General

First Makerere Workshop on Social Systems & Computation

Published

15 years ago

November 29, 2010

Summary Top researchers from Northwestern University (Chicago), University of British Columbia (Vancouver) and Makerere (Kampala) are teaming up to offer a workshop on cutting-edge methods for computational modeling of social systems, algorithm design, and machine learning. The sessions will take place between December 3rd and 10th, and there is no cost for attendance; however, registration is mandatory.

Summary Top researchers from Northwestern University (Chicago), University of British Columbia (Vancouver) and Makerere (Kampala) are teaming up to offer a workshop on cutting-edge methods for computational modeling of social systems, algorithm design, and machine learning. The sessions will take place between December 3rd and 10th, and there is no cost for attendance; however, registration is mandatory.

Attendance is limited to academic staff working at a Ugandan university; students doing research in related areas may also be given special permission to attend if space permits. Participants will have the opportunity to publish papers in official, reviewed workshop proceedings at a later date. A certificate of completion will be provided to participants who attend at least two thirds of workshop sessions.

Overview Traditionally, computer science has viewed data as coming from either an adversarial source or from nature itself, giving rise to worst-case and average-case design and analysis of optimization algorithms. In recent years with the advent of modern technologies like the Internet, it has become increasingly apparent that neither of these assumptions reflects reality. Data is neither adversarial nor average, but rather inputs to algorithms are constructed by a diverse set of self-interested agents in an economy, all aiming to maximize their own happiness. Thus the raw data is often not available to an algorithm designer, but must be solicited from the agents–that is, the designer faces an economic constraint. The primary goal of this workshop is to explore the implications of this observation. We will study the performance of algorithms in the presence of utility-maximizing agents and ask whether alternate designs might create incentives for agents to act more optimally. Simultaneously, we will look at other more traditional optimization problems such as approximation and learning and techniques to solve them, pointing out that these may often be leveraged to solve issues in the economic setting.

Related Research Areas Computer Science Theory; Artificial Intelligence; Economics; Business

Format The workshop will consist of six 3-hour lectures, plus meal/breakout sessions for informal research discussion. Spaces are strictly limited, and attendees must pre-register. We will aim to select topics and session times that are best for our participants. To register, and to indicate your preferences for topics and dates, please complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WWGMKZG.

List of Candidate Topics The workshop will consist of up to six of the following twelve topics.

Introduction to Game Theory
Game theory is the mathematical study of interaction among independent, self-interested agents. It has been applied to disciplines as diverse as economics, political science, biology, psychology, linguistics—and computer science. This tutorial will introduce what has become the dominant branch of game theory, called noncooperative game theory, and will specifically describe normal-form games, a canonical representation in this discipline. The tutorial will be motivated by the question: "In a strategic interaction, what joint outcomes make sense?"

Voting Theory
Voting (or "Social Choice") theory adopts a“designer perspective” to multiagent systems, asking what rules should be put in place by the authority (the “designer”) orchestrating a set of agents. Specifically, how should a central authority pool the preferences of different agents so as to best reflect the wishes of the population as a whole? (Contrast this with Game Theory, whichadopts what might be called the “agent perspective”: its focus is on making statements about how agents should or would act in a given situation.) This tutorial will describe famous voting rules, show problems with them, and explain Arrow's famous impossibility result.

Mechanism Design and Auctions
Social choice theory is nonstrategic: it takes the preferences of agents as given, and investigates ways in which they can be aggregated. But of course those preferences are usually not known. Instead, agents must be asked to declare them, which they may do dishonestly. Since as a designer you wish to find an optimal outcome with respect to the agents’ true preferences (e.g., electing a leader that truly reflects the agents’ preferences), optimizing with respect to the declared preferences will not in general achieve the objective. This tutorial will introduce Mechanism Design, the study of identifying socially desirable protocols for making decisions in such settings. It will describe the core principles behind this theory, and explain the famous "Vickrey-Clarke-Groves" mechanism, an ingenious technique for selecting globally-utility-maximizing outcomes even among selfish agents. It will also describe Auction Theory, the most famous application of mechanism design. Auctions are mechanisms that decide who should receive a scarce resource, and that impose payments upon some or all participants, based on agents' "bids".

