Computing & IS
EASLIS & University of Borås Strategize on Improving Student & Staff International Experience
The Dean East African School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) Prof. Constant Obura has called for more staff and student mobility schemes to support Makerere University’s internalization agenda.
Prof. Obura with the school management team was on 25th April 2023 meeting a team of three officials from the Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University of Borås (UoB) led by Veronica Trépagny. Veronica Trépagny is the Strategic Advisor of International Affairs, Faculty of Librarianship, Information, Education & IT, University of Borås who has had engagement with the EASLIS since 2012.
Veronica Trépagny, is also the Project Coordinator, Faculty of Librarianship, Information, Education and IT (including The Swedish School of Library and Information Science). She was accompanied to Makerere University by two other officials John Webber and Sirpa Bark.
EASLIS has been running two projects:- the Linnaeus-Palme titled: Sustainable Internationalisation in Library and Information Science Education financed by the Swedish Council for Higher Education and the Erasmus+International Credit Mobility (ICM) titled: Enhanced, Sustainable and Integrated Internationalisation Financed by the Erasmus+/European Union.
The projects build on previous partnerships with UoB focusing on training PhD students, staff and supervisors exchange. The project partners are in eight countries including; Albania, Brazil, Canada, China, Iran, Rwanda, Uganda and Sweden–the Lead Applicant.
Prof. Obura explained that the cooperation between the School and the University of Borås anchors very well with the Makerere University Internationalization agenda anchored in its 2020-2030 Strategic plan.
Prof. Obura appreciated Makerere University Management for approving the collaboration and authorizing the travel of students and staff.
“The university supports any initiative and programs anchored on the internationalization in terms of staffing, staff and student mobilities, improving curricular and cost-sharing of teaching and learning with international partners.
We are happy and grateful to the University of Borås for accepting to work with us and strengthening our human resources to achieve the objectives of the university”, the Dean said
Prof. Obura expressed the need for staff to tap into resources outside to support the mobility programmes on the grounds that mobility schemes contribute to high-quality graduates and staff who are competitive in the job market.
“This is one of the strategies for making our graduates relevant outside. They are highly exposed, and knowledgeable. They understand different cultures. Staff come back fresh and energized, appreciate the kind of environment, culture and work people do outside and these are the kinds of things and attitudes they bring back home and improve services rendered in the university”, the Dean stressed.
Speaking on the university’s four-tier system, the school arrangement and staffing levels, Prof. Obura proposed the need for the school and the University of Borås to have joint PhD and Masters programs, co-teaching and supervision, collaborative research and scholarly writing and mobilizing resources to build the capacity of staff.
The Dean appealed for more collaborative efforts to support government and university development programmes, especially strengthening the human capacity as anchored in the Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Programme and the university Strategic Plan 2020-2030.
Prof Obura commended the project lead, Veronica Trépagny for her efforts towards improving the human capacity at Makerere University. Prior to the Linnaeus-Palme project in 2012, Veronica visited EASLIS and since then, Makerere and the University of Borås have been having mobilities.
“Under this arrangement, my school and department have been proud and supportive of this cooperation and when you come up with the new openings, I am sure that the head of school will go ahead without any hesitation.
This is a cooperation that has enriched our department very deeply. It has opened up our department to the world and to Uganda in particular”, Veronica said
Veronica recalled that before the 2012 program with EASLIS, they also PhD program through the sida cooperation with the central management where two Librarians Ruth Nalumaga (Library Director Gender) and Jane (Retired) were trained.
Under this cooperation, beneficiaries, spend time in Sweden, doing PhD Sandwich and within the SIDA project that started in 2015, students are admitted from Makerere and are supervised from the Swedish side. In total there are 8 PhD students, one was ready for graduation.
In this collaboration she added, many staff have been able to come from Sweden to Uganda and visited Makerere University.
“Sustainability is important for both the Linnaeus-Palme and ICM projects that means that, even if that phase of ICM ends in June 2023, the philosophy of the cooperation is that we continue working together and that we are integrated” she said.
To integrate and internationalize more, Veronica proposed the need to increase the international experience of students where at least 20% can travel but also 80 % utilize the digital space. Other ideas included joint proposal writing and research articles, joint PhD programs and online seminars.
The projects Coordinator, Makerere University East African School of Library and Information Sciences Richard Batte reported that under Linnaeus Palmer, three Undergraduate students travelled in September 2021 and one staff from the School of Library and Information.
