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Computing & IS

Mak-CoCIS Sets up the “Smart Classroom facility”, worth over $50,000

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Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has installed the Smart Classroom facility worth over $ 50,000 US dollars. The mini launch and demonstration will be conducted on Friday 9th September 2022.

The facility accommodating 50 computers will be used for recording, broadcasting, and automation in the classroom including monitoring the examination, quizzes, and any other form of assessment.

A view of the Smart Classroom from the rear.
A view of the Smart Classroom from the rear.

The establishment of the smart classroom system at Makerere University has been funded by the Chinese taxpayer and education technology companies (the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI) and China’s International Institute of Online Education) under the auspices of UNESCO.

The university has provided space and furniture, manpower, local experts, support team and salaries, cabling, electricity, internet, lighting, and security system among others.

Mak-CoCIS IT experts Badru Ssekumba, Baluku Herbert and Nicholas Betungye testing the smart classroom system during the final connectivity.
Mak-CoCIS IT experts Badru Ssekumba, Baluku Herbert and Nicholas Betungye testing the smart classroom system during the final connectivity.

The Principal CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana said, in 2018, Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences together with Create View Education Technology, UNESCO-ICHEI, and Southern University of Science and Technology, China signed a partnership agreement to collaborate in research, teaching, ICT industry, and community engagement activities.

“As a result of this partnership, we received a highly valued donation of Smart Classroom educational equipment. Our core three strategic academic Chinese partners (Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNSECO (ICHEI), Shenzhen; and Guangzhou’s CreateView Educational Technology Co., Ltd.).” Prof. Oyana explained.

The Smart Classroom facility is going to be the first in the history of Uganda. The representative of the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI) and China’s International Institute of Online Education, Hassan Adeel Shehzad stressed that there are computer laboratories, good studios, and touch panels in Uganda’s institutions but the smart room facility at COCIS will integrate all these, combined under one roof.

Hassan Adeel Shehzad is the program specialist and project lead of the Smart Classroom System. Adeel was at Makerere on 1st and 2nd September 2022 to engage the college leadership and staff to implement the Smart Classroom project and also ensure the last connectivity of the smart classroom facility at the CoCIS.

Mak-CoCIS IT experts Nicholas Betungye, Badru Ssekumba and Baluku Herbert make final touches during the setup of the Smart Classroom.
Mak-CoCIS IT experts Nicholas Betungye, Badru Ssekumba and Baluku Herbert make final touches during the setup of the Smart Classroom.

Adeel said, that UNESCO-ICHEI is working with the top Chinese education technology companies based on the UNESCO mandate to promote SDG4 for quality education by integrating the technological advantage within Shenzhen – the world’s leading technology city in China.

Shenzhen city, he said is trying to assist the rest of the countries in the world by matching the UNESCO mission and vision and bringing the city technological advantage, and integrating Chinese higher education massification experience.

He explained that the Smart Classroom is an infrastructure that is a combination of software and capacity-building training aimed at empowering universities not to be worried about the hardware but to help them bring the latest technology entrance to the higher education system through the Smart Classroom in the daily teaching and learning process.

“We are building a recording system for universities so that the teachers can record their lectures alone or the entire classroom lecture of students and the lecturer teaching.

Hassan Adeel (C) congratulates local expert Baluku Herbert (R) on the job well done as Badru Ssekumba (L) observes.
Hassan Adeel (C) congratulates local expert Baluku Herbert (R) on the job well done as Badru Ssekumba (L) observes.

Secondly, we are trying to broadcast the activities being conducted in the classroom to enable students away from campus and other cities and countries to join.  Not only do we record the lectures, but also broadcast live on conference tools such as Zoom, Google meet, and Microsoft teams.

