Computing & IS
Mak Council commends CoCIS for impact; Seeks Interventions to Digitalize University processes
Council Members led by the Chair Mrs. Lorna Magara have commended the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) for the practical training and churning out graduates that have made immense contribution to the digitalization of government, private institutions and businesses processes.
The University Council now wants CoCIS to tender in a proposal through management on how the college can help the digitalization of the university processes including students’ records, attendance, information system and, a feedback system
The college leadership welcomed the task and pledged to revitalize some of the applications it had evolved, for example, the prototype for attendance system and others and to follow up with Council Chairperson.
Council members visited CoCIS on Thursday 3rd March 2023 to familiarize themselves with what the college does, how it does, the key milestones and its contribution to the vision of Makerere University among others.
In a meeting held at the conference, room in Block A the Principal CoCIS Prof. Tonny Oyana highlighted how the college was contributing to the university’s Strategic Plan, Uganda’s National Development Plan, the Human Resource Development plan and Vision 2040.
Professor Oyana highlighted the success story in research, innovations and in teaching by building cases where the college has been successful in research like Google that is helping the college in transforming Uganda and the whole of East Africa through the AirQo project.
AirQo is project led by Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha that has developed devices that measure the air quality. Prof. Bainomugisha has worked with several government agencies like NEMA, KCCA and across borders in many other African cities where the devices have been installed.
Other innovations highlighted include the smart bee hive for monitoring bees in East Africa, the students Ntaasa emergency system, and the devise to aid the blind to move without aid that have won international recognitions and awards.
“The contribution we make is in automation and building applications that are relevant in different sectors of agriculture and environment health, transport and businesses and general services and areas important in the country.
We are going to do intentional targeting for desired outcomes that meet our strategic goals and those of the university, and the country”, Professor Oyana asserted.
Prof Oyana appreciated Council members for Identifying and amplifying the message of the work done and expressed gratitude for the positive feedback from council.
“We are grateful for the visit. Whenever a visitor comes and gives feedback, it is good because it is a mirror that reflects what we need to do better and in which areas we need to improve and we are committed to the vision of Makerere of a research-led university”, Prof. Oyana said.
Council members noted that generally there is low appetite for Information Technology in Uganda partly due to high illiteracy and implored the college to come up with interventions that can help the university and country to fight vices such as corruption on grounds that many of the government initiatives have not succeeded.
Council members also implored CoCIS to utilize its space and address the onlinisation to promote distance and online education in Uganda.
The Chairperson Council Mrs. Lorna Magara underscored the role of technology and the competencies in the college that must be tapped into.
“We want to see a way to track the process of teaching and learning, set a system that can help monitor the quality of teaching that take place in the university in terms of student’s records, results, examinations, a system that tracks submitted marks and where they are. We need a system that can help us to get students feedback in real time” Mrs. Magara submitted.
Mrs. Magara asked the college to submit a proposal to council through management to Council.
“Present a proposal on how you are going to engage with the university community. We will do our best to support you because digitalization is one of the core areas of Council and the college is critical. We want to see increased level of visibility and engagement with the university and management”, Mrs. Magara emphasized.
The Head, Department on Computer Science Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha reported that the School has worked with government institutions in Africa and developed tools that measure air quality.
Prof. Bainomugisha explained that the role of the school is not only to help the university improve the university processes but also help government and other stakeholders address their digital needs.
“Practically where the future is pointing, a lot of services are going digital. We request for support for training the human resources to enhance practical teaching at the university”. Prof. Bainomugisha requested.
The Dean School of Computing and Informatics Technology Dr. Joseph Balikuddembe said, although the college has the expertise and ready to support the digitalization process, there is need for management to streamline the mandate of university units.
He clarified that for a harmonious working relation, the boundaries for the College of Computing and Information Sciences and that of the Directorate for ICT Support (DICTS) need to be clear to avoid overstepping and going to loggerheads.
Kampala, Uganda
21st November 2025
Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) has graduated 71 students under Phase 2 of the e-VBAB Project, a collaboration between Amity University in India and Makerere University. The ceremony, held at Block B CoCIS, was presided over by Principal Prof. Tonny Oyana on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
The program, funded by the Government of India, offered 100 percent scholarships to Ugandan students through the Pan-African e-Network Project, which provides tele-education and tele-medicine services across 48 African countries. Uganda signed onto the initiative in 2019, and more than 1,700 Ugandan students have benefited since its inception.
In his remarks, Prof. Oyana praised the efforts of program coordinators and support staff, singling out Madam Claire for her dedication. “Coordinating things remotely from other countries is not easy, but you have been humble enough to ensure that these graduates have seen the light,” he said. He also thanked custodians and security personnel who facilitated exams and weekend access for students.
Prof. Oyana emphasized the importance of completing studies, noting that many students remain pending. “Please encourage your friends because there’s no reason not to finish. You honor us, honor the government of India, the taxpayers, by completing,” he urged. He reminded graduates that their degrees are recognized by Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education and warned against fraudulent claims. “Only hard-earned degrees are recognized. There’s no easy way out,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on the program’s history, Oyana described the graduates as “COVID children” who persevered through the pandemic. He also offered career advice, stressing humility, confidence, and attitude. “Having a good attitude does not cost money. It is free. And it’s good for your heart. Happiness is not sold anywhere,” he said. He encouraged graduates to create opportunities through entrepreneurship and to value professional networks.
The graduation marked the conclusion of the e-VBAB collaboration, with Prof. Oyana reminding students of their unique place in history as the first and only cohort under the Makerere–Amity partnership. “You are the first cohort. Everybody looks upon you wondering, will you make it? History will write down that we are the only cohort,” he said.
