Computing & IS
Mak IP Office Visits CoCIS; Rallies Researchers to Register & Commercialise Innovations
Makerere University Intellectual Property (IP) Management Office has urged researchers to register their IP and commercialise their innovations.
The Office Manager Canon Goddy Muhumuza and Administrator Peter Eneru were on Friday 20th October, 2023 meeting staff and researchers in the College of Computing and Information Sciences. The blended meeting held physically and online attracted over 20 researchers and was moderated by the Deputy Principal, Dr. Peter Nabende.
Muhumuza explained that protection and exploitation of research, research outputs and innovations are increasingly becoming important activities for universities all over the world.
Makerere University according to Muhumuza established the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) on 15th July 2020 to identify and protect intellectual property within Makerere University.
“Intellectual Property protection is critical to fostering innovation. Without the protection of ideas, researchers and individuals would not reap the full benefits of their inventions and would focus less on research and development. Inventors, designers, developers, students, staff and authors can protect the ideas.” The manager explained
Currently, the Makerere University Intellectual Property Management Office is visiting colleges with the aim of sensitizing and guiding researchers, staff and students on Intellectual Property including the identification of the IP, the registration and protection of the IP and how to benefit from IP in future.
“I am here for sensitisation on IP management and registration. Many researchers come up with many innovations which when not registered become useless. Books and innovations gone on shelves are gathering dust yet, if they are registered by Makerere University, researchers would benefit from them because Makerere University has an intensive policy of commercialising those projects”, Mr. Muhumuza said.
Benefits of IP and Ownership at Makerere University
Intellectual Property (IP) according to Canon Goddy Muhumuza, refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works; designs and symbols, names and images used in commerce. Intellectual Property rights grant the owner of the work exclusive rights to exploit and benefit from his or her work.
The manager explained that IP provides an incentive to the innovators to be able to benefit from the result of their endeavour. The legal protection of innovations encourages the commitment of additional resources for further innovation. In addition, the promotion and protection of IP spurs economic growth, creates jobs and enhances the quality and enjoyment of life.
Muhumuza highlighted that under the Intellectual Property Rights, the inventor can get copyright, patents, designs and, trademarks and trade secrets protection to shield an invention or creation from being duplicated or copied by another individual or business.
The manager highlighted that the creator or originator of the idea, work, or novel invention is presumed to own the IP to their creation. However, if the work was created as part of a work-made-for-hire agreement, or in an employer-employee agreement, a student, the IP belongs to the university.
Once an asset is registered, Muhumuza said, all parties agree on which pathway and benefits to be shared.
“According to the Intellectual Property Management Policy, innovators are getting 80% which is almost all and the university gets 20%, of this, 10% goes back to the innovators department, 5% to management and 5% goes to graduate school. So the university is encouraging as many innovations as possible”, Muhumuza stressed.
Process simplified, Mak Innovation Hub to support commercialisation
The manager said, what the researcher, student or any other individual needs is to declare the IP at the Intellectual Property Management office, and wait for the certificate to be delivered.
“The process is that once you get your IP, you come to the Intellectual Property Management Office, in Yusuf Lule building room 3.2 and you bring your innovation both physical and in writing. And you leave it with us. We submit to URSB, we pay submission, search and certificate fees, and for you, you will be notified that you have got the certificate. You do not need anything to pay. The university pays everything”. The manager asserted.
Muhumuza added that since its inception, the office has managed to register, protect and receive 20 certificates for various IP while 13 IPs have been filled but pending approval by URSB in 2023.
He said Makerere University Innovation hub was established on 1st August 2022 under the Vice Chancellor’s office to provide support mechanisms for commercialisation of innovations for sustainable industrialisation with several projects being implemented.
The objectives of the Innovation hub according to Muhumuza are; to create awareness and disseminate information on innovation, develop tailored demand driven programmes, mobilise resources to nature and support innovation; develop, commercialise and scale up innovations for industrialisation and, strengthen and coordinate the innovation ecosystem through partnerships and linkages.
Up to 2.7 bn grant from Mak-RIF earmarked for scaling and commercialising innovations
The manager told participants that up to 2.7bn shilling will fund innovation projects that have progressed beyond the proof of concept stage and are at the stage of transition to wide scale application or commercialisation.
To be eligible for funding, Muhumuza said, the innovation should be ready to transition to scale and where the Principal innovator is an academic or research staff of Makerere University on permanent or full time contract or senior staff member of the administrative unit linked to research.
Accessibility to the grant involves an online competitive application, project check for eligibility and completeness, pitch to Intellectual Property Management and receiving funds supported by the Mak Hub.
