Professional engineers body gets new president
Speaking during the institution's annual general assembly at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Mwesiga praised his competitors and called for unity among members. He also promised to serve with dedication and commitment.
Eng. Peterson Mwesiga won the presidency after defeating the incumbent, Eng. Bosco Lepi. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)
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The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) has elected a new president for the 2026–2028 term. Eng. Peterson Mwesiga won the presidency after defeating the incumbent, Eng. Bosco Lepi, in a four-way contest.
Out of 1,619 votes cast by registered UIPE members, Mwesiga received 44% of the votes. Eng. Teddy Okwi followed with 28.9%, while the incumbent vice-president, Eng. Okwi came in third. Eng. Bosco Lepi, who has been serving since 2024, garnered 17% of the votes. Eng. Angela Kirabo Mutebi, a member of the executive board of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO), received 10.9%.
Speaking during the institution's annual general assembly at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Mwesiga praised his competitors and called for unity among members. He also promised to serve with dedication and commitment.
“The fact that four credible candidates and accomplished engineering professionals came forward to contest this presidency speaks volumes about the now growing vibrancy of UIPE and the passion our members have for their future,” Mwesigwa said.
He added, “Each of you ran a campaign anchored in ideas, service and genuine desire to elevate our gallant institution. I believe that Uganda’s engineering profession is richer and stronger because of the conversation your candidacies generated.”
He pledged to integrate their ideas into his leadership, noting it was “in the intersection of the health of the institution.”
“I promise to go with my manifesto, and this will be highlighted at every AGM on every platform with precision and principles,” he said.
Who is Mwesigwa?
Mwesigwa is an electrical engineer and lawyer trained at Makerere University. He also holds a joint master’s degree from Makerere University and the University of Pretoria. He is a recipient of the Chief Justice’s Award from the Law Development Centre.
With 18 years of experience, Mwesigwa has worked as a lecturer and has expertise in intellectual property law, particularly concerning Uganda’s telecom assets, patents, and trademarks. He serves as an expert, adjudicator, and arbitrator in disputes related to energy and mining infrastructure.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK, a member of the African Users Council of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and a Commissioner for Oaths in Uganda. Additionally, Mwesigwa is a Corporate Member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE), registered with the Engineers Registration Board, and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in the USA.
He campaigned on a seven-point agenda aimed at building a research, innovation, and technology ecosystem by strengthening the linkages between academia, industry, and government to promote applied research and the adoption of technology.