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Wilson Babu Musinguzi

Wilson Babu Musinguzi

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Professor Wilson Babu Musinguzi possesses more than eighteen (18) years of relevant academic/professional experience in Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation including but not limited to administration/management, lecturing, strategic curriculum development/review leadership, research, innovation and community development impact projects. He boasts of an excellent record of resource mobilization for education, research, capacity building, and community projects. He has vast experience in Total Quality Management. He rose from the rank of lecturer in 2007 to the rank of Professor in 2024 in public universities in Uganda.

He has been the Director Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation at Mountains of the Moon University (Uganda) from August 2023 to July 2025. He also holds the position of Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovation (FOSTI).  I have spearheaded the transformation of the Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation (DGSRI) into a vibrant agenda of all-inclusive applied action research within the activated research agenda and niche areas. The idea is to enhance the research value chain for product development and commercial venture push with sustained funding of thematic areas over three to five years of impactful intervention for development. To accelerate this further, there is intensification of drive to win external grants to create synergies with internal funding, enhance scholarship and graduate fellowship at PhD level, develop joint PhD programmes and enhancement of staff capacity building at all levels through training, academic exchanges, mentorship and peer learning from premier academic partners. He has demonstrated his accustomed stature to driving high voltage staff to optimal performance in delivery of administrative duties, research excellence and innovation, and an accomplished mentor of academic and other staff on scholarly works, community projects development, academic networks, resources frugality, total quality management and team building traits.

He previously served as the Dean Faculty of Engineering at Busitema University (Uganda), has been a member of the University Council, a member the Global Engineering Deans Council and served on a number of expert committees within and outside the University spheres. He is a corporate member of the Uganda Institution of professional Engineers, and aregistered engineer with Engineers’ Registration Board (Uganda).

He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (2000-2004) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering of Makerere University on 22nd October 2004.

He pursued a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering (2004-2006) and was awarded an MSc degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering with a Major in Mechanical Engineering of the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm Sweden in June 2006.

He pursued a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with Specialization in Renewable Energy Engineering (2010-2014) and awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree of Makerere University at the January 2015 congregation.

Musinguzi, W. B., Okure, M. A. E., Sebbit, A., Lwanyaga, J. D., & Løvås, T. (2025). Thermal performance of a flat plate solar collector in Ugandan climatic conditions. Journal of Next Research, 2, 100519.

Menya, J., Kanyarusoke, K., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2024). Solar food/crop drying practices in Uganda: The state of the art and prospective development. International Journal of Scientific Advances, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.51542/ijscia.v5i2.25

Musinguzi, W. B., & Yu, P. F. (2023). Enhanced thermal performance of shell and tube heat exchangers using TiO₂/water nanofluids: An SST turbulence model analysis. Journal of Sustainable Energy, 2(3), 154–164. https://doi.org/10.56578/jse020305

Tumusiime, E., Kirabira, J. B., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2023). An integrated energy recovery system for productive biogas applications: Continuous mode operation and assessment. Energy Reports, 9, 4532–4536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.03.097

Tumusiime, E., Kirabira, J. B., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2022). Optimization of substrate mixing ratios for wet anaerobic digestion of selected organic waste streams for productive biogas systems. Energy Reports, 8, 10409–10417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.08.189

Tumusiime, E., Kirabira, J. B., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2020). Performance evaluation of cellulose fiber’s effectiveness as a thermal insulation material for productive biogas systems. Energy Reports, 6, 3390–3398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2020.12.014

Nambajjwe, C., Musinguzi, W. B., Rwahwire, S., Kasedde, A., Namuga, C., & Nibikora, I. (2020). Improving electricity from silk cocoons through feeding silkworms with silver nanoparticles. Materials Today: Proceedings, 28(Part 2), 1221–1226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.518

Musinguzi, W. B., & Mpungu, I. L. (2019). The impact of using upgraded biogas on generator performance. Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal, 4(5), 186–192.

