8M CONSTRUCTION DIGEST SPEARHEADING THE BIRTH
“2023 will usher in big things”, a construction prophet prophesied. 8M Skilling Centre (8M SC) is the big thing. Born by 8M Construction Digest (8M CD), the mother company, 8M CD is currently a project until it grows up into the formidable organization it is destined to be.
It should be recalled that 8M Construction Digest was incepted as 7M Construction Magazine in 1995. Come June 2016, it was rebranded to 8M Construction Digest. The 7M’s of markets, methods, management, money, materials, manpower, and machinery were just hanging in there without the eighth, mindset! Blimey, it was indeed the number one and the missing link in the developing countries, Uganda inclusive.
8M CD as an organization researches, compiles, designs, and packages technical, engineering, and infrastructure-related information. It innovatively communicates it for social and economic development. 8MCD carries out “Careers’ Guidance into vocational and technical jobs/professions the stakeholders including institutions of learning, teachers, parents, administrators, and the general public. Careers Guidance is a “give-back-to-the-community” project.
ENTER ZADECAD ACADEMY
ZadeCAD Ltd. was established in February 2016 and incorporated in 2021 to train in CAD skills and offer building design and construction solutions. A firm of mainly youthful and energetic engineering graduates, ZadeCAD produces all designs and drawings including 3Ds and animations for easy reference by all stakeholders in the construction industry. To date, ZadeCAD has spearheaded massive training of professionals and staff in construction firms and companies, graduates, technologists, and technicians. Some of the key training from last year include;
- Reinforced Concrete Design Bootcamp withProtastructure software;
- Structural Steel Design with Tekla Structural Designer Software;
- Highways and Roads Design with Civil 3D and Vehicle Tracking.
THE JAW-BONE-BREAKER ASSOCIATION OF 8M CONSTRUCTION DIGEST WITH ZADECAD ACADEMY
Unity is strength. Indeed, 8M Construction Digest and ZadeCAD Academy have united to form an association that delivers the objectives of 8M Skilling Centre more effectively and efficiently. They share the same aspirations, offices, and all. The saying, “Ageteraine nigo gaata eigufa” is true that the united strength of 8M Construction Digest and ZadeCAD Academy will, “break the bone.”
THE VISION, MISSION, AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 8M SKILLING CENTRE.
The role of 8M Skilling Centre is summarized thus: To identify fundamental construction ILLS/problems and provide sustainable CURES/solutions. Many agree that Uganda’s construction industry is inexplicably very expensive compared to that of many other nations! No outsider will ever reverse this trend for us! Only Ugandan engineers, planners, architects, businessmen, entrepreneurs, lawyers, researchers, and developers of construction products and services will rescue our motherland.
All promoters of 8M Skilling Centre have been so carefully chosen to take the bull by the horns and create a socially and economically sustainable construction industry. Indeed, the Vison of 8M Skilling Centre is, “To be the leader in creating a socially and economically sustainable construction industry in Uganda. The Mission is, “To research and develop local methods/technology, materials, and manpower that assure Value for Money (VfM) in the construction industry. There are several objectives to make the Centre achieve its Vision and Mission. Some of the Objectives are:
a) To research fundamental construction ILLS problems and develop sustainable CURES/solutions for social and economic development;
b) To research and compile a history of construction in Uganda and communicate it for use and posterity;
c) Coordinate research and development of construction products and services between the academia and the business stakeholders in the construction industry;
e) Communicate the information to stakeholders in the construction industry through sensitization fora, construction kimeeza/symposia, using the print and electronic media, music, dance, and drama.
e) Train trainers, skill and upskill stakeholders in the construction industry on topics such as:
How to train and Skill Trainers and Skillers;
How It works;
Do it yourself;
f) Carry out “Careers’ Guidance into Technical Jobs/Professions” to all institutions of learning, teachers, parents, and the general public, as a “give-back-to-the-community” project;
g) Make a return on investment and a profit for the promoters.
TOOLS TO ACCOMPLISH THE HERCULEAN TASK
It is indeed a herculean task to save the construction industry of Uganda. But we have the tools. Since the inception of 7M Construction Magazine and 8M Construction Digest, the organizations have acquired a rich mix of invaluable information, which will form the basis for carrying out the objectives of the 8M Skilling Centre.
a) The below form but the tip of the iceberg: The knowledge tools of the 8M factors, which must be coordinated to carry out construction and any business successfully:
Mindset: We will research to change the attitude of our stakeholders so that they constantly seek information (Knowledge), and train to practice to perfection, thus developing sustainable solutions to problems.
We think that poverty of the mind translates into the poverty of the body. Ugandans (and Africans) have resources of abundant land, materials, and manpower, and yet we fail to translate these riches into social, cultural, economic, technological, and political development! 8M Skilling Centre will research, among others, why African countries lagged far behind in development. Maybe, we may unravel the mystery of construction and others.
