Computing & IS
Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Mayiga hands over SCIT Deanship to Dr. Joseph Balikuddembe
Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Mayiga on 30th November 2022 handed over the instruments of power to Dr. Joseph Kibombo Balikuddembe the Dean-elect School of Computing and Informatics Technology (SCIT), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
Prof. Mayiga’s handover follows his resignation from university service in May 2022 after serving two terms as Dean for eight years and having served the university for over 30 years.
The handover over ceremony was held at the CoCIS Block A conference room and witnessed by the Principal Prof. Tonny Oyana, a representative from the Audit Department, Deans and Heads of Departments, and academic, administrative and support staff from CoCIS.
Prof. Mayiga thanks colleagues at the School for the privilege accorded to him to serve as School Dean from February 2015 to November 30th 2022 attributing the successes achieved during his tenure to colleagues in the four departments, the College and University Management, and from all support staff.
Mayiga reported that challenges notwithstanding, SCIT accomplished all the critical activities on time because colleagues delivered as expected.
In a 24-paged handover report, Mayiga presented an account of the current status of the school as of 30th November 2022 that traces the key activities and developments in the school’s four departments of Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science and Networks over the eight years.
The report presented an overview of the status of the departments, resources, records, and major activities overseen during his tenure meant to facilitate the incoming Dean a smooth assumption of the role, by providing information pertinent to that transition.
Prof. Mayiga highlighted key achievements including academic staff progress where staff with PhDs more than doubled from 22, the review of academic programs, increase in student enrolment figures, improvement in graduate supervision, active committees that accomplished their work and the growing and vibrant research activities at the school.
“There are still no full professors in the school in all the four departments. The number of associate professors has grown from zero to six, three of whom are in the department of IS. Several department members progressed academically (achieved a Masters or PhD Degree), and almost all progressed career-wise (were confirmed and/or promoted) during the period”. He said
Mayiga pointed to a number of challenges and pending issues for the attention of the incoming Dean. These included under-staffing especially at the higher Ranks and the need to continuously engage with management to address this issue; Decreased Students Graduation rates that need to be interrogated to remove the bottlenecks; Curriculum Review for expired programs; Few Faculty engaged in research; Increased cases of examinations malpractices and a large number of students that failed to complete their internship due to challenges related to COVID-19.
To the incoming Dean elect, – Dr Joseph Balikuddembe commended Prof. Mayiga for the service, building staff capacity, establishing friendship and creating a positive impact.
“I believe the job has been accomplished. It is a bit of a sad moment as a school having a young faculty and a senior faculty leaving, the one we would hang on to and have mature discussions with.
I accept to be Dean. A baby has come. I thank colleagues for the support and giving me the mandate of service not leadership”, Dr Balikuddembe submitted.
Staff commend Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Mayiga
Speaker after speaker commended Assoc. Prof. Gilbert Mayiga for his outstanding service and Dr. Balikuddembe for accepting to take on the role.
“The four departments in the school benefited and the Dean supported all programs in the Department of Information Systems to be cleared. Throughout his service, he ensured that programs are in a good place and updated. Apart from work, Prof. Mayiga had social qualities admirable. We learnt a lot from him, He is a very organized person and whenever he was out, he ensured everything was in place. Ag. Deputy Principal and former head IS Dr Peter Nabende appreciated.
“I thank the Dean for building a foundation for the school, leaving a structure of committees to guide the activities and empowering departments to operate and contribute to the vision of the school and also supporting and helping us to link with other structures such as Senate, NCHE and Council”, Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, Head of Computer Science.
“The outgoing Dean has been resourceful. I congratulate him on completing the two terms and choosing to give us more time to serve after resigning. I have been going there with challenges outside his mandate but he has been a father and I hope the incoming will be fatherly”, Dr Swaibu Lwasa., Head of Networks.
“I appreciate his leadership on a personal level and as head of the department. Sometimes when faced with challenges, he is a person with a muscle. I have seen him solve complex issues. I thank you for being a mentor right when I was a teaching assistant, you played a critical role of mentorship at a friendly and tough level”, Dr Agnes Nakakawa Head of Information Systems.
Barbra Nalubenga Head CISPIB said:
“He taught me systems analysis a long time ago in my previous capacity as a lecturer. And as Dean, I thank him for helping me run recess term. He was efficient, organized and foresighted. I wish him success in your next endeavours”.
Ms. Hasifa Kahunde, a representative of support staff said:
I came in 2013 and you welcomed me well. You have been good to support staff and the team is happy. As Dean, you have been down to earth, when you found someone sad, you asked what the problem is and offer counsel. You have been patient and friendly to everyone”.
The College Register Mr Patrick Feni said, “The Dean’s Humility surpasses anything I have seen in management at Makerere University. He worked with us to make things done. Dean was friendly regardless… I wish you success”.
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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