Computing & IS
Over 600 graduate from CoCIS during the Mak 74th Graduation ceremony
661 graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) were on 31st January awarded degrees and diplomas in the different disciplines during the 3rd session of Mak 74th Graduation ceremony.
Of that total, 626 graduates walked away with undergraduate (Bachelors degrees), 32 with Masters Degrees, 2 with PhDs while 1 got a Post Graduate Diploma.
The five-day long graduation ceremony kicked off on the 29th of January 2024 – 2nd February 2024. During the course of the 74th graduation ceremony a total of 12,913 graduands received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 132 graduands graduated with PhDs, 1585 with Masters degrees, 11,016 with Bachelor’s degrees, 156 with postgraduate diplomas, and 24 with undergraduate diplomas.
53% of the graduands were female and 47% were male. In the category of PhD graduands, 46 were female and 86 were male. In the category of students graduating with Master’s degrees, 699 were female and 886 were male.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Nawangwe executed the role of Chancellor as provided for in the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act following the expiry of the tenure of Prof. Ezra Suruma as Chancellor. The University Council commenced the search for his successor that was on-going.
CoCIS Commended for Noble Research in Artificial Intelligence to Solve Africa’s Problems
Reflecting on the May 2019 UNESCO conference on Artificial Intelligence and education in Beijing, China, the Vice Chancellor asserted the university’s potential and commitment to utilization of AI to make a difference for Africa.
Prof. Nawangwe reported that the University through the College of Computing and Information Sciences in collaboration with the School of Public Health received a grant funding worth US$1,500,000 (5.5bn/=) from Google to support its Ocular project that is undertaking research on usage of Artificial Intelligence to enhance the diagnosis process of Malaria, Tuberculosis and Cervical Cancer in Uganda.
Launched on 13th September 2023, the project team led by Dr. Rose Nakasi benched on the rampant challenges faced by the laboratory experts while undertaking diagnosis procedures. Health centres in Uganda are not only strained with the escalating number of patients seeking for laboratory screening tests – the country has few trained laboratory technicians to support the diagnosis process using the microscope.
The research team according to the Nawangwe took advantage of the existing technologies such as the smartphone and the availability of at least a microscope in every health centre across the country to develop a 3D printable adaptor that was attached to an eye piece of the microscope. The 3D adapter was also slotted in the smartphone to capture images.
With the capabilities of Artificial intelligence through computer vision, images can be processed and this directs the experts where the pathogens are. This technology shortens the diagnosis process making it more accurate, quicker and easier to diagnose health conditions and potentially reducing screening time by over 80%.
The Vice Chancellor also reported that in addition, researchers led by a second-year PhD student Paddy Junior Asiimwe designed a device to monitor elderly people with dementia and cognitive impairment in rural Uganda. The device, wearable by the elderly will monitor the patients’ movement and location and then signal the caretaker and the hospital in case of emergencies.
The technology funded by Government of Uganda through Mak-RIF was disclosed on 13th October, 2023. It monitors elderly people remotely using GPS technology which defines a safe zone around a user and a PDR system to monitor the position of the user within the safe zone. This technology is cheap, and better than the systems existing on market, and is best recommended for more resource constrained environments. The system operates independent of the user mostly in rural areas who cannot read and write. It does not require electricity and runs on batteries, charged once a week and can run for 30 days.
Prof. Nawangwe also highlighted how university researchers lead by Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha has invented devices geared towards monitoring and managing air quality across cities on the continent.
“The AirQo Project, in collaboration with various partners launched the CLEAN-Air Africa Network on 5th April 2023 bringing together communities of practice from over fifteen cities in Africa, with a focus on utilising low-cost sensors for air quality management in Africa.
Held under the theme: Championing Liveable Urban Environments through African Networks for Air, the workshop served as a Launchpad for Africa-led collaborations and multi-regional partnerships for sustained interventions to achieve cleaner air across the Continent”, Nawangwe appreciated.
Five get the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards 2023
During this third session , the Vice Chancellor recognized the best researchers listed and published in the Graduation Booklet and the Mak News Magazine. The awards were based on Scopus database. The researchers were honored by the Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of Makerere University during the convocation luncheon held at Makerere University Convocation House.
CoCIS best researchers included.