Mak IP Policy
The Makerere University IP policy as per section 3.2.3 provides guidelines for ownership, registration, patenting, commercialisation and disclosure.
The Manager explained that researchers shall seek the assistance of the IP unit in applying for registration of copyright, patents, designs or trademarks under the relevant laws or when trying to commercialise the innovation.
Any discovery or invention resulting from research carried or under the direction of any employee of the university, supported by the university or results arising from an employees’ duties with the university or has been developed in whole or part of this in the use of the university resources or facilities not available to the general public shall belong to the university.
Also, any IP created by a university employee having an honorary appointment at any other institution during that appointment shall lie with the employer who pays the salary of that employer.
Further, Honorary researchers who are not employed by the university are generally required to transfer any IP they create in the course of their honorary activities to the university subject to terms and conditions of their honorary appointment. Sharing proceeds from such IP shall follow university established guidelines.
While closing the meeting, the Deputy Principal CoCIS, Dr. Peter Nabende thanked Mr. Muhumuza for the presentation saying, it touched a number of aspects relating to IP.
“It is an exciting presentation that has raised awareness on what staff should know. It is encouraging and motivating to know that the innovator gets 80%. I thank the IP Office for being effective and managing to come here to present”, Dr. Nabende appreciated.
He encouraged college staff to take on the IP issue seriously imploring the IP office to provide another opportunity to sensitise students on the same matter.
For please click on the link below for the meeting proceedings
Passcode: 8s#qLz$D
Computing & IS
Makerere Launches AI and Data Science Centre to Drive Africa’s Technological Development
Kampala, March 13, 2025 – Makerere University has officially launched the Makerere University Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Mak-CAD), a hub dedicated to advancing AI research and innovation for Africa’s development.
Themed “Building Responsible AI Research and Innovations for Impact,” the launch highlighted the Centre’s mission to harness AI’s transformative power to address critical issues, improve human development indices, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mak-CAD is focused on leveraging AI for Africa’s development, with an emphasis on sectors like healthcare, agriculture, natural language processing, and climate action. The Centre is guided by Responsible AI principles, aiming to develop customized AI solutions, improve data quality, build local expertise, and integrate AI into policy. Its objectives include advancing AI research, training MSc and PhD students, and fostering collaborations with global AI labs.
Spearheaded by Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende, the Centre is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Canada and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It collaborates with institutions such as Wellcome, APHRC, Google, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to drive AI innovation in Africa.
Mak-CAD will operate through two research labs: the Makerere Artificial Intelligence Lab in the Department of Computer Science, College of Computing and Information Sciences and the Marconi Machine Learning Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering, Design and Art.
The launch event, held at Block B of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, featured significant activities including a keynote address on the need for AI4D multidisciplinary efforts by Dr. Agnes Kiragga of APHR, a panel discussion on AI4D research themes by a team of experts namely Tumuhamye Nathan (Programme Analyst and Head of Exploration, UNDP); D. Ernest Mwebaze (Sunbird ai), Dr. Edwin Mugume (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University). In addition to PhD students’ presentations and poster viewings of ongoing AI projects and innovations, 10 graduate students were awarded scholarships.
As Makerere positions itself as a leader in AI research in Africa, stakeholders expressed optimism about the Centre’s potential to transform key sectors and contribute to national and continental development.
UK Commits to Supporting Uganda’s AI Ecosystem
Presiding over the launch as chief guest, HE Tiffany Kirlew, Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, commended the initiative, emphasizing AI’s role in addressing critical challenges.
“This lab is not just about research; it’s about solutions—solutions that matter to people in health, the environment, food security, and economic growth,” she said. “AI-powered diagnostics developed here could mean faster, more accurate, and more accessible testing for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, especially in rural areas where doctors are scarce.”
Kirlew highlighted Uganda’s opportunity to build AI solutions tailored to local needs. “Unlike some developed nations that have had to adapt to AI, Uganda has a chance to leapfrog development by creating homegrown AI solutions,” she said.
The UK, she noted, is committed to supporting Uganda’s AI ecosystem through research partnerships, digital skills training, and scholarships. Kirlew emphasized the country’s unique position to develop AI solutions powered by local talent and driven by local challenges. She expressed excitement about the UK’s role in Uganda’s AI and tech journey, mentioning the AI for Development @AI4Dev program, which invests in Africa-focused AI research.
She also highlighted the UK’s digital access program in Eastern Uganda, empowering over 100 entrepreneurs with future-ready digital skills. Reflecting on Uganda’s transformation, she expressed confidence that with the exceptional talent present, Uganda will not only keep pace with the AI revolution but also assume a leadership role.
