for all municipal engineers and some ministry staff. Each participant is expected to receive a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) certificate required for all membership categories.    

Migereko also advised the UIPE to ensure that all engineers do work within the expected engineers' code of conduct to promote professionalism.

According to Migereko, all engineers should ensure they are registered with UIPE since only the registered engineers with UIPE are recognised as authentic. He encouraged the registered engineers to mentor upcoming engineers and help them in the process of transforming into professional engineers.

Migereko cited how some professional engineers act contrary to expectations and cracked the whip on their actions.           

"Desist from engaging unprofessional engineers as lead engineers in key district projects since this may culminate in shoddy work," advised Migereko

He told engineers to often consult each other and strive to do better and quality work with the right human resource.

Figures available with UIPE indicate that 700 engineers are registered formally with UIPE and before registration; engineers should work with registered engineers who act as mentors.

Engineer Emmanuel Ojuka, Municipal Infrastructure Development Specialist said registration of engineers should be taken seriously to encourage fully fledged engineering department.

"We are now undertaking rigorous programs to ensure that all engineers attain the ladder of professionalism," said Ojuka.