Prof. Oyana Urges Graduates to Pursue Gifts, Confidence and Positive Attitudes
Prof. Tonny Oyana urged graduates to embrace humility, confidence, and entrepreneurship as they prepare for life beyond academia, warning that degrees alone are not a guarantee of success.
Oyana reflected on his career in academia. “But I’m still here, surviving and kicking. I have been with academia technically from 1993. I have not changed career. I grew my career through academia,” he said, noting that while psychology suggests people change careers five times, he has remained committed to one path.
He cautioned against unrealistic ambitions, particularly in politics, referencing Uganda’s crowded presidential race. “Not everybody can be president. So exercise your dreams with some caution. Don’t waste your time in an initiative that you know will not break through,” he advised, urging graduates to instead pursue areas aligned with their spiritual gifts and natural talents.
Turning to the job market, Prof. Oyana highlighted the challenges of employment. “In order to get a faculty job, you had to put in 40 applications. Now, I think it has doubled. These days, there’s no courtesy. They don’t even reply to your application,” he said. He encouraged graduates to create their own opportunities through entrepreneurship, stressing that education provides knowledge, skills, and values.
He underscored the importance of attitude, describing it as a free but powerful tool. “Having a good attitude does not cost money. It is free. And it’s good for your heart. Happiness is not sold anywhere. So, you make your attitude positive, things will be positive,” he said. He warned that arrogance and poor manners can sabotage success, urging students to practice humility both in professional and personal life.
Prof. Oyana also emphasized confidence and self-presentation. “You are your own moving advert. Don’t sabotage your own confidence. Be very clear about what you bring to the table,” he said, advising graduates to rehearse their self-introductions and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
Finally, he highlighted the value of professional networks, recalling how his PhD cohort became a lifelong support system. “It became my network for success. Please keep your network. Even if you haven’t gotten much in your life, face it,” he said.
The Principal’s remarks blended personal anecdotes with practical advice, reinforcing the message that success requires humility, preparation, resilience and strong networks beyond academic achievement.
CiPSD Director Nalubega Praises Teamwork, Urges Graduates to Believe in Themselves
The Director of the Center for Innovations and Professional Skills Development (CiPSD), Ms. Barbara Nalubega, praised graduates and staff for their teamwork and resilience .
Addressing the graduates, Nalubega said the success of the program was achieved despite challenges. “I’m very humbled that amidst all the same challenges, we have built rapport, worked as a team, and here we are. This is the day that the Lord has made,” she remarked.
She thanked graduates for their encouragement and support, noting that she had received hundreds of messages of gratitude during the course of the program. She singled out several students, including Damali, Fatuma, Josh, Sam, Paula, Sheila, and Michael, for their commitment, and extended special appreciation to Dan, who, though not part of the graduation, sent her flowers in recognition of her efforts.
Nalubega also acknowledged her colleagues and partners who played key roles in the ceremony’s success. She commended Claire, the e-learning coordinator, Annette, who managed gowns for graduates, and Brenda, the supplier, for their dedication. She revealed that she personally staked two million shillings in the Bank to ensure latecomers were accommodated. “This wouldn’t have been possible without you making payments in the bank on time,” she said.
Nalubega emphasized humility and accountability, apologizing to those who may have been hurt along the way. “Apologizing to you is not an uphill task for me. When I make a mistake, I usually apologize,” she stated.
She concluded by encouraging graduates to believe in themselves and the transformative power of education. “Through education, the son of a farm or mine worker can become the president of a great nation. Yes, believe in yourself,” she said, citing Nelson Mandela’s rise from humble beginnings to the presidency of South Africa as an example.
The Director’s message underscored the importance of teamwork, resilience, humility, and self-belief as graduates embark on their next chapter.
Graduates Laud Resilience, Faith and Global Support
Graduates under the e-VBAB Project and Amity University–Makerere collaboration celebrated perseverance, faith, and international partnerships as they addressed the audience during the) graduation ceremony.
Representing the e-VBAB project graduates, Isoke Gloria, a former student of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), expressed gratitude for the milestone. “It’s not been easy, but we thank God so much for bringing us to this day. May His name be glorified,” she said. Gloria praised the scholarships provided under the project, noting, “We would never have made it here without their support. They’ve made our academic journey so easy and a success.” She also commended Makerere University and coordinator Barbara Nalubega for their encouragement and commitment.
Duncan Nagenda, an Amity University master’s student, highlighted the challenges of online learning, describing it as demanding and often unpredictable. “Online education is not a joke. If you ask me, it should be added on the list of a thousand ways to die,” he said, recalling internet disruptions and strict exam protocols. He acknowledged the support of lecturers in India, parents, and Makerere staff, particularly e-learning coordinator Claire. “To my class of 2025, may your future be filled with purpose, may your opportunities be abundant, and may your journey ahead be guided by excellence and wisdom,” he concluded.
Joshua Mugabo, also from Amity University, emphasized faith and resilience. “Who would not have been here without God? It is His grace that carried us, His strength that sustained us, and His favor that opened doors we once feared were closed,” he said. Mugabo reflected on hardships such as blackouts, poor internet, and family responsibilities, but celebrated the resilience gained. “A degree might put something in our hand, but education puts something in your heart. And today’s world urgently needs what is in our hearts,” he added. He paid tribute to the Government of India, Makerere University, and mentors in Uganda and India, invoking Nelson Mandela’s words: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
The graduates’ remarks underscored the significance of international collaboration, personal perseverance, and the transformative power of education, marking the ceremony not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also of resilience and shared vision for the future.
Find the details about this project and graduates in the booklet attached.
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