02/09/2024 | Empowering Uganda's Industrial Growth: Dr. Dick Kamugasha's Successful Project Management and Leadership
Introduction
Dr. Dick Kamugasha is Deputy Executive Director at Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing industrial capabilities in his home country, Uganda. In this spotlight, he shares insights into his current responsibilities, his motivation for undertaking the Project Management (PM) Embedding Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training programme at Galilee Institute, and the impact it has already had on his professional journey.
Current Role and Responsibilities
Dr. Kamugasha oversees projects aimed at acquiring and developing enabling technologies for industrial applications, emphasizing the utilization of local resources to generate value-added products.
Dr Kamugasha hosting officers from the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on a familiarization tour. The machinery in the photo is part of a technology transfer project for conversion of Uganda's bamboo into high-value products.
Demonstrating organic cosmetics from UIRI’s business incubator, crafted with local raw materials.
This effort is anchored on a model that focuses on enhanced utilization of local resources such as agricultural produce, forestry products and minerals to generate valued-added products, create technology-based enterprises (through business incubation) and support existing industries.
Receiving corporate publication from Head of Delegation, Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)
Allied to this effort is the development of a skilled industrial workforce that can competently handle modern manufacturing operations, technology development, product development and establishment of model production or value-addition facilities. According to Dr Kamugasha, these are the essential prerequisites to creating a strong, effective and competitive industrial sector in Uganda.
Motivation for Training
Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) was established in 2002. It initially prioritized industrial development, emphasizing raw material value addition, community empowerment, and incremental product enhancement through applied research. Over time, it has evolved into a regional Centre of Excellence for the East African Community which comprises, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
The institute has been actively engaged in capacity-building collaboration with Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) since 2006 and Dr. Kamugasha naturally became interested in this programme for his own training needs.
Dr. Kamugasha sought exposure to best practices through the GIMI training. His goal was to enhance his capabilities in managing multifaceted and international projects, addressing challenges related to project conception, planning, and effective monitoring and evaluation.
The training proved rewarding, providing practical approaches to project management and Monitoring and Evaluation. Dr. Kamugasha appreciated the use of case studies and valued the lectures from experienced instructors like Dr. Nathan Tirosh that added depth to the programme.
“I aimed to tackle the challenge of bridging the gap between the conception, planning and implementation of projects, and effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) thereafter. My focus was on using M&E information actively to adjust project direction and implementation for better goal achievement.”
The knowledge gained from the training equipped Dr. Kamugasha with valuable insights into project monitoring and evaluation, enabling iterative adjustments of Implementation processes to achieve set goals. He emphasizes how fundamental it is to effective management and leadership.
“The participation of delegates from over 35 countries from across the globe (from Brazil to Papua New Guinea) was another attractive feature that greatly enriched the training programme, especially from the perspectives of experience sharing, networking and potential for collaboration.”
Projects Where Expert Management and Evaluation Were Crucial to Success
In February 2012, he conceptualized a Machining, Manufacturing, and Industrial Skills Development Centre (MMISDC) and supervised engineering design and project implementation teams that led to UIRI successfully commissioning the facility on 20th January 2020, eight years later, at Kampala Industrial Business Park, Namanve. The project was implemented through a Uganda-China bilateral cooperation grant worth US $30 million and has since been operationalized.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of Uganda breaks ground at MMISDC Project site on 25th January 2018
“This innovative project, integrating apprentice training with live production, was completed within 22 months, highlighting the importance of effective project management, monitoring, and evaluation in achieving this significant milestone. The MMISDC was launched by His Excellency General Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, on 20th January 2020.”
As-built layout of state-of-the-art MMISDC facility situated on 15-acre site at Kampala Industrial Business Park (KIBP). It offers fully-integrated machining, manufacturing and industrial skills development services.
His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda launches the completed MMISDC on 15th January 2020
Dr Kamugasha also successfully contributed as Head Secretariat to the project implementation Taskforce that implemented the establishment of Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK).
“I played a key technical role in the successful implementation UPIK. This included developing an institutional plan (2014-2019), designing a Competency-Based Training (CBT) curriculum and getting it approved by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), coordinating preparation of a physical infrastructure development Master Plan, and participating in the recruitment and capacity building of 12 instructors.
The construction of UPIK’s maiden campus, including dormitories, workshops, lecture rooms, and a virtual library, along with the equipping of workshops with advanced machinery, contributed to the project's success.
Thanks to effective management, UPIK continues to produce skilled technicians for Uganda's growing oil and gas industry.”
Future Initiatives at UIRI
Looking ahead, Dr. Kamugasha envisions applying the acquired project management knowledge at UIRI in many areas, notably the institute’s innovative approach to industrial skills development and business incubation:
“The knowledge and skills gained from the Project Management training programme at Galilee Institute stands to play an instrumental role towards delivery of services at UIRI, through efficient and seamless integration of key project stages such as initiation, planning, budgeting, procurement, implementation, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.”
Influence on Decision-Making and Collaboration
“The training programme inculcated the discipline of a ‘total project management approach’ that emphasises connecting the efforts of key institutional actors towards the achievement of a common goal. Accordingly, I intend to apply the knowledge acquired to ensure the efforts of UIRI project conception teams, procurement staff, financial management units, HR management, and technical implementation teams are efficiently integrated with a focus on the same well-defined goal.”
Dr. Kamugasha's journey vividly demonstrates how top-notch training in project management and leadership skills can be transformative, establishing a noteworthy standard for aspiring professionals in the field. Reflecting on his experience, he adds,
“I strongly recommend the Project Management (PM) Embedding Monitoring and Evaluation course at GIMI to executive officers and senior managers the world over. The quality and depth of the programme content is impressive, as is the extensive practical and academic experience of the programme delivery team.”
In conclusion, “I do not expect any practising professional manager that participates in GIMI’s Project Management (PM) Embedding Monitoring and Evaluation course to leave unaltered. Thanks to the experience of the instructors and case study approach, the training programme is guaranteed to enrich perspectives on effective project management for any organization, in any setting.”
Conclusion
We sincerely thank Dr. Dick Kamugasha for sharing his inspiring journey and insights into the transformative impact of quality training on project management and leadership. We wish him continued success in leveraging his knowledge for Uganda's industrial growth. Dr. Kamugasha's achievements set a commendable standard, empowering aspiring professionals in the field.
May the strides made resonate in UIRI's future initiatives, contributing to innovative industrial development.
We also look forward to the continued collaboration between Galilee Institute and Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) and for the ongoing success of Ugandan and Israeli ties.