Constraint Satisfaction Problem Solving
This hands-on tutorial will teach participants about solving Constraint Satisfaction Problems using search and constraint propagation techniques. This is a representation language from artificial intelligence, used to describe problems in scheduling, circuit verification, DNA structure prediction, vehicle routing, and many other practical problems. The tutorial will consider the problem of solving Sudoku puzzles as a running example. By the end of the session, participants will have written software (in Python) capable of solving any Sudoku puzzle in less than a second.

Bayesian methods and Probabilisitic Inference
Bayesian methods are commonly used for recognising patterns and making predictions in the fields of medicine, economics, finance and engineering, powering all manner of applications from fingerprint recognition to spam filters to robotic self-driving cars. This session will show how principles of probability can be used when making inferences from large datasets, covering issues such as prior knowledge and hyperpriors, the construction of "belief networks", and nonparametric methods such as Gaussian processes. Several applications will be demonstrated.

Computer Vision

It is useful to be able to automatically answer questions about an image, such as "is this the face of person X?", "how many cars are there on this street?" or "is there anything unusual about this x-ray?". This session will look at some of the current state of the art in computer vision techniques, including methods for representing the information in an image (feature extraction), and to recognise objects in an image given such a representation. We will particularly spend some time looking at approaches which have been found to work well empirically on object recognition, such as generalised Hough transforms, boosted cascades of Haar wavelet classifiers, and visual bag-of-words methods. Locally relevant applications in crop disease diagnosis, parasite detection in blood samples and traffic monitoring will be demonstrated as illustrating examples.

Learning Causal Structure from Data
Until a few decades ago, it was thought to be impossible to learn causes and effects from purely observational data without doing experiments. Sometimes, however, it is impossible to do experiments (e.g. in some branches of genetics), or experiments may be costly or unethical (e.g. situations in climate change or medicine), so the emergence of computational methods for distinguishing causes, effects and confounding variables is likely to have wide implications. Some principles are now understood for learning the causal structure between different variables, and this session will explain the most successful current approaches, their possibilities and their limitations.

Internet Search and Monetization
The internet is one of the most fundamental and important applications of computer science. Central to its existence are search engines which enable us to find content on the web. This module focuses on the algorithms like PageRank that these search engines use to help us find webpages. It also studies how these engines make money through advertising.

Social Networks
Social networks describe the structure of interpersonal relationships and have many alarmingly predictable properties. While most people have just a few friends, most social networks have at least a few very popular people. Furthermore, most people are closely linked to every other person so that a message (or an idea or a disease) can spread rapidly throughout the network. Finally, social networks tend to be fairly clustered — i.e., if two people share a common friend it is quite likely that they are also friends. This module will discuss the typical structures of social networks, models that explain these structures, and the impact of these structures on activities in the social network such as message routing or the adoption of new technologies.

Two-Sided Matching Markets
Many markets involve two “sides'' that wish to be matched to one another. For example, a marriage market matches women to men; a job market matches workers to employers. In such settings, people on each side have strict preferences over the options on the other side of the market. Hence, a woman Julie may like David best, John second best, and Christopher third. David on the other hand may prefer Mary to Julie. In such settings, what matches might we expect to form? Can these matches be computed by a centralized algorithm, a match-maker for example, and what are the corresponding incentives of the participants? These questions are of fundamental importance as such centralized algorithms are in use in many important markets. In many countries, medical students are matched to hospitals using such algorithms, or school children to schools.

Approximation Algorithms
In the field of algorithms, many tasks turn out to be computationally difficult. That is, the time to complete the task is fundamentally large compared to the size of the problem. For example, consider the problem of finding the optimal way to visit 10 cities, visiting each exactly once. To minimize travel time, one could test all possible travel schedules, but for 10 cities there are already 3.5M of them! Unfortunately, there is not a significantly quicker way to find the optimal solution. However, one can find an approximately optimal solution quickly. That is, with just a few things to check, one can design a schedule that takes at most 50% more time than the optimal one. In this module we showcase a few general techniques for computing approximate solutions to hard problems, including the use of randomization and linear programming.

Graph Theory
A graph is a combinatorial object consisting of nodes and edges, and is a extremely valuable abstraction of many practical problems. For example, nodes might represent jobs and edges might connect pairs of jobs that can not be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, nodes might represent electronic components on a circuit board and edges the wiring that connects them. Many questions that arise in such domains can be cast as an optimization question in the corresponding graph. The number of workers required to complete all jobs in fixed time frame in the first example is at its heart a graph coloring problem. Asking whether one can lay out the circuit board so no two wires cross becomes the problem of determining which graphs have planar representations. This course defines graphs, shows how to solve a few fundamental graph problems, and applies them to practical settings.

