Computing & IS
DGRT & CoCIS Discuss Modalities to Enhance Graduate Enrolment & Output
A team from the Directorate of Graduate Research and Training (DGRT) led by the Director, Prof. Edward Bbaale on 4th May 2023 visited the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) to collect views that will enable the Directorate to undertake comprehensive policy reviews relating to graduate research and training as the university moves towards being research-led.
The Directorate also wanted to pick lessons from CoCIS management on the best practices and points of success as well as the pressing policies that are a roadblock to graduate research and training at Makerere University.
The DGRT and CoCIS meeting was attended by the Principal Prof. Tonny Oyana and his Ag. Deputy, Dr. Peter Nabende, Deans, Heads of Departments, graduate programme coordinators, and academic and administrative staff handling graduate programmes.
The discussion focused on strategies for increasing graduate enrolment and graduation output at the college, a sustainability plan for managing graduate education and research and ensuring that the process of programme accreditation is expedited by concerned stakeholders.
Other issues discussed were the need to have a structure for the PhD by research, funding for graduate studies as a major bottleneck for graduate completion, incentivizing graduate supervision and examination, teaching workload vis a vis research and other mandates. Also discussed was the need to streamline communication, management and monitoring of graduate training and research in the university and attract post-doctoral students to tap into their intellectual property and research output.
Calling upon staff to reorient their minds and energies towards the university’s strategic direction, the Director DGRT Prof. Edward Bbaale said the main aim is to entrench graduate training at Makerere University by gradually reducing undergraduate enrolment and increasing doctoral and postgraduate intake and programmes.
“The target is that by 2030 we should have 30% of our students being graduate students, but currently we are around 12%. So, we are still less than half of the target in our strategic plan, but also out of the 30%, we envisage having, 10% must be foreign students which should be internationalized as much as possible. Currently, our share of international students is only 2%.”, Prof. Bbaale said.
In addition to the prioritization of graduate training, the Director said, the university has identified other key building blocks of the research-led agenda including the packaging and marketing of research into marketable products for appropriate adoption and adaptation in order to impact the community.
Prof. Bbaale implored staff to form research groups and grow a multidisciplinary culture of research saying, there is a university policy before the Senate on the establishment of an institute and a centre of excellence which also defines a research group.
Bbaale highlighted that some of the key mandates of the DGRT entail initiating and reviewing policy to provide a conducive environment for graduate training and research, disseminating policies and ensuring that they are adhered to.
He reported that the Directorate had embarked on reviewing a number of policies to provide a conducive environment for graduate training and innovative research. These include the Graduate Handbook, the Postdoc policy, the university research agenda 2018 and the curriculum for the PhD by research.
“Counterparts in South Africa are challenging us with this aspect of post-doc policy. They enjoy a great harvest of quality research because of the post-doc aspect. And so even as Makerere, we need to have a serious post-doc arrangement.”
“And the other very important aspect is that we want to make sure that we have every PhD whether taught or by research must have a career program document so that we can follow through the student’s milestones and the other issues that we are concerned with”, The Director explained.
Giving the background to the college engagements with DGRT, the Deputy Director in charge of Administration and Graduate Training Assoc. Prof. Julius Kikooma said the consultations stem from the retreat that the Vice Chancellor organized some two months ago where he invited all heads of units as well as senior academics, and discussed this question of centering graduate training in the view of the new strategic direction of Makerere University.
Sharing trends on intake, enrollment and graduation statistics for the last five years in CoCIS, Prof. Kikooma expressed the Directorate’s commitment to addressing challenges to graduate training.
“We want to have that open discussion where we can speak around the issues that could be part of the roadblocks or if we use today’s speaking, If we see them as potholes, we really want to see what are those potholes in the graduate student’s journey at Makerere University.
We want to see how best we can work together so that we can try to improve the graduate student experience and create a new resolve around increasing the outputs from graduate students.” Kikooma explained.
Sharing the accreditation status and the programs in the college, Prof. Kikooma said it was important that the programs are approved for the benefit of students and the university.
“ When your students go through these programs they don’t have issues. Where programs are being recognized, students are able to be admitted on other programs elsewhere, and, they might actually want to know whether the programs they studied are actually credited.”
Kikooma also shared CoCIS statistics in terms of enrolment and graduate graduation outputs noting that the college has a good number of structured graduate programs despite the size and number of students.
“When we look at you as courses in terms of your size compared to the rest of the other colleges and, when it comes to graduate programs, you really have a good number compared to other bigger colleges. So that’s already a plus in terms of where the university wants to go because the university wants to become more known for graduate training and the outputs of graduate training.
