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.
Computing & IS
Makerere University and SoonPay Sign Landmark MoU to Champion Blockchain Innovation and Financial Inclusion Across Africa
On Saturday 6th December 2025, Makerere University entered into a ground-breaking partnership with the U.S.-based fintech company SoonPay, marking a major breakthrough in Uganda’s push to integrate emerging technologies into research, innovations, higher education and national development.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Mr. Frantz Morency, Chief Executive Officer of SoonPay L.L.C, during the Makerere University Financial Innovation Day, a high-energy event that brought together over 800 students, faculty, industry partners, and technology leaders.
The MoU institutionalizes the collaboration of Makerere University through the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre and SoonPay LLC. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde-Manager of Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre and Ms. Vuyani Jones-Blockchain Infrastructure Manager.
Organized by the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC) in partnership with SoonPay, the event ran under the theme “Innovation and Financial Inclusion for a Secure Future.” It featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will usher in a new era of blockchain training, research, and innovation at Uganda’s premier university.
The event was supported by several partners, including the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Uganda Blockchain Association, the National Planning Authority (NPA), Prudential Uganda, and other technology and financial sector stakeholders.
A Strategic Partnership to Transform Africa’s Digital Landscape
The newly signed MoU between Makerere University and SoonPay is expected to unlock a broad set of opportunities for students and academic staff. These include blockchain education and certification, joint research projects, internships and apprenticeships, the development of new financial inclusion tools, and the integration of emerging technologies into existing academic programs.
SoonPay’s entry into Uganda is part of a larger vision to expand blockchain-driven solutions across Africa—a continent its executives say has historically been excluded from global technological revolutions.
Impressed by the overwhelming numbers of students who filled the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium to the brim, the Vice Chancellor, said: “Dear students, by choosing to stay on campus, on a Saturday, and after completing your examinations, you have demonstrated your willingness to learn and embrace the blockchain technology as well as emerging technologies in general.”
Stating that blockchain technology is the future for Africa, the Vice Chancellor challenged the students to take charge of Africa’s digital transformation.
“You are the people to emancipate Africa from marginalization,” he declared. “What will liberate our continent is not politics—we have done too much of that. It is education, research, innovation, and technology.”
Prof. Nawangwe delivered a sweeping historical reflection, tracing Africa’s technological setbacks to the destruction of its civilization over several centuries.
“For 400 years, Africans were taken away as slaves. For another 200 years before that, our lands, knowledge systems, and technologies were disrupted,” he said. “This represents around 600 years of destruction and marginalization of African civilization.”
He urged students not to miss the opportunity that modern technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence present.
“We are lucky to be living in an era where Africa is free,” the Vice Chancellor said. “My hope is that we do not wait another 600 years to take advantage of this freedom. The most important resource we have is not minerals; it is human resources—you, the youth.”
Prof. Nawangwe reminded students that Makerere’s reputation as the “intellectual capital of Africa” places immense responsibility on their shoulders.
“You are among the very few Ugandans privileged to study at Makerere University. University graduates are not supposed to wait for jobs—you are the ones expected to create them,” he said.
Why Blockchain? Transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain technology, especially in improving financial systems—a sector he described as the backbone of any modern economy.
“Without efficient financial systems, nothing else works,” he said. “Blockchain offers transparency, reduces fraud, and minimizes corruption. If applied properly, it could transform how we manage finances, education, and even our natural resources, including the oil that Uganda is about to exploit.”
He added that Makerere’s students are already demonstrating global competitiveness in innovation, winning international competitions and creating products across multiple disciplines.
“The brains are here,” he said. “What we need is exposure to opportunities and technologies that will help you turn your ideas into impactful solutions.”
In a passionate keynote address, SoonPay CEO, Mr. Frantz Morency underscored why his company chose Uganda as its launchpad for blockchain adoption in Africa.
“As the Professor said, we have been excluded for more than 400 years,” he stated. “Even though we’re an American company, we know our roots. Look around the SoonPay team—you will see yourselves. We chose Uganda intentionally.”
Mr. Morency pointed to Africa’s dismal participation in the global blockchain economy. “In the U.S., blockchain generates $2.6 billion—61.7 percent of the world’s share. The rest of the world generates $1.6 billion. And Africa, just $14 million, or 0.33 percent,” he said. “That is unacceptable.”
He attributed the gap not to a lack of interest among young Africans, but to a lack of opportunity. “You want to learn—what you lacked was opportunity,” he said. “With the support of Professor Nawangwe, Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, and Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, SoonPay wants to bridge that gap in education, technology, and economic opportunity.”
Mr. Morency also shared his personal journey, connecting his Haitian background to the aspirations of African youth.
“Many of you may see me as ‘the guy in the green suit,’ but I come from a small island—Haiti,” he said. “My mother never finished first grade; my father never finished second grade. What they gave me was integrity, work ethic, and the determination to seize opportunities when they came.”
He urged students not to seek opportunities abroad out of desperation, but to build meaningful careers in Africa. “Africa does not need to lose its talent. Why can’t you build here? Why can’t businesses, innovation, and prosperity thrive here?” he said. “Educate yourselves. Build. Create. Grow.”
A milestone for Makerere and Africa
Dr. Cathy Ikiror Mbidde, Head of the Makerere University Technology and Innovation Centre (MUTIC), described the event as a “major milestone” in the institution’s evolution.
“We are here to witness one of the key emerging technologies and to reflect on how universities can embrace such milestones,” she said. “Everyone has a role to play in transforming our lives through research, ideas, and projects.”
She thanked SoonPay for choosing Makerere University, noting that students had been “instrumental” in pushing for blockchain education.
“You have been constantly asking questions, pushing us, and showing deep curiosity about blockchain. Today, we finally have answers,” she told the students.
Beyond the speeches, the event showcased SoonPay’s blockchain infrastructure, student-led innovations, and a roadmap for integrating digital finance tools into university programs. Partners such as NSSF emphasized the importance of preparing young people for a digital future.
With the MoU now in force, Makerere University is positioning itself as a regional hub for blockchain education, research, and innovation. The partnership with SoonPay aims not only to train students but to shape Uganda’s—and Africa’s—next generation of tech leaders.
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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