It was an exciting afternoon for the Faculty of Computing and Informatics Technology (FCIT) students who were rewarded with gifts from Google on 26th April, 2010 after a month long competition to draw and mark Uganda on Google maps. Less than a month back, Google released a domain, locally for Uganda- maps.google.co.ug

It was an exciting afternoon for the Faculty of Computing and Informatics Technology (FCIT) students who were rewarded with gifts from Google on 26th April, 2010 after a month long competition to draw and mark Uganda on Google maps. Less than a month back, Google released a domain, locally for Uganda- maps.google.co.ug

As a result of the competition, several new points of interest have been added, some businesses making their first debut to online space.

“Google’s goal is to organize the world’s information. In Africa, there is need for reliable content, accessibility and products.” Google Data Analyst, Richard Ngamita highlighted.

In collaboration with Makerere University, there was a mapping competition, where Google indulged students from FCIT in marking points on maps of Uganda that Google created through satellite imaging. There was a team that was sent in from Google to train the students before hand, on how to mark points on the map using Google map maker. One hundred students participated in the competition and were able to post over 7000 edits of Uganda.

 Kakande Michael, the overall winner, walked away with a Google Notebook laptop, while the runners up Ngarambe Daniel and Miheso Eugene Swinnerstone, were given Google Android smart phones. Handing over the gifts was Evans Arabu from Google and Head of Corporate Affairs FCIT, Mr. Michael Niyitegeka

“The winners will, starting June, be involved in training a number of students to map Uganda on google maps and these students will be sent out to do the same, so that the whole country is covered.” Mr. Niyitegeka said.

FCIT's involvement in an initiative with google marks the beginning of a partnership that will help generate more ideas on how to make information availability in and about Uganda more sustainable. These initiatives are especially meant to promote fundamental development in areas such as tourism by working with different stakeholders to strategically map Uganda.

The other top ten Google Map makers were Akanga Arthur – Surveying, Fudribo Emmanuel Drama – Information Technology, Bamwine Nelson – Information technology, Richard Zulu – Faculty of Computing and I.T, Kihumuro Edgar – Information Technology, Joshua Ocero – Computer Science and Sseremba Gyaviira Julius -Computer Science