“You have seven master’s programs, four postgraduate diploma programs, and five PhD programs. And also we must commend you. I think you are one of the few colleges that have PhD programs that are structured and organized around coursework and dissertation, which is a good thing already. It’s a good starting point for us”, Kikooma commended.
Prof. Kikooma however, decried the long time taken to clear the accreditation of some new and old programs pledging to work with the college, the Academic Registrars department, the Senate and the National Council for Higher Education to expedite the process.
Kikooma also noted that some programmes were missing on the DGRT website while others recorded high admission numbers but, with the graduation curve going down partly attributed to CoVID.
Now that COVID is somehow under control, Kikooma advised college management to come up with mechanisms to reverse the curve of the graduation output upwards.
The Principal CoCIS Prof. Tonny Oyana said the college can do better on the grounds that has a good research infrastructure with a grants officer, graduate coordinators at the college level and a school supporting graduate activities.
“We also have also set aside the seed money where students apply and we have supported a number over the last four years and in March recently, 10 PhD students we are supported with the Mak-RIF as another Avenue”, Prof. Oyana said.
Presenting the college strategy to improve graduate training, the Principal attributed the low graduate completion rates to a lack of funding for self-funded students as they have to meet both academic fees and other social-economic obligations. Oyana stressed it was critical for the university and stakeholders in the education chain to support graduate students through tuition.
Highlighting the growth strategy from the 1980’s with only two PhDs, Oyana said the college currently has over 50 staff with PhDs with various programs attesting to the fact that research facilitation is good.
Prof. Oyana expressed pride that the college focus has been on research and innovation that has churned out graduates who have established startups concentrated around Kampala suburbs doing a good job in terms of helping grow the economy.
“We do a lot of data analytics, we support businesses, knowledge, insights…. and we have been successful to win grants because we work as a team with other colleges like the College of Health Sciences.
We have some flagship programs like Library, Computer sciences, Information science and software engineering. The top 10% of our students enrolled in these programs get AAA’s, and we get the cream of the nation in the college and that is why we have charming Innovations that have come up in the college”, Prof. Oyana stated.
The Principal also highlighted areas of research priority including Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Software systems, network systems, cyber security, informatics technology, Library science, records and information-seeking behaviour in agriculture and finance with the AirQo environmental sensing as a big activity.
In research, Prof. Oyana reported that the college has supported faculty and student research activities to a tune of Shs. 250 million. In contrast, in a pace of four years, the number of publications increased to 78.
With a student population of 4000, Prof. Oyana said in future, the teaching and research have to be more personalized via video with the introduction of Robotics technology in the college to be blended with traditional techniques of classroom learning.
With support from the government, university and donors, the Principal pledged to build a world-class college with automation by leveraging the expertise and research in air quality and artificial intelligence among others.
He said the college has been blessed with foreign partners who have provided generously in terms of money. He said, Google, so far in the college’s history, has been the largest donor and has so far earned the college about four million U.S. dollars.
Carol Kasujja Adii and Ritah Namisango
The excitement was palpable as hundreds of graduands and parents flocked Makerere University Freedom Square for the first session of the colourful graduation ceremony on Monday 13th January 2025.
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga will confer degrees and present diplomas to a total of 13,658 graduands during the 75th graduation ceremony of Makerere University that runs until Friday 17th January 2025.
On each day, after the Chancellor has dissolved the congregation, the best researchers, best teachers and excelling students in the company of their parents or guardians proceed to Makerere University Convocation gardens for a luncheon.
The Makerere University Convocation Graduation luncheon brings on board invited staff and alumni as well as keynote speakers from the government, private and business sector to witness the presentation of the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards to the best University researchers and students.
Some of the dignitaries present for the first luncheon included: The Chancellor-Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara, the commencement Speaker-Vice of the University of South Africa, Prof. LenkaBula Puleng, Secretary of the Education Service Commission-Dr. Asuman Lukwago, among others.
Welcoming the dignitaries, the Chairperson of the Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba congratulated the best students accompanied by their parents upon this academic milestone, and encouraged them to join the Convocation (the Alumni and Staff association) in order to tap into mentorship opportunities as well as professional networks.
The day one of the 75th Graduation Ceremony featured graduates from the College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, and the School of Law. The best 30 students per College are invited to the University Convocation with their parents to celebrate their academic success, and to listen to inspirational speeches from personalities who are acknowledged for utilizing their knowledge, skills, professions or talent to cause a positive difference in the lives of other people.
In his earlier address to the congregation in the Freedom Square, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, stated that the meritorious award presented to researchers was in recognition of their prolific publication record and outstanding contribution to Makerere University’s scholarly excellence.
This being his maiden graduation ceremony as Chancellor of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University upon his appointment and installation by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated the readiness of the University Council and Management to implement the good ideas and strategies aimed at scaling Makerere University to greater heights.
