Computing & IS
Ag. Heads of IT & IS Dr. Evelyn Kahiigi & Dr. Peter Nabende hand over office
Two long time Acting (Ag.) Heads of Department from the School of Computing and Information Technology, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) have handed over office to substantive heads.
Dr. Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi who has served for eight years in Acting capacity as Head, Department of Information Technology (IT) has handed over the instruments of power to Dr. Fiona Tulinayo Penlope.
Dr. Peter Nabende who has served for nine years in Acting capacity as Head, Department of Information Systems (IS) has handed over to Dr. Agnes Nakakawa as substantive head.
The handover ceremony for the duo was held on 27th July 2022 in the CoCIS Conference Room witnessed by the Principal CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana, the Dean School of Computing and Information Technology Assoc. Prof, Gilbert Maiga, the representative from Internal Audit Mr, Aggrey Luwuliza, the Human Resource Officer, CoCIS Mr. Godwin Okiror, and staff from the college.
Prof. Oyana who described succession as part of life and management thanked the outgoing and incoming heads for offering themselves to serve the college. He noted that offering oneself for service is a public good and a challenge for all.
“You should have time for the college. There are three key responsibilities; Research – as you have to continue being a scholar; Teaching – a service that you offer to the nation to transfer knowledge to students; and thirdly Service to our country because God created us to serve him and others”. Prof. Oyana advised.
Prof. Oyana stressed that teaching is not a job but rather, a calling of transforming somebody’s life and adding value. Whereas money facilitates teaching, the professor advised it should not be the primary motivator for staff.
“Thank you Fiona and Agnes for accepting to take on the responsibility to serve the College, Makerere University and Uganda at large. Allowances are important and will come, but, they should not be your primary motivation but to do good. When you leave office and you find you have uplifted someone, you will find happiness”, Prof. Oyana counselled.
The Dean School of Computing and Information Technology Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Maiga hailed the college management for organizing the handover expressing hope that this would be the practice whenever there is change of office.
Prof. Maiga appreciated the outgoing heads for their dedicated services and sometimes serving outside the working hours. He equated the role of the heads of departments to the wheels on which the vehicle moves.
“I thank Evelyn and Peter for the job well done. The whole university depends on departments and I thank you colleagues for being good wheels in the university. They ensured students are admitted and graduate, so we are really very grateful for their services.
“To the incoming, It is a challenging assignment but we want to thank you for offering yourselves to serve and meet this challenge on behalf of the university. This university is a bureaucracy and in a bureaucracy, decisions are made by committees. A Department is so important in a way that once it decides, the Dean cannot overrule unless there is proper reason, which must be taken back for further consideration”, he added.
Outgoing Heads of Department speak
Outgoing head Department of Information Systems Dr. Peter Nabende thanked God for keeping him healthy and available to serve under different Principals, Deans and Administrators who accorded him support with different but effective styles of leadership and management.
“I did substantive work in acting capacity as no one was willing to take up the substantive position but I am glad Dr. Agnes Nakakawa has accepted to take over. I appreciate the work by my colleagues, they have been resourceful, hardworking and supporting the department and university in different roles such as internship coordination, handling graduate programmes, examinations, teaching and research work”, Nabende appreciated.
The outgoing head Department of Information Technology Dr. Evelyn Kigozi Kahiigi thanked the office of the Principal, the Dean and Administrative officers for the guidance and mentorship during her eight year tenure noting that by the time she took over, the department had only one associate professor and one lecturer but many staff have ascended in their academic ranks.
“In eight years, I have been able to have an opportunity to act as Dean while he was on sabbatical leave, had an opportunity to serve as examination coordinator and I did a good job and all structures were put in place. The university adopted one of the forms I developed for non-registered students,” she reported.
Dr. Kahiigi also said as only female dean on the fourth floor, all cases of students in need of counselling came to her door adding that, this gelling provided her an opportunity to connect with students across the school through an open door policy.
“Also God and family. As head you are everybody’s person and in so doing the family suffers. I thank my family for the support and God who has guided and given me grace to lead a wonderful team till today”, Dr. Kahiigi said.
Kahiigi informed the successor that the most challenging time for the head is during graduation when parents and students are excited and expressed the need for proper coordination and being available to support the students.
Staff hail outgoing heads
Speaker after speaker, praised Dr. Evelyn Kahiigi and Dr. Peter Nabende for their exemplary service and humility.
“These are people who have stood the test of time working in acting positions and they have given us hope that if appointed to a higher office, they can handle”, Dr. Agaba Joab said.
The departments have not found better and exceptional heads. Your commitment to work has motivated us. Dr. Evelyn is a mother and we thank you for mentoring us and we commit our unwavering support to the in-coming Head.
In Peter, we also found a very responsible person, I felt at home that we had two heads of department to consult anytime and were available physically and on phone”, said Dr. Annabella.
“It is encouraging to continue having female Heads of department. I thank the outgoing head Dr. Evelyn who has been a parent and at times of need would welcome you to her home to fix a problem. Dr. Fiona, you have our support.
“Peter, you are very flexible even in times of pressure you always found a way of calming down the situation,” Another one said.
New Heads of Department accept the appointment
“I am accepting the role. I will not chicken out. I am not an administrator but a teacher by calling. I appreciate the Principal and all colleagues who have been calling upon me to take up the administrative role”, Dr. Nakakawa said, thanking the outgoing head and staff for the support and the university management for trust.
“I want to say, I accept. I thank the University for entrusting me with the responsibility. I am not threatened by words. Let me experience and see how it is.” Dr. Fiona Tulinayo Penlope said, pledging that she will deliver.
About the new Heads of Department
Dr. Tulinayo Fiona Penlope
Fiona Tulinayo is a Lecturer at the School of computing and Information Science, Makerere
University. Dr. Tulinayo holds a PhD in Information Systems from Radboud University,
Nijmegen in the Netherlands; a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelors of Industrial and Fine Arts from Makerere University. She specializes in systems development and computer graphics designing. Dr. Tulinayo has also undertake several trainings including scientific writing from University of Maastricht Language Centre, business process management from Vught, and Information Knowledge Systems organization from Zeist School for Information and Knowledge Systems in The Netherlands. Dr. Tulinayo has also specialized competences in modeling including; conceptual and domain modeling, system dynamics modeling, method engineering and process modeling. Further, she is an astute researcher, collaborator, technical and scientific writer with specialized abilities in handling institutional and development processes and management. Fiona has also provided several technical and institutional capacity development and support to the Ministry of Justice, Uganda and the Monitor Publications in Uganda.
Dr. Agnes Nakakawa
Agnes Nakakawa is an Information Systems professional and a Statistician. Since 2004, she has been involved in academia where she has proficiently lectured curriculum in the field of Computing and IT. She is also a diligent researcher in the Department of Information Systems at the School of Computing and IT. Nakakawa Agnes holds a PhD in Information Systems (Enterprise Architecture and Collaboration Engineering) from Radboud University Nijmegen (The Netherlands). Her PhD research involved developing a process/method that enterprise (IT) architects can use to deeply involve and collaborate with organizational stakeholders during the creation/design of baseline and target enterprise architectures. During her PhD research, she closely collaborated with several enterprises in Uganda. Dr. Agnes Nakakawa also holds an MSc. (Computer Information Systems). Her Masters research involved developing a spatial decision support tool that can be used to locate suitable landfill sites for municipal waste management in Wakiso and Kampala districts. She also holds a Bachelors degree in Statistics (Statistical Computing) from Makerere University.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, CoCIS
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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