Dr. Daudi Jjingo serves as the Director of the African Center of Excellence (ACE) in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences within the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), whose mandate involves providing cutting-edge computational platforms for biomedical research. He is a Principal Investigator of the NIH/Fogarty Bioinformatics training grant in Uganda and Co-Investigator of the Ugandan H3BioNet node. He is a Senior Scientist and Lecturer at Makerere University in the College of Computing. He earned his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics as a Fulbright Scholar at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta USA, preceded by an MSc in Bioinformatics from the University of Leeds, UK, and a BSc in Biochemistry from Makerere University, Uganda.
He previously served as a bioinformatics consultant for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta and holds research interests in the molecular epidemiology of TB/HIV and cancer epigenetics.
Ronald Galiwango is a bioinformatics/data scientist and Deputy Director at the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE-Uganda) within Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute in Kampala. After earning First-Class Honors in Mathematics and Statistics from Makerere University in 2013, he received a Commonwealth Fellowship for an MPhil in Computational Biology at the University of Cambridge, UK, in 2014. In 2016, he pursued a PhD in Computational Epidemiology (Epidemiology, Bioinformatics) at the University of Georgia, USA, funded by a Fogarty-NIH Fellowship, and enhanced his data science skills through DataCamp. His research focuses on data science, computational biology, bioinformatics, and mathematical modeling, particularly in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). He has a strong commitment to training and mentorship, teaching courses on the MSc/PhD Bioinformatics program at Makerere University, supervising graduate students, and participating in various training programs.
Grace Kebirungi (MSc) is a Project Coordinator for health innovation projects at the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences, Uganda. She has over 4 years of experience managing projects at the intersection of technology and health, funded by organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Epilepsy Foundation. Grace also serves as the Principal Investigator for a Rockefeller-funded study on barriers to Virtual Reality adoption in medical education in Kampala-Uganda. Grace's academic qualifications include a Master’s in Microbiology and Quality Control, a Bachelor’s in Fundamental and Applied Microbiology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, providing a strong foundation for coordinating scientific projects.
Gerald is a distinguished bioinformatics expert known for advancing public health and genomics across Africa. At the Africa CDC, he has driven the implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics strategies, bolstering Africa’s infectious disease surveillance and diagnostic capacities to global standards. His work focuses on using advanced sequencing technologies to address critical health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and HIV drug resistance, illuminating the genomic determinants of resistance, virulence, and pathogen evolution. By applying high-throughput sequencing and computational techniques, Gerald’s research provides essential insights into AMR mechanisms, supporting public health and disease control strategies.
His expertise spans diagnostics, NGS, and public health bioinformatics, with a particular focus on developing cost-effective diagnostic frameworks adaptable to diverse settings. Gerald is also a committed mentor, guiding PhD students and data science fellows, and is driven by a vision of equitable genomic technology access. His work underscores genomics' transformative potential as a tool for global health improvement, reflecting his dedication to fostering health equity and building capacity in genomics.
Dr. Kisakye holds a Bachelor's in Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University and an MSc in Genomic Medicine from St George's University and King's College London. She has over eight years of clinical experience and works as a bioinformatician at the Infectious Disease Institute and in the Nielsen Lab (Virginia Tech). She also volunteers as a clinician in the Unit of Genetics at Makerere University.
She is interested in translating genomics and data science into improved patient care and policy. Her previous research investigated how Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades host defence mechanisms, specifically how it might interfere with host transcriptional networks by analyzing transcriptomic data from in vitro human immune cells infected with M. tuberculosis. Her current research focuses on Cryptococcus neoformans, WHO's #1 priority fungal pathogen, which causes Cryptococcal Meningitis, a fatal brain infection in immunocompromised people. She uses bioinformatics and other analytical approaches (statistical and Machine Learning) to probe both the pathogen and the host to understand why some patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis develop poor outcomes. Through this work, she hopes to discover and drive personalized treatment strategies for patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis. At a national level, she is also involved in the surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites that escape detection by widely used Rapid Diagnostic Tests due to deletions in the Plasmodium falciparum hrp2 and hrp3 genes.