Speaker Bios

Nicole Immorlica is an assistant professor in the Economics Group of Northwestern University's EECS department in Chicago, IL, USA. She joined Northwestern in Fall 2008 after postdoctoral positions at Microsoft Research in Seattle, Washington, USA and Centruum voor Wiskunde en Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She received her Ph.D. from MIT in Boston, MA, USA, in 2005 under the joint supervision of Erik Demaine and David Karger. Her main research area is algorithmic game theory where she investigates economic and social implications of modern technologies including social networks, advertising auctions, and online auction design.

Kevin Leyton-Brown is an associate professor in computer science at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He received a B.Sc. from McMaster University (1998), and an M.Sc. and PhD from Stanford University (2001; 2003). Much of his work is at the intersection of computer science and microeconomics, addressing computational problems in economic contexts and incentive issues in multiagent systems. He also studies the application of machine learning to the automated design and analysis of algorithms for solving hard computational problems.

John Quinn is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at Makerere University. He received a BA in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge (2000) and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh (2007). He coordinates the Machine Learning Group at Makerere, and his research interests are in pattern recognition and computer vision particularly applied to developing world problems.

General

Hands-On RIMS Training Equips Makerere University College Registrars to Power Graduate Success and Research Excellence

Published

10 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Mak Editor

Participants pose for a group photo after the training on 10th April 2026. Intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians, 10th April 2026, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Moses Lutaaya

Kampala, April 10, 2026 — College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians at Makerere University have undergone intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS), in a move aimed at strengthening graduate training, improving completion rates, and advancing the university’s research agenda.

The training, held on Friday at the CFT 2 Building, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, brought together key custodians of academic records to gain practical skills in using the system that university leadership says will transform graduate education management.

In his opening remarks, the Director of Graduate Training, Julius Kikooma, underscored the strategic importance of RIMS, linking it directly to the university’s long-standing challenges in tracking graduate students and supporting research progression.

“Graduate training is central to the research mission of this university,” Prof. Kikooma told participants. “Yet for years, we have struggled to answer simple but critical questions, where exactly are our graduate students in their academic journey, and why are many not completing on time?”

He pointed out that the issue has consistently drawn concern from top university leadership, including Council, particularly as Makerere rolls out its new five-year strategic plan. “One of the key priorities identified is improving graduate completion rates,” he said. “But we cannot improve what we cannot measure.”

Prof. Kikooma explained that unlike undergraduate programmes, graduate studies are largely research-driven and therefore more complex to monitor. “The research component of graduate programmes has not been adequately captured in any system,” he noted. “That is why it has been difficult to track progress, supervise effectively, and provide accurate reports.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma. Intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians, 10th April 2026, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Julius Kikooma.***

Positioning RIMS as a transformative solution, he emphasized its role in bridging this gap. “RIMS is not just a system, it is the backbone of how we are going to support graduate students and research going forward,” he said. “With it, we can track every stage, from concept development to proposal, to thesis completion in real time.”

He stressed that the system will enhance both efficiency and accountability across the university. “This is the tool that will enable us to confidently assure Council and management that we know the status of every graduate student at any given time,” he said.

However, Prof. Kikooma made it clear that the success of RIMS depends heavily on the commitment of college registrars. “You are the custodians of graduate records. You are central to this process,” he said. “If RIMS succeeds, it will be because of your efforts. If it fails, it will be because you did not play your part.”

He revealed that registrars will now form part of the steering committees overseeing the full implementation of RIMS across university units. “You are not just users of this system, you are its drivers at the college level,” he emphasized.

Calling for seriousness and full participation, Prof. Kikooma set clear expectations for the training. “No one should leave this room without knowing how to use RIMS in their daily work,” he said. “You must understand the kind of data required, the information on students, supervisors, and every stage of the research process.”

He added that incomplete data has already limited the system’s effectiveness in some units. “Graduate students are already on the system, but some of the critical information is missing,” he noted. “That gap must be closed by you.”

In his technical presentation, Juma Katongole, the Manager Information Systems, highlighted the limitations of existing systems and how RIMS is designed to address them.

Mr. Juma Katongole. Intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians, 10th April 2026, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Juma Katongole.***

“We can only produce accurate statistics for students on coursework,” he said. “But we cannot tell how many graduate students are at proposal level, concept level, or thesis level. That is a major gap.”

