General
Mak Sida Annual Review Meeting Reveals Good Progress
Over the last 15 years of collaboration, the Swedish Government has invested US$ 73.3 million in Graduate Training and the scientific environments of five public Universities in Uganda, with the main recipient being Makerere University (Mak). The latest phase of collaboration (2015-2020) will contribute US$ 32million to training over 240 students over the five year period.
These figures formed a good basis for this year’s Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) Annual Review Meeting’s theme “Investing in Research and Innovating for Society”. Launched on 10th October 2016 in the Main Hall, the meeting also marked the first official visit to Makerere University by the new Swedish Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Per Lindgärde.
Ambassador Lindgärde who arrived in the country only a week prior to the Annual Review Meeting thanked Makerere University for the warm reception accorded to him.
“The Annual Review Meeting brings together Ugandan and Swedish partners to assess the past year. I understand that some of you are new to the program, while others have much experience from previous collaboration phases. But what you all have in common is that you have been successful in the competition to get a project approved for this collaboration,” commended Ambassador Lindgärde.
He further drew attention to the uniqueness of the Swedish funding to research collaboration, noting that “The Swedish strategy is based on funding institution building, post-graduate education, and research in one single effort. No part can function without the others. It is a holistic approach” shared the Ambassador.
The Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) and Head of the Mak-Sida Intuitional Collaboration Programme, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza thanked the Swedish Government for the dedicated support to Mak which has led to the training of 325 academics since 2000. Prof. Buyinza took note of two shifts that have since taken place in the new collaboration period.
“Firstly, whilst the program previously was only based on sandwich students, 105 PhD students are now locally trained. Only 20 PhDs are going to be on sandwich, based on capacity need.” He observed that this was indeed a great testimony of the strengthened research capacity achieved by Mak over the 15 years of collaboration.
“Secondly, local training will take place in multidisciplinary teams, based on multidisciplinary themes. The previous model of primarily singular PhD projects has thus been shifted, as per Mak’s research policy,” shared Prof. Buyinza. He however noted that translating scientific findings into the language that policy makers can easily understand remains a challenge, which the new collaboration period will seek to address.
In his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu thanked the H.E. Amb. Per Lindgärde, the First Secretary and Senior Research Advisor, Dr. Gity Behravan as well as Swedish and Ugandan partners for taking time off their schedules to attend the meeting.
“This Annual Review Meeting symbolises the nature and character of the relationship between Makerere University and the Royal Government and People of Sweden. It is an opportunity to take stock of our performance within our agreement for joint research cooperation,” remarked the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu appreciated the fundamental role played by Swedish Government support in strengthening the University’s capacity to deliver her core functions. “This support has indeed greatly contributed to our visibility and status. I wish therefore, on behalf of Makerere University, to extend our sincere gratitude to the Royal Government of Sweden for this continued support,” underscored the Vice Chancellor.
In her remarks, Dr. Gity Behravan stressed that support to Mak is in line with the institutional Research Agenda which is also generated from Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP). This, she said, will strengthen all efforts of knowledge production and use. She therefore called upon all presenters at the Annual Review Meeting to take note of the importance of highlighting the research results that can be used in knowledge generation to improve focus areas as outlined in the 2014-2018 Sida bilateral cooperation strategy for Uganda. These include; strengthening of democracy and human rights, better maternal and child health, increased employment and reduced violence against women.
Emphasizing the need to communicate research findings, Dr. Behravan noted that “today’s research is tomorrow’s welfare and this needs to be better known and seen and felt.” She restated the Swedish Government’s appreciation of the link between research and development and expressed hope that the Ugandan Government commitment to University research and research training would be demonstrated by an increased share of the national budget.
The Government of Uganda under the new cabinet has introduced a Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Representing the line Minister Hon. Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye at the Annual Review Meeting, the Executive Director, Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), Prof. Charles Kwesiga reassured all gathered of the Government’s full support through the new fully fledged ministry.
A Science Day is one of the activities that traditionally constitute the Sida Annual Review Meeting. This year’s presentations included: Could secondary metabolites from cruciferous vegetables serve as a source of industrial chemicals in Uganda? by Assoc. Prof. Steven Nyanzi; Using Mathematical Models for Policy Making by Dr. Betty Nanyonga Kivumbi; and Nutri-medicinal plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections by Dr. Savina Asimwe.
Other presentations were: What is the place for transdisciplinary Research in our University Setting by Dr. Kenneth Arinaitwe; Mathematical Modeling for Infectious and Non-infectious Diseases by Dr. John Kitayimbwa; and Bioactivity, Toxicity and Phytochemistry of selected plant species by Ms. Adia Mohammed Madina. Two other presentations were delivered by Mr. Alex Tumwesigye on One-Dimensional Dynamical Systems and Commutativity Commuting Elements in Non-Commutative Algebras, and Dr. Jamil Ssenku on Potential for phtoremediation of acid mine waste degraded sites by selected tree species in Kasese District.