- Prof. Bainomugisha Engineer
- Prof. Nabukenya Josephine
- Nabende Peter
- Professor Baguma Rehema
- Odongo Eyobu Steven
Prof. Nawangwe urged all staff to continue conducting research on national development priorities as well as matters of global interest and publishing their work in high-impact journals so as contribute to our drive to become a research-led university. He also advised on the need for the research to lead to patents, copyrights and trademarks, and tangible innovations in the form of products, policy briefs, manuals and others.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted a number of achievements recorded in the last two years including the timely issuance of the academic transcripts at the time of graduation.
In his key message to the graduands, Prof. Nawangwe described graduation as the most important and most memorable day in the life of any scholar on grounds that it is a licence to succeed in life, and a privilege to serve humanity.
“You have worked hard to get a degree or diploma from one of the best universities in the World. This is a license for you to succeed in whatever you choose to do in your life career. But always remember that success will only come with discipline and hard work, while honoring your parents and fearing God.
Shortly you will become an alumnus of this great institution. Cherish the knowledge and experiences you have collected while here, but remember that learning never ends. Our gates remain open for you if you wish to pursue higher degrees”, The professor advised.
With a degree from one of the best universities in the World, Prof. Nawangwe stressed, that graduates have no reason not to succeed in life.
“Indeed, the World is yours to conquer. If jobs are not forthcoming, create them, for we have empowered you not only to be employable, but also to be entrepreneurs. Be the light that others will follow. We are proud that we have been a part of your life, that we have given you the knowledge and courage to face life in this ever-changing World. Go out to the World and make it a better place”. He emphasized.
Please find these and more in the Vice Chancellors speech attached.
Computing & IS
Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha Takes Over as Principal of CoCIS, Pledges Focus on Excellence, Research and Innovation
Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha has officially assumed office as Principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), pledging to work with staff, students and university management to strengthen academic excellence, research, innovation and the welfare of the college community.
Bainomugisha formally took over the leadership of the college during a handover ceremony held on the afternoon of September 10, 2026, in the Block A Conference Room, Level 4. He succeeds Prof. Tonny Oyana, while the immediate handover was conducted by Dr. Peter Nabende, who had served as Acting Principal for about one month.
The ceremony was moderated by CoCIS Principal Human Resource Officer Julius Lebo and attended by a representative from the Office of the Makerere University Chief Internal Auditor, heads of departments, deans, administrative and support staff, as well as student representatives.
Bainomugisha said he was honoured and privileged to serve as Principal, thanking the University Council, University Management, Senate and the Search Committee for entrusting him with the leadership of the college.
He said his appointment followed a competitive selection process involving the Search Committee, Senate, the Appointments Board and ultimately the University Council.
“I would like to thank the University Council, the University Management, Senate, and the Search Committee for giving me the opportunity to serve as a College Principal,” Bainomugisha said.
He also expressed appreciation to Vice-Chancellor and other university officials for accommodating his participation in the selection process, including allowing him to make his Senate presentation online while he was travelling.
Four priorities for CoCIS
In outlining his vision, Bainomugisha said he wants CoCIS to build a strong reputation around four key areas.
First, he said the college should be recognised for producing graduates who demonstrate excellence, with teaching and learning aligned to Makerere University’s strategic plan.
Second, he said CoCIS should become globally recognised for undertaking impactful research.
Third, he identified innovation and technology transfer as another priority, stressing the need for innovations developed at the university to move beyond academic settings and create wider societal impact.
Finally, he pledged to promote a conducive working and learning environment for both staff and students, underpinned by teamwork.
“I would like to see a College that is known to produce graduates who are really excellent,” he said. “I would like to see a College that is globally recognised to undertake impactful research. And I would like to see a College that is also known for innovations and technology transfer.”
He added that the college should also be “a conducive work environment for staff and students, as well as teamwork.”
Bainomugisha called for collective responsibility in achieving the priorities, saying the Principal’s office would work with academic and administrative units, students, University Management, Council and other stakeholders.
He acknowledged that the college faces several challenges, but said these would have to be tackled progressively.
“There are many challenges that the outgoing principal has outlined, and I believe that we can work together to address some of those challenges,” he said. “Obviously, we’ll address one challenge at a time. We cannot promise that we’ll address all of them on day one.”
