Computing & IS
72nd Graduation: Doctoral Citations – CoCIS
ANGOLE Okelo Richard
Ontology-Based Model for Integrating Knowledge of Modern and Traditional Medicine
Mr. ANGOLE Okelo Richard developed ontology model for integrating complex knowledge of African traditional medicine and modern medicine. complex African Society; African Traditional Medicine (ATM) is used in parallel to Modern medicine (MM). Various attempts have been made to bridge the gap between ATM and MM in order to harmonize treatment and to create an equal form of therapeutic cooperation but in vein due to lack of formal structure and complexity of the knowledge. each practitioner has their own terminologies and ways of providing healing services unlike Knowledge generated from Modern medicine which is structured. Therefore, ATM knowledge is isolated and mistrusted yet a lot of knowledge is generated in the practices which could be used across the whole health sector. In addition, modern medicine alone does not provide whole health needs of patients and the drugs are characterized by having undesired side effects, ATM provides holistic health intervention. ATM treats the body, the mind and the spirit. There is need to come up with a better technology to handle this complex structure of medical knowledge which the current artificial Intelligent (AI) systems used in e-health cannot manage. The model developed bush the backend of AI to handle complexity in medical knowledge. The work was supervised by Assoc Prof. Gilbert Maiga and Dr George Wiiliam Okori.
ATUHURIIRE Marriette Katarahweire
Form-based Data Security in Mobile Health Data Collection Systems in Low-Resource Settings
Ms. ATUHURIIRE Marriette Katarahweire investigated security challenges in mobile health data collection systems deployed in low-resource settings. It was found out that data in MHDCS are diverse and have varying security requirements depending on their sensitivity levels. Particular emphasis was on incorporating security controls early in the development process through electronic forms to be used for data collection, and according to sensitivity levels of the data. A data sensitivity model was developed that takes into consideration both static and dynamic parameters for data sensitivity and categorizes data into different sensitivity levels using parameters defined by the stakeholders. Use of the model enables developers to design and build mobile health data collection systems that adhere to the security goals of confidentiality, integrity and availability. This is expected to reduce the potential threats and increase the confidence and adoption of eHealth services. The study was funded by NORAD and was supervised by Assoc Prof Engineer Bainomugisha and Assoc Prof Khalid Azim Mughal.
KAMUKAMA Ismail
A model for spatial variability of typhoid disease incidences in Uganda
Mr. KAMUKAMA Ismail integrated clinical, environmental and demographic data to explore spatial variability of typhoid disease incidences in Uganda for the period 2012 to 2017 using data science method. The study first explored spatial-temporal trends and distribution patterns of typhoid disease incidences at both regional and national levels in order to gain initial disease burden insights in the population. The study then revealed highest incidences and clustering of the disease in the central region, followed by Western, Eastern and Northern regions throughout the study period. Geographically Weighted Regression model revealed that poor handwashing practice was mainly influencing disease occurrences in Northwestern, Northern and Northeastern parts of the country. Excessive rainfall was most responsible for disease occurrences in the Eastern, Central and Southern parts of the country. Poor drainage was mainly influencing disease occurrences in the Western, Central and Southern parts of the country. This knowledge is essential for planners and decision-makers to: efficiently plan, enforce preventive measures and make targeted interventions, which eventually reduce disease surveillance costs. The study was funded by SIDA and supervised by Assoc Prof. Gilbert Maiga, Dr. Denis Ssebuggwawo and Dr. Peter Nabende.
KAMULEGEYA Grace Bugembe
Characterization of Practices and Measurements in Software Start-ups in an Emerging Ecosystem
Mr. KAMULEGEYA Grace Bugembe, through case studies investigated and characterized software hub operations and software start-up practices, and growth-tracking metrics in the emerging East Africa start-up ecosystem. His study characterized the operations of hubs in East Africa as not much had been established about how hubs nurture software start-ups. He also established that software start-ups indeed measured but adopted and adapted some practices and metrics used in start-ups in developed ecosystems. He designed and developed a progress measurement dashboard that start-ups can use to monitor their key growth metrics. He also iteratively derived 10 dimensions that can be used to influence and distinguish metrics used in software start-ups and mature software companies. The compiled hub practices can be used by existing and new hubs to benchmark their operations against the successful hubs in the East African region. The growth metrics will enable software start-ups to track the important aspects of their businesses in the different stages as they grow. This study was funded by SIDA and Supervised by Prof Regina Hebig and Dr. Raymond Mugwanya.
