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Mak’s AirQo Project is a US$1.3m Google AI Impact Grantee

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Google has announced Makerere University’s AirQo Prototype among the best 20 Artificial Intelligence projects that will share $25 million in grants from Google.org. AirQo is an air monitoring project that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and low-cost technologies to generate and quantify data on air pollution in the designated areas in Uganda.

“The data collected is used to inform public policies on reducing, containing and better management of air pollution and its associated health risks. The same data is also used to raise awareness on air quality issues,” said Dr. Engineer Bainomugisha the Project Leader during a press conference held on Wednesday, 8th May 2019. Dr. Bainomugisha is also the Chair, Department of Computer Science, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University.

The AirQo Project is run by a team comprising students and staff from the Department of Computer Science, School of Computing and Information Technology, CoCIS. The project was successfully developed in 2016 with the aim of contributing to the improvement of urban ambient air quality.  It tested and validated a robust, low-cost air monitoring device and algorithm.

With limited funding and support, the project was implemented in places within Kampala and other urban places of Mbale, Manafwa, Bundibugyo and Bududa. According to Dr. Bainomugisha, the required data on air quality within the aforementioned areas is collected through the integration of the AirQo device with a Mobile application.

Dr. Engineer Bainomugisha (Right) shows Prof. William Bazeyo (Left) the AirQo Mobile App that gathers data from the 50 sensors deployed Nationally. The App is available for download on Google Play Store.

“We receive data on the air quality of specific places through a mobile App that is installed on our phones. In areas that are hard to reach we have used the Artificial Intelligence to make predictions based on data collected so far.  We also work with Boda boda riders by installing the AirQo device on their motorcycles to help us reach various places for data collection,” he explained.

Mr. Paul Green, a member of AirQo Project team said that the device is useful in determining the air conditions of institutions such as schools and hospitals. “AirQo can be very beneficial for school children especially those with allergies,” he said.

The AirQo project team will receive a US$1.3million grant to scale up their existing air quality monitoring coverage and to make use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve forecasting accuracy, raise awareness of air quality issues and inform public policy making in this critical area. As a grantee of the Google AI Impact Challenge, the team will receive credit and consulting benefits from Google Cloud and coaching by Google’s AI experts.

“We are thrilled to be receiving a grant from Google.org to support the AirQo project. With little resources, we have demonstrated that it is possible to build and deploy a robust network of low-cost air quality monitors across Kampala city. The Google grant will make a huge difference to our project and allows us to truly scale up the network up to become an effective resource for all Ugandan citizens and policy makers,” said Dr. Bainomugisha.

The AirQo Project Team (Standing) receives a round of applause from the audience recognising their efforts

Representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo acknowledged the tremendous work done by Dr. Bainomugisha and his team in developing an innovation that tackles community challenges.

“You have joined the line of prominent people whose deeds have left Makerere University shining. With your skills and knowledge, you have raised the institution’s flag high to be recognized by international organizations,” he said.  

Prof. Bazeyo congratulated the AirQo project team upon receiving the Google.org grant to scale their innovation. Noting the increasing population density in the country, Prof. Bazeyo said, “Our population as a country is rapidly increasing and as such additional pressure is being exerted on our cities. Air pollution is one of the biggest threats in this regard. This timely innovation is no mean achievement in as far as utilizing research and technology to the improve lives of our urban population is concerned.”

Prof. Bazeyo also noted that AirQo’s innovation would provide valuable data to the Makerere University Lung Institute; one of two specialists institutes of its kind in Africa.  

The Principal CoCIS-Prof. Tonny Oyana (Right) and Deputy Principal CoCIS- Assoc. Prof. Agnes Rwashana Semwanga (Left) at the Press Conference to announce the US$ 1.3m Grant awarded to AirQo.

The Principal CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana applauded Dr. Engineer Bainomugisha and his team for the persistent hard work that has fruitfully led to an international award and recognition. “With this new funding expert support from Google, the project is going to be seamlessly scaled up,” he said.

The Google AI Impact Challenge was an open call to nonprofits, social enterprises, and research institutions from around the world to submit their ideas that use AI to help address societal challenges.  2,602 applications were received from 119 countries and 40% of applications received came from organizations with no prior AI experience.

Google.org president, Jacqueline Fuller said: “At Google, we have seen how AI can help us accomplish daily tasks and travels, and we believe in its potential to help address some of the world’s biggest humanitarian challenges. We are excited to support Makerere University’s AirQo project work to use AI to achieve even greater social impact.”

Next week, representatives from the AirQo project will travel to San Francisco to dive into execution. For five days, all 20 organizations will join Google AI experts, Project Managers and the startup specialists from Google’s Launchpad Accelerator for a program that will last six months, from May to November 2019. Through the Launchpad program, each of the 20 grantees will develop their own OKRs— Objectives and Key Results and set timelines for project completion. Each organization will be paired with a Google expert who will meet with them regularly for coaching sessions. They will also have access to other Google resources and expert mentorship.