Kirlew concluded by resonating with Makerere University’s motto, “We build for the future,” expressing eagerness to see the Mak-CAD grow and make a profound impact on Uganda’s future.
Africa Must Embrace AI to Avoid Being Left Behind – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, emphasized the urgent need for Africa to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid being left behind in the global technological revolution.
“As far as artificial intelligence is concerned; will Africa be left behind again?” he posed. “This is the defining question for us, and Makerere University is determined to ensure that we are part of this technological revolution.”
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted AI’s pivotal role in research, education, and innovation. He stressed the importance of training more PhD graduates who can drive AI advancements across the continent.
“Artificial intelligence is the future of the world. Those who want a good life must harness it,” he stated, echoing the urgency for Africa to integrate AI into its development strategies.
Reflecting on Africa’s educational challenges, Prof. Nawangwe pointed to the need for 1 million PhDs in the next 10 years to lift the continent out of poverty. “We must train like China does. We must contribute to the number of PhDs that the World Bank is talking about,” he urged.
While celebrating Makerere’s global achievements, he also acknowledged the challenge that remains. “Our students have competed worldwide and beaten the best. But why do we keep quiet about our successes?” he asked.
He concluded by urging Makerere to continue leading Africa’s AI revolution, emphasizing that the university must not only contribute globally but also drive transformative change within the continent. “What are we bringing back home?” he questioned, underscoring the importance of making AI a tool for Africa’s development.
CoCIS Principal Hails UK Envoy, Highlights AI Lab’s Achievements
The Principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Tonny Oyana, welcomed the UK High Commissioner to Uganda, expressing gratitude for the diplomat’s visit and highlighting the college’s strides in artificial intelligence, data science, and sensor technology.
Prof. Oyana underscored the institution’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology-driven research. “Our niche in the college is computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology,” he said. “We position ourselves not just as African leaders but as global leaders in this field.”
Prof. Oyana also lauded the recent collaborative efforts with South Korea, noting that the partnership would enhance the college’s infrastructure. “One of the initiatives includes shared workspaces in the new research building and repair of lifts, which will be constructed in collaboration with the College of Engineering,” he revealed.
He acknowledged the contribution of Dr. Joyce, a key figure in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, crediting her leadership for sustaining the lab’s growth. “We were worried about the lab collapsing, but she has mobilized resources and enabled scientific advancements,” he stated.
Additionally, Prof. Oyana commended Dr. Ernest Mwebase for his pioneering efforts in AI, recognizing his role in training the next generation of scientists. “Dr. Mwebase played a critical role in the development of AI at Makerere, and his leadership at Sunbird AI, Uganda’s first locally owned AI company, is commendable,” he said.
He also highlighted the college’s recent academic achievements, revealing that CoCIS graduated 681 students, including 12 PhD holders—the highest number in the college’s history. “Seven of these PhD graduates were female, a strong testament to our efforts in gender parity,” he added.
Prof. Oyana concluded by reaffirming the college’s dedication to advancing AI research and equipping students with skills for the 21st century. “We promise to be leaders in preparing youthful talent and driving research productivity in AI and sensor technology,” he affirmed.
Just as parents, we must nurture a newborn to realize its full potential- Dr. Balikuddembe
Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics Technology, Dr. Joseph Kibombo Balikuddembe, likened the Centre to a growing plant or a newborn that requires nurturing, strategic input, and constant development to flourish. As a university, the goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation, equipping students and industry players with cutting-edge research and solutions that address real-world challenges—from health and agriculture to language models and policy formulation.
“Today, we celebrate the launch of a new initiative at the School of Computing and Information Technology. Just as parents nurture a newborn, we must cultivate and grow this new endeavor to reach its full potential”, Dr Joseph Balikudembe
Principal of CEDAT Pledges Commitment to AI Research and Collaboration for Smart Solutions at Makerere University
The Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University Prof. Moses Musinguzi emphasized the importance of collaboration in maximizing synergies between the college’s departments and the growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Prof. Musinguzi highlighted the evolving role of technology in both teaching and operations, noting how AI is transforming industries and how it aligns with CEDAT’s mission.
“At CEDAT, we design machines, and with the shift from analogue to digital systems, computing has become central to the design and operation of these machines,” the Principal explained, underlining the deep connection between engineering and computing in modern technology.
Prof. Musinguzi acknowledged that many in the academic community are still familiarizing themselves with AI. However, he expressed confidence that initiatives like the one being discussed would significantly enhance the university’s capacity to understand and apply AI in various fields, including research, teaching, and institutional operations.
