HomeAssoc. Prof. John Baptist Kirabira

Assoc. Prof. John Baptist Kirabira

Assoc. Prof. John Baptist Kirabira
Assoc. Prof. John Baptist Kirabira Professor

As a Ugandan citizen and a seasoned Mechanical Engineer, I bring to the table an extensive background in materials science and engineering, nanotechnology, and energy systems. With over 28 years of practical, training, research, and consultancy experience since graduating with a 37 bachelor’s degree in 1995, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to excellence in the field.

My academic journey includes obtaining a PhD and Licentiate degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from the prestigious Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2005 and 2003, respectively. Additionally, I earned a Master’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, in 2000, building upon my initial Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the same institution. Currently serving as a Professor and Chair/Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology, Makerere University, I am dedicated to fostering academic growth and innovation. My role extends beyond academia, as I actively engage in research and consultancy, focusing on materials science and engineering, nanotechnology, energy systems, product design and development, testing, metrology, feasibility studies, business management, safety, work safety-related issues, incinerators, and hospital waste management. Throughout my career, I have contributed significantly to the academic landscape with a multitude of internationally published scientific articles. I have also played a pivotal role in mentoring and supervising graduate students, guiding them to successful completion while continuing to mentor those currently pursuing their degrees.

As a professional registered /chartered engineer with the Engineer’s Registration Board (ERB) and a corporate member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) in good standing, I uphold the highest standards of professional practice. My diverse skill set and commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge make me a valuable asset in the realms of academia, research, and consultancy, shaping the future of Mechanical Engineering in Uganda and beyond

Staff Profile

  

First Name

John Baptist

Surname

Kirabira

Other Name

Mukasa

Academic Title

Professor 

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Position e.g.  Project Coordinator

PI, Africa Center of Excellence in Materials Product Development and Nanotechnology, MAPRONANO ACE 

Telephone Number

+256703888093/0772422738

Email

Johnbaptist.kirabira@mak.ac.ug 

Office Number

256 0414-541173

Courses Taught

Advanced Research Methods and Scientific Writing, Project Management, Deformation Mechanisms in Materials, Biomaterials Science, Nano-Materials Technology, Materials Characterization, Engineering Management, Product Design and Development, Corrosion Science and Surface Protection of Materials, Extractive Metallurgy, Experimental Methods

Areas of Research Interest

Materials Science and Engineering, Energy Systems and Management, Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials. Product Design and Development, Extractive Metallurgy, Separation Processes

Education Background
    • 2001-2005, Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Engineering, PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, awarded by the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden. Examination was by Coursework and scientific research/thesis: Properties of Ugandan Minerals and fireclay refractories.
    • 2001-2003, Technical Licentiate Degree in Engineering (2003), Technology Licentiate Degree, awarded by the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden. Examination was by Coursework and scientific research/thesis: Characterization of Ugandan Raw-minerals for firebrick-before and after sintering.
    • 1998-2000, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, awarded by Makerere University; Examinations was by course work and scientific thesis: Technical Viability of manufacturing firebricks using locally available materials in Uganda.
  • 1990-1994, Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Upper Division, Honors); Examination was by course work and research project dissertation. 

Other key skills training (Certification)

Renewable and Green Energy Technologies, PhD Supervision training, Training of Trainers, Accounting & Finance for Non-Finance Executives, Eco design, Foundry practice, Training of Trainers, Entrepreneur Skills, etc.

Research project history

My specialties are in Materials Science and Engineering, Nanotechnology, Product Design and development, Industrial Engineering and Management and Project Management. I also do supervision/instruction of students’ industrial training and research works.

I have been involved in a number of research projects within Makerere and other institutions, a visiting researcher at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden and School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University (DCU), Dublin 9, Ireland.

I am also involved in supervision of student research projects and graduate research. Currently involved in a number of applied research projects:

  • Development of Medical Plastics in Uganda
  • Evaluation of Nano scale materials as candidate adjuvants and delivery systems for SARS CoV-2 sub-unit vaccine, Funding agency: Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics- Covid-19
  • STI-OP, member of the Pathogen value chain and Chair of the Engineering think tank.
  • PI of MakRIF Projects since 2019.
  • Manufacturing, Product Development and Nanotechnology Project, a Center of Excellence, funded by the World Bank in Conjunction with IUECA, ACEII Project. I am the Principal Investigator and Center Leader. The research agenda is in Materials Science & Product Development/Innovations, Nanotechnology innovations and Nano-medicine.
  • Director, Centre for Technology Design and Development (CTDD) at the College of Engineering, Art, Design and Technology, Makerere University.
  • Improvement of product quality and energy conservation in metal industries in Uganda.
  • Appointed Adjunct Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Eldoret, Kenya.
  • Improving of processing and mining of Lake Katwe salt deposit located in Kasese Western Uganda.
  • Development of alternative pulp material from grass and leaves.
  • Mechanical floor tiles developed from locally available ceramic raw materials.
  • Quality of steel products manufactured from scrap from the Ugandan industries.
  • I have been involved with the Sida-Makerere University Research Collaboration Program since its inception in 2001, first as a graduate student and now as a senior researcher and student supervisor. I have been a team member in developing of the applications for Phase II and III, and currently also involved in the development of the application for Phase IV.
  • I was also involved in the I@Mak Rockefeller Research Projects, the Italian Cooperation, etc.

