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Winsenga wins $50,000 Microsoft Imagine Cup Grant

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For three youngsters, designing an application named WinSenga that performs ultrasounds on pregnant women and detect problems such as ectopic pregnancies or abnormal fetal heart beats has earned them great local and international recognition. The trio of Aaron Tushabe, Joshua Okello and Josiah Kavuma (Team Cipher256) have won the Microsoft Imagine Cup Grant of $50,000 (about sh125m). According to Microsoft, this grant will help the students transform their projects into social enterprises or nonprofits that will address a specific social issue.

Imagine Cup and the grants are part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark program, which is the company’s commitment to reach 300 million youths in the next three years through technology, training, and experiences that empower them to imagine and realize their full potential. Among the applicants for this grant, 13 teams were initially selected as finalists having received the highest marks based on a combination of criteria: impact & viability, team quality & motivation, solution design & motivation and problem definition.

The trio (all students at the College of Computing and Information Sciences) were mentored by Joseph Kaizzi, Davis Musinguzi and supported by the Microsoft Innovation Centre-Uganda. They received the award during the Social Innovation Summit held on December 4th in Silicon Valley, USA. Apart from the cash prize, they will also receive software, cloud computing services, solution provider support, premium Microsoft BizSpark account benefits and access to local resources such as Microsoft Innovation Centers. Microsoft will also connect grant recipients with its network of investors, NGO partners and business partners and will work with the grant recipients to tailor individual support as needed depending on the progress each team has made so far with its project.

“We are grateful to Microsoft for giving these youth an opportunity to innovate and help the mothers around the world. This grant shows that the youth have the power to change our lives and we shall continue to partner with organizations that are willing to explore their potential,” said Maria Muzaaki, the College communication officer.

WinSenga Pitches at DEMO Africa 2012 in Nairobi: Josiah Kavuma (Centre) with part of the Microsoft Team @ Demo Africa 2012 in Nairobi — Vincent Delle-Microsoft EA (Left) and Amintas-Microsoft Imagine Cup (Right).
WinSenga Pitches at DEMO Africa 2012 in Nairobi: Josiah Kavuma (Centre) with part of the Microsoft Team @ Demo Africa 2012 in Nairobi — Vincent Delle-Microsoft EA (Left) and Amintas-Microsoft Imagine Cup (Right).

During this year’s Imagine Cup final held in Australia, only two teams from Africa made it to the top 20 competitors. Team Cipher256 became the first team from East and Southern Africa (excluding South Africa) to make it to the second round at the Worldwide Finals becoming the only Sub-Saharan African team to make it to that round in the history of the Imagine Cup. In the end, WinSenga was ranked in the top 10 overall.

Basing on their innovativeness and will to help solve one of the world’s biggest problems (maternal health), the team was selected to showcase their innovation at the ITU Telecom World 2012 in Dubai, courtesy of Uganda Communication Commission (UCC). The event was held in Dubai from October 14-18th, 2012. It brought together major stakeholders in the world’s ICT sector to connect and exchange knowledge, showcase technology, talent and investment opportunities.

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Computing & IS

CoCIS CIPSD IT Professional Training – Special Intake (Aug 2024)

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Block B of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa

The Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CIPSD) is famously known for equipping students and professionals with practical computer knowledge and hands-on tech skills to support a 21st century knowledge-based economy. The center strategically offers training that is responsive to the needs of society. This is achieved through tailoring courses towards what the industry demands.

CIPSD has organized practical training in Networking, Programming and Database Administration (Oracle). This training will start on 26th August 2024. It’s open to CoCIS / MAK students and anyone who is passionate about leaning tech stuff practically.

NOTE:

  1. MAK students with a valid University ID or admission letter are entitled to a special discount.
  2. Flexible training sessions (Day, Evening and Weekend)
  3. At the end of the training, each participant will get a certificate.
  4. CoCIS students who have just finished recess are encouraged to apply.
HANDS – ON SKILLS COURSES
No.SKILLS COURSEDURATIONCoCIS/MAK STUDENTSOTHERS
1.Networking(CCNA)5 Months400,000/=700,000/=
2.Programming in Python2 Months400,000/=700,000/=
3.Database Administration3 Months700,000/=800,000/=
CIPSD IT Professional Training – Special Intake (Aug 2024)

COURSE DETAILS

  1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): CCNA validates knowledge and hands-on skills in networking, and it’s a commonly requested IT certification especially in networking roles.
  2. Programming in Python: You will learn how to code from scratch and solve real world problems. You will also learn popular modules, libraries, and tools for python.
  3. Database Administration (Oracle): By learning Oracle Database Administration, you position yourself at the forefront of database management, where you can ensure data integrity, performance tuning, and disaster recovery. Mastery of this technology opens doors to roles in numerous industries, as it is utilized by major Companies / Organizations.

