Octave Vuguziga, grew up watching his father work on different projects especially those in construction. This exposure, coupled with varying experiences pushed him towards an engineering career. That’s why when he joined university in 2013, he took up a course in mechanical and electrical engineering. He loved the idea of modelling and simulating systems that would help deal with problems affecting communities. As a mechatronics engineer, he links the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system. Vuguziga considers engineering to be a field that solves the most impactful of problems in the world, such as crafting energy and technology and that this is what inspired him to be a part of it. At the age 26, he has worked as mechanical, energy and aircraft engineer, though his focus has been on the former. Vuguziga has worked with Rwanda Mountain Tea, Civil Aviation Authority and is currently participating in a design of Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production/Cleaner Production and Climate Change Innovation program which is under National Industrial Research and development Agency (NIRDA) working under Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). Broad field According to Vuguziga, mechatronics is a broad field that covers many disciplines. It entails the integration of mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering systems, and also includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering. With engineering, you have the capacity to find the root cause of a problem then you come up with proper ways to solve it and the possible consequences, he notes. “Above all, being an engineer reflects your ability to learn and cope with new problems in a proficient way. I also enjoy the fact that with engineering, teamwork is so common, there is focus and respect for each other. I like also being surrounded by smart minds and joyful characters; this can only improve my thinking,” he adds. The young engineer highlights that working in this field has taught him a lot including the fact that one has not only to work hard but smart in order to get what they want. “This is what I always emphasise on. I have learnt to work with a plan; with the 5Cs-clear, concise, compelling, consistent and committed.” His biggest challenge has been dealing with labourers on site, “Most challenges that I face are illiterate workers who sometimes resist performing certain activities; they at times find it hard handling certain tasks for example when it comes to adjustment with new machines. Another challenge is being a young engineer and I get to lead people who are at times older than me, this sometimes makes me feel out of place.” He nonetheless says he embraces these challenges noting that they are the ones shaping who he is as an engineer. “This helps shape me and be who I am. I would say that what you like to do doesn’t challenge you too much because you build yourself into believing that nothing is impossible,” he says. Vuguziga dreams of expanding his career and using his skills as an engineer to build something that will change the world. “One day, one time, I will make something that can help change the world. That’s why I wanted to become an engineer.”