Six undergraduate students were supported under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Scheme (ICM) and Six staff mobilities. Of these, three were from the School of Library & Information Science, two from the School of Education and one from the School of Computing & Informatics Technology. Two Administrative Staff comprising one from the Main Library and One from the School of Library and Information Science also benefited under Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Scheme.
Five mobilities from Sweden to Uganda have been supported (Three to the School of Library and Information Science and two to the School of Education).
“In total, fourteen staff mobilities (Mak to Boras & Boras to Mak) have benefitted and these include twelve Academic Staff and two Administrative Staff. Nine were from Makerere to Boras and five from Boras to Makerere.
We are also happy to report that nine Undergraduate Students benefited and six on graduation got employment “, Batte said.
Experiences and Lessons from the Mobility Scheme Beneficiary
A technology for charging and discharging library resources, a National Bibliography and a National Scheme needed
Sharing his experience following a trip to the University of Borås in Sweden, Aloysius Mwanje Ssenono applauded Veronica Trépagny for the hospitality and great arrangement.
Mwanje shared that he slept like a king in Scandic and that at the time they arrived, the weather was changing to spring and almost like Uganda with sunny conditions during the day with cold nights.
“We had a tour of the Library and I liked the way they do charging and discharging. The Physical contact with the client and the book is minimal as they use a lot of machines and technology. If we did a collaboration, we can see how we can have such a technology in Uganda for demonstration, teaching and learning and research.,” Mwanje said
Mwanje reported that he also engaged colleagues about who is responsible for the national bibliography and the national scheme.
“I learnt that Sweden has a national scheme. Their language has the alphabet and special characters so, they came up with a special scheme used in the country. It would be also good if we had. Maybe we engage the school, the national library of Uganda which has that mandate to come up with the national scheme. We can write a project to have it”, Mwanje added
The National Bibliography and Scheme according to Mwanje is a good initiative for handling specific literature on a language and especially for Uganda which has so many languages.
“The other idea is having an international PhD or a Master’s which is co-taught by Sweden and Uganda bringing students from Sweden and Uganda together”, Mwanje requested.
This, he said, would picture students internationally and mirror Makerere at a different level.
Computing & IS
EASLIS Holds 2-Day Pedagogical Re-Orientation Workshop For LIS/RAM Teaching Professionals
The East Africa School of Library and Information Science (EASLIS) last week (18th – 19th June, 2024) held a two day Library & Information Science (LIS), and Records and Archives Management (RAM) Teaching Professionals Pedagogical Re-Orientation Workshop.
The event held at Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (Mak CoCIS), Block B attracted a number of teaching staff at various ranks from Ugandan universities, and the region at large.
In his opening Remarks, the Principal-CoCIS; Prof. Tony Oyana thanked the leadership of EASLIS for holding such an important workshop aimed at improving teaching and learning. He emphasized the importance of pedagogical orientation for teaching staff noting that good subject matter knowledge and good research does not directly translate into good teaching.
He also highlighted a number of other important aspects that contribute to effective learning, including the need to create conducive learning environments, emotional intelligence through the ability to understand and relate to the learners and called for the need to deal away with challenge of superiority attitudes manifested in the by some African scholars that sometimes impedes free interaction with learners thereby affecting effective teaching.
He noted that everybody has a propensity to learn, but that people learn at different paces hence the need to give attention to every learner. He also emphasized the need for teaching staff to appreciate cultural diversity in learning environments.
The Dean-EASLIS, Dr. Sarah Kaddu giving an overview of workshop noted that the workshop aimed at achieving the following objectives;
- Improved teacher-student support, relations and classroom management
- Better alignment of course goals, instructional strategies, objectives
- Improved lecture planning, content delivery and course evaluation
- Enhanced knowledge and skills in content sourcing and preparation
- Partnership brokerage and networking among LIS/RAM professionals in Uganda and in the region.
The participatory workshop was facilitated by Dr. Josephine Najjemba, Dr. Rebecca Nambi, and Dr. Kajumbula; a team of experienced staff in pedagogy training from Makerere University College of Education and External Studies, School of Education.
The workshop presentations focused on the following areas:
- Education Foundations – Teaching Philosophies
- Education Foundations – Learning Theories
- Pedagogical Models: Teacher Centered vs. Learner Centered Strategies
- Teacher and Learners Roles in the Learner-Centered Pedagogy (LCP)
- Leadership in pedagogical practice
- Assessment: Principles of Assessment, and
- Technology enhanced learning
The workshop concluded with a plenary session, and award of certificates to the participants.