Tumusiime, E., Kirabira, J. B., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2019). Long life performance of biogas systems for productive applications: The role of R&D and policy. Energy Reports, 5, 579–583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.05.002

Rwahwire, S., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2019). Impact resistance and shore hardness of barkcloth reinforced epoxy composites for interior automotive panels. Materials Science Forum, 951, 9–13. https://www.scientific.net/MSF.951.9

Kale, B. M., Rwahwire, S., Kale, N. K., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2019). PLA composite films based on acetate substituted microcrystalline cellulose. Key Engineering Materials, 801, 133–138. https://www.scientific.net/KEM.801.133

Musinguzi, W. B. (2018). Mechanization for small-holder farmers in Uganda: An innovative approach by Busitema University. In Proceedings of the 2018 World Engineering Education Forum–Global Engineering Deans Council (WEEF-GEDC) (pp. 1–4). IEEE.

Okure, M. A. E., Musinguzi, W. B., & Løvås, T. (2016). Parametric modeling of producer gas-combustor and heat exchanger integration for micro-gas turbine application. Journal of Energy Challenges and Mechanics, 3(4), 191–200.

Okure, M. A. E., Tuhairwe, F., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2016). Technical and economic viability of biogas-based electricity generation for distributed renewable energy systems in livestock communities of Uganda. In E. Delfino & C. Vezzoli (Eds.), Proceedings of the LeNSes Conference: Sustainable Energy for All by Design (pp. 87–93).

Abbo, M. S., Da Silva, I. P., Okure, M. A. E., Lating, P., & Musinguzi, W. B. (2016). Selection of distributed renewable energy sites using simple additive weighting. In E. Delfino & C. Vezzoli (Eds.), Proceedings of the LeNSes Conference: Sustainable Energy for All by Design (pp. 211–217).

Musinguzi, W. B., Okure, M. A. E., Sebbit, A., Løvås, T., & Da Silva, I. (2014). Thermodynamic modeling of allothermal steam gasification in a downdraft fixed-bed gasifier. Advanced Materials Research, 875–877, 1782–1793. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.875-877.1782

Okure, M. A. E., Musinguzi, W. B., Sebbit, A., & Løvås, T. (2014). Exergoeconomic analysis of a novel small-scale CHP system for rural electrification in Uganda. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (HEFAT 2014) (pp. 1978–1985).

Okure, M. A. E., Musinguzi, W., Wabwire, A., & Bagenda, S. (2014). Experience from rural electrification in Uganda: A case study of a husk-powered system in Tiribogo Village. In Proceedings of the 9th Regional Collaboration Conference on Research and Innovations for Sustainable Regional Development (pp. 28–37).

Musinguzi, W. B., Okure, M. A. E., Sebbit, A., & Løvås, T. (2012). Thermal characterization of Uganda’s Acacia hockii, Combretum molle, Eucalyptus grandis and Terminalia glaucescens for gasification. Biomass and Bioenergy, 46, 402–408.

Houshfar, E., Sandquist, J., Musinguzi, W., Khalil, R. A., Becidan, M., Skreiberg, Ø., Goile, F., Løvås, T., & Sørum, L. (2012). Combustion properties of Norwegian biomass: Wood chips and forest residues. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 110–116, 4564–4568.

Khalil, R. A., Houshfar, E., Musinguzi, W., Becidan, M., Skreiberg, Ø., Goile, F., Løvås, T., & Sørum, L. (2011). Experimental investigation on corrosion abatement in straw combustion by fuel-mixing. Energy & Fuels, 25(6), 2687–2695.

Musinguzi, W. B., Okure, M. A. E., Sebbit, A., & Løvås, T. (2011). Small-scale CHP for rural electrification in Uganda: The state-of-the-art and prospective development. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology (AET 2011).

Okure, M. A. E., & Musinguzi, W. (2006). A novel combined heat and power (CHP) cycle based on gasification of bagasse. In Advances in Engineering and Technology (pp. 465–472). Elsevier.