MBABAZI Ruth Mutebi
Designing Persuasive Technologies For Societal Benefit: A Persuasive Technology For Fighting Electricity Theft In Kampala, Uganda
Ms. MBABAZI Ruth Mutebi studied persuasive technology design frameworks, with the aim of developing a technology that could aid in reducing electricity theft in Kampala Uganda. After conducting a survey, Ruth found that electricity consumers are not willing to fight electricity theft, despite its’ negative impact on them. She was modified Fogg’s Eight Step Process using design theory resulting into the Design Theory-Fogg’s Eight Step Process (DT-FESP). This was used to develop a persuasive mobile application to increase willingness to participate in fighting electricity theft called, “Faayo” Evaluation of “Faayo” showed that it had potential to persuade electricity consumers. The research demonstrated the feasibility of persuasive technologies and recommended that Umeme includes them in their electricity theft mitigation strategies. The study was funded by SIDA and was supervised by Dr Julianne Sansa-Otim and Prof. Sebitosi Ben.
NAKASI Rose
Automated Diagnosis of Malaria in Thick Blood Smear Films: Deep Neural Network Approach
Ms. NAKASI Rose investigated how deep learning algorithms can be used for the automated detection of malaria and its parasitemia determination in microscopic thick blood smear images. Using an experimental design, the study revealed that by exploiting recent technological advances in 3D printing and deep learning to produce effective hardware and software respectively, a functioning point-of-care diagnosis system for malaria on this principle, capable of running on multiple microscopes and phone combinations can be produced. A malaria parasite detection accuracy of over 98% as compared to conventional machine learning methods was achieved. This study contributes to the practical improved malaria diagnosis especially in highly endemic, but low-resource settings in the Sub-Saharan Africa, where there are few trained lab experts. Further, the diagnostic solutions developed in this study could be adapted for the general microscopy disease diagnosis. The study was funded by SIDA, and was supervised by Dr. Ernest Mwebaze and Dr. Aminah Zawedde.
NAMUJUZI Sylvia
Management of Agriculture Archives in National Agricultural Research Institutes in Uganda
Ms. NAMUJUZI Sylvia investigated gaps in the management of agriculture archives in National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) particularly, documentation, maintenance and access. Using case study and descriptive designs, the study established that various agriculture archives existed in NARIs according to their specialties, but were largely in paper format including: Maps, Datasets, Institutional correspondences, Photographs and Government Acts and legislations, among others. However, most of these archival materials were not processed, classified, accessioned and catalogued leading to poor documentation, maintenance and access. Two major outputs of this study were: an evaluated Agriculture Archives Management Framework for closing the gaps and an Agriculture Archives Monitoring and Evaluation Tool for continuous process improvements in agriculture archives management. Further, the framework and the evaluation tool could be adopted by other Agricultural Institutions for the general management of agriculture archives in their possession. The study was funded by Carnegie and was supervised by Prof. Robert Ikoja-Odongo and Dr. Mary Basaasa Muhenda.
SANYA Rahman
Predicting Infectious Disease Density in Urban Settings using Convolutional Neural Networks
Mr. SANYA Rahman’s thesis explored applications of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for modeling and analyzing spatial dynamics of human infectious diseases in low-income urban settings. This work integrates multiple and diverse data sources including housing density signals (used as proxy for indoor overcrowding) extracted from remote sensing satellite imagery, and socio-economic well-being, as predictors for disease density. Using Tuberculosis (TB) disease data from Uganda, the study found that CNN were promising for detecting and quantifying patterns in infectious disease density. This work is the first of its kind in exploring possibilities afforded by advances in deep learning algorithms and remote sensing data to enhance understanding of infectious disease processes. By doing so, it has expanded the frontiers of methods available for digital epidemiology. The study was funded by the African Development Bank and supervised by Dr. Ernest Mwebaze and Assoc Prof Gilbert Maiga.
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Makerere University has been directed to integrate the teaching of political economy across all courses to enhance students’ understanding of the country’s socioeconomic conditions. The directive, welcomed by the university’s top management, will be incorporated into the curriculum to align education with the needs of the people and the nation.
The government has also pledged to bolster Makerere’s research funding and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution.
The call was made by Makerere University’s new Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during the first session of the 75th graduation ceremony held on January 13, 2025, at the university’s Freedom Square. Dr. Kiyonga also urged the government and the university to establish an agro-industrial park on its land.
“This park would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,” Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor emphasized the urgency of addressing Uganda’s food insecurity, highlighting that 40% of children in the Rwenzori region are stunted, with malnutrition affecting all regions of the country.
“Uganda must develop a robust food security system to ensure we do not starve amidst abundance,” he said.
Dr. Kiyonga also pointed out Africa’s underperformance despite its vast resources, describing it as a contradiction. “It is our responsibility to change the conditions of our people and ensure Africa rises to its potential,” he urged.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Other dignitaries included members of Parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and academics.
