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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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National Merit Scholarship Undergraduate Admission List 2026/2027

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University Road. Photo taken on 1st April 2026.

The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for Government sponsored students for the Academic Year 2025/2026. The Office has also released Cut Off Points for Government Admissions.

Below are lists of candidates admitted to the respective courses tenable at Makerere University and Makerere University Business School:

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Makerere University Inaugurates 2nd Health User Committee

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) with L-R: Ms. Kevin Nabiryo, Mr. Godfrey Othieno, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Dr. Daniel Ruhweza, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa and Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha after the inauguration on 20th April 2026. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe on 20th April 2026 inaugurated the Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC). The Committee was established by the Vice Chancellor in 2022 as part of his strategic mandate to strengthen and oversee the University Hospital services delivery.

Chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Mak-HUC has as its members; Prof. Josaphat K. Byamugisha-Director Makerere University Health Services (MakHS) and Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza-Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law.

Other members include; Dr. Arthur Kwizera-Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) Representative, Dr. Lillian Tukahirwa-Makerere University Administrative Staff Association (MASA) Representative, Mr. Godfrey Othieno- National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) Representative, and as Secretariat, Ms. Kevin M. Nabiryo-Directorate of Human Resources.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inaugurates Second Makerere University Health User Committee (Mak-HUC) chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, 20th April 2026, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (C) interacts with members of the 2nd Mak-HUC.

The 2nd Mak-HUC has been appointed for a period of four years effective 1st January 2026 with a mandate to: Guide, monitor and oversee delivery of health services by MakHS; Represent the interests and concerns of staff and students that use MakHS; Advise on alignment with sustainable health financing and insurance models; Strengthen systems for fraud prevention, digital transformation and access to specialized treatment, among other responsibilities.

The 1st Mak-HUC was chaired by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi and had as members; Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha, Dr. Fred Mayambala, Dr. Zahara Nampewo, Mr. Othieno Godfrey, Mr. Apunyo Paul Okiria and Ms. Ikiriza Racheal. Milestones during the first era included; Outpatient Department visits growth from 4,802 (2022) to 7,388 (Nov 2025) for staff and 14,641 (2022) to 19,069 (Nov 2025) for students.

Others milestones included; Commissioning of a fully equipped Operating Theatre, Establishment of a modern Imaging Hub, Development of a fully functional Audiology Unit, Expansion of the Temporal Bone Laboratory, Launch of the Olink Proteomics Platform and Enhancement of the Dental Unit with 32 dental chairs and experienced personnel.

Related article: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2025/12/three-years-of-impact-makerere-university-health-user-committee-presents-status-report/

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Makerere University Employment Opportunities: Academic, Administrative and Support Staff

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Participants pose for a group photo on Day Two of the staff induction ceremony for new recruits on 16th May 2025. Makerere University day two of induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year, 16th May 2025, School of Public Health (MakSPH) Auditorium, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for various academic, administrative, and support staff positions.

Detailed job profiles and the application link can be found at:
http://ehrms.mak.ac.ug/recruitment/jobs.

All applications must be submitted electronically via the Makerere University Electronic Human
Resource Management System through the above link (ehrms). Applicants will be required to
provide the necessary information on the ehrms and attach the following documents:

  1. An application letter clearly stating the job applied for and duly signed by the applicant.
  2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae. The curriculum must also state the names and addresses of
    at least three referees.
  3. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
  4. A minimum of three recommendation letters duly signed by the referees.

The application should be addressed to:

The Chief Human Resource Officer
Makerere University
P.O. Box 7062
Kampala

Closing Date: 04th May 2026, 17:00HRS E.A.T

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