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Mak QuickTest App wins Huawei Continental ICT Competitions

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A team of Makerere University second year students of B.Sc. Software Engineering have won the first prize for the Huawei African Information and Computer Technology (ICT) competition 2021-2022.

The Huawei ICT competition is an annual international competition and communication platform for university students and higher education institutions within the Huawei ICT Academy program aimed at promoting innovation among African universities and institutions of higher learning. Over 2500 students compete annually

Huawei is a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices. The awarding ceremony was graced by State Minister for Higher Education Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo at the grand finale event held in South Africa under the theme, “Connection, Glory, Future”.

A team of three Makerere University students code named, “KILO-TECH”designed a QuickTest App for blood diagnosis without pricking of blood from the patient, The QuickTest App is An embedded mobile application system to diagnose blood diseases mainly HIV/AIDS and Malaria without pricking the patient.

The team was led by Rutanana Arnold. Others are Nakyanzi Catherine (also Vice President CoCIS) and Nsengiyumva Wiberforce.

The key Benefit of the QuickTest App System is to reduce blood disease diagnosis time It is designed in such way that a patient just logs in the app, place the thumb on the scanner, and get the test results.

Makerere University lead instructor Mr. Daniel Kateregga said Uganda has one of the highest global burdens of malaria cases, with over 90% of the population at risk, malaria remains Uganda’s leading cause of death, especially in children.

Kateregga said, being a mobile application, the QuickTest app can be used anywhere in the world as long as the person has a smartphone.

“The new Makerere students technology is life-saving in terms of costs for government they incure in buying kits for the hospitals and also saving costs on the patients side interms of transport going to hospital and also reducing on stigmatization because the patient will be afraid of the doctor or other people knowing their HIV status.

The application is on your phone and you are diagnosed using your phone and the data is being uploaded onto the ministry of health servers. So the ministry of Health knows the patients diagnosed of particular diseases and can send support in terms of sensitization and mediation” Mr. Katereggea said.

He observed that Uganda is one the countries spending billions buying HIV and malaria testing kits hence the technology aims at reducing the burden on budget on such expenses in Uganda and world wide.

UNESCO and government of Uganda according to Kateregga has got information about this technology and expressed interest.

The QuickTest app he said will increase awareness of HIV and Malaria since any time and from anywhere the person does not feel well, they can just do the test.

Since Malaria and HIV tests are always paid for by people, the Mak app will in addition, reduce these costs since it will only require a person to subscribe once a month or yearly and they then do the test any time they want in their places of convenience. This will impact the community economically and health-wise

The Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences Prof. Tonny Oyana said, Makerere University’s first victory in Huawei ICT competition was recorded in 2018-2019 when the College emerged winner. Second year students with the assistance of finalists develop proposals and compete locally from the college to national, regional up to the continental level.

The 2021-2022 competitions started in December 2021 coming through different levels where many universities competed and Makerere emerged winner with two teams in the first and second position. Muni university got the 3rd position in Uganda and only one team was to compete for the regional final to represent Uganda. Makerere University’s KILO-TECH team with its new QuickTest technology represented Uganda in the region. It competed and got the 3rd position from the 10 countries that competed in the Innovation track for Africa.

Prof. Tonny Oyana said, since the 2018-2019 competitions, the college has now established a tradition of being the best ICT innovations in Africa – aligned with its core objective to be the best in ICT in the region.

Commenting the South African win, Prof. Oyana said, the college has been fortunate to take the first prize.

Prof. Oyana extended appreciation to the Vice chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the President of the Republic of Uganda for the publicity. Information from the competition in South Africa was got via the duo’s official twitter accounts.

“The college has produced outstanding innovators who are recognized in the continent and beyond. So, we are very fortunate again to take this position and to get the recognition from the Vice chancellor and the President because that gives us prestige but also demands to do more to advance this area of innovations especially providing real solutions that can help in other sectors of Uganda.

So we are extremely excited and privileged to take this honor and even do more. It will inspire young innovators who want to associate with prestige and high quality innovations”.The Principal said.

Prof. Oyana also thanked students and faculty for maintaining the name of the college and keeping Makerere University’s name high and shining.

President Yoweri Museveni and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulate Mak students

President Yoweri Museveni on his official twitter account quoted on several media posts congratulated Makerere students for winning the Huawei ICT competitions for sub-Saharan Africa.

“I congratulate Makerere University students for winning the Huawei ICT competitions for sub-Saharan Africa. I call upon you to use these skills to innovate and create jobs for yourselves and others and wish you luck in the global completion”, The Presidents advised.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his tweet @ProfNawangwe congratulated the team upon this victory.

“Uganda’s flag rises high again as Makerereans win the @Huawei continental ICT competition, at a grand finale event held in South Africa. I congratulate the team on this great representation”, Prof. Nawangwe wrote.

The university Community has received the news with pride.

“Congratulations to the team. Makerere has the potential to be the leading research university in Africa. The government should give it all the money needed. This will enable it to attract and retain the best researchers.” Prof. Jamil Mujuzi tweeted.

Click and play the QuickTest app demo attached Video Player

Jane Anyango

Computing & IS

CoCIS CIPSD IT Professional Training – Special Intake (Aug 2024)

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Block B of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa

The Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CIPSD) is famously known for equipping students and professionals with practical computer knowledge and hands-on tech skills to support a 21st century knowledge-based economy. The center strategically offers training that is responsive to the needs of society. This is achieved through tailoring courses towards what the industry demands.

CIPSD has organized practical training in Networking, Programming and Database Administration (Oracle). This training will start on 26th August 2024. It’s open to CoCIS / MAK students and anyone who is passionate about leaning tech stuff practically.