He holds a grants portfolio as PI/Co-PI/Coordinator/supervisor of more than Seventeen (17) million US dollars spread over a period of seventeen (17) years (2007 to date). The grants are briefly outlined below:-

i) Design and implementation of a 4 MW solar power plant project (Approx. US$7 million grant from Egyptian Government to Uganda and counterpart funding from Ugandan Government) to support energy nexus projects for the University community and surrounding communities in Busia District and the region. The overarching goal of this project is to spur environmental sustainability through green and energy development, clean water projects among others. He served as the Project Coordinator/PI (2018 –   2023). The plant is contributing to skilling, income generation and spin-off ventures.

 

ii) Enhancing the MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering programme with a grant from the Transforming Energy Access – Learning Partnership (TEA-LP). UK Pounds 10,000. 2023-2025. He served as the Convenor/Project PI (2023).

 

iii) A novel round the clock solar crop drying system for minimizing Uganda’s post-harvest losses and subsequent upscaling with silo storage for rural industrialisation. 2021- 2023. Funding level by STI-OP; UGX 77 million (2021) plus UGX 502 million (2022-2023). He served as a Co-PI of the project.

Results:

  • Invention: Novel solar crop dryer, able to run 24 hours a day and with some

     water recovery – invented: Patent application writeup in progress.

  • Capacity Development – 5 students trained and motivated to pursue solar

                                                           Energy engineering studies and/or practice

 

iv) AfDB HEST 5 Infrastructure project at Faculty of Engineering, Busitema University

2016-2020, USD 7.4 million. This involved the planning for the structure, review of

designs, specification of lab equipment and supervision of works and installations. The

project aspects were all delivered on schedule and of high-quality standards.

He served as the Head project supervision.

v) Renewable Energy Business Incubator (REBI) Ltd, 2017-2020, USD USD 770,000;

Vocational Training for Job Creation in the Renewable Energy Value Chain in

Uganda, Project No. UGA-16/0012 funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in

Uganda (2017-2020). He served as Executive Board Chairman (until May 2019) and

               Board/Founding Member.

              Project Brief

               REBi Limited proposed to partner with technical and vocational institutions to equip youth and young adults with relevant skills demanded by the labour market. Upon completion of their final semester coursework, students are attached to renewable energy companies for industrial training to acquire hands-on skills and experience in areas of Electrical and Mechanical engineering relevant for the sector development. This skills enhancement is expected to increase their employability and job creation.

Results

                – Enterprise support

REBi supported 24 enterprises (incubation, training, linkage to networks and seed financing to some of them)

– Business establishment

14 businesses established and developed (some were incubated, some were already established but were struggling – REBi assisted in their development

– Created employment opportunities

160 jobs created in the businesses and the value chain. 73 (direct) and 87 (indirect)

 

  1. vi) NORAD Master Programme: Master of Science in Renewable Energy at Makerere University and University of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with NTNU (Norway), Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique), University of Malawi (Malawi), Mekelle University and Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia); USD 2 million, 2007 – 2014. He participated as a researcher, Assistant coordinator and later as coordinator/PI.

              Project Brief

  • The program is offered by both Makerere University and University of Dar-es-salaam.
  • The other collaborating institutions in Eastern Africa used to send in their students on scholarship and also send their professors to take part in lecturing and supervision of research at either Makerere University or University of Dar-es-Salaam.
  • NTNU coordinated the project by linking the institutions in the south with NOMA (NORAD). Furthermore, professors from NTNU are involved in lecturing specialized courses at Makerere and University of Dar-es-Salaam and are also for the general guidance on curriculum development and quality assurance of the master program.

Funding

  • 5 student cohorts (in total 82 scholarships awarded)
  • Budget: 12,000,000 NOK (~ USD 2 Million) financed by SIU (Norad)

Results

  • About two third of the scholarship students have graduated at both UDSM and Makerere University with the rest still following up their studies (thesis).
  • The collaboration among partner universities has been remarkable.
  • The project has enjoyed full support from the University administration at all levels

Spin-off projects

  • Energy and Petroleum project (EnPe) sponsoring one PhD student connected to NOMA project coordination at Makerere (2010-2014), Budget: 1,000,000 NOK (~ USD 167,000). Served as Coordinator and beneficiary. Result: The PhD candidate (myself) completed in time and is serving the nation excellently.
  • NOMA Gender Incentive Project offering additional benefits to female students in the NOMA MSc Renewable Energy program (2011-2013). Budget: 319,000 NOK (~USD 53,000). Served as Coordinator. Results: The project created an enabling environment for female students to cope with both family and studies through incentives for child care, additional research grants and many completed in time. The enrolment for female students increased in the subsequent years and generally women are able to complete studies at the same rate as men.