Article by Nabatte Proscovia, Mak Public Relations Office

Proscovia Nabatte

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Celebrating Women in Science at Makerere University

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A female student conducts an experiement in one of the Science Labs, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the incredible women scientists at Makerere University who are driving innovation, advancing research, and shaping the future of science in Uganda and beyond.

Your dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations. As you break barriers and push the frontiers of knowledge, remember that your work is not only transforming communities but also paving the way for more young women to embrace science.

We honor your achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women in science can thrive. Keep leading, innovating, and inspiring!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Mak Editor

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91st Electoral Commission Promises a free and fair Electoral Process

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By Nickson Maberi

The swearing-in-ceremony for the 91st Students’ Guild Electoral Commission was held on Friday 31st January 2025.  Mr. Joseph Murungi, a commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) was unanimously chosen as the chairperson of the commision.

Mr. Murungi thanked the good Lord and students for entrusting him with the position and promised to deliver a free and fair electoral process and head a commission that is impartial.

The Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli urged the new commission to execute its duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution.

“You must execute your duties in line with the Guild statute and Constitution, anything outside that is invalid. I wish you the best and I am looking forward to working with you,” she said.

Ms. Ruth Iteu, the Head of the Online voting team, urged the commission to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law as it will lead to severe consequences.

Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel said they will continue to pray for the commission to have a peaceful and successful.

“The Electoral Commission is a very important body and the success of the electoral process depends on you. Please concentrate on doing what is right before the Lord. As your spiritual leaders, our duty is to pray. We are therefore praying for you to have a peaceful and successful election,” he said.

Administrator who urged the commission to always do the right at the right time.

Mr.  Nickson Maberi encouraged the new commission to follow the law and avoid tarnishing the image of the university.

Mr. Joseph Murungi, Commissioner from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) swearing in as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for the 91st Guild Elections.

“Makerere University elections attract national attention. Please follow the law and be people of integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the university,” he guided.

Mr. Aston Tayebwa from the College of Natural Sciences was elected as the commission’s General Secretary while Ms Sharon Nyonyozi from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was elected as the commission’s Vice Chairperson.

Other commissioners include: Mr. Ijoot William from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Mr. Ntambi Moses from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Mr. Perez William Mwesigwa from the School of Law (SoL), Alyosius Mutagubya from the College of Computing and Information Science (CoCIS) and Mr. Mugisha Hamidu from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Mak Editor

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KobWeb: RENU’s Community Magazine – 2024 Edition

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Cover page of KobWeb: RENU's Community Magazine, 2024 Edition. Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) is a community-driven, non-profit organization with a major focus on nurturing collaboration among member institutions (i.e. research and education institutions), and global partners. Founded in 2006, RENU has grown from a small National Research and Education Network (NREN) that focused on just connectivity needs of universities and research organisations, to a fast-growing specialized ICT solutions provider for the entire Research and Education (R&E) community including schools, colleges, other tertiary institutions, hospitals, and their end users. RENU is located at House No. 31, The Edge, Makerere University and on Plot 6B, Mabua Road, Kololo, Kampala.

Highlights from the 2024 Edition featuring Makerere:

  • Universities Launch Global Coalition to Support Refugee Education at Scale
    • 16 universities from across the globe have come together to improve and increase access to higher education for refugees and their communities, where they reside. Universities based in Africa, Europe, and North America formed the Global University Academy (GUA) following a workshop hosted by the University of Oslo in June 2024.
    • The GUA is currently looking into the possibility to pilot the initiative in Uganda. Key partners in this work are Makerere University and Gulu University, who are already actively engaged in providing access to higher education for refugees, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Uganda.
  • Advancing Child Welfare The AfriChild Centre’s Inter-University Programme
    • The Inter-University Programme, spearheaded by the Centre of Excellence for the Study of the African Child (AfriChild Centre), is a landmark initiative focused on equipping researchers with the essential skills needed to conduct high-quality child-focused research. The success of the Inter-University Programme is built on the strong partnerships the AfriChild Centre has established with universities including Makerere University.
  • Liberate your Mind from the Present and Dream Big to Provide Meaningful ICT Solutions for Research and Education!
    • At the 2024 RENU ICT Directors Forum, Dr. Francis F. “Tusu” Tusubira, the Chief Guest, delivered an electrifying address urging ICT leaders to dream beyond the present and shape the future of research and education. Reflecting on his time at Makerere University, he shared his philosophy of granting autonomy to team members and supporting them unconditionally. “Allow your team to make decisions and mistakes, especially in the current environment, which presents opportunities for learning. Protect them when they make mistakes. Once you do this, your team will build your dream.”
  • Advancing Open Science and Open Access in Africa, with a Focus on Uganda
    • Open Science and Open Access have emerged as transformative movements in the global academic and research community. Their principles—sharing knowledge freely, fostering collaboration, and driving practical solutions to societal challenges—are especially resonant in Africa, where equitable access to resources and innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. Institutions like Makerere University are driving Open Science efforts by encouraging researchers to adopt open frameworks.

Visit RENU to download full edition

Mark Wamai

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