NOTE:

  1. MAK students with a valid University ID or admission letter are entitled to a special discount.
  2. Flexible training sessions (Day, Evening and Weekend)
  3. At the end of the training, each participant will get a certificate.
  4. CoCIS students who have just finished recess are encouraged to apply.
HANDS – ON SKILLS COURSES
No.SKILLS COURSEDURATIONCoCIS/MAK STUDENTSOTHERS
1.Networking(CCNA)5 Months400,000/=700,000/=
2.Programming in Python2 Months400,000/=700,000/=
3.Database Administration3 Months700,000/=800,000/=
CIPSD IT Professional Training – Special Intake (Aug 2024)

COURSE DETAILS

  1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): CCNA validates knowledge and hands-on skills in networking, and it’s a commonly requested IT certification especially in networking roles.
  2. Programming in Python: You will learn how to code from scratch and solve real world problems. You will also learn popular modules, libraries, and tools for python.
  3. Database Administration (Oracle): By learning Oracle Database Administration, you position yourself at the forefront of database management, where you can ensure data integrity, performance tuning, and disaster recovery. Mastery of this technology opens doors to roles in numerous industries, as it is utilized by major Companies / Organizations.

CIPSD has a number of hands-on skills courses. Please contact us for a detailed conversation

To Register:
Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development
CIT Block B, Level 5 | Reception (CIT Block A)
Tel: +256 782 512897

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CoCIS CIPSD first ever Microsoft Azure/Cloud boot camp

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Block A of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Makerere University, with foliage in the foreground, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences is pleased to announce the First Ever Microsoft Azure Certifications Boot camp 2024!!!! 

Dates: September 7th – 8th, 2024 9:00am to 1:00pm

Target Audience:

University students and all members of the public who are tech savvy and enthusiastic about starting their career journey in Microsoft Azure/Cloud.

Hosted By:

Makerere University‘s College of Computing and Information Sciences Centre for Innovations and Professional Skills Development.

Attendance & Certificate Fee: UGX 50,000  (fee is mandatory)

Join Us for an Interactive Microsoft Azure Boot Camp:

Delve into the latest techniques and tools used in Microsoft Azure through a one hands-on session on sat & sun in sept 2024.

Why Choose the Microsoft Azure Boot Camp?

Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical exercises/ designed to simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring you gain hands-on experience.

What is Azure?

Microsoft Azure, or just Azure, is a public cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft. It offers management, access and development of applications and services such as storage, networking, analytics, virtual computing and many more to individuals, companies, and governments through its global infrastructure.

What is the basic use of Azure?

Azure Data Factory is a platform that enables you to easily and rapidly create, deploy, and manage data-driven applications. It provides a comprehensive solution for data warehousing, data integration, data analysis, data science, big data, and machine learning.

Why the Azure Certification? / Why one  needs to get certified in Azure

Market Trends in Cloud Computing

The landscape of cloud computing is witnessing a rapid transformation. As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud, the demand for skilled cloud professionals is soaring. Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing service, is at the forefront of this revolution. With its wide array of services and solutions, Azure is becoming a critical tool for organizations across various sectors. Azure is currently the second-largest player in the cloud computing market, with a share of around 23%, second only to Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Role of Azure in the Current Tech Landscape

Azure’s diverse offerings in AI, machine learning, and big data analytics are reshaping how businesses operate. By leveraging Azure, companies are unlocking new efficiencies and capabilities. This dynamic environment creates a fertile ground for professionals who possess the know-how to navigate and utilize Azure effectively. Azure has over 600 cloud services, and it edges the market among light and moderate cloud users.

Benefits of Azure Certification for Career Advancement

Earning an Azure certification validates your skills and knowledge in the cloud domain, setting you apart in a competitive job market. It demonstrates to employers your commitment to professional growth and your proficiency in one of the leading cloud platforms. Whether you aim to advance in your current role or pivot to a new career path, Azure certification can be a key stepping stone.

Registration:https://tinyurl.com/9sjdk3f5

Reserve your spot today by registering here: 

Please Note:

Pay the certificate fee of UGX 50,000 on the first day by ensuring you arrive one hour before class time or 4 days before the class start date by contacting the Accounts office on Level 2, Block A for a reference number which you will use to pay in any bank near you.

Boot Camp attendees will receive a discount on the full AZURE training course slated to start immediately after the boot camp.

For purposes of learning software installation, you must have a laptop with minimum of 8GB RAM

For inquiries contact

Barbara Nalubega
Head, Centre For Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CIPSD),

Email:  nbarbara@cit.ac.ug/ barbnlk@gmail.com
Phone: +256 752779964

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Computing & IS

NetAcad Summer Camp 2024

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NetAcad Summer Camp 2024.

Cisco are excited to announce the launch of the “NetAcad Summer Camp 2024” Initiative for learners to leverage knowledge and trainings on Cybersecurity, AI and Automation.

This initiative is primarily targeted at students who have been previously trained under the academy and graduating students.

  • Format: Free NetAcad online course registration, webinars, discussion forums and practical experience utilizing the “Packet Tracer” simulation tool.
  • Duration: A period of Two Months; August – September of 2024. Training will be mostly asynchronous to fit with the students’ schedules.
  • Language: English or relevant available language of preference.
  • Cost: Free of Charge.
  • Rewards: Participants will have the opportunity to complete the course online and obtain a Cisco NetAcad certification and digital badge.

Note: In order to enroll and capitalize on this opportunity, please submit your information using this link:  Registration to NetAcad Summer Camp

Once you have successfully completed filling the online form, you will be contacted for the upcoming steps.

 Register Now

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