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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Computing & IS
Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha Takes Over as Principal of CoCIS, Pledges Focus on Excellence, Research and Innovation
Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha has officially assumed office as Principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), pledging to work with staff, students and university management to strengthen academic excellence, research, innovation and the welfare of the college community.
Bainomugisha formally took over the leadership of the college during a handover ceremony held on the afternoon of September 10, 2026, in the Block A Conference Room, Level 4. He succeeds Prof. Tonny Oyana, while the immediate handover was conducted by Dr. Peter Nabende, who had served as Acting Principal for about one month.
The ceremony was moderated by CoCIS Principal Human Resource Officer Julius Lebo and attended by a representative from the Office of the Makerere University Chief Internal Auditor, heads of departments, deans, administrative and support staff, as well as student representatives.
Bainomugisha said he was honoured and privileged to serve as Principal, thanking the University Council, University Management, Senate and the Search Committee for entrusting him with the leadership of the college.
He said his appointment followed a competitive selection process involving the Search Committee, Senate, the Appointments Board and ultimately the University Council.
“I would like to thank the University Council, the University Management, Senate, and the Search Committee for giving me the opportunity to serve as a College Principal,” Bainomugisha said.
He also expressed appreciation to Vice-Chancellor and other university officials for accommodating his participation in the selection process, including allowing him to make his Senate presentation online while he was travelling.
Four priorities for CoCIS
In outlining his vision, Bainomugisha said he wants CoCIS to build a strong reputation around four key areas.
First, he said the college should be recognised for producing graduates who demonstrate excellence, with teaching and learning aligned to Makerere University’s strategic plan.
Second, he said CoCIS should become globally recognised for undertaking impactful research.
Third, he identified innovation and technology transfer as another priority, stressing the need for innovations developed at the university to move beyond academic settings and create wider societal impact.
Finally, he pledged to promote a conducive working and learning environment for both staff and students, underpinned by teamwork.
“I would like to see a College that is known to produce graduates who are really excellent,” he said. “I would like to see a College that is globally recognised to undertake impactful research. And I would like to see a College that is also known for innovations and technology transfer.”
He added that the college should also be “a conducive work environment for staff and students, as well as teamwork.”
Bainomugisha called for collective responsibility in achieving the priorities, saying the Principal’s office would work with academic and administrative units, students, University Management, Council and other stakeholders.
He acknowledged that the college faces several challenges, but said these would have to be tackled progressively.
“There are many challenges that the outgoing principal has outlined, and I believe that we can work together to address some of those challenges,” he said. “Obviously, we’ll address one challenge at a time. We cannot promise that we’ll address all of them on day one.”
Nabende hands over college with staffing and programme challenges highlighted
In his handover report, Dr. Peter Nabende provided an overview of the college’s academic programmes, staffing situation, research and innovation activities, budget, committees, grants and other administrative matters.
Nabende said he had sought to build on the handover report prepared by the former Principal, Prof. Tony Oyana, while incorporating developments from his one-month period as Acting Principal.
He said his report was structured around the responsibilities assigned to him, including implementing university policies and regulations, overseeing academic programmes, promoting research and innovation, coordinating the college budget, managing units and committees, mobilising resources and research grants, and providing progress reports to university management.
Nabende said no legal cases had arisen during his brief tenure, noting that he had sought to operate within university policy and regulatory frameworks.
He also provided an overview of CoCIS academic programmes, noting that accreditation and curriculum review remain important issues for the college as the university moves toward competence-based education and training.
According to Nabende, a number of programmes remain active and accredited, while others are under review or being proposed. He noted that the college must prepare for the implementation of the competence-based education and training framework, which institutions are expected to comply with by 2027/2028.
“This is a critical item that will concern the college for the coming one year,” he said, urging the college to strategise to meet the requirements.
Staffing shortage raises concern
One of the major challenges highlighted in the handover was staffing.
Nabende said the college is operating a growing number of academic programmes while facing limited staffing capacity. He warned that increasing student enrolment, combined with staff shortages, could put pressure on the quality and effective delivery of academic programmes.
He also raised concern about the increasing attrition of staff, saying several employees had recently left the university, including some who had recently obtained PhDs.
“We have increasing attrition rate. We have a number of colleagues who are leaving,” he said, describing the trend as concerning because the college can find itself replacing staff at roughly the same rate as those leaving.
He said the university and college leadership need to find ways of addressing the staff exodus.
Nabende also reported that Jinja Campus remains severely understaffed and said the college continues to support some of its programmes through staffing arrangements involving CoCIS departments.
He further pointed to administrative staffing gaps, saying the workload generated by the college’s growing numbers of programmes and activities affects productivity, output, quality and responsiveness.
Research and innovation on the rise
Nabende said CoCIS has experienced increasing research activity and output in recent years and urged the college to build on that growth.
He cited a number of research and innovation initiatives, including the Ocular project, AIRCOR and work involving natural-language technologies, speech recognition, artificial intelligence applications in mental health, agriculture, livestock health and education.
He said the college’s innovations had also attracted recognition from government officials, citing a recent visit by the Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation.
The college currently has 24 external research projects, according to the handover presentation, alongside seed grant initiatives supporting staff and students.
The seed grant programme has supported 56 staff projects and 48 student projects, with the projects continuing.
Nabende encouraged the college to continue nurturing such initiatives so that smaller research projects can develop into larger programmes with greater impact.
Budget and financial position
The handover report also outlined the college’s budget position for the first quarter.
Nabende said approximately Shs461.5 million had been released for the quarter and that roughly one-third had been utilised at the time of the handover.