We are also promoting blended learning from the perception of UNESCO Higher education learning intending to promote SDG4 and our call is to assist higher education at institutional, government and policy level”, the expert explained.

in Uganda, Adeel said, the target audience for the UNESCO- ICHEI Smart Classroom project are universities, teachers, and students to improve the quality of teaching and learning.  Once fully established, the rest of the country, including government Ministries, departments, and Agencies will utilize the Smart Classroom for meetings, training, and workshops.

Badru Ssekumba, Hassan Adeel, Nicholas Betungye and Baluku Herbert jubilate after completing the last step of connectivity for the Smart Classroom on 2nd September 2022 at Makerere University.
Badru Ssekumba, Hassan Adeel, Nicholas Betungye and Baluku Herbert jubilate after completing the last step of connectivity for the Smart Classroom on 2nd September 2022 at Makerere University.

About the Smart Classroom project

By fully exploiting the potential of ICT, The International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of (UNESCO-ICHEI) sets out to support the higher education system, improve education quality, and promote equity for education in the developing world. Joined by the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) and CreateView UNESCO ICHEI works with Makerere University to collaborative establish the Smart Classroom on its campus.

The project will bring together the Smart Classroom functions to the university education system to facilitate advanced learning and cognition, as well as cooperation and participation. It will also develop cooperative research among teachers and students to enhance the effectiveness of academic activities. The project also aims to enable university teachers, students, and technology to make necessary changes to ICT application activities to provide a solid foundation for ICT-driven higher education innovation. Through the provision of the Smart Classroom facility, UNESCO-ICHEI and CreatView will work closely with Makerere University to encourage the development and integration of online courses into the university’s curriculum to address challenges facing education in Uganda.

The SCR SUSTech ICHEI MAK CreateView certificate.
The SCR SUSTech ICHEI MAK CreateView certificate.

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Computing & IS

Cisco NetAcad Olympics 2024

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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.

The Centre for Innovations & Professional Skills Development, College of Computing & IS at Makerere University is announcing the Middle East & Africa NetAcad Olympics 2024 FREE Training Clinic. The opportunity is here to raise the next generation of Network Professionals. All youth are invited to be part of this competition and experience a change in their lives. Participants will be exposed to either Network foundations CCNA 1 (Introduction to Networks), Cybersecurity Ops (How you can protect networks and yourself online today), and/or Network Security (protect and secure of the underlying networking infrastructure).

Dates: 1st – 31st March 2024

Opportunity begins here.

Cisco NetAcad is offering the following trainings :

  1. Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) 1 
  2. Network Security
  3. CyberOps (Cyber Security) Associate

REGISTER using the link below:
https://forms.gle/SVTZBhHJz75t7ZUbA

ADDITIONAL info. available via WhatsApp link below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EijTAyNcUZs5HbwITLTT7W

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Computing & IS

CoCIS CIPSD Call For Applications: March, May, July & September 2024 Short Courses Intakes

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The Principal CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana (Right) joined by the Head CIPSD-Ms. Barbara Nalubega (Left) presents a certificate to one of the over 300 graduands who pursued education under the auspices of the Makerere-Amity and e-VBAB Project during the award ceremony held on 14th April 2023 at CoCIS, Makerere University.

Makerere University College of Computing & Information Sciences ‘Centre for Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CIPSD) is a highly regarded unit in Makerere University and plays a significant role in providing individuals with practical computer knowledge and skills to support a 21st century knowledge-based economy. The centre strategically offers training that is responsive to the needs of the society which is achieved through tailoring courses towards what the industry demands. The Centre has been at the forefront to assist government and other organizations to build human capacity with various ICT skills. The Centre has the capacity to enroll 5,000 students per annum because it has large-sized computer laboratories with a 500-seater capacity.

CIPSD’s mission is two-fold:1) to offer ICT professional skills development and incubation of new ideas, as well as, nurture new technology-based businesses; and 2) to augment theoretical computing knowledge among individuals and ground them with relevant professional ICT skills for industries.