He explained that RIMS will provide comprehensive, real-time tracking of graduate students throughout their academic journey. “This system will enable us to produce accurate reports of which student is where,” Katongole said. “It will help us identify delays and take action.”

On the issue of prolonged completion times, he added, “With reliable data, we can see where students are getting stuck and introduce administrative or strategic measures to address those bottlenecks.”

Describing the system as a turning point, Katongole noted, “We are moving towards having valid statistical information at our fingertips, which is critical for a research-led institution.”

From the administrative perspective, Eleanor Nandutu, Senior Assistant Registrar from MISR, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to long-standing inefficiencies.

Eleanor Nandutu. Intensive, hands-on training in the Research Information Management System (RIMS) by the Directorate of Graduate Training (DGT) and Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) for College Registrars and Senior IT Technicians, 10th April 2026, Lecture Room 4.1 Computer Lab, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Eleanor Nandutu.***

“RIMS will ease the tracking process and help us know exactly where each student is and how long they take at each stage,” she said. “It will also help us understand where the challenges are and how to better support students.”

She emphasized that the system will improve completion rates by identifying bottlenecks early. “We shall be able to see where we are stuck and take corrective action in time,” she noted.

Addressing concerns about possible conflict of interest between supervisors and students, Nandutu clarified that the system is designed to enhance transparency, not create tension. “This is about ensuring that processes are followed and that students succeed,” she said. “It brings everyone, administrators, supervisors, and coordinators onto one platform.”

She added that the system will even improve interaction between students and supervisors. “It will make follow-ups easier and ensure timely feedback, which is critical for research progress,” she said.

As the university intensifies efforts to strengthen its research output and graduate training, the hands-on RIMS training marks a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven academic environment, one that leaders believe will finally address the long-standing challenge of delayed graduate completion.

General

Call for Participants: 2026 Hainan International Youth Cultural Exchange Program

Published

14 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Mak Editor

Hainan University, China. Courtesy photo.

Applications are hereby invited for the 2026 Hainan International Youth Cultural Exchange Program, hosted by Hainan University.

Theme: “Youth Nexus: Bridging Horizons in the Free Trade Port”
Dates: May 19 – 26, 2026
Location: Hainan Province, China
Highlights: The program offers immersive visits to the Free Trade Port, academic exchanges, and cultural explorations (including Wenchang Space Center and China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea).
Accommodation, meals, and local transport are fully covered.

Application Deadline: Please submit your application by April 17, 2026.

Eligibility: Students, young faculty, and youth representatives aged 18–40 with proficiency in English are welcome to apply.

Please note: Interested students must purchase their own air tickets.

Apply Here: https://v.wjx.cn/vm/QsFn61E.aspx#

For inquiries, please contact Mr. KONG Zeming (zeming.kong@qq.com).

General

New Classroom Block brings Relief to Bwera Primary School

Published

3 days ago

April 7, 2026

Carol Kasujja Adii

Ms. Jolly Okumu speaks at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback to Bwera Primary School, Kabale in partnership with dfcu Bank on 1st April 2026. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa.

Pupils, parents and authorities at Bwera Primary School in Kabale District were filled with joy as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handed over a four-classroom block to the school.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, one of the parents, Saison Tumukuratire, expressed gratitude for the support.

The four-classroom block at Bwera Primary School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***The four-classroom block at Bwera Primary School.***

“We thank God for this gesture. Our children can now attend classes without interruptions caused by rain. Previously, whenever it rained, lessons would stop. The old building was on the verge of collapsing, had no windows, and the floor was dusty,” she said.

Uganda has made significant progress in expanding access to education through Universal Primary Education (UPE); bringing millions of children into school. However, in hard-to-reach communities, physical access and the quality of learning environments continue to shape how effectively that opportunity translates into consistent attendance and meaningful outcomes.

The four-stance modern pit latrine. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***The four-stance modern pit latrine.***

Bwera Primary School, a government-aided institution located in the remote and hard to reach village in Kahama Sub-County, has an enrollment of 275 pupils. For decades, the school has faced significant challenges related to access and infrastructure.

With no road access and limited infrastructure, the school has long struggled to provide a conducive environment for learning. Efforts to improve facilities have often been constrained by high transportation costs and logistical barriers; with some contractors previously declining to take on construction work due to the difficulty of accessing the site.