Making reference to the commencement speech delivered by Prof. LenkBula Puleng, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the need for graduates to always remember the speaker’s focus on what should be done to emancipate Africa from poverty.
Prof. Nawangwe thus called upon all the researchers who were recognized to use the awards as an inspiration to carry out more research that addresses the needs of the African continent.
During the event, the Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, noted that Africa is still trapped in poverty and lags behind because the continent is not integrated.
According to Dr. Kiyonga, although Africa lags behind, African Universities have to collaborate to address continent-wide challenges, enhance research capacity, foster knowledge sharing, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the development of Africa by tackling issues such as poverty.
Chancellor Kiyonga rallied universities in Africa to intensify collaborations in order to spur research and development.
“Makerere University researchers need to know what is happening in the University of South Africa, check out how they teach and exchange staff and students. If we get together as Universities, we will move fast,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor equally called upon the graduates to be innovative and find solutions to address societal challenges. He reminded the graduates that people would judge them by asking what they did during their time.
“Our children are going abroad for work; this is a curse. If most of them leave, who will develop the Nation? Let us come together because the future of Africa is embedded in integration,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga said.
To ensure that the message on integration of Africa remains on the agenda, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga informed the University leadership, staff, alumni and invited guests, that when provided with platforms to speak, he will always advocate for the integration of Africa.
“As the Makerere University Convocation brings us together, we must uphold the slogan, ‘We build for the future’ not just for Makerere’s future, or Uganda’s future, but for Africa’s future,” Dr. Kiyonga said.
Inspired by the good initiatives of the Makerere University Convocation headed by Mr. George Turyamureeba, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga-a 1978 graduate of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Makerere University pledged to pay all his convocation dues.
Presenting the keynote speech, Dr. Asuman Lukwago-Secretary of the Education Service Commission congratulated all the graduates on their academic achievements. Dr. Lukwago called upon all fresh graduates to live responsibly so as to achieve their full potential.
Sharing his personal experience on taking on unpaid employment after completing his studies at the Medical school, Dr. Lukwago urged the graduates who have accumulated knowledge, not to remain idle as they wait for employment.
“Many of you are focusing on looking for payment and it is true you need to be paid, but suppose you get a non-paid employment? My first assignment was on a volunteer basis, but my Professor encouraged me to take it on. He said: ‘Among the people whom you will be teaching will be sons and daughters of Ministers. If you teach them well, they will recommend you’ and that is how my name went into boardrooms,” Dr Lukwago narrated.
He encouraged the graduates to focus on their future noting that life feels long and hard when someone is suffering but is short and enjoyable when one achieves his or her target.
“You have been good students at the University level, but you have to be good citizens who can contribute to the growth of our Country’s economy. Analyze and unpack the four-acre model, a modern type of farming,” Dr Lukwago guided.
The Four-Acre Model advocates for diversified farming, where farmers allocate one acre to coffee, another to fruits, the third to pasture for dairy, and the fourth to food crops.
Why the convocation is important:
The Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba explained that the association brings on board alumni and staff of Makerere University.
The mission of the convocation is to mobilise members and well-wishers to support the welfare and progress of Makerere University and to participate in the enhancement and improvement of intellectual and material wellbeing of the university community.
Mr. Turyamureeba pointed out that for one to qualify as a Member of Makerere University convocation, he or she pays an annual subscription of UGX 50,000/=. A member of the Makerere University Convocation benefits in form of: Career Development and Job opportunities, Alumni networking and social capital, Career guidance and mentorship programs, Financial support and scholarships.
Makerere University has been directed to integrate the teaching of political economy across all courses to enhance students’ understanding of the country’s socioeconomic conditions. The directive, welcomed by the university’s top management, will be incorporated into the curriculum to align education with the needs of the people and the nation.
The government has also pledged to bolster Makerere’s research funding and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution.
The call was made by Makerere University’s new Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during the first session of the 75th graduation ceremony held on January 13, 2025, at the university’s Freedom Square. Dr. Kiyonga also urged the government and the university to establish an agro-industrial park on its land.
“This park would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,” Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor emphasized the urgency of addressing Uganda’s food insecurity, highlighting that 40% of children in the Rwenzori region are stunted, with malnutrition affecting all regions of the country.
“Uganda must develop a robust food security system to ensure we do not starve amidst abundance,” he said.
Dr. Kiyonga also pointed out Africa’s underperformance despite its vast resources, describing it as a contradiction. “It is our responsibility to change the conditions of our people and ensure Africa rises to its potential,” he urged.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Other dignitaries included members of Parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and academics.
Education Minister Praises Makerere for Excellence
Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu lauded Makerere University for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
“Today reflects the resilience, hard work, and commitment of our graduates, supported by the university staff, management, and parents,” she said.