Nabende hands over college with staffing and programme challenges highlighted
In his handover report, Dr. Peter Nabende provided an overview of the college’s academic programmes, staffing situation, research and innovation activities, budget, committees, grants and other administrative matters.
Nabende said he had sought to build on the handover report prepared by the former Principal, Prof. Tony Oyana, while incorporating developments from his one-month period as Acting Principal.
He said his report was structured around the responsibilities assigned to him, including implementing university policies and regulations, overseeing academic programmes, promoting research and innovation, coordinating the college budget, managing units and committees, mobilising resources and research grants, and providing progress reports to university management.
Nabende said no legal cases had arisen during his brief tenure, noting that he had sought to operate within university policy and regulatory frameworks.
He also provided an overview of CoCIS academic programmes, noting that accreditation and curriculum review remain important issues for the college as the university moves toward competence-based education and training.
According to Nabende, a number of programmes remain active and accredited, while others are under review or being proposed. He noted that the college must prepare for the implementation of the competence-based education and training framework, which institutions are expected to comply with by 2027/2028.
“This is a critical item that will concern the college for the coming one year,” he said, urging the college to strategise to meet the requirements.
Staffing shortage raises concern
One of the major challenges highlighted in the handover was staffing.
Nabende said the college is operating a growing number of academic programmes while facing limited staffing capacity. He warned that increasing student enrolment, combined with staff shortages, could put pressure on the quality and effective delivery of academic programmes.
He also raised concern about the increasing attrition of staff, saying several employees had recently left the university, including some who had recently obtained PhDs.
“We have increasing attrition rate. We have a number of colleagues who are leaving,” he said, describing the trend as concerning because the college can find itself replacing staff at roughly the same rate as those leaving.
He said the university and college leadership need to find ways of addressing the staff exodus.
Nabende also reported that Jinja Campus remains severely understaffed and said the college continues to support some of its programmes through staffing arrangements involving CoCIS departments.
He further pointed to administrative staffing gaps, saying the workload generated by the college’s growing numbers of programmes and activities affects productivity, output, quality and responsiveness.
Research and innovation on the rise
Nabende said CoCIS has experienced increasing research activity and output in recent years and urged the college to build on that growth.
He cited a number of research and innovation initiatives, including the Ocular project, AIRCOR and work involving natural-language technologies, speech recognition, artificial intelligence applications in mental health, agriculture, livestock health and education.
He said the college’s innovations had also attracted recognition from government officials, citing a recent visit by the Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation.
The college currently has 24 external research projects, according to the handover presentation, alongside seed grant initiatives supporting staff and students.
The seed grant programme has supported 56 staff projects and 48 student projects, with the projects continuing.
Nabende encouraged the college to continue nurturing such initiatives so that smaller research projects can develop into larger programmes with greater impact.
Budget and financial position
The handover report also outlined the college’s budget position for the first quarter.
Nabende said approximately Shs461.5 million had been released for the quarter and that roughly one-third had been utilised at the time of the handover.
He noted that most budget-related processes are now managed electronically, allowing administrators to monitor requests, expenditure and other financial information through the university system.
The incoming Principal was therefore handed responsibility for continuing implementation of the approved budget while working with relevant administrative offices.
Graduation and academic administration
Nabende said the College Academic Board had considered and recommended results for the 2025/2026 academic year, placing CoCIS in a good position ahead of the forthcoming graduation.
He, however, called for attention to student complaints and graduate examination processes to ensure that more students are cleared for graduation.
He also outlined the work of various college committees, including the Establishments and Appointments Committee, Finance Committee, College Academic Board, Quality Assurance Committee, Appeals and Academic Policies Committee and Contracts Committee.
Despite leaving the Principal’s office, Nabende said he would remain available to support the new Principal in his capacity as Deputy Principal and academic staff member.
He thanked the university leadership, fellow principals, deans, heads of departments, academic and administrative staff and students for supporting him during his brief tenure.
Nabende also praised Prof. Oyana for steering the college before his tenure and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Acting Principal.
“I’m really, really happy that I was given the opportunity to act as a principal,” he said, describing the experience as an important opportunity for him.
He told Bainomugisha that he would continue to support the college and university’s strategic direction.
Internal Audit calls for a smooth transition
Representing the Office of the Chief Internal Auditor, Aggrey Luwuliza commended Nabende for accepting to act as Principal and subsequently handing over the office.