In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare through technology, the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with Makerere University, has inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Health Lab. This pioneering initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery using artificial intelligence (AI), marking a crucial advancement for the nation. The lab is situated in Block B, College of Computing and Information Sciences
Launching the lab on 30th May 2024, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde highlighted the importance of this development. “Today marks a momentous occasion as we unveil the Artificial Intelligence Health Lab at Makerere University. This milestone signifies not just a step forward for the university but for our entire nation as we enter an era of innovation and advancement in healthcare through artificial intelligence,” she remarked.
Dr. Zawedde emphasized the transformative power of AI in healthcare, noting its potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment plans, and personalized care. She acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into healthcare through initiatives like telemedicine platforms, health data analytics, and AI-driven solutions in medical imaging and drug discovery.
However, she stressed the need for ethical and responsible AI deployment, addressing algorithmic biases, patient privacy, and equitable distribution of AI benefits.
“The Ministry of ICT & National Guidance is committed to supporting AI adoption in healthcare through policy guidance, financial support, capacity building, and infrastructure development,” Dr. Zawedde stated. She called for collaboration among government agencies, academia, healthcare providers, and technology partners to advance AI initiatives responsibly.
Government Emphasizes Homegrown Solutions and Digital Priorities
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, highlighted the importance of prioritizing locally developed solutions to better understand and effectively address national challenges. She outlined five key priorities for Uganda’s digital transition, focusing on infrastructure, accessibility, digital services, cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, digital skilling, and innovation.
Regarding infrastructure and connectivity, the government aims to expand coverage to 70% of the country within the next five years, with ongoing projects supported by the World Bank and China. This initiative targets essential institutions like schools, hospitals, administrative offices, and innovation hubs.
Ensuring accessibility of gadgets, particularly smartphones, is another critical focus area. Recognizing the importance of these devices for accessing digital technologies and apps, efforts are underway to lower costs through measures such as tax waivers and local manufacturing.
Additionally, the government is prioritizing the transition of services online to enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business. This move aligns with existing regulations and guidelines for digital transformation, with an emphasis on overcoming implementation challenges related to financial resources, capacity, and awareness creation.
Cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy are also paramount, with plans to develop trusted systems to safeguard digital infrastructure and user information. Furthermore, digital skilling initiatives aim to equip end-users and office management with the necessary skills for effective digital operations.
Finally, the government emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship, celebrating community-driven solutions that are sustainable, acceptable, and impactful. This focus underscores the commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation that addresses the needs of Ugandan society.
Ministry of Health Highlights Urgent Need for AI in Ugandan Healthcare
Dr. Myers Lugemwa from the National Malaria Control Program presented a compelling case for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Uganda’s healthcare system. Addressing the current health challenges and the potential of AI, Dr. Lugemwa underscored the transformative impact these technologies could have on disease diagnosis and management.
“Globally, low-income countries face a higher burden of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Lugemwa noted. “Despite a significant global decline in these diseases, they remain prevalent in countries like Uganda, where communicable diseases account for over 50% of morbidity and mortality.”
Malaria diagnostics primarily rely on tools like mRDTs, blood slide microscopy, and PCR tests, which are either expensive or not widely available. Similar challenges exist for other diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and intestinal parasites, which are diagnosed through methods that may not be accessible at lower-level health centers.
Dr. Lugemwa highlighted the promise of Makerere University’s AI Health-Lab in addressing these diagnostic challenges. “AI tools could revolutionize the accuracy and accessibility of disease diagnosis,” he said. “From improving malaria diagnostics to streamlining cancer screening and diagnosis, AI has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in Uganda.”
Furthermore, Dr. Lugemwa discussed the role of AI in predicting disease patterns affected by climate change, such as malaria, and the importance of electronic health records (EHRs) in improving patient management and healthcare delivery.
“In summary, AI Health-Lab is poised to be a game-changer for Uganda’s healthcare system,” Dr. Lugemwa emphasized. “It aligns with Makerere University’s mission to ‘Build For the Future’ and addresses the Alma-Ata Declaration’s call for local tools that are readily available, accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. The integration of AI in healthcare is not just a technological advancement but a critical necessity for improving health outcomes in Uganda.” Lugema stressed
Makerere University’s Role
Representing Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Director of the Directorate of Graduate Research and Training, expressed pride in the university’s achievements. He underscored Makerere’s proactive steps in promoting AI, including establishing dedicated AI labs, integrating AI courses into the curriculum, and fostering partnerships.
