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CIT’s Data Collection Software to power Vaccine Trials

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Makerere University Faculty of Computing & IT (FCIT) has developed data collection software that gathers, analyzes and stores data. OpenXData was developed as the first stage of the three stages of the Open Mobile Electronic Vaccine Trials (OMEVAC) project.

Makerere University Faculty of Computing & IT (FCIT) has developed data collection software that gathers, analyzes and stores data. OpenXData was developed as the first stage of the three stages of the Open Mobile Electronic Vaccine Trials (OMEVAC) project.

This software, intended for data collecting institutions, is made largely for the vaccine trials data collection.

The program has two sides: the server side where the administrator designs the questionnaire, sets formats for the data, manages users, reviews results and stores information and the client side where a download of the form can be accessed and the questionnaire itself availabled for the client to fill.

According to Ms. Lighton the Project Coordinator, the program is void of error, more accurate than manual data collection, and has embraced use of the most widely accessed technology, the mobile phone.

OpenXData involves the use of a mobile phone, a tool that is within the reach of most Ugandans” Ms. Lighton said, adding that “it is more accurate and less susceptible to human error compared to the traditional questionnaires.”

The project can be remotely monitored, hence eliminating the need for the researcher to physically travel to the field so as to gather accurate information. “The program can be monitored from the server, so the researcher need not be at the intended place, since the server will indicate the location of the cell phone used.” Ms. Lighton further expounded.

Although this program is considered an innovation in Uganda, similar programs have been used elsewhere in Rwanda University for student data collection, and for humanitarian purposes in Pakistan. Nearer home, it has been used by the Ministry of Education to monitor students. However, the major difference with these previous projects is that the more expensive PDAs were employed, unlike OpenXData which seeks to use the cheaper mobile phone and any computer web browser.

In the Ugandan case, java-enabled phones would be recommended as these facilitate the download and subsequent filling out of the forms by the researcher, with the aid of the Open X Data program client side. The form may then be sent to the server via the internet or through Bluetooth wireless file transfer, if the client is within proximity of a Bluetooth-enabled computer with an internet connection. Alternatively the information may be sent via SMS, although this would be more costly than online transmission.

The program will be availed for the vaccine trials project once all the three stage are complete. However, the project has already awakened keen interest and received high recognition from service providers, researchers, program managers and program evaluators since its launch in November 2009.

Article by Kogai Donald 

Denis Wamala

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Makerere University Waste Management Boosted by Centenary Bank

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (3rd L) shakes hands with Centenary Bank's Mr. Sunday Julius (C) as L-R: Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Mr. Paul Agaba and SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey applaud on 11th May 2026. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Waste Management efforts at Makerere University have been boosted by a donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch. The bins received on Monday 11th May 2026 in the Freedom Square by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in the company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Simon Kizito and other officials were handed over by the Branch Manager, Mr. Sunday Julius.

Appreciating the donation from Centenary Bank on behalf of University Management, Prof. Nawangwe noted that Makerere University strives to maintain “the cleanest environment in Kampala”, especially as a good example to future leaders, the students.

Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Some of the 30 bins donated by Centenary Bank Makerere Branch.

Acknowledging earlier donations to the Halls of Residence by Centenary Bank, Prof. Nawangwe described the ceremony as “the beginning of a long journey of collaboration in environmental stewardship,” with separation of plastics from biodegradable waste earmarked as the next step in user education.

In his remarks, Mr. Sunday noted that the donation was in line with the Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, particularly the Social component, where supporting institutions with waste management facilities to enhance hygiene is key. “It is important for Centenary Bank to give back to the society where it makes money”, he emphasized.

Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony. Donation of 30 waste bins by Centenary Bank’s Makerere Branch as part of ESG objectives, 11th May 2026, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Officials pose for a group photo after the donation ceremony.

Describing Makerere University as the “main institution that Centenary Bank operates a branch”, Mr. Sunday recognised the donation as a step in the right direction with a valuable partner.

The newly-donated bins will be placed in various public locations under supervision of the Estates and Works Directorate.

Mark Wamai

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Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination Results 2026/2027

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The office of the Academic Registrar has released the results for Bachelor of Laws Pre-Entry Examination 2026/2027 held on Saturday 18th April, 2026.

Candidates who scored 50% and above passed the examination and have been recommended to the Admissions Committee for consideration. However, the candidates who passed have to submit an application where Bachelor of Laws is among the programme choices in the application system here: https://apply.mak.ac.ug.

Candidate who are not satisfied with their results may appeal within two weeks from the date of the release of results.

Follow the links below for the candidate lists showing results of the categories of candidates respectively:

Mak Editor

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Makerere University-ND Sign MoU to Enhance Collaboration

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (L) and the ND 18th President, Rev. Robert A. Dowd shake hands after signing the MoU. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.

Makerere University and the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (ND) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others.

Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.
Officials pose for a group photo with the signed MoU.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe signed on behalf of Makerere University and Rev. Robert A. Dowd, the 18th President signed on behalf of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony, which was held at the University of Notre Dame campus at South Bend, Indiana was witnessed by Dr. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson of the Council of Makerere University, who led the Mak delegation.

The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses. Makerere University Kampala, Uganda and the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, USA (ND) sign MOU, which opens opportunities for collaboration between the two historic and leading research institutions in the areas of staff and student exchange, joint research and training, joint supervision of graduate students, and others, May 2026.
The Chairperson of Council Dr. Lorna Magara (Centre) presents Mak Coffee to an ND official as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Right) witnesses.

Dr. Magara appreciated the institutionalisation of the collaboration between the two universities and the very warm hospitality accorded to the Mak delegation.

Mak Editor

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