Mike Nsubuga is a Biomedical Data Scientist at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Uganda. His work involves leveraging data science and bioinformatics to understand antimicrobial resistance (AMR), focusing on the genomic determinants of resistance, virulence, and underlying mechanisms. He is also an MRC-funded PhD fellow at the University of Bristol, collaborating with the UK Health Security Agency to develop advanced machine learning tools for forecasting foodborne disease outbreaks and identifying genomic mechanisms of AMR. Additionally, Mike serves as a Research Data Scientist at the Jean Golding Institute, the University of Bristol’s central data science hub, where he supports researchers with their data science needs.
He previously did an MSc in Bioinformatics supported by the Fogarty International Center(FIC) of the National Institutes of Health(NIH) under the EANBIT project at Makerere University where his research focussed on evaluating the practicality and broader adaptability of machine learning models, particularly in the realm of identifying antimicrobial resistance within low-middle-income countries(LMICs).
He enjoys contributing to innovations in global health and education. My work spans AMR, genomics, infectious diseases, and education initiatives, with a particular focus on LMICs
Rodgers Kimera is a Snr ICT Systems Engineer at the African Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Science, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH under the NETE Contract Support Team (RDCT). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Busitema University (First Class Honors) and is currently in the last year of his Master’s degree in Data Communication and Software Engineering at Makerere University.
Rodgers previously worked as an ICT Specialist providing support to the ICER Sites in Uganda, Mali, and India. He currently leads the ICT technical section at ACE and has experience working with Virtual Reality, Federated Identities, Linux Systems Administration, open-source tools, Server technologies, and End User support.
Patricia Nabisubi is a dedicated biomedical scientist and bioinformatics expert with extensive experience in infectious disease research and public health. Currently pursuing her PhD at Makerere University, her research centers on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using a One Health approach. She is also part of the Women for One Health.
Dr. Nabisubi’s academic journey includes a Master’s in Bioinformatics, where she analyzed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in East Africa using public genomic data, and a Bachelor's in Biomedical Laboratory Technology. A teaching assistant at Makerere University, she mentors MSc Bioinformatics students in disease modeling and bacterial genomics and coordinates research groups focused on data-intensive science at The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics.
Her repertoire includes notable work on COVID-19, mpox, TB, AMR, and maternal health, showcasing her versatility in research. A recipient of numerous accolades, Nabisubi's projects include AI-driven child mortality predictions and systematic reviews of AMR metagenomics in Africa. Skilled in R, Python, and Bash, she is passionate about leveraging computational tools to drive impactful, evidence-based solutions for public health challenges in Africa.
Mugume Twinamatsiko Atwine is a dedicated Data Scientist with over a decade of expertise in computer science with a background in computer Science with a BSc and MSc in Computer Science, specializing in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and MLOps. He is passionate about leveraging technology to advance health equity and drive social impact, particularly in resource-constrained environments.
At the Africa Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics (ACE), Mugume leads innovative projects that integrate data science into bioinformatics research. He mentors and teaches students, fostering practical skills through real-world projects and competitions. Notable achievements at ACE include developing predictive models for HIV research, NLP Analytics on Twitter data for public policy, Integration of LLM's into health applications and deploying chatbots to enhance health communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, equipping future data scientists with essential hands-on experience.
Other projects include eLwazi Open Data Science Platform. In this role, he oversees teams focused on data integration, metadata curation, and the implementation of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. He excels in developing scalable machine learning models and decision-support systems that address critical public health challenges.
Committed to transforming lives through data and technology, Mugume is dedicated to creating meaningful change in underserved communities.