Education Minister Praises Makerere for Excellence
Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu lauded Makerere University for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
“Today reflects the resilience, hard work, and commitment of our graduates, supported by the university staff, management, and parents,” she said.
The Minister commended the Vice Chancellor and management for fostering research and innovation while urging them to maintain robust quality control systems to uphold the institution’s integrity.
She also reflected on Makerere’s recent milestones, including the commissioning of a new School of Law building and the launch of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
“Your achievements stem from hard work, transparency, and accountability. They set Makerere apart as a leader in higher education,” she noted.
Addressing the graduates, Hon. Kaducu encouraged them to apply their skills to solve societal challenges.
“Makerere has equipped you with critical thinking and creativity. Use this to seize opportunities, make a difference, and shine wherever you go,” she concluded.
Vice Chancellor Highlights Makerere’s Impact
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the 13,658 graduates, including 143 PhD recipients and 53% female graduates. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ journeys.
The College of Computing and Information Sciences presented a total of 681 Graduands. Of theses12 were Doctoral candidates (7 Females and 5 males), 73 Masters candidates( 26 Female and 47 Male) and 596 Bachelors (251 Females and 345 Males)
Prof. Nawangwe praised the achievements of Makerere’s colleges, including the College of the College of Computing and Information Sciences. The College celebrated notable achievements, including three students who received the Africa 2024 Marketplace Simulation Award during the AFRICA2024 Conference in Egypt.
The college also secured a $1.5 million grant from Google for the Ocular project, which leverages artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. The AI Health Lab, led by Dr. Rose Nakasi, continues to produce innovative diagnostic tools, including a phone-to-microscope adaptor, supported by partners like Google and the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, the AirQo Project launched the CLEAN-Air Africa Network, focusing on air quality management using low-cost sensors.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere’s transformation into a research-led institution supported by the government’s Research and Innovation Fund. “We are addressing national priorities, such as improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga on his appointment as Chancellor and urged graduates to leverage their education to create solutions for societal challenges.
“Let your Makerere education be a beacon of hope for the world,” he concluded.
Prof. LenkaBula’s Call for Resilience and Redefining African Women’s Mission
In a keynote address by Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) titled “The Power of Resilience – African Woman, Find Your Generational Mission and Redefine Your Worth”, Prof. LenkaBula highlighted the critical role of African women in shaping the continent’s destiny.
Prof. LenkaBula expressed gratitude for being invited to such a significant occasion and extended greetings from South Africa, including from UNISA’s Chancellor, former South African President Dr. Thabo Mbeki. She praised Makerere University for its legacy of academic excellence and contributions to the African continent, emphasizing its role in anti-colonial struggles, post-colonial development, and its steadfast commitment to African unity.
“Makerere University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, a vital part of Africa’s intellectual and developmental heritage,” she remarked, reflecting on the institution’s shared history with UNISA and other centers of higher learning in Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the many prominent figures associated with Makerere, including freedom fighters and leading intellectuals. She also paid tribute to African women who have played pivotal roles throughout history, including Queen Amina of Zazzau, Njinga of Angola, Empress Tayetu Betul of Ethiopia, and modern figures such as Wangari Maathai and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“These women embodied resilience and vision, redefining leadership in ways that transformed societies,” Prof. LenkaBula said. “It is now up to you, graduates, especially women, to take up the mantle, redefine your worth, and reclaim your generational mission.”
Drawing on the wisdom of influential thinkers like Frantz Fanon and Chinua Achebe, she urged graduates to embrace their responsibility as leaders and problem-solvers in Africa’s quest for prosperity. Prof. LenkaBula warned against complacency, emphasizing that each generation must confront its unique challenges and opportunities to secure a brighter future for the continent.
She also called for a renewed focus on gender equity in academia and leadership, noting the disproportionate burdens faced by women in society. Citing the achievements of Makerere University in gender mainstreaming, she expressed optimism about the role of young leaders in dismantling patriarchal systems and fostering inclusive development.
“As you step into the world, remain grounded in your communities while adopting a global outlook. Africa’s intellectual and social resilience has always been its greatest asset,” Prof. LenkaBula urged.
Prof. LenkaBula concluded her address to Graduands with a powerful call to action: “Your graduation is not merely a personal achievement but a contribution to Africa’s collective progress. History has thrust upon you the task of creating a future defined by resilience, innovation, and equality.”
Graduation Statistics of the 75th graduation ceremony
During the course of the 75th graduation ceremony, a total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 143 graduands will graduate with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53 % of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees. The best graduand from the sciences, graduating with a CGPA of 4.91 and a Bachelor of Science is Mr. Mubiru Enock Joel. The best graduand from the humanities, graduating with a Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management, with a CGPA of 4.07 is Mr. Bagoole Abdul Latif Umar. 16% of the graduands are graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
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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