The access to Bwera Primary School. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***The access to Bwera Primary School.***

“The school structures are not sufficient for our learners, and we do not have a single staff house. We are deeply grateful to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and dfcu Bank for coming to our rescue after the school’s plight was highlighted in the media,” Edson Bikorwomuhangi, the headteacher, said.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University and dfcu Bank officially handed over the new facilities. These include a four-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, a four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system.

The 10,000-litre water tank, an integral part of the rainwater harvesting system donated by the Jane Goodall Institute. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***The 10,000-litre water tank, an integral part of the rainwater harvesting system donated by the Jane Goodall Institute.***

The new infrastructure is expected to significantly improve the learning environment and support better educational outcomes for the pupils.

Since 2014, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University and alumni have contributed to communities across Uganda by constructing classrooms, providing clean water and supporting vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nelson Dumba, the Chairperson of the Scholars giveback Committee, noted that the event was not about commissioning structures, it is about celebrating impact, partnership and the power of giving back.

Mr. Nelson Dumba. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Nelson Dumba.***

“As scholars we are deeply aware that we are beneficiaries of opportunity, and because we have been given a chance, we carry a responsibility to extend that opportunity to others and contribute meaningfully to the communities that shape us,” Mr. Dumba, said.

Mr. Dumba called upon the Bwera community to take ownership, protect the property, and ensure that it continues to serve generations to come.

“To the pupils of Bwera Primary, this investment is for you, use it well, take care of it and believe in your dreams. You are capable of achieving better outcomes,” Mr. Ddumba, said.

Pupils seated on some of the desks. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***Pupils seated on some of the desks.***

One of the central pillar of the Scholars Program is community service and giveback, grounded in the belief that leadership is best demonstrated through service to others.The Scholars Program is not only about access to education, it is about transformation and impact.

In her speech, Ms. Jolly Okumu, the Program Operation Lead of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, noted that through mentorship and structured engagement, Mastercard Foundation Scholars are encouraged to initiate community-driven projects, improve livelihoods, promote inclusion and foster sustainable development.

“Today is not just about handing over infrastructure, it is a celebration of partnership, shared purpose and our collective commitment to improving learning environment for young people. It reflects our belief that when institutions and communities come together, we can create lasting impact and open up greater possibilities for the next generation,” Ms Okumu, said.

Pupils perform for guests. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***Pupils perform for guests.***

Ms Okumu extended special appreciation to the Jane Goodall Institute for providing a 10,000 litre water tank and dfcu Bank for a financial contribution of UGX 20Million used to renovate two classrooms and purchase desks.

“As we officially hand over this project, we hope these improved facilities will provide a safe environment and a space conducive for learning. Our Scholars are not just beneficiaries, they are committed to building a stronger and more inclusive communities,” Ms. Okumu, noted.

Speaking on behalf of dfcu Bank, Ms Helena Mayanja, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, noted that the giveback project reflects the Bank’s commitment to elevate education, financial literacy and health in intended communities.

Ms Helena Mayanja. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***Ms Helena Mayanja.***

“The journey to the school itself reflects the realities these children face every day. Improving infrastructure in such communities is essential to ensuring that access to education translates into real learning outcomes,” she said.

dfcu Bank has various partnerships and programs targeting vulnerable and hard to reach communities which are aimed at elevating financial literacy, health and education.

Kabale District Education Officer, Mr. Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye welcomed the development, noting that previous efforts to upgrade the school had failed due to inaccessibility.

Mr. Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University Giveback, in partnership with dfcu Bank, handover five-classroom block equipped with 60 bench desks, four-stance modern pit latrine, and a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system on 1st April 2026 to Bwera Primary School in Kabale District, Uganda, East Africa. — ***Mr. Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye.***

“We thank our partners for renovating this classroom, with these projects, results are going to change because now the learning is conducive. Before contractors were unable to take on the work because of the terrain. Partnerships like this are important in unlocking development in hard-to-reach communities and improving education outcomes,” Mr. Tumwijukye, said.

Parents speak out

Evidence Tumwebaza, who has a child in Primary One noted that the infrastructures are going to help them improve the school’s sanitation.

“The tank is big and I am happy that my child will now study in a conducive environment and will have clean water for drinking,” Tumwebaza, said.

Ann Turyasima, a parent and former pupil said that the project is going to help pupils to stop carrying water from a long distance.

“These pupils have been moving from down the valley to go and fetch water for the school but now everything is here. They can now concentrate in school.”