Engineers elect Kyemba new president
What you need to know:
- Mr Kyemba has previously worked with Bugiri District local government as a senior civil engineer in charge of the water sector.
Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers has elected Mr Ben Kyemba as the new president.
Mr Kyemba, who has been serving as the vice president–membership, education and training committee, takes over the presidency on October 2.
He replaces Mr Vincent Ochwo Olie, who has been president since 2018.
In an online election conducted by Mr Ssebbugga Kimeze, Mr Kyemba beat Mr Geoffrey Ogwang, polling 509 votes, which represented 60 per cent of total votes cast.
Mr Ogwang, who was the only other contender, polled 342 votes or 40 per cent out of the 851 total votes.
Mr Kyemba, a civil engineer, who currently works with the Ministry of Works as the acting assistant commissioner of engineering in charge of quality assurance, comes at a time when the industry is facing a number of challenges, key among them an increase in quack or unprofessional engineers.
Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers brings together a number of engineering professionals key among them civil, mechanical, electrical and agricultural and chemical engineering.
During his term, Mr Kyemba will seek to enhance membership at all levels, pilot online registration, track members’ professional growth, strengthen collaborative efforts, increase the institution’s visibility as well as advocate for increased engagements with other engineering bodies, among others.
Mr Kyemba has previously worked with Bugiri District local government as a senior civil engineer in charge of the water sector.
He holds a Masters in Civil Engineering from Makerere University, a post graduate diploma in project planning and management from Uganda Management Institute, a Bachelor in Civil and Building Engineering from Kyambogo University and a higher diploma in Construction from Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo.
He also holds an ordinary diploma in Civil Engineering from Uganda Technical College Elgon and is a professional and registered civil engineer with over seven years of post-registration experience.
Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers seeks to promote the science and practice of engineering and its applications and facilitate the exchange of information and ideas among members.