Markets: We will train stakeholders in selecting and dealing with feasible, viable, and sustainable projects;
Methods: Technical methods will deal with how to design, construct, maintain, and demolish construction works and services to achieve Value for Money (VFM);
Management: This factor will deal with corporate planning, coordinating activities, staffing, and controlling to achieve vision, mission, and objectives;
Money: This factor will deal with how to seek funding, estimate, budget, and audit projects;
Materials: This factor will deal with how to carry out research and development (R&D), specify, innovate, procure and utilize materials;
Manpower: This factor will deal with how to identify, skill, motivate and supervise manpower to deliver;
Machinery: This factor will deal with how to specify, procure, utilize and maintain tools, equipment, and machinery.
b) The knowledge tools of Project Management Control mechanisms comprising of
Scope;
Quality;
Cost; and
iv. Time, as the primary requirement, and
v. Human Resource Management Control as a secondary requirement for implementing construction works and services.
c) The 4 E’s knowledge tools of the accountants and auditors’ on Value for Money (VfM)
which is a systematic, purposeful, organized, and objective method used to assess, whether the resources used to execute the project are inadequate, adequate, or excessive; or whether they fulfill the 4 Es:
- Effectiveness in fulfilling the scope and form of works/services;
- Efficiency in the design and supervision to ensure quality and timely delivery;
- Economy to ensure that only the adequate or minimum funds are used to deliver the works/services; and
- Equity in safeguarding social and environmental aspects of works and services.
VfM=E1+E2+E3+E4, measured on a scale of 12, where each E is given a maximum of 3 marks.
d) The knowledge tools of Total Quality Management (TQM) for the construction industry
Total Quality Management (TQM) will describe a management approach to the long-term success of the construction industry through satisfying customers and all stakeholders, mainly: the developers/clients; consumers of construction products and services, professionals, the business community, institutions of learning, NGO’s and international bodies, and the general public. In the TQM effort, all members of any organization will participate in improving and delivering construction processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work.
e) Knowledge and practice of Information Technology
This being the computer age, information technology using computer-aided design programs, graphics, 3D models/drawings, and animations will be used to enhance communication between all stakeholders in the construction industry. Leading among these will be the training, popularizing, and using Building Information Technology (BIM)!
f) The Knowledge and principles of Careers Guidance
These are the four principles that guide on how to choose a career, based on:
- Knowing as many (prospective/future) careers as possible;
- Choosing careers of one’s ability/capability;
- Choosing careers of one’s interest;
- Choosing one’s dream career.
STAKEHOLDERS OF THE 8M SKILLING CENTRE
BENEFITS OF PROMOTERS OF 8M SKILLING CENTRE
8M Skilling Centre, together with its parent company 8M Construction Digest (8M CD) will be conducting several skilling, training, and publicity activities using the Centre and other media houses. We will command a big market of stakeholders in the construction industry both virtually and physically at 8M SC and in the field. There is already wide contact through the publications of our journals and magazines.
The following are the benefits of individual Promoters
a) Attain personal gratification and stay, professionally, academically, and businesswise relevant in Uganda and abroad through promoting the construction industry by taking part in training, discussions, and other project programs;
b) Promote your business (or yourself) through expanded exposure and direct advertising on our several media platforms. Our stakeholders are your stakeholders: The business community, professionals, government and policymakers, NGOs and international bodies, Institutions of learning, and the general public;
c) Do direct business with the Project by selling your products and services to our stakeholders, where we will be your mouthpiece;
d) Take part in training (in your case on identified courses and presentations which have a lot to do with your business) and earn fees or honoraria, which may range from shs500,000 to shs1,000,000 per session depending on the training/presentation and duration;
e) Earn a commission if you outsource funds for training or any other project operations;
The following are the benefits of Promoting firms/companies/organizations
a) 8M SC may act as your Agent by using its extensive knowledge of the construction industry to expand the market and profitability of your organization;
b) Advertising space in the journals and magazines under publication (by 8M Construction Digest), and through audio and visual adverts using the 8M Skilling Centre – at a cost to be indicated in our advertising rates;
c) Your company/firm may sponsor 8M SC skilling, training, and presentations in return for direct advertising when it takes part in the presentations, and exhibitions of its products and services;
e) Using its experts and resources, 8M CS will offer specially designed training programs for your company staff, such as:
i Training in Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a tool for value-for-money design and construction and effective communication between clients, professionals, technicians, and artisans;
ii. Training your in-house trainers in supervising and motivating workers, OR training the workers directly- at an agreed cost;
iii. Training on machine handling and maintenance of machines, tools, equipment, and buildings at an agreed cost, and
iv. Any others
f) 8M SC will select graduates, technologists, technicians, artisans, and gifted skilled youth for an apprenticeship at and by your company’s premises. These will be apprenticed at a cost. Your company/firm will also gain a chance to retain and deploy suitable ones if they so wish;
g) Very often, a company may have a problem that is easier solved by research by students who are guided by university staff and 8M SC promoters. 8M SC, as coordinators, will select experts and students or graduates to carry out research in selected topics of interest to your company/firm, whose dissertation/research results will be available for use by the company. Issues of facilitation to students and 8M SC will be discussed;
h) 8M SC will undertake any other business as may be discussed and agreed upon;
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A PROMOTER/HOW TO PAY:
The Terms and Conditions to become a promoter may be shared on request. Contact: Eng. Hans JWB Mwesigwa, +256772431465; mwesigwa8m@gmail.com.
