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.
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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