Reflecting on his recent trip to South Korea, Prof. Musinguzi shared how AI and robotics are integrated into everyday life, even in the hospitality industry. “In the restaurant we visited, a robot served us. This is AI in action,” he said, noting the profound impact of AI in bridging the technological divide between the global north and south.
He also raised an important question about the role of African universities in this technological shift. “Before we talk about automating Uganda or creating smart cities, why not start here at Makerere University? Let’s lead by example by developing prototypes and testing them on our campus first,” he proposed, emphasizing the role of local solutions in fostering wider societal changes.
In closing, the Prof. Musinguzi reaffirmed CEDAT’s commitment to AI research and collaboration with other colleges within Makerere University. “We look forward to not just producing research papers, but also tangible, real-world outputs that will benefit communities and showcase the innovative contributions of our university,” he said.
Makerere AI Lab Leads Groundbreaking Research in Artificial Intelligence – Project Leader Dr. Joyce Nakatumba
Makerere University’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab continues to lead the way in AI research on the African continent, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health, agriculture, climate, and language technology. Established in 2011, long before AI became a global phenomenon, the lab has played a pioneering role in applying AI to real-world problems.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende, the Principal Investigator and a senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, reflected on the lab’s journey and its impact over the years. “We started this journey under the leadership of Dr. John Quinn and Dr. Ernest, at a time when AI had not yet gained mainstream attention,” she said. “This was before ChatGPT became a household name, and before artificial intelligence became widely recognized. Our focus was on leveraging AI to solve real-world problems, even before the hype.”
Dr. Nakatumba commended Makerere University for creating an environment that fosters research and innovation. “I appreciate the university for enabling us to do this research. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has provided immense support in grant management and administration, ensuring that our work continues to thrive,” she said.
Over the years, the AI Lab has grown in scope and impact. Initially focused on malaria microscopy, a project that has since evolved into the Makerere AI Health Lab under Dr. Rose Nakasi, the lab has expanded its research into multiple fields. “We started with malaria microscopy under Ocular, and now our research spans several domains, including agriculture, climate change, and language technology,” Dr. Nakatumba noted.
A significant achievement of the lab has been its role in training and mentoring young AI researchers. “One of our proudest accomplishments is seeing our students grow. We have trained both MSc and PhD students, many of whom started as interns and are now leading researchers in their own right,” she said. “It is fulfilling to watch them take on bigger roles, apply their knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of AI.”
However, AI research in Africa has faced its own set of challenges, one of the biggest being access to data. “Machine learning thrives on data. When we started, we realized that there were no datasets for African languages, health applications, or many other sectors,” Dr. Nakatumba explained. “We have since worked tirelessly to build datasets in health, agriculture, climate science, and language processing. These datasets are now publicly available, not only for our research but also for AI development globally.”
Dr. Nakatumba emphasized that the lab operates under three key pillars: advancing AI science, training students, and ensuring that research translates into practical impact. “People often ask, ‘You’ve done all this research, but is it being used?’ That is our guiding principle—making sure that our AI innovations are not just theoretical but are solving real challenges in society,” she said.
Through partnerships with institutions such as the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the Uganda Cancer Institute, and the Institute of African Languages, the lab has developed AI-powered solutions tailored to local needs. “From using AI to monitor air quality in Uganda’s urban centers to deploying AI-driven diagnostic tools in healthcare, we align our research with the pressing issues facing our communities,” she noted.
She also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, which has been central to the lab’s success. “Our work goes beyond computing. We collaborate with health scientists, engineers, linguists, and environmentalists. This multidisciplinary approach has helped us secure international grants such as those from the NIH for data science programs,” she said.
Dr. Nakatumba reaffirmed the lab’s commitment to advancing AI research and training more students in the field. “We are moving towards establishing a Center for AI and Data Science at Makerere University. With support from institutions like IDRC and FCDO, we aim to push the boundaries of AI innovation, train more students, and ensure that our work has a lasting impact,” she said.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Agnes Kiragga Calls for Accelerated AI Integration to Transform Public Health and Education in Africa
In her keynote address, Dr. Agnes Kiragga, an expert in health systems and data science, shared a compelling vision for the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming Africa’s public health and educational systems. She emphasized the potential of AI to reshape the continent’s future, particularly in addressing the deep health challenges and educational needs that many African nations face.
Dr. Kiragga, a senior researcher at the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the importance of AI in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, from infectious disease management to chronic disease prevention. “The digitalization of health systems, driven by AI, is not just a luxury but a necessity if we are to improve access and outcomes, especially in remote areas,” she noted.
