General
Prof. Jianguo Chen commends CoCIS on the sci-tech software developed to solve community problems
Prof. Jianguo Chen from Tsinghua University, Institute of Public Safety Research (IPSR) has commended Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) on the Sci-tech innovations developed by the College to solve community problems. While on tour, on 19th December 2018 at the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Laboratory; one of Makerere University’s most outstanding community based innovation, Prof. Jianguo Chen was pleased with the way the lab operates to examine blood samples suspected of containing malaria parasites and the bacteria that causes tuberculosis by using a cell phone.
Prof. Jianguo Chen pledged to share knowledge and information with Makerere University on the modern Public Safety software developed by Tsinghua University, Institute of Public Safety Research. According to him, such information will help Makerere University to run the Public Safety Lab that is yet to be established.
“Through the College of Software Science, Tsinghua University does research and develops its own database, sensors and operational software. Such software includes; Smart firefighting Management Systems, Emergency Management Systems, Automated Response Systems and Pick Data Analysis Systems. With this information and Public Safety Laboratory in hand, Makerere University will be able to monitor public safety,” Said Prof. Chen.
Prof. Chen together with the delegation from Tsinghua University’s Institute of Public Safety Research; consists of Prof. Pang Wenjun, Prof. Zhang Tengbin and Assistant Prof. Tongtong Wang also visited the Sensors Laboratory, Software Systems Center, Big Laboratory, GIS Laboratory and COCIS Server Room all located at the College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University.
The Principal, College of Computing and Information Science, Prof. Tonny J. Oyana thanked the Delegation for visiting the College and for their decision to establish a Public Safety Laboratory at Makerere University. He also appreciated the idea of sharing knowledge and Information on the software developed by Tsinghua University’s Institute of Public Safety Research.
Article written by: Esther Joyce Nakibombo Volunteer, Mak Public Relations Office
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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