THE PROPOSED BOARD:
At its first sitting, Promoters will discuss and approve a criterion for choosing a Board and ratify or appoint the Board. It is proposed that a Board member is given 2 years, renewable only once;
PROPOSED LAUNCHING DATE, TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION, AND TRAINING
a) We plan to launch the Project on a date yet to be disclosed, but around March 2023. The launch will take place at the company offices on plot 8, Wamala Avenue, Bukoto.
b) The topic for discussion on the launch day (physically by 25 people and virtually by over 1,000 people) will be, “Fundamental Construction ILLS and Sustainable CURES; The topic for the first training will be: “Design &Construction with composites of Local Timbers, Steel and Reinforced Concrete”.
c) Background to the Training: Recently the Minister of Works and Transport stopped the design and construction of these composites due to “insufficient knowledge by the developers” so it was understood. But we are convinced that this system has its economic advantages if well applied. This training will thus empower designers and approvers of plans to serve developers more effectively, efficiently, and economically!
d) The audience:
The audience of 25-30 physically attending people will be chosen from among the promoters, who are experts covering all stakeholders in the construction industry, namely: policymakers, professionals, the business community, researchers and institutions of learning, NGOs, and the international community;
The over 1,000 virtually attending participants will also be invited to represent stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure industry as indicated in i.) above.
SOME PROMOTERS
The following are some of the notable promoters who have agreed to join by paying part or all the agreed subscriptions, or by promising to pay and narture the Centre.
| No. | Promoter | Qualification & Work |
| 1 | Eng. John M Nasasira (Civil | Civil Eng;/Roads/management |
| 2 | Eng. Dr. Abel Katahoire | Electrical Eng./consulting |
| 3 | Eng Hans JWB Mwesigwa (Part payments covering works and services to date ) | Civ Eng/Project manager/Publisher/Trainer |
| 4 | Dr William T.Muhairwe | Consultant in Management |
| 5 | Eng Ssebbugga Kimeze | Civil Eng/Consulting |
| 6 | Eng Justus Akankwasa | Civ Eng/Consulting |
| 7 | Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal | Civil Eng-projects/management |
| 8 | Alex P Ekirikubinza (Civ Eng) | Civ.Eng/Contracting & consulting |
| 9 | Eng. Steven Kisekka/ Terrain Plant | Mech Eng/engineering marketing |
| 10 | Prof Arch Barnabas Nawangwe | Architect-consulting &management |
| 11 | Eridad Nyanzi | Quantity Surveyor/consulting |
| 12 | Eng Dr. Jackson Mwakali | Civ Eng-consulting |
| 13 | Andrew Muhwezi | Economist/Fin management |
| 14 | Dennis Aguma | Business Incubation Consultant; Doctoral student |
| 15 | Eng Peter Balimunsi | Mech Eng/consulting |
| 17 | Arch Timothy Sabiiti Mutebile | Architect/Entrepreneur/consulting |
| 18 | Dr Dan Twebaze | Real Estate Mgr/consulting |
| 19 | Eng. Caleb Aryaija Tugumisirize | Civ/str eng/consulting |
| 20 | Eng Robert Hubert Kibuuka/Prome Consultants | Civil Eng/contracting and consulting |
| 21 | Ms. Ruth Mbugua | Business/Trainer |
| 22 | Jamesone Olonya | Civ eng/Contracting |
| 23 | Eng. Darlington Sakwa | Elec/ICT Eng-project management |
| 24 | Eng. Hon. Irene Margaret Nafuna Muloni | Electr. Eng/projects management |
| 25 | Eng. Gilbert Kimanzi | Civ Eng/water&sanitation projects management |
| 26 | Eng. Julius Musiimenta | Mech. Eng., Manufacturer |
| 27 | Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem | Civ Eng/Consulting and management |
| 28 | Eng. Julius Twesigye | Civ Eng/Contracting |
| 29 | Patrick Alunga | Lawyer |
| 30 | Eng Dickson Kwesiga | Mech. Eng |
| 31 | Eng Annet Ansiimire | Elect. Eng |
| 32 | Owen Muhwezi | Banker |
| 33 | Dr. John K Muhumuza | Quantity Surveyor |
| 34 | Eng Henry K Tiberondwa | Civ. Engineer |
| 35 | Eng. Dr. Apollo Buregyeya | Civ./Materials Eng/Lecturer |
| 36 | Eng. Isaac Serwadda | Electr. Lecturer |
| 37. | Arch. Tony K Mukangura | Architect |
| 38. | Eng. Erick Akena | Civ. Eng. |
| 39 | Dr. Alice Nabatanzi | Research/Academician |
| 40 | Mr. Arnold Mununuura | Entrepreneuer/ Businessman |
| 41. | Eng Bharat Chandarana | Civ Eng/consultant |
| 42. | Ms. Monica Tumuhairwe | Quantity Surveyor |
| 43. | Eng Daudi Murungi | Mech. Eng/consultant |
Some Training/Skilling Programs/Courses on offer by the 8M Skilling Centre
Are you an engineer, architect, planner, or quantity surveyor?
