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Computing & IS

DeepMind supports the establishment of Master’s scholarships to study AI at Makerere University

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Press Release [For Immediate Release]
DeepMind will make a donation to Makerere University to fund the establishment of four scholarships in the field of Machine Learning beginning in the academic year 2021/2022. The scholarships will support students who wish to study MSc. Computer Science programme (Track: AI and Data Science) taught in the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University beginning in the academic year 2021/22. The scholarships will be open to students from Uganda, other East African countries, or International students from a Sub-Saharan African country. The scholarship package will include full financial support for tuition, stipend, equipment, AI conference participation and mentorship. International students will also be eligible for a relocation grant to move to Makerere to begin their studies.

Makerere University will join other leading universities in partnering with DeepMind to offer scholarships, including Stellenbosch University in South Africa and international partners, such as the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, University College London and Imperial College in London.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the partnership between Makerere University and DeepMind.

“In this era, Universities in Africa should embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution if they are to remain relevant and competitive. To achieve this, Makerere University is partnering with reputable partners at the national and international levels to train hi-tech human resources and establish state-of-the-art teaching, learning and research facilities. So, the partnership between Makerere University and DeepMind is aligned to the already ongoing efforts by Makerere University to build the future workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through our College of Computing and Information Sciences. This is a valuable partnership that will enable Makerere University to train and produce graduate students/researchers and scholars with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science. Thank you DeepMind for coming on board and for choosing to partner with Makerere University,” remarked Prof. Nawangwe.

Obum Ekeke, Global Lead, University Relations & Education Partnerships at DeepMind, added, “We are very proud to be further expanding our scholarships in Africa with Makerere University, and look forward to welcoming new African scholars to our programme. DeepMind’s education efforts recognise that talent must be nurtured in regions which can bring a diverse range of perspectives into AI research, to ensure AI is a technology that can bring benefits for all.”

Engineer Bainomugisha, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University, said “We are delighted that DeepMind has provided funding to support graduate training in AI and Data Science at Makerere University. The Department of Computer Science is committed to providing relevant skills in AI and machine learning. The scholarships will complement our ongoing efforts in AI training and research with emphasis on its applications to unique African challenges in the sectors of health, agriculture, and environment, among others. The scholarships will contribute to the growth of the African AI ecosystem.”

About DeepMind
DeepMind is a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, machine learning experts and more, working together to research and build safe AI systems that learn how to solve problems and advance scientific discovery for all.

Best-known for developing AlphaGo, the first program to beat a world champion at the complex game of Go, DeepMind has published over 1000 research papers – including more than a dozen in Nature and Science – and achieved breakthrough results in many challenging AI domains from StarCraft II to protein folding.

DeepMind was founded in London in 2010, and joined forces with Google in 2014 to accelerate its work. Since then, its community has expanded to include teams in Alberta, Montreal, Paris, and Mountain View in California.

http://deepmind.com/scholarships

About the Department of Computer Science atMakerere University
The Department of Computer Science is one of the four Departments in the School of Computing and IT of the College of Computing and Information Sciences at Makerere University. The Department is recognized as one of the top Computer Science departments in Africa. Faculty and students in the Department are undertaking innovative research in areas such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and software systems security. The Department of Computer Science hosts the Makerere AI research lab that specialises in AI research and its applications to real world challenges including the automated diagnosis of crop and human diseases, auction design for mobile commodity markets, Google-funded research on monitoring and analysis of air pollution and traffic patterns in African cities.
http://cs.mak.ac.ug

Eligible students for the scholarships need to be admitted to the MSc Computer Science programme. Applicants for the Msc Computer Science at Makerere University should look out for a call for graduate admissions for 2021/22 around the end of February 2021 (tentative) the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training website. For more information about the DeepMind scholarships please contact cs@cis.mak.ac.ug. The scholarship announcement will be published around May 2021 on the Department and University websites.

Elias Tuhereze

Computing & IS

CoCIS Hosts AI Workshop for Erasmus Exchange Program

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Participants posing for Group photo in front of Block A, College of Computing and Information Sciences. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) hosted a two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program. The event, opened on November 11, 2024, brought together participants from Makerere University, Busitema University, and the University of Twente, aiming to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration in AI applications in agriculture and health.

Professor Tonny Oyana, Principal of CoCIS, officially opened the workshop, emphasizing the transformative role of AI in the modern world. “In the next 30 years, computing and AI will be integral in every field. Just as Word and Windows became standard, AI is also becoming essential across disciplines,” he stated, urging participants to remain innovative and rise above global competition.

Principal CoCIS Prof. Tonny Oyana urges students to be innovative and work beyond the time deadlines. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Principal CoCIS Prof. Tonny Oyana urges students to be innovative and work beyond the time deadlines.

Throughout the event, Prof. Oyana highlighted the need for resilience, collaboration, and exceeding expectations in academic and professional pursuits. “If you’re required to publish three papers, aim for five,” he advised, stressing that academic success often requires going beyond minimum standards. He also encouraged participants to be proactive, using time effectively and fostering collaborative relationships that can drive impactful research and innovation.

