Working with potential future employers of PhD students in Kenya and Uganda, Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education (ADVALUE) Project aims to develop curricula that best prepare academic specialists in agricultural sciences for their careers.  

Overview

The lack of skills-oriented training significantly undermines the relevance of doctoral graduates in today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within industries such as agriculture, where practical expertise and adaptability are essential. While doctoral programmes traditionally emphasize research and theoretical knowledge, they often fail to equip graduates with the hands-on, industry-specific skills needed to address real-world challenges. In agricultural value chains, for instance, the ability to apply advanced research to optimize production, supply chain management, sustainability practices, and technological advancements is crucial. Without a strong foundation in these practical areas, doctoral graduates may struggle to effectively contribute to innovation and efficiency in agricultural systems. From improving crop yields through data analysis to enhancing logistics and distribution methods, agricultural value chains require professionals who can seamlessly integrate research with practical application.

What the ADVALUE Project targets to address

Co-funded by the European Union, the ADVALUE Project—Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains through Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Skills and Cooperation in East African Doctoral Education—seeks to modernize doctoral education in agricultural and agro-environmental sciences at universities in Uganda and Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance trans-disciplinary skills to promote the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, and climate change.

Project partners include; Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Germany (NGU); German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU); Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU); Makerere University, Uganda; Uganda Christian University (UCU); University of Nairobi, Kenya (UoN); Pwani University Kenya (PU); Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, Uganda (RUFORUM). Associated Partners: European Alliance in Agricultural Knowledge for Development, Belgium (AGRINATURA); National Agricultural Research Organization, Uganda (NARO); National Council of Higher Education, Uganda (NCHE); Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); Ministry of Education Science and Technology Kenya (MoEST). The project PI is Prof. Dr. Heinrich Schüle. In Uganda, the project is coordinated by Prof. John Tabuti.  

Project objectives

1. Develop innovative courses on trans-disciplinary research methodologies and value chain analysis within doctoral programmes.
2. Strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure research is demand-driven and fosters innovation.
3. Enhance the expertise of both academic staff and doctoral students.
4. Improve quality assurance frameworks and development processes in doctoral education.

To achieve these goals, ADVALUE is developing four modules for PhD students that will be integrated into the curricula of the partner universities in Kenya and Uganda, taking into account the experiences and expectations of local stakeholders and potential future employers. The modules will include topics on scientific work, trans-disciplinary research, rangeland management, and agricultural value chains. The collaboration and exchange between the universities and representatives from the working environment, government organisations and international partners aims to strengthen the career prospects of postgraduate students in East Africa and promote their expertise with regard to the local requirements for achieving the SDGs.

The ADVALUE interim conference

The project team held an interim conference at Makerere University on 17^th-19^th March 2025 to evaluate the state of PhD education in agriculture, incorporating diverse insights from both European and East African perspectives. The conference brought together academic staff, students, and leaders from partner institutions, associated organizations, and key stakeholders in the Agricultural sector.  

The conference aimed to highlight the progress and findings of the project, offering a platform for discussing PhD research on agricultural value chains within higher education institutions (HEIs). A key focus was on trans-disciplinary approaches, as well as fostering dialogue on quality criteria for PhD programs. Additionally, the event served as a formal meeting for the project’s Steering Committee and provided an opportunity for partners to refine their assessments of doctoral education in line with established quality standards and institutional contexts.

Presentation by Mr. Joseph Nkandu on the Agricultural Value Chains in E.A

In his address on the sustainability of agricultural value chains in East Africa, Mr. Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE (Uganda’s national umbrella organization for coffee farmers), emphasized the vital role that higher education plays in strengthening and advancing agricultural value chains. He stressed the importance of aligning education with the region’s broader development goals to ensure that future generations of agricultural professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for sustainable growth. “Education must become more practical and closely integrated with the region’s development objectives,” he noted. He praised the initiative, noting that the project would greatly enhance doctoral training at partner institutions, empowering students with advanced knowledge and skills to support and sustain agricultural value chains across East Africa. “The sustainability of Africa’s value chains is essential if we are to meet the demands of the growing population,” he added.

Uganda’s agricultural value chains are a cornerstone of its economy. However, several challenges threaten their sustainability, including climate change, which affects crop yields and water availability; inadequate infrastructure, which hinders market access; limited access to finance for smallholder farmers; land degradation; and insufficient technology adoption. Moreover, pest outbreaks and post-harvest losses further undermine the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems. Tackling these challenges is essential to improving the sustainability and resilience of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

Remarks from NCHE

In her remarks, Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education, emphasized the critical role of doctoral training in driving societal progress. She explained that advanced research and innovation resulting from doctoral programmes not only contribute to academic advancement but also pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries. “These discoveries, in turn, play a pivotal role in shaping and transforming nation-states by addressing pressing challenges, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for communities.” Prof. Okwakol called for continued investment in doctoral education to harness its potential for national development and global competitiveness.