Courses Offered

  1. Certificate in Computer Applications (CCA) @ UGX 200,000 for 5 weeks
    This is an introductory course that teaches one how to use a computer and the basic applications used in an office, business, or computing environment.
    New intake commenced on 5th Feb 2024. Time: 9:00am to 11:00 am daily for 5 weeks
  2. Cisco Certified Networking Associate CCNA) @ UGX 700,000 for 6 months
    Designed for people who have no previous computer networking experience, schoolleavers, graduates and mature entrants retraining for a second career. The course provides knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies etc.
  3. PC Repair & Software Maintenance@ UGX 700,000 for 8 weeks
    This course provides an excellent introduction to IT and an interactive exposure to personal computers, hardware& operating systems as well as advanced concepts
  4. Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) @ UGX 1,000,000 for 6 months
    The current CCNP curriculum is divided into two skill sets :
    Advanced routing & Core networking
    This course is the advanced level required of Network Engineers
  5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate /Microsoft Azure (Fundamentals and Administration) @ UGX 700,000 for 2 months per module
    This course is for professionals who examine and investigate company needs and then plan, design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows Server solutions, SQL Database server systems etc. (Consists of 5 modules)
  6. ORACLE Database 19C @ UGX 800,000 for 3 months
    Administration Workshop Course Overview
    In this oracle certification you will learn about Oracle database administrator practical experience in administering, monitoring, tuning and troubleshooting an Oracle database.
    Through a blend of hands-on labs and interactive lectures you will learn how to create database storage structures appropriate for the business applications supported by your database.
  7. Certificate in Graphics & Image Editing @ UGX 600,000 for 2 months
    Learn the design software programs that every pro needs to know: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Discover techniques for creating digital images, illustrations, and layouts, addressing fundamental concepts in color, typography, and composition.
  8. Dynamic Website Development @ UGX 600,000 for 2 months
    Get the skills and hands-on practice you need to succeed in the complex and challenging world of web development.
  9. Cyber Security Ops Associate @ UGX 700,000 for 2 months
    Students learn about the protection of computer systems and networks from the theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
  10. Certificate in Video Editing & Motion Graphics @ UGX 500,000 for 2 months
    In this certificate you will learn how to edit and tell a story using Adobe Premiere Pro, use After Effects to create motion graphics and titles and use Adobe’s Dynamic Linking to make the most efficient workflow possible.
  11. IC3 Digital literacy/ICDL @ UGX 1,400,000 UGX for 2 months
    (Internet Core Competency Certification) Digital Literacy certification is a global benchmark for basic computer literacy, operating systems, hardware, software, and networks.
  12. Ethical Hacking @ UGX 700,000 for 6 weeks
    Many depend on ethical hackers to identify weaknesses in their networks, endpoints, devices, or applications. The hacker informs their client as to when they will be attacking the system, as well as the scope of the attack. An ethical hacker operates within the confines of their agreement with their client.
    Who is best suited for a career in Ethical Hacking? Ethical hackers are generally experts in programming, cybersecurity, security analysis, and networking infrastructure. Ethical hackers tend to be out-of-the-box thinkers
  13. Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning & Deep learning) with PYTHON@ UGX 700,000 for 6 weeks
    This is a hands-on coding course that focuses on Labs and projects& It entails:
    • Implementing a linear regression model using Python and NumPy.
    • Building a decision tree classifier for a given dataset using scikit-learn.
    • Developing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to classify images using TensorFlow or Keras.
    • Training a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) on a given text dataset to generate new text.
    • Implementing a reinforcement learning algorithm to train an agent to play a game. Etc
  14. Programming/Coding in PYTHON @ UGX 600,000 for 2 months
    This course will provide an introduction to programming using Python for highly motivated students with little or no prior experience in programming automated devices. The course will focus on planning and organizing programs, as well as the grammar of the Python programming language
  15. Data Analysis & Visualization Using PYTHON @ UGX 700,000 for 4 Weeks
    Python is a great language for doing data analysis, primarily because of the fantastic ecosystem of data-centric Python packages. Pandas is one of those packages, and makes importing and analyzing data much easier.
    The course delves into: Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
  16. 3D Computer Animation
    3D Computer Animation is a practice-led course that explores both the theory and practice of digital 3D animation in film, television, games and interactive applications.
    For the Beginners’ Stage UGX 500,000, For the Intermediate Stage UGX 650,000 & For The Advanced Stage UGX 650,000 (7 Months Total Duration & 1 Month Of Internship At Crossroads Multimedia Ltd)
  17. Computer Skills Bootcamps and Master Classes.
    We also organise special bootcamps and master classes in January, March, June, August, October, and December. These hands-on practial sessions are meant to help participants brush up their Computer skills.

