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Research Voices from Africa speak through IFIP 2010 at CIT

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Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) have for several years now campaigned that ICT holds the promise to improve conditions in developing countries in a variety of manners. However, most of the actual results may not be astonishing. Why did existing knowledge about the correlations between ICT and the economy and society fail to develop ICT to support development? Is the mainstream model of conceptualizing and implementing ICT4D applicable in the African context? What are the alternatives to dominant approaches?

Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) have for several years now campaigned that ICT holds the promise to improve conditions in developing countries in a variety of manners. However, most of the actual results may not be astonishing. Why did existing knowledge about the correlations between ICT and the economy and society fail to develop ICT to support development? Is the mainstream model of conceptualizing and implementing ICT4D applicable in the African context? What are the alternatives to dominant approaches?

In organizing this workshop therefore, The Faculty of Computing and Informatics Technology, Makerere University (CIT) and the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Technical Commission 9 hoped to answer some of the questions raised above. Additionally through inviting and supporting several authors and texts from Africa and beyond, they hoped to highlight the importance of gaining a broader view on ICT4D by including substantially the actual settings of ICT implementation and use in Africa.

In his brief Dr. Gianluca Miscione, International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) noted that it was almost rare to find ICT efforts as endogenous production of developing countries. He also touched the driving force behind organizing a workshop of this nature, noting that the world hears about ICT in Africa more often than it hears about ICT from African voices. He hoped that this platform would enable the sharing of ideas and experiences between presenters and especially highlight discontinuities between African context and ICT4D mainstream paradigm.

Dr. Jude Lubega, Workshop Chair and Deputy Dean, CIT welcomed the IFIP and participants to Kampala, noting that the workshop’s timeliness, especially as Uganda is in the midst of her struggle to achieve the Millennium Development Goals through embracing ICT as a tool for enhancing development in service provision. He anticipated that the eighteen papers to be shared; with two from keynote speakers, would enable participants to intimately learn from each other and adopt what works best for Africa.

With its theme as “ICT and Development Research Voices from Africa,” Dr Lubega opined that the workshop was indeed the right direction for Africa towards achieving her Millennium Development Goals. Before inviting Professor Venansius Baryamureeba, to make his remarks, Dr Lubega thanked the Organizing Committee IFIP 2010 for all their input and trusted that the workshop will leave a roadmap for Africa.

The Guest of Honor, Acting Vice Chancellor and Dean, CIT Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba appreciated the global constitution of the participants noting that this would indeed lend credence to the workshop’s aim of making heard the ICT and Development research voices from Africa. He encouraged participants to engage all stakeholders in development so that proceedings from the workshop would be put to good use.

Professor Baryamureeba challenged participants to focus on how their research would: help benefit the key age groups of Women, Youth and the Elderly; contribute towards technological development with a bias of supporting small-scale industries; and help in improving corporate governance. He thanked the Organizing team and participants for their research efforts especially as the papers to be presented addressed a cross-section of development issues.

Click here for the Guest of Honour's speech  

Click here for the Workshop Chair's speech

Papers presented

Information and Communication Technology for Development Research Voices from Africa
Gianluca Miscione, Walter deVries, Jude Lubega

All for the 'e' Initiatives in a limited access environment
Brian Sikute, Victor Mensah

Assessing innovative ICT for health information system in African rural communities
Ogundele Olukunle

Connecting Africa – African Connections, Africa’s engagement with information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their role for development – the case of telemedicine in South Africa
Norman Schräpel

Development Calling: The Use of Mobile Phones in Agriculture Development in Uganda
Brandie Martin, Dr. Eric Abbott

From Simulating Citizen – Government Interaction to Facilitating Service Delivery through ICT use: Experiences from the web-based collaboration and thinkLets project
Jackie Phahlamohlaka, Hossana Twinomurinzi, Lindiwe Masanabo, Ntombizodwa Mahlangu

Highlighting the convolution that is the ict world: professional career women in kenya speak
Salome Omamo

ICTs, Infrastructure and Entrepreneurship
Crystal Watley Kigoni, Hilary N. Ervin

Is a non-Western path to Modernity via the Deployment of Information Communications Technology Possible in Africa?
Peter A. Kwaku Kyem

Is ict empowering women in Egypt? An empirical study
Mona F. Badran

Phones usage for SMEs Economic Development – An Exploratory Study in Morogoro, Tanzania
Simon Rwekiza Melchioly, Øystein Sæbø

Promoting road safety through behavior and attitude change through community policing and ICT
Ssewanyana Joseph K., Niyitegeka Michael

Public Internet Access and E-government Distribution in Developing Countries:Evidence from Tanzania
Bjørn Furuholt, Edmund Matotay

Role of mobile phones in improving communication and information delivery for agricultural development: Lessons from South Western Uganda
Masuki, K. F. Ga, Kamugisha, Rb, Mowo, J. Gc, Tanui, Jc, Tukahirwa, Ja. Mogoi, Jc. and Adera E. Od

The impact of Abuja Geographic Information Systems on corrupt practices in land administration in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria
Adewale O. Akingbade, Diego D. Navarra, Yola Georgiadou

Towards the emancipation of the ICT4D researcher: reflecting on a case study in deep rural South Africa
Kirstin Krauss, Marita Turpin

 

Denis Wamala

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

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SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

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Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

  1. Pre-graduation clearances
    Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
    fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
    list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
    internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
  2. Securing the graduation gowns
    Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
  3. Security requirements
    • Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
    • Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
    • Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
    • Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
    • Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
  4. For help and inquiries
    • Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.


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