The Minister commended the Vice Chancellor and management for fostering research and innovation while urging them to maintain robust quality control systems to uphold the institution’s integrity.
She also reflected on Makerere’s recent milestones, including the commissioning of a new School of Law building and the launch of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
“Your achievements stem from hard work, transparency, and accountability. They set Makerere apart as a leader in higher education,” she noted.
Addressing the graduates, Hon. Kaducu encouraged them to apply their skills to solve societal challenges.
“Makerere has equipped you with critical thinking and creativity. Use this to seize opportunities, make a difference, and shine wherever you go,” she concluded.
Vice Chancellor Highlights Makerere’s Impact
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the 13,658 graduates, including 143 PhD recipients and 53% female graduates. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ journeys.
The College of Computing and Information Sciences presented a total of 681 Graduands. Of theses12 were Doctoral candidates (7 Females and 5 males), 73 Masters candidates( 26 Female and 47 Male) and 596 Bachelors (251 Females and 345 Males)
Prof. Nawangwe praised the achievements of Makerere’s colleges, including the College of the College of Computing and Information Sciences. The College celebrated notable achievements, including three students who received the Africa 2024 Marketplace Simulation Award during the AFRICA2024 Conference in Egypt.
The college also secured a $1.5 million grant from Google for the Ocular project, which leverages artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. The AI Health Lab, led by Dr. Rose Nakasi, continues to produce innovative diagnostic tools, including a phone-to-microscope adaptor, supported by partners like Google and the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, the AirQo Project launched the CLEAN-Air Africa Network, focusing on air quality management using low-cost sensors.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere’s transformation into a research-led institution supported by the government’s Research and Innovation Fund. “We are addressing national priorities, such as improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga on his appointment as Chancellor and urged graduates to leverage their education to create solutions for societal challenges.
“Let your Makerere education be a beacon of hope for the world,” he concluded.
Prof. LenkaBula’s Call for Resilience and Redefining African Women’s Mission
In a keynote address by Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) titled “The Power of Resilience – African Woman, Find Your Generational Mission and Redefine Your Worth”, Prof. LenkaBula highlighted the critical role of African women in shaping the continent’s destiny.
Prof. LenkaBula expressed gratitude for being invited to such a significant occasion and extended greetings from South Africa, including from UNISA’s Chancellor, former South African President Dr. Thabo Mbeki. She praised Makerere University for its legacy of academic excellence and contributions to the African continent, emphasizing its role in anti-colonial struggles, post-colonial development, and its steadfast commitment to African unity.
“Makerere University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, a vital part of Africa’s intellectual and developmental heritage,” she remarked, reflecting on the institution’s shared history with UNISA and other centers of higher learning in Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the many prominent figures associated with Makerere, including freedom fighters and leading intellectuals. She also paid tribute to African women who have played pivotal roles throughout history, including Queen Amina of Zazzau, Njinga of Angola, Empress Tayetu Betul of Ethiopia, and modern figures such as Wangari Maathai and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“These women embodied resilience and vision, redefining leadership in ways that transformed societies,” Prof. LenkaBula said. “It is now up to you, graduates, especially women, to take up the mantle, redefine your worth, and reclaim your generational mission.”
Drawing on the wisdom of influential thinkers like Frantz Fanon and Chinua Achebe, she urged graduates to embrace their responsibility as leaders and problem-solvers in Africa’s quest for prosperity. Prof. LenkaBula warned against complacency, emphasizing that each generation must confront its unique challenges and opportunities to secure a brighter future for the continent.
She also called for a renewed focus on gender equity in academia and leadership, noting the disproportionate burdens faced by women in society. Citing the achievements of Makerere University in gender mainstreaming, she expressed optimism about the role of young leaders in dismantling patriarchal systems and fostering inclusive development.
“As you step into the world, remain grounded in your communities while adopting a global outlook. Africa’s intellectual and social resilience has always been its greatest asset,” Prof. LenkaBula urged.
Prof. LenkaBula concluded her address to Graduands with a powerful call to action: “Your graduation is not merely a personal achievement but a contribution to Africa’s collective progress. History has thrust upon you the task of creating a future defined by resilience, innovation, and equality.”
Graduation Statistics of the 75th graduation ceremony
During the course of the 75th graduation ceremony, a total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 143 graduands will graduate with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53 % of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees. The best graduand from the sciences, graduating with a CGPA of 4.91 and a Bachelor of Science is Mr. Mubiru Enock Joel. The best graduand from the humanities, graduating with a Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management, with a CGPA of 4.07 is Mr. Bagoole Abdul Latif Umar. 16% of the graduands are graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
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