 

vi) NORAD Energy and Petroleum (EnPe) project within Energy Technologies. Partners

Makerere University, NTNU (Norway), Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique), University of Malawi (Malawi), Mekelle University and Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia); USD 1,25 million, 2010 – 2015). Participated as a researcher and coordinator at Makerere University. We are completing Phase II; USD 2 million, 2014 – 2020. He participated as a researcher and coordinator/PI at CEDAT, Makerere University. Results: Capacity building at PhD – At least 3 PhD students are enrolled at each of the participating University for purposes of capacity building. A number of Master’s students have completed their studies and a few more still following up their thesis work. The staff at the Universities in the south have enhanced their supervision capacity through co-supervision with the Norwegian Professors. Also, the lab infrastructure at each University in the south has steadily improved due to the PhD experimental test rigs installed. I am supervising one PhD under this project.

 

vii)     Climate Facility (NCF): Sustainable Renewable Energy Businesses in Uganda, between Norges Vel (Norway) and Makerere University; Euro 500,000, 2010 – 2014. He participated as the Local Project Manager on Makerere side. Results: 4 Husk Power Gasification plants were installed to demonstrate small scale electricity generation from Biomass. The communities enjoyed the power, despite the technology challenges that were experienced. A number of entrepreneurs were supported for business start-ups in Renewable Energy. Existing enterprises in Renewable Energy were also uplifted both in financing and business advisory.

 

viii)    NORAD support grant to Renewable Energy Incubator at Makerere; USD 600,000,  2013 – 2016. He participated as an advisor/Local Project coordinator. The support was for continuation of the actions under (v) and further equity for enterprise development in Businesses in Renewable Energy especially bioenergy for household cooking, Pico hydro and solar technologies.

1)  Dr. Joseph Ddumba Lwanyaga – Postdoc fellow at Makerere University of the Carnegie funded project titled “Consolidating Early-Career Academics Programme at Makerere University (CECAP) and partner Public Universities Study topic “Dynamic Scaling and Corrosion Testing of Metals in Lake Katwe Brine as a Precursor for Materials Selection” (2022-2024)

2)    Mr. Edmund Tumusiime (MSc. RE, BSc. Mech Eng) (2015/HD08/18805U) – PhD in Renewable Energy Engineering at Makerere University. Title: Toward Optimization of   Energy Recovery from Organic Waste Streams for Productive Applications: The Case of Productive Biogas for Heat and Power Generation in Uganda. (Graduated in 2024).

3) Mr. Menya James (Reg. No: …BU/GS22/PEE/4) – PhD in Energy Engineering (Busitema University).  Title: Uganda Food and Crop Drying Characterization for Automation of a Novel Solar Crop Dryer. (Graduated in 2025).

4)   Mr. Tuhirirwe Mackenzie (BU/GS21/MME/12) – MSc in Materials Engineering (Busitema University). Thesis title: Design and Development of Factory Exhaust Emissions Analyser with Remote Data Monitoring. (Graduated in 2024).

5) Adikini Agnes (BU/GS18/MID/1) – MSc Irrigation and Drainage Engineering (Busitema University). Thesis Title: Estimating the Water Productivity of Irrigated Rice Production Using Remote Sensing Techniques; A Case of Doho I Rice Irrigation Scheme in Uganda. (Graduated in 2023).

6) Jerome MuKhwana (BU/GS18/MID/5) – MSc Irrigation and Drainage Engineering (Busitema University). Thesis title: Effect of River Flow Variations and Different Armoring Strategies on the  Stability of Meandering River Banks (Case Study: River Manafwa). (Graduated in 2023).