She also underscored the significance of AI in the education sector, referencing the continent’s growing youth population. “With Africa’s workforce expected to expand dramatically by 2030, AI-powered educational tools can play a pivotal role in scaling up skills development, particularly in digital literacy,” she stated. She also pointed out that innovations like mobile-based education platforms and AI applications for healthcare could drive progress in regions with limited infrastructure.
While excited about Africa’s AI potential, Dr. Kiragga stressed the urgency of overcoming barriers to digital inclusion, including limited internet access and mobile penetration. “To achieve the transformative potential of AI, we must ensure that innovations reach the last mile, from rural villages to urban centers,” she said.
Kiragga called for stronger collaboration across sectors and nations to create policies that foster AI innovation while addressing data governance and ethical concerns. “AI is data-hungry and needs robust governance frameworks to ensure that it serves the public good,” she emphasized.
As Africa stands on the brink of an AI-driven future, Dr. Kiragga’s message was clear: innovation and strategic partnerships are key to unlocking AI’s full potential for the continent’s development.
UNDP Calls for AI Policy and Practical Applications to Address Uganda’s Development Challenges
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called for urgent action to elevate discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Uganda, emphasizing the need for a national AI policy and practical AI applications to address key development challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and mobility.
Tumuhamye Nathan, UNDP Program Analyst and Head of Exploration, stressed that AI must be contextualized to fit Uganda’s unique challenges rather than being perceived as an abstract or foreign concept. “We need to elevate the discussion of AI to look at our context in which we operate. If you look at agriculture, how do we use AI to advance technology within this sector? If you look at mobility, what role can AI play in improving transportation?” he stated.
He emphasized that for AI to have meaningful impact, it must be integrated into real-life solutions that resonate with ordinary Ugandans. He illustrated this with an example from his hometown of Kanungu, where many people may not have formal education but still need to understand how AI can improve their lives. “They need to understand AI from the perspective of their real-life experiences. For us, using tools like ChatGPT is about accessing quick information, but how do we communicate AI to someone who has never been to a classroom but still needs to see its value?” he posed.
One of the critical areas where AI can make a transformative impact is healthcare. Nathan highlighted Uganda’s high maternal mortality rate due to a shortage of health workers and questioned how AI can be leveraged to bridge this gap. “We are losing so many mothers because we say we don’t have enough health workers to attend to them during childbirth. How do we use AI to amplify healthcare interventions, ensuring that AI tools support maternal care and other critical health services?” he asked.
He emphasized that AI’s significance lies in its ability to provide practical solutions to such challenges. “The responsible and responsive use of AI should directly address key areas like healthcare, transport, and agriculture,” he noted.
Uganda’s Lack of an AI Policy
Despite the growing importance of AI, Uganda currently lacks a national policy to regulate and guide its implementation. Nathan revealed that discussions with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance are ongoing, with the Permanent Secretary of ICT tasked by Cabinet to spearhead the development of an AI policy. “Everyone is talking about AI, but what does it mean from a policy perspective? If you develop an AI-powered tool for healthcare, how does it fit within government systems if there is no policy framework to support it?” he questioned.
He acknowledged that while it is beneficial to learn from existing AI implementations before developing regulations, the rapid advancement of technology means Uganda cannot afford to delay its policy framework. “Technology is moving very fast, and we cannot wait. We need a policy, and conversations are ongoing. We hope that by the end of this year, we will have made significant progress,” he stated.
UNDP’s AI Capacity-Building Initiatives
To further support AI adoption in Uganda, UNDP is rolling out advanced AI training programs this year. The initiative will focus on building AI models and systems that can address local challenges. “We are not just looking at AI on a digital scale but focusing on practical AI applications. If we have data, how can we use it to develop AI models that solve real problems?” Nathan explained.
The training will include both residential and non-residential programs, equipping participants with hands-on skills in AI development. UNDP plans to collaborate with innovators to identify how AI can support their solutions. “It’s not just about teaching someone how to use ChatGPT. We want to see how AI can help an innovator solve a local problem in a meaningful way,” he added.
Nathan assured stakeholders that UNDP will continue working closely with the government to ensure responsible AI adoption. He stressed that ongoing consultations will help shape a policy framework that ensures AI benefits all Ugandans. “We will be moving around the country, consulting stakeholders together with the Ministry of ICT to ensure that AI is leveraged for the benefit of everyone,” he stated.
As AI continues to shape the future, UNDP remains committed to supporting Uganda’s AI ecosystem through policy advocacy, training, and collaboration with innovators to drive AI-powered development solutions.
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