“The establishment of the AI Health Lab is the culmination of a vision that aligns with Makerere University’s mission to be a thought leader in research, innovation, and academic excellence,” Prof. Bbaale stated. He highlighted the lab’s role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with potential applications ranging from predictive models for disease outbreaks to personalized treatment plans.
Prof. Bbaale also lauded groundbreaking projects spearheaded by Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences. These include the AirQo project, which deploys low-cost air monitoring systems, and AI-based tools for agricultural disease tracking and medical diagnostics. Notably, the AI Lab, under Dr. Rose Nakasi’s leadership, secured a $1.5 million grant from Google for the Ocular project, automating diagnoses for Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Cervical Cancer.
To the students and researchers, Prof. Bbaale urged them to seize the opportunities presented by the AI Health Lab. “This lab is not just a facility; it is a beacon of possibilities. Engage deeply with the work, collaborate across disciplines, and be bold in your pursuit of solutions that can change the world,” he encouraged.
He also outlined the university’s commitment to moving the entire research value chain from conceptualization to commercialization, ensuring that research translates into products and services that benefit communities.
The launch of the AI Health Lab at Makerere University signifies a significant leap forward in Uganda’s healthcare sector. With continued support and collaboration, this initiative promises to harness the power of AI to improve health outcomes, making a tangible difference in the lives of many. As Dr. Zawedde concluded, “Let us embark on this journey with optimism and determination, knowing that our efforts today will shape the future of healthcare for generations to come.”Bbaale added
Makerere University’s AI Lab Announces Ambitious Plans for Healthcare Innovation
Makerere University’s AI Lab is embarking on an ambitious journey to revolutionize healthcare through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Dr. Rose Nakasi, the project leader, unveiled the lab’s comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing critical health challenges and improving patient outcomes through innovative AI solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration.
In her presentation, Dr. Nakasi emphasized the lab’s vision of “Transforming Healthcare Through Innovative AI Solutions” and its mission “To drive innovation in artificial intelligence research to effectively address and overcome pressing health challenges.” The lab’s approach focuses on developing practical AI applications, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepening the understanding of AI’s transformative potential through rigorous research and evaluation.
Among the key projects highlighted by Dr. Nakasi is the Ocular Project, a decision support tool designed to reduce diagnosis time and improve accuracy. Supported by a recent $1.5 million grant from Google, this project aims to automate diagnoses for diseases such as Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Cervical Cancer. Additionally, the DS Malaria project focuses on in-field automated screening trials to enhance malaria diagnosis, while initiatives like curating datasets for malaria diagnostics and digital Pap smear images aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of disease screening.
Looking ahead, Dr. Nakasi outlined the lab’s vision for continued innovation and growth, including addressing challenges in the health sector and collaborating with regulators to refine and develop new approaches for healthcare needs. She highlighted the lab’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI and healthcare experts, with a growing team of PhD and master’s students.
“With more innovation and focus, we aim to address the most pressing healthcare challenges and make a lasting impact on our communities,” Dr. Nakasi stated. Makerere University’s AI Lab, under her leadership, is poised to lead the way in integrating AI into healthcare, reflecting a strong commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society.
The opening ceremony was marked by a congratulatory address from the Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences Prof. Tonny Oyana, who lauded Dr. Rose Nakasi and her team for their exemplary research stewardship.
Oyana said the inauguration of this facility marks a significant step forward in the college’s commitment to advancing research and development in artificial intelligence, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological innovation
“Congratulations to Dr. Rose Nakasi and her team for their excellent research stewardship,” Prof. Oyana stated. He emphasized the lab’s potential to serve as a dynamic environment for academic growth and experimentation. “Use the new lab to learn, test, grow, and nurture academic talent,” he urged the attendees.
Prof. Oyana also highlighted the lab’s role in promoting interdisciplinary activities. “Use the lab to carry out synergistic activities that promote AI in health,” he said, stressing the importance of integrating artificial intelligence with healthcare advancements.
The facility is expected to become a cornerstone for building sustainable academic and professional relationships. “Use the lab to grow enduring pipelines and long-lasting academic activities and friendships among students and scientists,” Prof. Oyana added.
The new AI research lab, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, aims to provide greater hope and opportunities for students and scientists. “Today, we open a new facility that will provide greater hope and opportunities for our students and scientists,” Prof. Oyana concluded.
