🎉 A Milestone for Sustainable Development Through ICT in Uganda 🌍💻
On July 4th, 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) celebrated a defining moment: the official opening of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics building at the Kihumuro campus. But this was more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It demonstrated a shared vision for the MUST IUC-UCoBS program: to improve and sustain household livelihoods among the most vulnerable populations by addressing key demographic challenges through education, research, and innovation.
Dr. Fred Kaggwa, the team leader of subproject 6, gave emphasis on the thematic focus area, “Improving institutional and community ICT capacity to access and use information,” which came to fruition at this point. This initiative resulted in the establishment of a fully equipped ICT laboratory, which serves as a hub for digital learning, research, and community impact, empowering not only students but the entire region.
This lab is about more than just infrastructure. It represents the following:
âś… Improved capacity for ICT skills.
âś… Enhanced research and innovation capabilities.
âś… Support for digital inclusion.
âś… Facilitates academic collaboration both locally and globally.
Figs. 1 & 2: ICT Lab set up with desktops, and after shipment, equipment being checked
A series of insightful remarks from various speakers, each offering unique perspectives on the significance of the new Faculty of Computing & Informatics (FCI) building and the future of ICT at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), notwithstanding the challenges as a faculty university and the latest ICT infrastructure. The speeches and remarks were as below:
Prof. Tushabomwe C. Kazooba, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration, Local Coordinator MUST IUC-UCoBS, and Head of the Organizing Committee of the event, conveyed immense joy in witnessing the vision for FCI come to life. He recalled the faculty’s humble beginnings in 1998 with just 7 pioneer students and 40 computers, emphasizing the new building’s crucial role in achieving future ambitions. Prof. Kazooba extended gratitude to the university administration, the Government of Uganda, and the dedicated university staff for their collective efforts in making this landmark project a success. He shared how each Faculty was/is associated with FCI and their interpretation of computing and informatics
This investment significantly boosts MUST’s ability to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and industry-aligned education. It supports blended learning, strengthens digital skills, and enhances student readiness for both academic and industrial environments.
Fig. 2: Setting up the Kihumuro MUST IUC-UCoBS ICT lab
The progress is the result of strong and intentional partnerships, made possible by our collaboration with VLIR-UOS and Flemish institutions such as Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, KU Leuven, and the University of Antwerp, among others.
Dr. Evarist Nabaasa, Dean of FCI, expressed profound gratitude to H.E. the President for his visionary leadership in digital transformation, as well as to the government, university leadership, and all stakeholders for their vital support. He underscored the new building’s impressive capacity to accommodate 800 students and over 80 staff, which is crucial for the faculty’s expanded ambitions.
He proudly mentioned FCI’s annual output of over 1000 highly skilled graduates and their nationally recognized innovations, attributing much of this success to strong global partnerships. While celebrating achievements, he also candidly addressed challenges like internet constraints affecting cutting-edge research, expressing hope for increased budget allocation to further FCI’s significant contribution to Uganda’s digital transformation.
Dr. Angella Musiimenta, Deputy Dean of FCI, traced the faculty’s remarkable journey from a small department to a full-fledged faculty in 2016. She emphasized FCI’s core mission of delivering quality, relevant education focused on science and technology for sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Dr. Musiimenta outlined ambitious plans to drive Uganda’s digital transformation through new programs in data science, AI, and IoT, alongside fostering competence-based learning and expanding research, including an innovative project utilizing data science for improved medical imaging. She also highlighted the need to address existing infrastructure gaps and promote staff to boost motivation.
Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, the Vice Chancellor, provided a broader overview of MUST’s institutional growth, from its humble beginnings with 43 students in 1989 to its current standing as Uganda’s second-largest academic institution with new research institutes. She lauded FCI’s evolution into a state-of-the-art hub as a testament to MUST’s unwavering commitment to STEM excellence.
The Vice Chancellor extended deep appreciation to the Government of Uganda for its steadfast support, specifically acknowledging the President’s directive and NEC’s integral role in the Phase 2 construction. She also recognized Ubuntu Consulting and the invaluable guidance of both past and present university leadership, including retired luminaries Prof. Celestino Obua and Mr. Melchoir Byaruhanga.
Please click in this link to the speech from the Vice Chancellor and chief guest
This achievement serves as a bold reminder that when local leadership and global collaboration come together, transformational change is not only possible—it is inevitable.
đź’¬ Special thanks to the dedicated individuals who brought this vision to life:
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Rudy Gevaert, Flemish Team Leader of Sub-project 6
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Prof. Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba, Local Coordinator, MUST IUC-UCoBS
- Ms. Lydia Asiimwe, Project Manager, MUST IUC-UCoBS
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Dr. Fred Kaggwa, Sub-project Team Leader
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Mr. Amos Baryashaba, Head of ICT Department, MUST, together with ICT team
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Ms. Fortunate Tukamushaba, Sub-project 6 Assistant
And the entire MUST community who made this a reality.
#ICT4Development #MUST #UCoBS #DigitalInnovation #InternationalPartnership #VLIRUOS #SDGs #CapacityBuilding #HigherEducation #Uganda #ICTTransformation #CommunityImpact
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