The workshop provided a platform for interdisciplinary exchanges and networking opportunities, with participants urged to seize this opportunity for international collaboration and exploration of new ideas in AI. Prof. Oyana underscored that today’s challenges, from healthcare to environmental sustainability, require a multidisciplinary approach: “Today’s problems can’t be solved by one person. It’s through collaboration across institutions and countries that we create better solutions.”

Prof. Estefania Talavera from University of Twente presenting on Human Behaviour understanding from Videos. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Estefania Talavera from University of Twente presenting on Human Behaviour understanding from Videos.

The event is part of an ongoing Erasmus+ initiative, promoting academic exchange and building capacities in AI across various fields, aligning with CoCIS’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing students to meet the demands of a technology-driven world

Dr. Mariette Applauds Staff and Students for Embracing Erasmus+ Program.

Representing the Head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr. Mariette Atuhuriire Katarahweire  commended  staff and students for their enthusiasm in embracing the program. The event, held in partnership with Busitema University and the University of Twente, brought together participants to foster academic and cultural exchange across institutions.

Dr. Marriete representing HoD Computer Science. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Marriete representing HoD Computer Science.

Dr. Mariette highlighted the importance of international collaboration, recounting her own experience studying in Belgium and interacting with Dutch institutions. “I once thought Erasmus was only for Europe, but seeing it extended to Africa and embraced here is heartening,” she remarked. She praised the event organizers and encouraged both students and faculty to seize such collaborative opportunities, adding, “It’s not just for students; staff should also take part, as these experiences refresh your perspective and enhance your work.”

Sebestian Bunda - a PhD candidate from University of Twente presenting on Embedded AI. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Sebestian Bunda – a PhD candidate from University of Twente presenting on Embedded AI.

The workshop featured presentations by PhD students, providing them with valuable feedback and a platform to share ideas. “Presenting helps you think deeply about your work and clarify it for others,” Dr. Mariette explained, noting that feedback from peers and faculty can help overcome challenges in research and spark new insights.

Welcoming first-time visitors to Uganda, Dr. Mariette encouraged students to take advantage of the program’s travel opportunities, which offer exposure to different environments, cultures, and academic perspectives. “Collaborations like these allow you to make connections, share ideas, and gain insights that can transform your academic journey,” she concluded.

She expressed gratitude to the workshop organizers and applauded the participants, hoping that the event would be a fruitful learning experience for everyone involved.

Dr. Rose Nakibuule making her remarks. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Rose Nakibuule making her remarks.

Dr. Rose Nakibuule Highlights AI Research and International Collaboration in Makerere’s Exchange Program

Dr. Rose Nakibuule, Program Coordinator at Makerere University, outlined the focus areas of an international research collaboration that involves exchanges between Makerere, the University of Twente (Netherlands), Busitema University. The program emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) applications in agriculture and health, with a primary goal of fostering knowledge exchange and research development.

Tumusiime Andrew Gahwera, a PhD Candidate of Makerere University presenting on Machine learning models for short term rainfall prediction using Uganda’s L. Victoria Database. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Tumusiime Andrew Gahwera, a PhD Candidate of Makerere University presenting on Machine learning models for short term rainfall prediction using Uganda’s L. Victoria Database.

“This program is about the mobility of students and staff between institutions to enhance research and collaboration,” Dr. Nakibuule explained. “Last year, three Makerere PhD students went to Twente for six months, and this year two of us, myself and Stephen Odongo, will participate.” She noted that students from Busitema University have also benefited from the exchange.

Dr. Nakibuule highlighted several AI-focused projects, including disease monitoring systems and AI-powered translation tools aimed at helping farmers who speak diverse languages. “We’re developing a platform that can translate information into local languages, so farmers across regions can access vital data,” she said. In agriculture, the program’s projects also include AI models for identifying crop varieties, allowing farmers to use smartphones to scan seeds or pods for variety detection.

Participants posing for Group photo in front of Block A, College of Computing and Information Sciences. Two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students and staff participating in the Erasmus+ exchange program, 11th-12th November 2024, Conference Room, Level 4, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants posing for Group photo in front of Block A, College of Computing and Information Sciences.

The program’s collaborative nature also addresses resource limitations faced by Makerere. “Twente has the resources we need to build these AI systems, while we bring local expertise and the specific needs of our communities. Together, we’re creating tools that can be applied directly in the field,” Dr. Nakibuule said. This hands-on, cross-border collaboration aims to ensure that research goes beyond the lab, benefiting communities directly and supporting data-driven agricultural practices.

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Jane Anyango

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Computing & IS

CoCIS Welcomes Nigerian Volunteer Senior Lecturer to Foster Knowledge Exchange

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Dr. Alo Olubisi meeting Head of Department Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha in his office. Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has warmly welcomed Dr. Alo Oluwaseum Olubisi, a senior lecturer from Nigeria, who will serve as a volunteer in teaching, research, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has warmly welcomed Dr. Alo Oluwaseum Olubisi, a senior lecturer from Nigeria, who will serve as a volunteer in teaching, research, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Dr. Olubisi, assigned to the Department of Computer Science, is being oriented   into the college to familiarize herself with the environment and begin contributing to the college’s academic and research goals.