7)  Mr. Okumu Wilfred Mayira (BU/GS18/MCF/4) – MSc Computer Forensics (Busitema University). Thesis title: Development of an Investigative Process Model to Monitor E-Learning System. (Graduated in 2022).

8)  Mr. Smith Tukahirwa (2015/HD08/168U) – MSc Renewable Energy (Makerere University). Thesis title:  Techno-economic analysis of MSW Gasification for electricity generation; Case study of Mbarara municipality. (Graduated in 2021).

9)  Mr. Adongo Owora Leo (BU/GS16/MID/1) – MSc Irrigation and Drainage Engineering (Busitema University). Thesis Title: Application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in Water Resources Assessment to Guide Irrigation Development in Malaba Sub-Catchment, Uganda. (Graduated in 2019).

10)  Ms. Ikwap Flavia Agatha (BU/GS16/MCF/3) – Msc Computer Forensics (Busitema University). Thesis Title: Framework for Detecting and Extracting Files Hidden by Encryption and Steganography on Android Devices – Case study Uganda. (Graduated in 2019).

11) Mr. Ibrahim Luqman Mpugu(2014/HD08/1351U) – MSc Renewable Energy (Makerere University). Thesis Title: The Effect of Using Upgraded Biogas on Generator Performance. (Graduated in 2019).

12)  Mr. Yoronimo Oketcho (BU/GS14/MID/27) – MSc Irrigation & Drainage Engineering (Busitema University). Thesis Title: Application of “SWAT” to Identify Potential Irrigation Development Sites – Upper Aswa Catchment, Northern Uganda. (Graduated in 2018).

13)  Mr. Fred Tuhairwe (2013/HD08/362U) – MSc Renewable Energy (Makerere University). Thesis Title: Technical and Economic Viability of Biogas Production for Electricity Generation in Uganda. (Graduated in 2017).

14) Mr. Ssenyimba Shaffic – PhD in Energy Engineering (Busitema University) (2022 – to date). Title: Development and Performance Analysis of an Anduino Controlled Semi-Transparent Organic Solar Cell (ST-OSC) powered Greenhouse for producing Cocoa Seedlings.

EXPERT COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP SERVICE

  1. A Co-opted member of the Top University Management (TUM) at MMU since January 2024.
  2. A Member of the Mountains of the Moon University Senate (2023 to-date)
  3. A Member of the Human Resource Development Committee of MMU, (2023-2025)
  4. A Member of the adhoc Committee on Development of a comprehensive Staff Development Strategy of MMU looking into the current and long-term (2025)
  5. A member of the adhoc committee of developing the MMU Senate Charter (2025)
  6. A Member of the Busitema University Senate (2015-2020)
  7. A Member of the Busitema University Council representing Senate (2016-2020)
  8. A member of Appointments Board of Busitema University (BU) (2020)
  9. A member of students Affairs Committee of Council, Busitema University (2016-2020)
  10. A member of Quality Assurance, Gender and ICT Committee of Council, BU (2016-2020)
  11. Member of Staff Development Committee Busitema University representing Deans (2016-2020)
  12. A Member of Staff Development Committee of Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) (2023 to-2025)
  13. A member of the Budget Committee of Busitema University representing Deans (2016-2018)
  14. A member of the Search committee for the Chancellor of Busitema University (Sept 2017)
  15. Chairperson, 10th Anniversary organizing Committee of Busitema University (Sept-Oct 2017)
  16. A Member of the Evaluation Committee of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Programme (NSTIP) of Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (2018)
  17. Executive Board Chairman, Renewable Energy Business Incubator (REBI) (2017 – 2019)
  18. A Member of the UNCST-SGCII Evaluation Committee (2021, 2023)
  19. Served as an external examiner for the School of Engineering at Makerere University on more than twenty occasions since 2016 to date.
  20. Served as an external examination Moderator for Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) (2020-22)
  21. A Mentor of the Carnegie Funded Postdoc Fellowship at Makerere University in partnership with other public Universities in Uganda (2022 -2024)