The Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) is currently improving WiFi coverage across the Makerere University Main Campus through a Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) grant as well as from Internally Generated Funds. The grant, won by DICTS, is managed by Prof. Tonny Oyana, Principal-College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) and will support operationalisation of the revised Makerere University ICT Poilcy and Masterplan.

The 3-year (2018-2020) project being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) at Stockholm University will emphasise cost-effective use of ICT resources to leverage on the University functions of research, teaching and learning. Additionally, the project will institute Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) frameworks while adding value, efficiency and cost reduction in the day-to-day business processes of the university.

Through the project, our WiFi coverage, which currently stands at 34% will gradually improve every financial year until we attain the recommended coverage for the Main and satellite campuses.

This financial year, DICTS is focusing on WiFi enhancement at the Main Building, Senate Building, CoCIS, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), School of Women and Gender Studies, Mary Stuart Hall and Mugenyi Flats while other colleges and satellite campuses will be considered in the next budgeting cycle.

We are going to implement the 802.11ac WiFi standard which supports Gigabit speeds (super fast) and should therefore offer better internet experience. If your mobile device doesn’t support the 802.11ac standard, do not worry as this standard is backward compatible with older WiFi standards (802.11b/g/n) so users with older devices will still be able to connect and access internet services although at slower speeds.

If you are particularly interested in knowing whether your phone supports the 802.11ac WiFi standard, please visit https://www.gsmarena.com, select your mobile device model and look at “COMMS” under the specifications of the device.

Users are encouraged to continue engaging DICTS on issues of ICT service improvement within the University and for support services. Log your ICT inquiry on https://support.mak.ac.ug/ or send an email to helpme[at]dicts.mak.ac.ug and our End-user support team will help you.

Article by Mugabi Samuel, Director, Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS)
Additional Information by Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Director, Directorate for Research and Graduate Training (DRGT)