Computing & IS
CoCIS Researchers to Automate the Process of Monitoring Bees & Fruit flies
Researchers from Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) in collaboration with other universities and institutions are going to develop technology that can automate the process of monitoring bees and fruit flies for purposes of controlling their population on farms and in the wild.
The project dubbed, “Adaptive Environment Monitoring Network AfricA (AdEMNEA)” that will deploy applications for bee protection and fruit fly control in East Africa was launched on Friday 25th February 2022 by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University represented by his Deputy in Charge of Finance and Administration Prof. Henry Alinaitwe.
At Makerere University the project is being led by Dr. Julianne Sansa-Otim with staff from the College of Engineering Design and Art (CEDAT) and the college of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). Other partnering institutions are Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (Tanzania), University of Juba (South Sudan) and the University of Bergen (Norway), the Uganda Meteorological Authority, NaCCRI and NARO. Other partners are the Ministry of Agriculture (MAAIF), The Uganda National Apiary Development Organisation (TUNADO, Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) and Fruit / Bee farmers: (Nwoya fruit growers cooperative society and Green Zabu Farm).
The Project is funded by NORAD under the NORHED II programme supported for five years with main emphasis on Southern partners. It builds on positive experience and results from the WIMEA project funded under the NORHED I framework with several other projects currently funded with NTNU and Makerere as partners.
While officially launching the project at the CoCIS premises, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe thanked the project team and the college for the initiative.
“We thank the Norwegian government for providing the funding and the Norwegian universities plus the partnering institutions for providing support.
We would like to thank Dr. Julianne Sansa and the team for putting the proposal together and winning this grant and for bring many partners together who stand to benefit from this project”, Prof. Alinaitwe appreciated.
The Principal Commended Dr. Sansa for representing the university effectively.
“When we go back to the project WIMEA, it has a rich deep history with the department and the college and you did a wonderful job when you walked five years and finished the project, the credit does not only go to you but also to the university and country and you can see some of the outcomes are being displayed here.
She has walked a fine journey and she did not exhaust herself, that is why she has brought another project. So, we want to thank you for your contribution to the university and country and our college in terms of training and research that has churned out a lot of products such as publications and applications that are working effectively in the field”, Prof. Oyana appreciated.
“The application domain is to support entomologists studying ways to enhance protection of pollinators (bees) and control of pests (fruit flies) in a changing environment based on timely data and with machine learning (AI) support”. Prof. Wolthusen said.
He said the project seeks to support interdisciplinary research and capacity-building for research and supervision through funding and co-supervision of M.Sc. and Ph.D. projects, mobility and fieldwork support.
This he said, will help in educating new academics and to support the international recognition and progression of co-investigators.
The Principal Investigator Makerere University Dr. Julianne Sansa-Otim said, bees are endangered yet they are the most important pollinator responsible for most of the fruits and vegetables. Bees according to Dr. Nsansa contribute towards biodiversity as other creatures rely on them for existence (e.g. beetles, burgers and also provide products e.g honey, propolis, wax are important in medicine, food preparation, skin care and hair care).
She reported that monitoring insects has traditionally been via manual observation and count by specialists such as entomologists and extension workers yet there are few specialists in Uganda and Africa that makes this method ineffective.
“Recent technologies (audio-visual sensors, resilient networks & artificial intelligence) can be applied to automate the monitoring towards bee protection and fruit fly control.
This project is going to develop technology that can automate the process of monitoring bees and fruit flies for purposes of controlling their population on farms and in the wild”. Dr. Nsasa said.
She said fruit flies are known to be the biggest pests affecting mangoes leading to losses and likewise the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry and Fisheries that is responsible for monitoring and controlling pests is limited by the number of specialists.
Dr. Deborah Ruth Amulen from CoVAB said although bees constitute 70% of the worlds crop pollination, their population has declined due to pesticide application, climate change, land use change and diseases.
Amulen said there is need for an automated bee data because normal bee keeper inspection is time consuming, requires skills and knowledge, disrupts inside hive micro climate and risk of distributing bee diseases while useful variables such as temperature, humidity, gases cannot be ascertained.
“ Sensors should enable identify potential problems in colonies bee keepers can correct”
Dr. Amulen also said regular inspection of fruit fly traps is inconvenient, misses out on critical data points e.g., phenotype, density, diversity and relationships between variables such as population and weather toward prediction of infestation.
Dr. Rose Nakibule said the project plan is to have an integrated device, with multiple sensors for collecting insect specific, environmental and weather data.
“The concern is to help speed up the process of collecting and monitoring bees using Artificial Intelligence and machine learning”, she said.
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.
-
Business & Management1 week agoCoBAMS Hosts Workshop to Review Parish Development Model
-
General1 week agoProf. Nawangwe calls for Increased Government Sponsorship for Students with Disabilities
-
Business & Management1 week agoStudy Explores PPPs for Sustainable Development in Uganda’s Tourism and Health Sectors
-
General3 days agoMastercard Foundation Scholars Empower Schools in Mukono and Kyegwegwa Districts
-
Business & Management1 week agoPassing the Torch: Dr. Wokadala Hands Over Deanship to Dr. Banga