Are you a technologist or a technician?
Are you a craftsman/artisan of experience seeking further skilling/training?
Do you want to skill yourself to your best?
LOOK NO FURTHER! Come to 8M Skilling Centre, an association of 8M Construction Digest and ZadeCAD Academy.
COST OF SKILLING BY PHYSICAL (AT 8M SC -BUKOTO-KAMPALA) AND ONLINE-LIVESTREAMING: (Note: Courses undertaken up to 31st December 2023 will carry a 50% PROMOTION DISCOUT. 8M Skilling Centre believes in “giving back to the community” by thus offering the 50% promotion.)
| M1 | How to derive the Engineer’s Estimate: A one-day duration; Physical@shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs145,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M2 | How to prepare a Project Charter and a – Project Implementation Manual: A one-day course Physical @shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs145,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M3 | Maintenance of Buildings, tools, equipment, and machinery: A two-day course Physical @shs350,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs250,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M4 | Time-Scheduling in construction/deriving the critical path method: A one-day course; Physical @shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs145,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M5 | Engineering & Value for Money Auditing: A two-day course; Physical @shs350,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs250,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M6 | Project Management Controls of Scope, Quality, Cost, Time, and Resource Management: A one-day course; Physical @shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs135,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M7 | Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Buildings & Structures: A two-day course. Physical @shs350,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs250,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M8 | Procuring Methods for the Construction Industry & Infrastructure Development: A one-day course; Physical @shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs135,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M9 | Adjudications & Arbitrations for the Construction Industry: A two-day course; Physical @shs350,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs250,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M10 | The 8Ms in the Construction, Infrastructure Development, Production, and Manufacturing: A one-day course; Physical @shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs135,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M11 | Basics of Structural Design of Buildings & Structures: A two-day course; Physical @shs350,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs250,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M12 | Introduction to computers – Details on request |
| M13 | Microsoft Office Applications: MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Database Management– Details on request |
| M14 | Adobe Indesign– Details on request |
| M15 | Adobe Illustrator– Details on request |
| M16 | Adobe Photoshop– Details on request |
| M17 | Adobe Premier Pro. – Details on request |
| M18 | Twin Motion– Details on request |
| M19 | Website Design & Development– Details on request |
| M20 | Computer Networking– Details on request |
| M21 | How to create an Electronic Filing System– Details on request |
| M22 | Mobile Application Design– Details on request |
| M23 | Digital Marketing Skills– Details on request |
| M24 | Guidelines for writing, designing, and publishing magazines profitably: One-day Course. Physical @shs195,000, with a lunch and morning/ afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming @shs135,000; Certificate of Attendance. Start date to be communicated. |
| M25 | Career Guidance for S6 vacists; A two-day Course – For those who seek insight in careers of engineering, architecture, surveying, planning, Statistics, ICT and related ones; COURSE FREE FOR ATTENDANTS, IF WE GET SPONSORS. Physical for only 20 Students; with lunch, morning and afternoon tea; Online/livestreaming for unlimited students. Dates: 16th and 17th June 2023, 8.30am to 5.00pm. . Day 1-Morning: General concepts on how to choose a Career; Day 1-Afternoon: Insight into careers in engineering, architecture, surveying, planning, ICT, statistics and related ones; Day 2- Morning” Insight into careers in engineering, architecture, surveying, planning, ICT, statistics and related ones; Day 2-Afternoon: General concepts on how to choose a Career/with Parents, and Case Studies; |
| M26 | Career Guidance for S3, S4, S5, and S6 Students- A three-day Course Day 1-Morning: General concepts on how to choose a Career; Day 2-Afternoon: Insight into careers in engineering, architecture, surveying, planning, ICT, statistics and related ones; Day 3- Morning” Insight into careers in engineering, architecture, surveying, planning, ICT, statistics and related ones; |