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Mak 70th Grad PhD Citations Session 2

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College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS)

 

MANIRAGABA Fred

Determinants of quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda

Mr. Fred Maniragaba investigated the determinants of quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda. In this study, quality of life focused on physical health, intimacy, and social participation dimensions. The findings show that more than 3 in 10 older persons had low scores on social participation, intimacy and physical health. Overall, 4 in every 10 older persons had poor quality of life. The distribution of poor quality of life varied by sex, wealth status, region of residence, education, engagement in physical activity and HIV sero-status. The study recommended that older persons should be economically empowered, included in HIV prevention interventions such as safe sex education, embrace active ageing; and educated ones should be encouraged to participate in community social engagements. This study was funded by Makerere University and Consortium for Advanced Research and Training in Africa (CARTA). It was supervised by Dr. Betty Kwagala and Professor James Ntozi.

 

TURYAREEBA Dickson

The Augmented Solow Growth Model, Total Factor Productivity Growth and the Cross-Country Income Growth Disparities in Africa

Mr. Turyareeba Dickson’s study was purposely to make a scholarly contribution to the growth accounting debate on the relative importance of factor accumulation and total factor productivity growth in explaining cross-country differences in income growth in Africa. His study found that differences in both factor accumulation and total factor productivity growth can explain the cross-country differences in income growth in Africa. His study results however showed that differences in factor accumulation played a more important role than differences total factor productivity growth in explaining growth disparities in Africa and in the clusters. Mr. Turyareeba Dickson’s study revealed that to spur more economic growth in Africa, there is the need for governments to design policies that boost gross capital formation; earmark extra resources for human capital development and for increased investment in ICT infrastructure; create incentives for credit expansion to the private sector and devise stronger policies against inflation. To foster economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, results showed that governments need to increase investments in ICT infrastructure, implement outward-looking development strategies, expand credit to the private sector and implement population growth control measures. The study was self-funded and supervised by Associate Professors: Eseza Kateregga and Elia Hisali.

 

College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)

 

ADUWO Jennifer Rose (Ms)

A Machine Learning Model for Automatic Field Based Classification of Cassava Mosaic Disease and its Severity

Ms. ADUWO Jennifer Rose investigated how machine learning can be used for detection of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and its severity using field based cassava leaf images. The study employed an experimental design. A total of 340 healthy and 313 CMD infected cassava leaf images were collected from National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Uganda for the experiments. The developed machine learning Artificial Neural Network model provided accuracy rate of 97.2% for CMD classification and 88% for CMD severity grading. Within the model, CMD classification including its severity could be implemented on a mobile phone. In terms of policy, NaCRRI could spearhead the development of a policy on integration of machine learning in CMD management and engagement of Agricultural Extension Workers to detect CMD and its severity using the developed model. This study was self-funded and supervised by Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende and Dr. Ernest Mwebaze.

 

KABURU Dennis Mugambi

An adjustable usable security approach for a continuous user authentication scheme

Mr. KABURU Dennis research developed an adjustable usable security approach that enhances the alignment of security and usability attributes to achieve a better interaction in continuous user authentication schemes. He established that software developers have neglected the effect of the authentication approaches on the cognitive processes of a user, resulting into not user-friendly systems. Through experiments, the resultant approach showed a threshold that adjusts user interactions at different times and a technique that quantitatively recommends combinations that minimize the cognitive load and usability deficiency. Software developers can use this approach as a platform that enables their reasoning of how their use of authentication mechanisms affects end user efficiency and make refined decisions that improve usability of user interactions in a continuous authentication scheme. This study was funded by METEGA, and was supervised by Dr. Julianne Sansa–Otim and Dr. Tony Bulega.