Highlighting the challenges related to Doctoral training, the Deputy Principal of CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze, noted that the project was timely and would greatly strengthen the research capabilities of doctoral students, ensuring that their skills are more aligned with current academic and industry needs, ultimately improving the overall relevance and impact of their research outputs. “As Makerere University strives to become a research-intensive institution, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. This project will make a substantial contribution to this goal.”

Engagement with smallholder farmer in Matugga

During the conference, the project team had the opportunity to visit the farm of Mr. Sam Mpiira, a dedicated smallholder farmer located in Matugga, within Nansana Municipality. The visit allowed the team to gain first-hand insight into Mr. Mpiira’s farming practices, observe the challenges he faces, and better understand the impact of various agricultural initiatives in the region. This experience was an important part of the conference, as it provided a real-world context to the discussions on smallholder farming and rural development.

Key Issues Arising from the Workshop

1. Overemphasis on theoretical science: While science is extensively studied, its practical application remains problematic.
2. Outdated supervision: Many PhD supervisors are not up-to-date with current research trends. There is a need for educational frameworks that align with the latest development agendas.
3. Technician mentality among graduates: A significant number of PhD graduates tend to think like technicians rather than innovators. Many struggle to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired and lack the ability to think creatively.
4. Lack of innovation: There is a notable absence of innovation among doctoral graduates, which hinders progress.
5. Evolving skillsets in value chains: There is an urgent need to address the changing skillsets required across different value chains.
6. Unrealistic PhD programme durations: The prescribed durations for PhD programmes are often unrealistic and fail to reflect the complexity of the research process.
7. Competing priorities: The multiple demands on students’ time hinder their ability to complete doctoral studies in time.
8. Financial barriers: Limited funding continues to undermine the success and sustainability of doctoral training programmes.
9. Lack of student commitment: Some doctoral students exhibit a lack of commitment and dedication to their studies, impacting their success.
10. Negative student attitudes: Students often display an underestimation of the role and guidance of their supervisors, which affects their academic progress.
11. Inadequate research facilities: Limited access to essential research facilities hampers the quality of doctoral research.
12. Weak analytical skills: Many doctoral students lack the necessary analytical skills to perform at the required level of their academic discipline.
13. Gender-based challenges: Gender roles negatively impact the performance and progression of female doctoral students, limiting their academic potential.
14. Supervisory workload: Excessive workload on supervisors affects the quality and effectiveness of their mentorship.
15. Need for relearning in value chains: Achieving sustainability in value chains demands continuous relearning and adaptation.

Recommendations

1. Dedicated study leave: Doctoral students should be granted leave from other responsibilities to focus fully on their research.
2. Creating research spaces: Institutions must create dedicated, conducive workspaces for doctoral students to foster collaboration and focus.
3. Increase funding opportunities: More scholarships and financial support should be made available to PhD students to ease financial barriers.
4. Research-oriented supervision: Supervisors must establish and maintain active research agendas to ensure they remain relevant and effective in guiding students.
5. Strengthen institutional collaboration: Encouraging greater collaboration between Higher Education Institutions can foster exchange of ideas and resources to enhance doctoral research outcomes.

Photos from conference activities

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More photos at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZwlLXt5YBWoeMfO0wVbdva0NLIQ5sHr

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/107GJR6nCZJwKjmfrwveGXw7As2AhAQWt

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.

View on CoCIS

On Monday, March 3, 2025, Makerere University hosted the launch of the 11^th cohort of the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) doctoral fellowship. The new cohort comprises 11 females and nine males, drawn from eight partner universities across nine African countries. For the next four years, the group will undergo advanced training through the consortium’s collaborative efforts to strengthen research capacity across the continent.

CARTA, formed in 2008, is a network of eight African partner universities, four research institutes, and eight international collaborators, dedicated to strengthening doctoral training and institutional research capacity in Africa. The consortium is co-led by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), based in Nairobi, Kenya, and the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Makerere University is a key partner, leading the consortium’s The Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (TERID) East Africa Research Hub.

Among its key interventions, the consortium facilitates targeted and structured training and mentorship aimed at strengthening university-wide research systems. One such initiative is the doctoral fellowship programme’s Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS) started in 2011. JAS is a sequence of four annual seminars designed to support doctoral students registered in different CARTA partner institutions to progress seamlessly through their PhD journeys.

Now, since its inception over a decade ago, the consortium has supported many early career researchers across its partner institutions in Africa, admitting at least 265 doctoral Fellows and graduating over 183 of them. In turn, the Fellows have gone on to contribute to over 4,000 peer-reviewed research publications and secured more than $43 million in research grant awards, applying the skills gained through the intensive CARTA four-year programme.