Sunbird AI Highlights Potential and Pitfalls of AI for Social Good
Prof. John Quinn from Sunbird AI delivered insightful remarks on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for social good, emphasizing both its potential benefits and the challenges that need to be addressed.
Prof. Quinn outlined several key areas where AI can have a substantial impact. He noted that AI can compensate for the scarcity of experts by providing critical support in fields such as healthcare and education. AI can also enhance data collection and analysis, aiding in better decision-making and resource allocation. Additionally, AI can be used to create detailed maps, aiding urban planning and noise pollution monitoring.
However, Prof. Quinn also highlighted various challenges and unintended consequences associated with AI deployment. He discussed the unexpected difficulties in implementing AI solutions, including technical and human factors.
Technical challenges include limitations of power, network, and devices, which may hinder the deployment of advanced AI technologies in many regions. Furthermore, comprehensive end-to-end solutions might be required, which can be complex and resource-intensive. The lifespan of AI projects can often outlast the typical lifespan of startups or academic projects, posing sustainability challenges. Ensuring long-term functionality and support for AI systems is crucial.
Human factors also play a significant role in the challenges faced by AI deployment. Identifying the right problem from a distance can be challenging, necessitating local insights and collaboration. Successful AI projects often require significant organizational effort beyond the technical work. Building and maintaining trust among various stakeholders is essential for effective collaboration.
Prof. Quinn also addressed the unintended consequences of AI implementation. He pointed out that AI systems can perpetuate or even exacerbate existing biases if not carefully designed and monitored. Without equitable access to AI technologies, existing inequalities can be deepened. Relying on new technologies can create vulnerabilities if the infrastructure is not robust. An excessive focus on prototyping, referred to as “pilotitis,” can consume resources without leading to scalable solutions. The introduction of AI technologies often brings new ethical dilemmas that need to be addressed. Additionally, issues with the quality and representativeness of training data can lead to inaccurate or biased AI models.
Prof. Quinn’s remarks underscored the dual-edged nature of AI in social applications. While AI has the potential to address significant challenges and improve lives, it also brings technical, organizational, and ethical challenges that must be navigated carefully. As AI continues to evolve, stakeholders must work collaboratively to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
Testimonials Highlight the Impact of AI in Healthcare Diagnostics
Alfred Andama, reflecting on the journey from 2014 to 2024, shared compelling testimonies from Mulago Hospital, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), and other lower health facilities regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare diagnostics.
He said Initial Target Diseases primarily centered on malaria, tuberculosis, and intestinal parasites. During data collection at various labs, Andama and his team encountered enthusiastic groups of lab practitioners eager to embrace AI for improving diagnosis.
At health centers up to level III, where young lab technicians and technologists were predominant, the prospect of using mobile applications for diagnosis elicited genuine excitement.
Andama confirmed the feasibility of utilizing smartphones at the lowest levels for diagnosis, addressing a crucial question raised by stakeholders.
“Clinicians expressed interest in the reliability and accuracy of AI-driven diagnosis tools. They sought clarity on decision-making processes compared to human judgments.
Health administrators were concerned about personnel shortages and how AI could alleviate the burden. The adoption of AI microscopy could potentially reduce the time spent on malaria smear microscopy by 25%.” Said Andama
Policy-makers according to Andama focused on affordability and feasibility, particularly for rural areas. The adaptability of AI tools to existing smartphone and microscope infrastructure was seen as a promising solution.
The discussion he said, expanded to the potential deployment of AI in sickle cell diagnosis, blood cancers, urinary tract infections, and respiratory disease smears, indicating broader applications beyond the initial scope.
He reported that Mulago hospital under the College of Health Sciences is already utilizing AI in various capacities, such as analyzing cough samples to differentiate between tuberculosis patients and those with normal cough.
Andama’s testimonies underscore the growing acceptance and implementation of AI in healthcare diagnostics, promising improved efficiency and accuracy in disease detection and treatment.
The inauguration was highlighted by panel discussions and plenary sessions on “Leveraging AI for a Healthier Future: Practical Solutions for Africa.” Notable speakers included Prof. Micheal Kawooya, Director of ECUREI; Assoc. Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University; Mr. Sumba Solomon from the Ocular Project; Ms. Sylivia Nabukenya from the Infectious Disease Institute at Makerere University, Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende of the AI Research Lab; and Lwasa Baker from Rocket Health.
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