Luwuliza said handover processes are important because they formally mark the transition from one office-holder to another and allow incoming leaders to understand the status of an institution.
He urged the outgoing and incoming principals to agree on the contents of the handover report and areas requiring follow-up so that the transition does not become a source of disagreement.
“We are here to support you,” Luwuliza said, stressing the importance of agreement between the two office-holders before the formal handover.
He also congratulated Bainomugisha for accepting the responsibility of leading the college and wished him success.
Students welcome new Principal
CoCIS student chairperson Jim Ainamani, a fourth-year Bachelor of Software Engineering student, congratulated Bainomugisha on his appointment and pledged students’ cooperation.
Ainamani said students’ experiences at the college are significantly influenced by its leadership and expressed optimism that the new Principal would continue the tradition of caring leadership.
“For the time I’ve been here, for the three and a half years, I have been able to witness caring principals, from Professor Tony to our outgoing principal,” he said.
He said students hoped to work with Bainomugisha, learn from his leadership and benefit from an improved experience at the college.
Staff pledge cooperation
Dr. Swaibu Kyanda Kaawaase, Head of the Networks Department, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the college, welcoming Bainomugisha and pledging staff cooperation.
Kaawaase said staff expected positive developments under the new leadership and would work with the Principal to make CoCIS more innovative and globally recognised.
He also highlighted staff welfare and student experience as areas where cooperation would be important.
“We pledge cooperation in all aspects to ensure that our college can be the one that can be talked about in the rest of the globe as being very innovative,” he said.
He further pledged cooperation to ensure students receive the best possible education and staff welfare is strengthened.
A new chapter for CoCIS
The transition comes at a time when CoCIS is expanding its academic programmes, research and innovation portfolio while simultaneously confronting staffing constraints, programme accreditation and review requirements, rising student numbers and staff attrition.
Bainomugisha begins his tenure with a detailed handover outlining both the achievements and pressure points facing the college.
Rather than promising an immediate solution to every challenge, he called for a collaborative approach focused on addressing issues progressively.
He also reaffirmed that the Principal and Deputy Principal would work closely together, maintaining continuity in the leadership of the college.
“As we are just starting off, what I’m praying for is for God to give us wisdom and good life, and teamwork,” Bainomugisha said. “I look forward to working with you all.”
The handover formally closes Nabende’s brief stint as Acting Principal while marking the beginning of Bainomugisha’s tenure, with the new Principal expected to steer CoCIS through the next phase of academic, research, innovation and institutional development.
Who is Engineer Bainomugisha?
Note: Name Origin: “Engineer” is his actual first name, given by his parents who noticed his childhood curiosity about how things work.
Engineer Bainomugisha is Professor of Computer Science and the former Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University. His research focuses on Computer Science-driven solutions to the prevailing world challenges. He is also passionate about contributing to quality Computer Science education that is of sufficient breath and depth, practical and fast enough. Professor Bainomugisha currently leads several innovative initiatives that aim to create and apply computational methods and tools that can improve the quality of life especially in the developing world setting.
His current research projects include building networks of miniature devices to: measure and derive trends of air quality in over 50 urban centers in Uganda to tackle the growing air pollution challenge in developing countries; monitor soil conditions to help farms make smart decisions; measure the quality of road infrastructure in Uganda to help municipalities and road users. Professor Bainomugisha and his team are also building a multi-cloud solution that supports portability of apps and services between private and public clouds while taking into account unique African realities like bandwidth constraints, Internet and power outages. Previously
Professor Bainomugisha investigated and developed programming languages and software tools to help programmers easily write highly adaptive mobile software without worrying about low-level concerns. His research in this area helped create iScheme and Flute programming languages. He is also the Principal Investigator for several research projects including “Probabilistic low-cost air pollution monitoring”; “Centre for Data Technology”; “Build Research Capacity for Innovative ICT4D”; and “African Virtual Cloud Initiative”;
Professor Bainomugisha received a Ph.D. and MSc. in Computer Science from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium in 2008 & 2012, respectively; and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Makerere University in 2006. Prior to returning to Makerere University he worked as a pre-doctoral and postdoctoral researcher at the Software Languages Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer CoCIS
Photo Credits: Peninah Nalubega 4th year Journalism and Communication student
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