Recent Conferences/workshops papers presented
  • Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility conference 2023, during the Energy week., 14 – 15 December, 2023, hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, at Munyonyo Speke Resort, Kampala Uganda
  • US Africa Nanotechnology Forum and Special Journal Issue on “Nanotechnology Convergence in Africa” hosted by University of South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 2019, paper presented “Isolation and characterization of chitosan from Ugandan edible mushrooms, Nile perch scales and banana weevils for biomedical applications.”

Published books

  

Published Book Chapters
  1. J.B. Kirabira, J.K. Byaruhanga and A.G. Kerali, (2007). Development and Application of Construction Materials in Uganda. pp 169 – 200. Contributed a chapter on Ceramics and Refractories in this book (ISBN 978-9970-02-681-4), Fountain Publishers, Kampala-Uganda.
  2. Musinguzi, M., Bagampadde, U., Kirabira, J.B., Alinaitwe, H. M., Mukiibi, S., Naggenda, A. (2007). How to get a quality PhD at the Faculty of Technology Makerere University: A Handbook for Research Studies. ISBN 9970-812-05-8 © Faculty of Technology (2007).
  3. Kirabira, J.B., (2005). Properties of Ugandan minerals and fireclay refractories, PhD thesis, ISBN 91-7178-083-1.
  4. Kirabira, J.B. (2003). Characterization of Ugandan raw-minerals for firebricks-before and after sintering, ISBN 91-7283-645-8.
  5. John Baptist Kirabira, Stefan Jonsson, and Joseph Kadoma Byaruhanga (2003) State of the Art Paper on Development and Manufacture of Firebrick Refractories from Locally Available Alumina-rich clays in Uganda. ISRN KTH/MSE—03/71—SE+MEK/TR