Contact us

Whatsapp or Call : +256-752-779964
Url: www.cis.mak.ac.ug/cipsd

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Computing & IS

Over 600 graduate from CoCIS during the Mak 74th Graduation ceremony

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Right) confers the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science upon Ms. Ilako Caroline (Left) on Day 3 of the 74th Graduation. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

661 graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) were on 31st January awarded degrees and diplomas in the different disciplines during the 3rd session of Mak 74th Graduation ceremony.

Of that total, 626 graduates walked away with undergraduate (Bachelors degrees), 32 with  Masters Degrees, 2 with PhDs while 1 got a Post Graduate Diploma.

The Principal – CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana presenting the graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal – CoCIS, Prof. Tonny Oyana presenting the graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences. 

The five-day long graduation ceremony kicked off  on  the 29th of January 2024 – 2nd February 2024. During the course of the 74th graduation ceremony   a total of 12,913 graduands  received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 132 graduands  graduated with PhDs, 1585 with Masters degrees, 11,016 with Bachelor’s degrees, 156 with postgraduate diplomas, and 24 with undergraduate diplomas.

53% of the graduands were female and 47% were male. In the category of PhD graduands, 46 were female and 86 were male. In the category of students graduating with Master’s degrees, 699 were female and 886 were male.

Students in jovial mode celebrate upon graduation. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Students in jovial mode celebrate upon graduation.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.  Nawangwe  executed the role of Chancellor as provided for in the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act following the expiry of the tenure of Prof. Ezra Suruma as Chancellor.  The University Council commenced the search for his successor that was on-going.

CoCIS Commended for Noble Research in Artificial Intelligence to Solve Africa’s Problems

Reflecting on the May 2019 UNESCO conference on Artificial Intelligence and education in Beijing, China, the Vice Chancellor asserted the university’s potential and commitment to utilization of  AI to make a difference for Africa.

Prof. Nawangwe  reported that the  University through the College of Computing and Information Sciences in collaboration with the School of Public Health received a grant funding worth US$1,500,000 (5.5bn/=) from Google to support its Ocular project that is undertaking research on usage of Artificial Intelligence to enhance the diagnosis process of Malaria, Tuberculosis and Cervical Cancer in Uganda.

Launched on 13th September 2023, the project team led by Dr. Rose Nakasi benched on the rampant challenges faced by the laboratory experts while undertaking diagnosis procedures. Health centres in Uganda are not only strained with the escalating number of patients seeking for laboratory screening tests – the country has few trained laboratory technicians to support the diagnosis process using the microscope.

The research team according to the Nawangwe took advantage of the existing technologies such as the smartphone and the availability of at least a microscope in every health centre across the country to develop a 3D printable adaptor that was attached to an eye piece of the microscope. The 3D adapter was also slotted in the smartphone to capture images.

Some of the PhD Graduands on Day 3 of the 74th Graduation Ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the PhD Graduands on Day 3 of the 74th Graduation Ceremony.

With the capabilities of Artificial intelligence through computer vision, images can be processed and this directs the experts where the pathogens are. This technology shortens the diagnosis process making it more accurate, quicker and easier to diagnose health conditions and potentially reducing screening time by over 80%.