CIPSD has a number of hands-on skills courses. Please contact us for a detailed conversation

To Register:
Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development
CIT Block B, Level 5 | Reception (CIT Block A)
Tel: +256 782 512897

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CoCIS CIPSD first ever Microsoft Azure/Cloud boot camp

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Block A of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, with foliage in the foreground, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences is pleased to announce the First Ever Microsoft Azure Certifications Boot camp 2024!!!! 

Dates: September 7th – 8th, 2024 9:00am to 1:00pm

Target Audience:

University students and all members of the public who are tech savvy and enthusiastic about starting their career journey in Microsoft Azure/Cloud.

Hosted By:

Makerere University‘s College of Computing and Information Sciences Centre for Innovations and Professional Skills Development.

Attendance & Certificate Fee: UGX 50,000  (fee is mandatory)

Join Us for an Interactive Microsoft Azure Boot Camp:

Delve into the latest techniques and tools used in Microsoft Azure through a one hands-on session on sat & sun in sept 2024.

Why Choose the Microsoft Azure Boot Camp?

Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical exercises/ designed to simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring you gain hands-on experience.

What is Azure?

Microsoft Azure, or just Azure, is a public cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft. It offers management, access and development of applications and services such as storage, networking, analytics, virtual computing and many more to individuals, companies, and governments through its global infrastructure.

What is the basic use of Azure?

Azure Data Factory is a platform that enables you to easily and rapidly create, deploy, and manage data-driven applications. It provides a comprehensive solution for data warehousing, data integration, data analysis, data science, big data, and machine learning.

Why the Azure Certification? / Why one  needs to get certified in Azure

Market Trends in Cloud Computing

The landscape of cloud computing is witnessing a rapid transformation. As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud, the demand for skilled cloud professionals is soaring. Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing service, is at the forefront of this revolution. With its wide array of services and solutions, Azure is becoming a critical tool for organizations across various sectors. Azure is currently the second-largest player in the cloud computing market, with a share of around 23%, second only to Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Role of Azure in the Current Tech Landscape

Azure’s diverse offerings in AI, machine learning, and big data analytics are reshaping how businesses operate. By leveraging Azure, companies are unlocking new efficiencies and capabilities. This dynamic environment creates a fertile ground for professionals who possess the know-how to navigate and utilize Azure effectively. Azure has over 600 cloud services, and it edges the market among light and moderate cloud users.

Benefits of Azure Certification for Career Advancement

Earning an Azure certification validates your skills and knowledge in the cloud domain, setting you apart in a competitive job market. It demonstrates to employers your commitment to professional growth and your proficiency in one of the leading cloud platforms. Whether you aim to advance in your current role or pivot to a new career path, Azure certification can be a key stepping stone.

Registration:https://tinyurl.com/9sjdk3f5

Reserve your spot today by registering here: 

Please Note:

Pay the certificate fee of UGX 50,000 on the first day by ensuring you arrive one hour before class time or 4 days before the class start date by contacting the Accounts office on Level 2, Block A for a reference number which you will use to pay in any bank near you.

Boot Camp attendees will receive a discount on the full AZURE training course slated to start immediately after the boot camp.

For purposes of learning software installation, you must have a laptop with minimum of 8GB RAM

For inquiries contact

Barbara Nalubega
Head, Centre For Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CIPSD),

Email:  nbarbara@cit.ac.ug/ barbnlk@gmail.com
Phone: +256 752779964

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NetAcad Summer Camp 2024

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NetAcad Summer Camp 2024.

Cisco are excited to announce the launch of the “NetAcad Summer Camp 2024” Initiative for learners to leverage knowledge and trainings on Cybersecurity, AI and Automation.

This initiative is primarily targeted at students who have been previously trained under the academy and graduating students.

  • Format: Free NetAcad online course registration, webinars, discussion forums and practical experience utilizing the “Packet Tracer” simulation tool.
  • Duration: A period of Two Months; August – September of 2024. Training will be mostly asynchronous to fit with the students’ schedules.
  • Language: English or relevant available language of preference.
  • Cost: Free of Charge.
  • Rewards: Participants will have the opportunity to complete the course online and obtain a Cisco NetAcad certification and digital badge.

Note: In order to enroll and capitalize on this opportunity, please submit your information using this link:  Registration to NetAcad Summer Camp

Once you have successfully completed filling the online form, you will be contacted for the upcoming steps.

 Register Now

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