“If you interact with people, you can win a contract. If you can win a contract, you can build a career. If you can build a career, you can be successful”, says Mr. Justus Twinomujuni. He is a graduate civil engineer at the Bazira Kiteesa Sports Ground, where he was placed when he applied for the six-month Enabel's Work Readiness Programme (WRP).

Justus journey began with a curiosity to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge he acquired in school and practical application in a real-world setting. He had the noble desire to contribute towards community development through his engineering skills.

At the Bazira Kiteesa Sports Ground, the graduate engineer monitors and advises on technical operations, guides contractors, and ensures adherence to quality standards and safety protocols. His confidence has soared as he actively engages with community leaders and locals to understand their perspectives and needs.  

He is excited to integrate his engineering expertise with community insights. Moreover, from the Programme, in addition to honing his technical skills in software proficiency in technical tools like Civil 3D and ARCHCARD, Justus says he has also polished his soft skills like effective communication and problem-solving abilities. For a fresh graduate, he has impressively adapted quickly to the professional work environment. With his proven capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders, from educated professionals who are his mentors and direct supervisors to those less-versed in technicalities who work at the Sports Ground which is under construction.  

Facing minimal challenges, Justus highlights the supportive environment provided by the Programme directors. Any issues he faces are swiftly addressed through collaborative resolutions, which has eased his learning experience.  

Justus notes that his active involvement in constructing a pavilion as part of the Sports Ground project is his significant contribution to the Lwengo Community. The Sports Ground is where the famous Kabaka Run has been modestly commemorated for the last three years by community members around the area. The Run is flagged off by the Kabaka on the last Sunday preceding his birthday which is on 13th April, and it aims at promoting fitness, health, and community engagement. Participants usually gather at Lubiri palace and run through the city, with different distances available for people of all fitness levels). Youngsters always visit to practice athletics. Justus has kept close contact with NGO ‘Engineers Without Borders’ and can advise the construction team on the ground with guidance from the NGO. This, he says, has enriched his practical experience and widened his perspective on civil engineering.  

The graduate’s major takeaway from the six-month WRP so far is the importance of interpersonal skills as he emphasises that effective interaction with people is pivotal not only for securing contracts but also for building a successful career in engineering.  

With this positive attitude, Justus hopes to leverage his training to contribute to a greater impact in the Lwengo community in the next three months, “I’ll be ready to happen and be the impactful marvel I’ve always wanted to be”, says Justus.