Dr. Alo Olubisi in the office of the Head, Department of Computer Science. Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has warmly welcomed Dr. Alo Oluwaseum Olubisi, a senior lecturer from Nigeria, who will serve as a volunteer in teaching, research, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Alo Olubisi in the office of the Head, Department of Computer Science.

In a landmark partnership marking a significant South-South academic exchange, CoCIS Principal, Prof. Tonny Justus Oyana, praised the initiative as a pivotal step towards strengthening intra-African academic cooperation. “We have previously seen exchanges primarily with Europe, but this Nigeria-Uganda collaboration is a milestone. If scholars continue to work together through such faculty exchanges, it will advance knowledge transfer and foster Africa’s development,” Prof. Oyana stated. “I welcome this incredible opportunity for Africans to work collaboratively.”

The appointment is part of a broader effort led by Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor to join the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC), a program facilitated by Nigeria to support partner African countries. His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Uganda, was instrumental in helping Makerere access this initiative, which aims to bolster academic expertise across African institutions.

Engineer Bainomugisha speaking to Dr. Alo Olubisi. Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has warmly welcomed Dr. Alo Oluwaseum Olubisi, a senior lecturer from Nigeria, who will serve as a volunteer in teaching, research, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Engineer Bainomugisha speaking to Dr. Alo Olubisi.

Dr. Olubisi’s role, effective from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026, includes teaching, conducting research, and engaging in community outreach. Prof. Oyana highlighted her multifaceted duties, noting, “She will engage in lectures, knowledge dissemination, and also support the examination process. Importantly, her presence will aid in mentoring young faculty and graduate students, enriching their research skills and academic progression.”

Dr. Olubisi’s work will be supervised by the Head of the Department of Computer Science. She is expected to conduct lectures, lead demonstrations, guide tutorials, and engage in practical sessions. Additionally, she will focus on building research capacity among staff and students, especially in impact evaluation using advanced technologies, and will contribute to collaborative research initiatives. Her role also includes acting as an examiner and participating in curriculum development within the department.

Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha speaking to the visiting lecturer in his office. Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has warmly welcomed Dr. Alo Oluwaseum Olubisi, a senior lecturer from Nigeria, who will serve as a volunteer in teaching, research, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha speaking to the visiting lecturer in his office.

“We have introduced her to our PhD students to foster collaboration on key research projects,” Prof. Oyana added. “Her engagement in these strategic areas is anticipated to enhance productivity and offer immense benefits to Makerere University.”

Dr. Olubisi’s appointment reflects Makerere University’s dedication to fostering academic partnerships across Africa, supporting capacity building, and promoting innovative research and knowledge exchange within the continent.

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Jane Anyango

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Computing & IS

ICT Bootcamp for Vacists (P7, S4 & S6), Students & General Public

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Participants attend a session in the Smart Classroom Facility, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS). Block A, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) is the main ICT training, research and consultancy Centre in Makerere University and the region. The College runs a Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CiPSD), through which the College addresses various industrial challenges, like skills development, incubation of new ideas and nurturing of new technology-based business.

CiPSD has organised an ICT Bootcamp to equip participants with  hands-on tech skills. Practical training is open to Vacists (P.7, S.4 and S.6), Students and the General Public.    

Start Dates : 18th/11/2024 (P.7 & S.4 )    |  09th/12/2024 (S.6 & Others)

CERTIFICATE : Each participant will receive a certificate at the end of the training

To Register

Linkhttps://t.ly/FTGeu

WhatsApp/Call: +256 753 200 013 | +256 782 512 897 | +256 752 373 023

TARGET AUDIENCE :

  • Vacists (P.7, S.4 & S.6)
  • Students
  • Professionals
  • Anyone interested in acquiring hands-on tech skills.

SKILLS COURSES

  1. Microsoft Office Suite, Internet & Online Collaboration – 50,000/= (2 weeks)
  2. Programming/Dynamic Website Design, – 50,000/= (2 weeks)
  3. Graphics Design & Image Editing – 50,000/= (2 weeks)
  4. Networking & Systems Administration – 50,000/= (2 weeks)
  5. Computer Repair & Software Maintenance – 100,000/= (2 weeks)
  6. 3D Computer Animation – 150,000/= (2 weeks)
  7. Computerised Accounting – 350,000/= (4 weeks)
  8. Video Editing, Social Media & Content Creation – 500,000/= (6 weeks)
  9. Mobile Apps Development – 500,000/= (6 weeks)
  10. Python Full Stack Developer Course – 800,000/= (12 weeks)

PAYMENT PROCEDURE:  To book your slot, go to the Accounts Office, CIT  Block A, Level 2, and get a reference number. Proceed to any nearest bank and deposit training fees. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CIPSD)
Block A – Front Office/Block B, Level 5
College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)
Makerere University
Email: cicpsd@cis.mak.ac.ug
Tel: +256 753 200 013 | +256 782 512 897 | +256 752 779 964 | +256 752 373 023

Mark Wamai

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