The Annual Review Meeting was attended by the Leadership, Staff and Students of; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Article by Public Relations Office
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
General
Scholars Discuss Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing AI for African Identity at Makerere University
Betty Kyakuwa & Eve Nakyanzi
Scholars from across Africa and beyond convened at Makerere University for a workshop on “Techno-Colonialism: Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Identity.” The event formed part of the ongoing African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference hosted at Makerere University, under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identity, welcomed participants to what she described as a “thought-provoking engagement for early career researchers.” She noted that the Centre, hosted at Makerere University, now brings together over 10 universities across Africa and partner institutions in the Global North to examine evolving African identities in the face of global transformations.
“We don’t imagine a single African identity defined by class, tribe, or religion,” Prof. Ssali said. “We consider African identities as lived, negotiated, and continually reshaped by experiences such as colonialism, globalization, and technological change.”
The workshop was moderated by Dr. Kemi Kehinde, an ARUA–Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellow from Anchor University, Nigeria, who emphasized the need to critically examine the intersections between artificial intelligence, indigenous knowledge, and identity formation.
Dr. Kemi invited participants to reflect on a presentation by Dr. Sameen Musa on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AI in the Context of Decoloniality and Sustainable Futures. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI systems recognize and integrate oral African traditions such as storytelling, proverbs, and performance arts—areas where current technologies often fall short.
“As young African scholars, we have a responsibility to shape the training models of AI so that future systems engage authentically with African oral traditions and worldviews,” Dr. Kemi noted.
The panel featured Prof. Aghogho Akpome from the University of Zululand, Dr. Isaac Tibasiima and Marvin Galiwango, a machine learning engineer at Makerere, and Dr. Nikolai Golovko from the Centre for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Moscow and Dr. Chongomweru Halimu, a lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, Makerere University.
Speaking from South Africa, Prof. Aghogho Akpome delivered a strong critique of what he termed “the intellectual dependency fostered by generative AI tools.” He cautioned that over reliance on artificial intelligence for writing and research risks eroding cognitive skills and perpetuating new forms of colonial dependence.
“The use of generative AI without critical engagement amounts to intellectual theft,” he said. “It replaces creative thought with algorithmic mimicry, and that is the essence of techno-colonialism.”
Dr. Isaac Tibasiima, from Makerere University’s Department of Literature, offered a balanced view, arguing that while AI poses risks of cultural misrepresentation, it also presents opportunities for Africans to reclaim their agency by shaping the data that powers these systems.
“We need to feed our own knowledge into AI systems—honest, transparent, contextually grounded African knowledge,” Dr. Tibasiima said. “That’s the path to inclusion and authentic representation.”
From Moscow, Dr. Nikolai Golovko provided a global policy perspective, noting that while 11 African countries have adopted national AI strategies, implementation remains limited by resource and data inequalities. He warned that foreign-designed algorithms often ignore local contexts, reinforcing what he called “algorithmic colonialism.”
“African governments and universities must prioritize indigenous participation in AI design,” Dr. Golovko urged. “Otherwise, we risk reproducing colonial hierarchies in digital form.”
Dr. Halimu Chongomweru discussed the theme “Techno-Colonialism and Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African Ideas.” He argued that today’s global digital ecosystem mirrors historical patterns of colonial exploitation—only now, instead of natural resources, Africa’s data is being extracted to fuel AI economies controlled by others.
He described this as a form of modern colonialism, not through armies or flags, but through algorithms, cloud servers, and digital platforms that define African problems and solutions without African participation. These systems enrich others while disempowering African communities.
Dr. Chongomweru emphasized that AI without culture is not intelligence but extraction. When AI models are trained on Western norms, they impose Western values globally, leading Africans to adopt technology without shifting the moral and cultural lenses behind it.
He urged a shift in focus from access to ownership, arguing that access without control only deepens dependency — another form of digital colonialism. True equalization, he said, means determining who owns, benefits from, and governs African data and AI systems.
To decolonize AI, Dr. Chongomweru proposed several actions:
- Build African-owned data repositories hosted on African soil and governed by African laws.
- Invest in AI research in African languages, moving from translation (copying) to representation (originating ideas).
- Develop home-grown technological infrastructure, ensuring computation and innovation occur within the continent.
He concluded that Africa’s AI agenda must be rooted in cultural, linguistic, historical, and sovereign identity, drawing from African philosophical traditions to create ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Marvin Galiwango cautioned that Africa’s growing engagement with AI still relies heavily on foreign tools, funding, and servers, creating digital dependency rather than empowerment. He argued that so-called “inclusion” often leaves Africans creating within systems they don’t control. Drawing parallels with genomics, he noted that Africa provides data but lacks ownership of infrastructure and outcomes. He concluded that true technological independence requires Africans to build and govern their own digital systems.
The session closed with a lively discussion on the ethics of AI use in research, the need for inclusive data models, and the role of African universities in decolonizing digital technologies. Participants agreed that decolonizing AI is not merely a technological issue but a cultural, ethical, and identity-driven imperative for Africa’s future.
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