The Vice Chancellor also reported that in addition, researchers led by a second-year PhD student Paddy Junior Asiimwe designed a device to monitor elderly people with dementia and cognitive impairment in rural Uganda. The device, wearable by the elderly will monitor the patients’ movement and location and then signal the caretaker and the hospital in case of emergencies.

The technology funded by Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF was disclosed on 13th October, 2023. It monitors elderly people remotely using GPS technology which defines a safe zone around a user and a PDR system to monitor the position of the user within the safe zone.  This technology is cheap, and better than the systems existing on market, and is best recommended for more resource constrained environments. The system operates independent of the user mostly in rural areas who cannot read and write. It does not require electricity and runs on batteries, charged once a week and can run for 30 days.

Ms. Ilako Caroline who graduated with a PhD in Information Science smiles for the camera. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Ilako Caroline who graduated with a PhD in Information Science smiles for the camera.

Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted how university researchers lead by Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha has invented devices geared towards monitoring and  managing air quality across cities on the continent.

 “The AirQo Project, in collaboration with various partners launched the CLEAN-Air Africa Network on 5th April 2023 bringing together communities of practice from over fifteen cities in Africa, with a focus on utilising low-cost sensors for air quality management in Africa.

Prof. Tonny Onyana (Right), Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha (Centre), and Dr. Swaib K. Kyanda (Left) sharing a light moment prior to the graduation ceremony. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Tonny Onyana (Right), Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha (Centre), and Dr. Swaib K. Kyanda (Left) sharing a light moment prior to the graduation ceremony.

Held under the theme: Championing Liveable Urban Environments through African Networks for Air, the workshop served as a Launchpad for Africa-led collaborations and multi-regional partnerships for sustained interventions to achieve cleaner air across the Continent”, Nawangwe appreciated.

Five get the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards 2023

During this third session ,  the Vice Chancellor recognized the best researchers listed and  published in the Graduation Booklet and the Mak News Magazine. The awards were based on Scopus database. The researchers were honored  by the  Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of Makerere University during the convocation luncheon held at  Makerere University Convocation House.

CoCIS  best researchers included.

  • Prof. Bainomugisha Engineer
  • Prof. Nabukenya Josephine
  • Nabende Peter
  • Professor Baguma Rehema
  • Odongo Eyobu Steven

Prof. Nawangwe urged all staff to continue conducting research on national development priorities as well as matters of global interest and publishing their work in high-impact journals so as contribute to our drive to become a research-led university. He also advised on the need for the research to lead to patents, copyrights and trademarks, and tangible innovations in the form of products, policy briefs, manuals and others.

Some of the graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 3, 31st January 2024, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences.

The Vice Chancellor highlighted a number of achievements recorded in the last two years including the timely issuance of the academic transcripts at the time of graduation.

In his key message to the graduands, Prof. Nawangwe described graduation as the most important and most memorable day in the life of any scholar on grounds that it is a licence to succeed in life, and a privilege to serve humanity.

“You have worked hard to get a degree or diploma from one of the best universities in the World. This is a license for you to succeed in whatever you choose to do in your life career. But always remember that success will only come with discipline and hard work, while honoring your parents and fearing God.

Shortly you will become an alumnus of this great institution. Cherish the knowledge and experiences you have collected while here, but remember that learning never ends. Our gates remain open for you if you wish to pursue higher degrees”, The professor advised.

With a degree from one of the best universities in the World, Prof. Nawangwe stressed, that graduates have no reason not to succeed in life.

“Indeed, the World is yours to conquer. If jobs are not forthcoming, create them, for we have empowered you not only to be employable, but also to be entrepreneurs. Be the light that others will follow. We are proud that we have been a part of your life, that we have given you the knowledge and courage to face life in this ever-changing World.  Go out to the World and make it a better place”. He emphasized.

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Please find these and more in the Vice Chancellors speech attached.

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