 

MASABO Emmanuel

Integrated feature engineering approach for classification and detection of polymorphic malware using machine learning

Mr. MASABO Emmanuel’s research focused on the security of computer systems, by investigating the challenges related to the eradication of malware. The study showed that poor detection of current malware by existing technologies is due to polymorphism in today’s malware, which enables them to disguise themselves by creating infinite number of new variants of themselves in order to evade detection systems. This study developed a new machine learning approach to effectively address the aforementioned problem. The findings showed improved performance both in terms of classification and detection of polymorphic malware. This study was funded by Metega, and was supervised by Dr. Kyanda Swaib Kaawaase and Dr. Julianne Sansa Otim.

 

NAKIBUULE Rose (Ms)

Traffic flow speed and congestion monitoring in resource-constrained crowded cities

Ms. NAKIBUULE Rose's study was to develop a low cost collection tool and computer vision based computation models for monitoring traffic flow speed and congestion levels of unstructured traffic flow found in resource-constrained crowded cities. Current computer vision methods tailored for traffic flow speed and congestion monitoring are costly and computationally expensive.  The study revealed that by assembling a set of off-the-shelf hardware components and programming smartphone cameras as automatic image sensors reduce data acquisition costs by 80% as compared to conventional closed circuit televisions (CCTVs). The study developed a tool for real-time traffic flow monitoring and data acquisition. This study was funded by NUFFIC, DAAD, and College of Computing and Information Sciences, and was supervised by Dr. John Alexander Quinn, Dr. Ernest Mwebaze and Dr. Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende

 

NINA Olivia (Ms)

Indigenous knowledge utilization strategies for HIV prevention in Uganda: a study of secondary school adolescents, Kampala District

Ms. NINA Olivia investigated approaches for enhancing use of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention among adolescents. Prevention programs that blended biomedical and IK were known to be more successful than those that did not. With increasing HIV infections among adolescents, promoting combination of approaches was critical to increasing access to accurate comprehensive information. However, existing national guidelines on use of IK were limited, fragmented and their implementation was not yet clear. The study revealed that the IK information being used contained misinformation. Ties between IK sources and adolescents were too weak to support IK use. The study recommended development of a specific national IK school health policy. Synergies between indigenous information sources and adolescents needed to be strengthened and documented IK integrated into existing HIV prevention information. This study was self-sponsored, and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Ruth Nalumaga and Prof. Robert Ikoja-Odongo.

 

OMODA-ONYAIT Godfrey

A model for personalizing learning in an E-learning System

Mr. OMODA-ONYAIT Godfrey’s research investigated the requirements for personalizing learning in an e-learning system to address the issue of learner diversity and changing learner needs. A survey was conducted to gather requirements for the model using questionnaires and interviews. The findings were used to develop the model.  Model evaluation was done using experts, and prototyping; and the model was found suitable. The following factors were established for determining personalized learning: learner commitment; learner motivation; learner engagement; and learner experience. From a practical point of view, the results provided a generic model that can help practitioners and policy makers in personalizing and implementing learning in an e-learning system, hence addressing learner diversity and their changing needs.  This study was self-funded, and was supervised by Prof. Jude T. Lubega and Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Mayiga.

 

College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB)

 

YAJJ Nuol Aywel Madut 

Brucellosis at human-domestic animal interface in Greater Bahr el Ghazal States, South Sudan

Mr. YAJJ Nuol Aywel Madut assessed the prevalence of brucellosis among humans and domestic animals in pastoral settings in post-conflict Greater Bahr el Ghazal States, South Sudan. Brucellosis prevalence was high both in human and animals due to the lack of control measures and awareness and the disease was common among febrile patients attending outpatient department (OPD) in Wau Hospital. The consumption of infected animal products played a major role in transmission of brucellosis. Age, herd size, lactation, health status, hygroma and history of abortion were factors associated with the infection. There is need for mandatory routine testing for brucellosis among herders and other high-risk groups, and control should be accomplished at the animal level since people have a social and cultural tendency to consume raw animal products. This study was funded by NORHED and was supervised by Assoc. Prof. George William Nasinyama and Assoc. Prof. Clovice Kankya.

 

Please click the links below to navigate to the PhD Citations for the respective Sessions.

< Director’s Message | Session 1: Part1: Part2 : Part3 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 >

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Mark Wamai

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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