He noted that most budget-related processes are now managed electronically, allowing administrators to monitor requests, expenditure and other financial information through the university system.
The incoming Principal was therefore handed responsibility for continuing implementation of the approved budget while working with relevant administrative offices.
Graduation and academic administration
Nabende said the College Academic Board had considered and recommended results for the 2025/2026 academic year, placing CoCIS in a good position ahead of the forthcoming graduation.
He, however, called for attention to student complaints and graduate examination processes to ensure that more students are cleared for graduation.
He also outlined the work of various college committees, including the Establishments and Appointments Committee, Finance Committee, College Academic Board, Quality Assurance Committee, Appeals and Academic Policies Committee and Contracts Committee.
Despite leaving the Principal’s office, Nabende said he would remain available to support the new Principal in his capacity as Deputy Principal and academic staff member.
He thanked the university leadership, fellow principals, deans, heads of departments, academic and administrative staff and students for supporting him during his brief tenure.
Nabende also praised Prof. Oyana for steering the college before his tenure and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Acting Principal.
“I’m really, really happy that I was given the opportunity to act as a principal,” he said, describing the experience as an important opportunity for him.
He told Bainomugisha that he would continue to support the college and university’s strategic direction.
Internal Audit calls for a smooth transition
Representing the Office of the Chief Internal Auditor, Aggrey Luwuliza commended Nabende for accepting to act as Principal and subsequently handing over the office.
Luwuliza said handover processes are important because they formally mark the transition from one office-holder to another and allow incoming leaders to understand the status of an institution.
He urged the outgoing and incoming principals to agree on the contents of the handover report and areas requiring follow-up so that the transition does not become a source of disagreement.
“We are here to support you,” Luwuliza said, stressing the importance of agreement between the two office-holders before the formal handover.
He also congratulated Bainomugisha for accepting the responsibility of leading the college and wished him success.
Students welcome new Principal
CoCIS student chairperson Jim Ainamani, a fourth-year Bachelor of Software Engineering student, congratulated Bainomugisha on his appointment and pledged students’ cooperation.
Ainamani said students’ experiences at the college are significantly influenced by its leadership and expressed optimism that the new Principal would continue the tradition of caring leadership.
“For the time I’ve been here, for the three and a half years, I have been able to witness caring principals, from Professor Tony to our outgoing principal,” he said.
He said students hoped to work with Bainomugisha, learn from his leadership and benefit from an improved experience at the college.
Staff pledge cooperation
Dr. Swaibu Kyanda Kaawaase, Head of the Networks Department, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the college, welcoming Bainomugisha and pledging staff cooperation.
Kaawaase said staff expected positive developments under the new leadership and would work with the Principal to make CoCIS more innovative and globally recognised.
He also highlighted staff welfare and student experience as areas where cooperation would be important.
“We pledge cooperation in all aspects to ensure that our college can be the one that can be talked about in the rest of the globe as being very innovative,” he said.
He further pledged cooperation to ensure students receive the best possible education and staff welfare is strengthened.
A new chapter for CoCIS
The transition comes at a time when CoCIS is expanding its academic programmes, research and innovation portfolio while simultaneously confronting staffing constraints, programme accreditation and review requirements, rising student numbers and staff attrition.
Bainomugisha begins his tenure with a detailed handover outlining both the achievements and pressure points facing the college.
Rather than promising an immediate solution to every challenge, he called for a collaborative approach focused on addressing issues progressively.
He also reaffirmed that the Principal and Deputy Principal would work closely together, maintaining continuity in the leadership of the college.
“As we are just starting off, what I’m praying for is for God to give us wisdom and good life, and teamwork,” Bainomugisha said. “I look forward to working with you all.”
The handover formally closes Nabende’s brief stint as Acting Principal while marking the beginning of Bainomugisha’s tenure, with the new Principal expected to steer CoCIS through the next phase of academic, research, innovation and institutional development.
Who is Engineer Bainomugisha?
Note: Name Origin: “Engineer” is his actual first name, given by his parents who noticed his childhood curiosity about how things work.
Engineer Bainomugisha is Professor of Computer Science and the former Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University. His research focuses on Computer Science-driven solutions to the prevailing world challenges. He is also passionate about contributing to quality Computer Science education that is of sufficient breath and depth, practical and fast enough. Professor Bainomugisha currently leads several innovative initiatives that aim to create and apply computational methods and tools that can improve the quality of life especially in the developing world setting.
His current research projects include building networks of miniature devices to: measure and derive trends of air quality in over 50 urban centers in Uganda to tackle the growing air pollution challenge in developing countries; monitor soil conditions to help farms make smart decisions; measure the quality of road infrastructure in Uganda to help municipalities and road users. Professor Bainomugisha and his team are also building a multi-cloud solution that supports portability of apps and services between private and public clouds while taking into account unique African realities like bandwidth constraints, Internet and power outages. Previously
Professor Bainomugisha investigated and developed programming languages and software tools to help programmers easily write highly adaptive mobile software without worrying about low-level concerns. His research in this area helped create iScheme and Flute programming languages. He is also the Principal Investigator for several research projects including “Probabilistic low-cost air pollution monitoring”; “Centre for Data Technology”; “Build Research Capacity for Innovative ICT4D”; and “African Virtual Cloud Initiative”;
Professor Bainomugisha received a Ph.D. and MSc. in Computer Science from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium in 2008 & 2012, respectively; and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Makerere University in 2006. Prior to returning to Makerere University he worked as a pre-doctoral and postdoctoral researcher at the Software Languages Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer CoCIS
Photo Credits: Peninah Nalubega 4th year Journalism and Communication student
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