Computing & IS
EASLIS Sends 6 Undergrads to University of Borås
By Charles Halonda-Funa
The East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University in collaboration with the University of Borås, Sweden officially launched the Erasmus+ ICM and Linnaeus-Palme projects. Under the project each institution will exchange and send undergraduate students, academic staff and administrative staff to their respective partner institutions. The project is slated to last three years with a total of 18 students, 9 academic staff and 3 administrative/library staff benefiting from the exchange program.
The collaboration is a partnership that was initiated in 2019 with the approval of the Vice Chancellor, Makerere University– Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. It consists of two projects and will be funded for three years. The two projects are:
- Linnaeus-Palme
• A SIDA-funded programme administered by the Swedish Council for Higher Education. The aim is to contribute to a broader resource base for international development cooperation and increased quality in higher education, through teacher and student exchange between higher education institutions in Sweden and higher education institutions in low- and middle-income countries.
• Sustainable Internalization in Library and Information Education.
• Financed by the Swedish Council for Higher Education. - Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility
• A programme within the Erasmus+ framework promoting the exchange of students, academics, and non-academic staff with partner countries of the ERASMUS+ program (i.e., mostly non-EU and non-EFTA countries and non-candidate countries of the EU).
• Enhanced Sustainable and Integrated Internationalization.
• Financed by Erasmus and the European Union.
Some of the partner countries on these projects include Albania, Brazil, Sweden, Canada, Iran, China, Rwanda and Uganda.
On 1st September 2021, the East African School of Library and Information Science officially bade farewell to the eligible six undergraduate exchange students as the first cohort on these projects. The students are:
- Ms. Nakibuka Esther, Bachelor of Library and Information Sciences (BLIS)
- Mr. Ssemogerere Abubaker, BLIS
- Ms. Kavuhani Immaculate, BLIS
- Mr. Ngowi Innocent, BLIS
- Mr. Kato Arnold, Bachelor of Records and Archive Management (BRAM)
- Ms. Nagujja Jamirah, BRAM
The students were briefed by EASLIS staff on the expectations from them and the partners and in his opening remarks Prof. Constant Okello-Obura (Dean, EASLIS) emphasized on the fact that they would be ambassadors of EASLIS, CoCIS, Makerere University, and Uganda, hence the need for students’ maturity, innovativeness and discipline that is reflective of the high standards of Makerere University. He further added that the students should continuously be in touch with their Heads of Department/Project coordinator, document their stay, and embrace the good professional operations in place at the University of Borås. This he said, would enable EASLIS to address the requirements and re-plan where necessary for the benefit of the 2nd cohort and further improve its international relations. “Take the many great things from Makerere University to Borås and come back with only good practices from Borås to Makerere University” Prof. Obura remarked.
Mr. Richard Batte (Project coordinator) briefed them on the project expectations and encouraged them to heed the advice of Prof. Okello-Obura as he wished them a safe journey.”This opportunity will be very beneficial to you. I know it’s your first time to travel out of Uganda, but it is important to be humble, embrace and learn the culture,” said Richard Batte.
Dr. Joyce Bukirwa also chipped in and encouraged them to make sure that they attend all the classes (physically and online) and take the opportunity to interact and network for the many opportunities that will be made available to them.
Representing the International Office, Makerere University was Ms. Martha Muwanguzi who congratulated the students for this impressive achievement and asked them to fully utilize this opportunity to seek knowledge and establish life long partnerships as mentees or mentors.
In closing Assoc. Prof. Agnes Rwashana (Deputy Principal, CoCIS) congratulated the East African School of Library and Information Sciences for winning the Erasmus grant and making the effort to collaborate with international universities. She also congratulated the students for being selected and asked them to embrace all the advice given by the Dean, Project coordinator and the rest of the team. Most importantly she advised them to take the opportunity seriously for it might never come again.
Speaking on behalf of the students Mr. Ssemogerere Abubaker (BLIS, Student team leader) thanked the EASLIS management and staff for the opportunity of a lifetime. He asked EASLIS staff for their prayers as they embark on this new journey in their lives and promised they would represent EASLIS and Makerere University in a positive light.
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.
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.”
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. 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.”
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 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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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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