Of the 183 CARTA graduates, Makerere University has had its fair share, with 25 PhD graduates supported through the consortium. One of them, Dr. Kato Charles Drago of the 3^rd CARTA doctoral fellowship cohort who completed his PhD in clinical immunology and molecular genetics at Makerere University in 2016, is currently a Lecturer and Head, Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, and the Principal Investigator for the TERID Research Hub at Makerere University, where he is leading the efforts to improve disease diagnosis, treatment, and research capacity development within the region.

The ongoing Joint Advanced Seminar One (JAS 1) for the 11^th cohort of the CARTA doctoral fellowship, launched last week at Makerere University School of Public Health’s (MakSPH) Resilient Africa Network in Kololo, Kampala, Uganda, runs for three weeks until March 21. Dr. John Bosco Isunju, CARTA Board member and institutional focal person at Makerere University noted that JAS 1 is designed to build critical thinking, technical skills, and core research competencies, critical for exposing the Fellows to key theories, seminal readings, and interdisciplinary research methods to interrogate public and population health.

“For our Fellows, you are joining the best consortium on the continent, to give you the best skills and make you change agents in your institutions. That is really CARTA’s vision. To create a critical mass that will go back and transform the situation in your institutions. What you are going to get here is the skills to write grants and attract resources, and skills to network and make partnerships. The first partners are the colleagues you have around you,” Dr Isunju said.

He revealed that the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 10th cohort, whose JAS 1 training was prematurely concluded in 2020. Since then, no new cohort of CARTA doctoral fellows had been admitted until now. “It has been a long struggle, but thanks to our dedicated partners worldwide who recognize the need and the gap, we are finally here,” Isunju shared.

The current 11^th cohort was possible with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Oak Foundation (OAK), selected from a competitive pool of more than 150 eligible applicants from CARTA partner institutions.

Notably, for the first time, the consortium is having two PhD Fellows coming from Somali National University (SNU), that is: Ms. Amina Hassan Husien and Mr. Gallad Dahir Hassan. The two students will be hosted at Makerere University for their doctoral studies, to aid with capacity development and mentorship. Their research focus will be around maternal and reproductive health, and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, respectively.

Expressing optimism, Gallad said the fellowship will equip them with the requisite skills to conduct policy-relevant research, ultimately enabling them (the Fellows) make meaningful impact in their home institutions and contribute to Africa’s research and development agenda.

“My research is in disease surveillance system especially vaccines preventable diseases. I want to fill the gap in reporting from the community level. I appreciate CARTA for providing us with this invaluable opportunity and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze for her efforts to secure the two positions for Somalia National University to be mentored at Makerere University.” He said.

For her part, officiating the launch of the 11th cohort of the CARTA doctoral fellowship, Makerere University School of Public Health Dean, Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, expressed gratitude for the support to help the Fellows through their PhD journeys. However, she challenged the Fellows to look beyond simply earning their PhD qualifications and instead focus on making meaningful contributions that improve lives and impact communities.

“I know each of you has likely defined what success looks like at the end of this programme or even 10 years from now. But I urge you to go beyond personal achievement and add to that impacting others, shaping the world around you, starting with Africa, and speaking for something you are really passionate about,” Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze emphasized.

She also noted that the 11th cohort is unique, because they are starting their PhD journey amid major global changes. While these shifts may pose a challenge, she said they also present an opportunity to rethink how health systems are structured, financed, and coordinated, to enhance the promotion of global health equity and access to critical services.

The CARTA doctoral fellowship supports PhD students at partner institutions through the Joint Advanced Seminars (JAS), in addition to offering stipend, research funding, essential equipment and software, and coverage for tuition, medical insurance, and travel. Fellows also receive mentorship, supervisory support, networking opportunities, and training in grant writing and research dissemination, including support for presentations at international conferences. The fellowship is open to staff from CARTA partner institutions.

Dr. Florah Karimi, the CARTA Program Manager for Institutionalization and Scientific Quality and the Head of Research and Capacity Strengthening at APHRC, Kenya, stated that CARTA’s structured doctoral model has transformed PhD education in African universities, integrating mentorship and interdisciplinary approach to training to produce scholars who are well equipped for global academic and policy engagement.

“CARTA has grown, and we now consider ourselves a proven concept. We deeply appreciate the support from our partner institutions, which have been instrumental in shaping what CARTA is all about. As more institutions come on board, we have reached a point where this is no longer just about us. We are influencing our universities, shaping individual careers, and now, we must extend that impact to other institutions,” Dr. Karimi noted passionately. 

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