Makerere University AI research hub to tackle Uganda's devt needs
“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,” Kirlew said.
Makerere University’s vice chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre), Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda Tiffany Kirlew, (Left) and Prof. Tonny Oyana, the principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences during the launch of the Makerere Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Mak-CAD) at the College of Computing. (Photos by John odyek)
John Odyek
Journalist @New Vision
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The Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew, officially launched the Makerere Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Mak-CAD) at Makerere University.
Located within the university’s Department of Computer Science, the centre aims to become a hub of innovation, training 13 master's and Ph.D. students in artificial intelligence (AI), while focusing on research that directly addresses Uganda's developmental challenges.
Mak-CAD’s mission is to harness the power of AI and machine learning to tackle local issues across various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, financial digital security, climate change, natural language processing, and environmental protection.
Through its applied AI research, the centre seeks to create transformative solutions for Uganda’s most pressing needs.
The centre's initiative is made possible through funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) under the Artificial Intelligence for Development Programme (AI4D).
The programme aims to foster responsible and inclusive AI ecosystems across Africa, empowering local communities with AI-driven solutions.
At the launch event on March 13, 2025, Kirlew praised the lab's potential, emphasising AI’s transformative role in solving 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.
Kirlew highlighted the potential for AI-powered diagnostics to revolutionise healthcare in rural areas, where medical resources are often limited.
“AI innovations here could lead to faster, more accurate, and more accessible testing for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis,” she noted.
Kirlew pointed out Uganda’s unique opportunity to create AI solutions tailored to local needs, unlike developed nations that must adapt to existing AI technologies.
“Uganda has a chance to leapfrog development by creating homegrown AI solutions,” she said, adding that the UK remains committed to supporting Uganda’s AI ecosystem through research partnerships, digital skills training, and scholarships.
Prof. Tonny Oyana, the principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences, called for increased collaboration across university departments to foster scientific and technological progress.
“Our niche in the college is computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology. We aim to position ourselves as global leaders in this field,” Oyana said.
Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda Tiffany Kirlew (Third Right) talking to students and staff of the College of Computing and Information Sciences during the launch of the Makerere Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Mak-CAD) at the College of Computing. 
Prof. Moses Musinguzi, the principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in advancing AI.
“With the shift from analogue to digital systems, computing is central to the design and operation of machines,” Musinguzi explained, noting the growing importance of AI in modern technology.
Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende, the principal investigator and senior lecturer in CoCIS, shared insights into the challenges faced by AI research in Africa, particularly the lack of data in African languages and sectors like health, agriculture, and climate science.
“When we started, there were no datasets for African languages or health applications,” Nabende recalled.
“But we have worked tirelessly to build these datasets, which are now publicly available for research and AI development globally.”
Nabende stressed the lab's commitment to practical impact, saying, “Our guiding principle is making sure our AI innovations are solving real challenges in society, not just theoretical.”
Makerere University’s vice chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the urgency for Africa to embrace AI to avoid being left behind in the global technological revolution.
“The defining question for Africa is, ‘Will we be left behind in artificial intelligence?’” Nawangwe asked.
“Makerere University is determined to ensure we are part of this technological revolution.”
He stressed the need for increased Ph.D. graduates to drive AI advancements across the continent.
“To lift Africa out of poverty, we need to train one million PhDs in the next decade,” Nawangwe said.
He concluded by encouraging Makerere to continue leading Africa’s AI revolution, not only contributing globally but also driving transformative change on the continent.
“We must prioritise innovation and the application of cutting-edge research to solve real-world problems,” Nawangwe said.