Published Journal Articles
  1. Henry Fenekansi Kiwumulo, Haruna Muwonge, Charles Ibingira, Michael Lubwama, John Baptist Kirabira, and Robert Tamale Ssekitoleko, 2023, A di-electrophoretic simulation procedure of iron-oxide micro-particle drug attachment system for leukemia treatment using COMSOL software: a potential treatment reference for LMICs. Brief Research Report, Front. Med. Technol., 12 October 2023 Sec. Medtech Data Analytics, Volume 5 – 2023: Mathematical Approaches in Advancing Medical Science, Physical Fitness, and Clinical Sciences https://doi.org/10.3389/fmedt.2023.1250964
  2. Kaconco James, Betty Nabuuma, Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, John Baptist Kirabira. 2023. Blood bank programs and transfusion sustainability. A serial mediating model, Evaluation and Program Planning 101 (2023) 102365, www.elsevier.com/locate/evalprogplan, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102365
  3. Catherine Namuga, Moses Ocan, Alison A. Kinengyere, Ssenono Richard, Eve Namisango, Haruna Muwonge, John Baptist Kirabira, Mugisha Lawrence, and Ekwaro A. Obuku. 2023. Eicacy of nano encapsulated herbal extracts in the treatment of induced wounds in animal models: a systematic review protocol. BMC, Systematic Reviews, (2023) 12:215. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02370-7
  4. Andrew Kasumba Buyondo, Hillary Kasedde, John Baptist Kirabira, Ocident Bongomin. 2024, Characterization and treatment effects on Mutaka kaolin for additive in coatings: Mineral composition, thermal and structural modifications. Heliyon 10 (2024) e24238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24238, www.cell.com/heliyon
  5. James Kaconco, Betty Nabuuma, Jude Thaddeo Mugarura, John Baptist Kirabira, 2023, Investigating relationship of master production scheduling on blood transfusion sustainability in Uganda. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, Volume 8, Issue 1, 2023, 100514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100514 
  6. Edmund Tumusiime, John Baptist Kirabira, Wilson Babu Musinguzi. 2023, An integrated energy recovery system for productive biogas applications: Continuous mode operation and assessment. Energy Reports, Volume 9, December 2023, Pages 4532-4546, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.03.097 
  7. Ismail Kimuli, Gary Goldstein, Michael Lubwama, John B. Kirabira, Adam Sebbit, 2023, Energy scenarios for Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area towards a sustainable 2050: A TIMES-VEDA analysis. Smart Energy, Volume 10, May 2023, 100099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2023.100099
  8. Timothy Tibesigwa, Brian Iezzi, Tae Hwan Lim, John B. Kirabira, Peter W. Olupot, 2023, Life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from selected second-generation feedstocks, Cleaner Engineering and Technology, Volume 13, April 2023, 100614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2023.100614
  9. Hillary Kasedde, Aidah Namagambe, Joseph Ddumba Lwanyaga, John Baptist Kirabira, Denis Okumu, Numerical modelling of a solar salt pan for improved salt production at Lake Katwe, Uganda. 2023. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, Volume 42, February 2023, 102592, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2022.102592
  10. Kimuli Ismail, Michael Lubwama, John Baptist Kirabira, Adam Sebbit, 2023, Development of a sustainable low-carbon footprint for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area: The efficacy of a TIMES/CGE hybrid framework. Energy Reports, Volume 9, December 2023, Pages 19-36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.11.144
  11. Kasumba A. Buyondo, Hillary Kasedde, John B. Kirabira, 2022, A comprehensive review on kaolin as pigment for paint and coating: Recent trends of chemical-based paints, their environmental impacts and regulation. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 6 (2022) 100244, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100244  
  12. Banafamu Andrew, Kasumba Andrew Buyondo, Hillary Kasedde, John B. Kirabira, Peter Wilberforce Olupot, Abdulfatah Abdu Yusuf, (2022) Investigation on the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement along with steel fibers in concrete. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 17 (2022) e01356, www.elsevier.com/locate/cscm, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01356 
  13. Kenneth Ssekatawa, Denis K. Byarugaba, Martin Kamilo Angwe, Eddie M. Wampande, Francis Ejobi, Edward Nxumalo, Malik Maaza, Juliet Sackey and John Baptist Kirabira (2022). Phyto-Mediated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Performances, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Biogenic Copper-Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application doi:10.3389/fbioe.2022.820218  www.frontiersin.org
  14. Isaac Ogwang, Hillary Kasedde, Betty Nabuuma, John Baptist Kirabira, & Joseph Ddurnba Lwanyaga (2021) Characterization of Biogas Digestate for Solid Biofuel Production in Uganda. Scientific African 12 (2021) e00735 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00735
  15. Timothy Tibesigwa, Peter Wilberforce Olupot and John Baptist Kirabira, 2021. The critical techno-economic aspects for production of B10 biodiesel from second generation feedstocks: a review. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, Taylor & Francis, https://doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2021.1976181
  16. R. Kayiwa, H. Kasedde, M. Lubwama and J.B. Kirabira. (2021) Mesoporous activated carbon yielded from pre-leached cassava peels. Bioresour. Bioprocess (2021) 8:53 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-021-00407-0 
  17. R. Kayiwa, H. Kasedde, M. Lubwama, J.B. Kirabira (2021) Characterization and pre-leaching effect on the peels of predominant cassava varieties in Uganda for production of activated carbon. Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 4 (2021) 100083, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crgsc.2021.100083
  18. Kenneth Ssekatawa, Denis K. Byarugaba, Eddie M. Wampande, Tlou N. Moja, Edward Nxumalo, Malik Maaza, Juliet Sackey, Francis Ejobi & John Baptist Kirabira (2021) Isolation and characterization of chitosan from Ugandan edible mushrooms, Nile perch scales and banana weevils for biomedical applications. Scientific Reports (2021) 11:4116 doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81880-7 www.nature.com/scientificreports
  19. Joseph Ddumba Lwanyaga, Hillary Kasedde, John Baptist Kirabira, Alan Shemi, Sehliselo Ndlovu (2021) Process Design and Economic Evaluation for the Recovery of Halite and Co-products from Lake Katwe Brine. Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, Springer Nature, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41660-020-00153-4
  20. Kasumba, A. Buyondo, Peter W. Olupot, John B. Kirabira, Abdulfatah A.Yusuf (2020) Optimization of production parameters for rice husk ash-based geopolymer cement using response surface methodology. Case Studies in Construction Materials 13 (2020) e00461, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2020.e00461
  21. Edmund Tumusiime, John B. Kirabira, Wilson B. Musinguzi, 2020, Performance evaluation of cellulose fiber’s effectiveness as a thermal insulation material for productive biogas systems, Energy Reports Volume 6, November 2020, Pages 3390-3398,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2020.12.014
  22. Kenneth Ssekatawa, Dennis K. Byarugaba, Charles D. Kato, Francis Ejobi, Robert Tweyongyere, Michael Lubwama, John Baptist Kirabira, Eddie M. Wampande. (2020) Nanotechnological solutions for controlling transmission and emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, future prospects, and challenges: a systematic review. J Nanopart Res (2020) 22:117 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-020-04817-7, ©Springer Nature B.V. 2020
  23. Vipul Sharma, Vipul Sharma, M.S. Goyat, Amrita Hooda, Jitendra K. Pandey, Adesh Kumar, Rajeev Gupta, Avani Kumar Upadhyay, Rajiv Prakash, John Baptist Kirabira, P. Mandal, Prashant Kumar Bhargav, 2020, Recent progress in nano-oxides and CNTs based corrosion resistant superhydrophobic coatings: A critical review. Progress in Organic Coatings 140 (2020) 105512, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2019.105512