Computing & IS
CoCIS to deploy the Smart Bee Monitors in the field in December 2022
Researchers from Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) have designed the Smart bee Monitor ready to conduct its first trials in the field in December 2022. This is the first time the device will be taken out of the laboratory to test how it performs in monitoring bee hives.
The first deployment is going to take place at the university apiary in Namulonge which will act as the study site for this first prototype, while several others will be stationed in different fruit farms and game parks in East Africa to predict the well-being of bees under different environments.
CoCIS researchers in a collaborative project dubbed, “Adaptive Environment Monitoring Network Africa (AdEMNEA)” revealed this new development during the project 2022 first Annual conference held at Kolping Hotel In Kampala on 16th-17th November 2022. The project commencement in 2021.
The Project is funded by NORAD under the NORHED II programme supported for five years with the main emphasis on Southern partners. It builds on past success and results from the WIMEA project which automated weather services funded under the NORHED I framework with several other projects currently funded with NTNU and Makerere as partners.
The partners in the AdEMNEA project are the Norwegian University for Science and Technology as the lead partner and the Southern partners led by Makerere University, the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (Tanzania) and the University of Juba (South Sudan). Other partners are the University of Bergen (Norway), the Uganda Meteorological Authority, NaCCRI and NARO. Other partners are the Ministry of Agriculture (MAAIF), The Uganda National Apiary Development Organisation (TUNADO), Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) and Fruit / Bee farmers (Nwoya fruit growers cooperative society and Green Zabu Farm).
At Makerere University the project is being led by Dr. Julianne Sansa-Otim with staff from the College of Engineering Design and Art (CEDAT) and the College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB).
Speaking during the annual conference, the Principal Investigator Makerere University Dr. Julianne Sansa-Otim said, they are rolling out an adaptive resilient network infrastructure connectivity where data gathering instruments in the field can send their data through the internet.
“We are building this network and we want to contribute to protecting bees and building instruments that will gather data about bees and fruit flies. We are putting in place the smart bee monitor and have designed the first generation that it can gather the data that can help insect scientists to tell the health of the bees and the environment and aspects that are helpful to make conclusions”, Dr. Nsansa said.
Dr. Nsansa stressed that bees are endangered yet they are the biggest pollinators responsible for most of the fruits and vegetables. Bees according to Dr. Nsansa contribute towards biodiversity as other creatures rely on them for existence.
“The challenge is that because of climate change, different human factors and agro-chemicals, bees are on the decline and becoming extinct. For the remaining bees, we need to find ways of discovering what is affecting them, where do they thrive, which kind of plants do they like.
Most of the wild places where bees used to thrive have been converted into commercial farms and buildings so we need the optimize the smaller spaces remaining for bees”. She added.
She noted that as they investigate and deploy instruments out there, they will establish plants where bees can stay longer and multiply and help to come up with interventions to protect those tree species.
She reported that monitoring insects has traditionally been via manual observation and count by specialists such as entomologists and extension workers going in the bushes yet there are few specialists in Uganda and Africa that makes this method ineffective. In Uganda, it is estimated that there is one entomologist per region with less than eight entomologists in the MAAIF employed to do this work for the entire country.
The deployment of such tools in the field means that one entomologist in one place can be able to gather different data from different places. And because bees are mostly found where there are fruits and vegetables, and, one of the common pests in fruits being fruit flies, the project looked at both pollinators: – the bees which researchers want to protect and multiply and, fruit flies for study and destruction.
Fruit flies are known to be the biggest pests affecting mangoes leading to losses and likewise the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry and Fisheries that is responsible for monitoring and controlling pests is limited by the number of specialists.
Makerere University’s PhD student behind the design of the smart bee monitor Dr. Agatha Turyagenda said the goal is to solve the inefficiencies that come about with manual inspections of bee hives in Uganda which is associated with less productivity among Ugandan bee farmers.
Studies have shown that world over, the number of bees have declined but no study has been conducted in Uganda as farmers continue to complain about bees absconding to come to bee hives.
AdMNEA project researchers are investigating to come up with a solution to combat some of the challenges bee farmers are faced with.
“The smart bee hive has several parameters capturing images and videos, at the entrance of the bee hive and, temperature and humidity as well as carbon dioxide levels inside the bee hive and the weight of the bee hive.
All these parameters are then transferred to a remote website that anyone can be able to see as long as they have internet connectivity. So this can be on a mobile phone or laptop.
In the future we will be able to use the information collected to be able to develop programmes that can tell us which pests and diseases have infected the bee hive, if the queen is absent or present, it can tell us if the bees are preparing to swarm, the honey productivity, the weight module and also indicate the right time to harvest honey”, Dr. Turyagenda explained
Entomologist Dr. Deborah Ruth Amulen from CoVAB reported that whereas bees constitute 70% of the world’s crop pollination, their population has declined due to pesticide application, climate change, land use change and diseases.
Amulen observed that the traditional way of inspecting bee hives is time consuming, requires skills and knowledge, disrupts inside hive micro climate and risk of distributing diseases of bees while useful variables such as temperature, humidity, gases cannot be ascertained hence the need to automate the process.
“For entomologists, the smart bee monitor will help us to know when to harvest honey, when the bees are sick, when the population of bees is down so that we can check the hive and address the problem.
The smart bee hive is one of the common bee hives farmers use but the ICT team has modified it with sensors after which entomologist will populate them with bees and deploy them in fruit farms, university farms and in apiaries near the national parks so that we can compare what is happening in hives and in fruit farms where they spray a lot of chemicals.
We can therefore monitor and tell if the bees will be very sick or dying, whether the production of honey is lower compared to bees that are near national parks and where there is no chemical use near the national parks” Dr. Amulen stated.
Regular manual inspection of fruit fly traps according to Dr. Amulen is also inconvenient, misses out on critical data points such as the phenotype, density, diversity and relationships between variables such as population and weather toward prediction of infestation.
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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