Responding to the HR needs of the WATSAN sector: Faculty of Technology, Makerere University

The quality of human resources is a critical factor if benefits from water and environmental sanitation infrastructure are to be maximised. This paper describes how Faculty of Technology, Makerere University has continuously effected changes in its curricula in response to the changing needs in the industry, including the water sector. It explains the major structural changes in the curriculum since that time, the reasons for the changes, and the present structure. The paper also gives a picture of the enrolment trend in engineering and other disciplines, briefly looks at the support from the development partners who have greatly contributed to staff capacity building, the training of specialised engineers as demanded by the competitive market and changing technology particularly in areas of research and hands-on training. Finally the paper looks at the limitations and the way forward.