Stephen Kanyerezi is a dedicated and results-driven PhD student with a strong background in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. His work has primarily focused on infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on HIV drug resistance and the microbiome's role in pediatric health. He has developed and published innovative pipelines, such as the 'HIV-DRIVES' tool for drug resistance identification, and have successfully applied cutting-edge sequencing techniques to unveil critical insights in my field. During his MSc program, he secured 2 highly competitive grant awards; the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) and the African Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (ADDRF) offerred by the African Population Health Research Centre (APHRC). With a track record of impactful publications, including his recent studies in NGS-based HIV drug resistance testing in Uganda, he is committed to advancing public health outcomes through rigorous research and data-driven solutions. He is passionate about applying his skills to improve patient management strategies and contribute to the global fight against HIV and other infectious diseases
Ivan Sserwadda is a PhD fellow at the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD) within the CAGE-TB project, where he is advancing critical research on tuberculosis in Uganda. With a unique focus on microbiome studies, Ivan explores the progression and pathogenesis of tuberculosis, aiming to uncover new insights that could transform treatment approaches for this endemic disease.
He holds a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, pairing his solid academic foundation with over 10 years of hands-on experience in antimicrobial resistance, genomics, and bioinformatics. Ivan's work has made a significant impact on the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases in low-resource settings, and his findings are widely published. Driven by a mission to address global health challenges, he connects scientific discovery with practical applications, striving to improve outcomes for communities most affected by infectious diseases.
Ibra Lujumba is a graduate student at the ACE pursuing a Master of Science in Bioinformatics. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry & Chemistry (First Class Hons) from Makerere University(2019) and is a beneficiary of the BRecA graduate scholarship award. He is a member of two H3Africa Genome Analysis Working Groups (GAWG): The Repeat Expansion GAWG where he is part of the analysis team, and the Transcriptomics GAWG where he is co-lead.
He is also a teaching assistant for the Master of Science in Bioinformatics program while carrying out research on how indigenous cattle are adaped to trypanosomiasis-endemic environments by using whole-genome and RNA sequence data.
Allan is a Virtual Reality developer at ACE and he contributes to projects that are solving real-world dilemnas. He holds a BSc. in Software Engineering from Makerere University (2022), as well as a Certificate in Graphics Designing and 3D Character Animation. He has worked on an Award Winning African in-house TV Serie Mukago ,led a Game Development team to produce Computer Games (Kamati and Gastro Trek) that were used to teach Ugandan Primary Children Mathematics and Science.
He is currently finalising a VR Application that tackles Vaccination hesitancy in a Uganda.
Faith Daka is a Software Engineer at the ACE that contributes to systems & application development projects. She has 2+ years of experience and holds a BSc. Computer Science (First Class Hons) from Makerere University(2022) through sponsorship from the Ugandan government, as well as a Certificate of Orientation in Data Science. She is proficient in frontend JavaScript technologies and has worked with projects that seek to fuel the benefits of emerging technologies in Uganda.
She is passionate about joining the eco-system of Big Data Analysis with Software Development, and is being nurtured into that career path.
Henry Mutegeki contributes to System administration and Software development at the ACE. He is actively involved in tech and system support for Bioinformatics students and researchers needing to access High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster which involves configuration, monitoring and maintenance of the HPC. Henry also contributes to important health projects at the ACE, such as developing the Epilepsy SMART App to improve adherence among epileptic adolescents and setting up the Sickle Cell Pan-African Database (SPARCO), a comprehensive registry improving healthcare for sickle cell patients in Uganda. He has 4+ years of software development experience having worked with cloud computing technologies like Kubernetes & Docker and programming languages like Python(Flask, Django) to build robust REST APIs, build Data science & Machine Learning pipelines. He holds a BSc. in Software Engineering from Makerere University(Hons, 2022) and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Computer science at Makerere. His key research interests lie at the intersection of Technology and its application in the health domain including: AI for Health, AI fairness and Model Explainability.
I am a Bioinformatics Scientist and mentor at ACE-Uganda, a lecturer in Bioinformatics at Makerere University, and a Research Fellow at the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC). Currently, I am a MakDarta PhD fellow specializing in Bioinformatics and Data Science. My research interests lie in utilizing genomics, genetics, and bioinformatics to deepen our understanding of infectious diseases, with a focus on host-pathogen interactions, pathogen molecular surveillance, antimicrobial resistance, malaria parasite genomics, bacterial genomics, population genetics, and viral genomics. I am dedicated to capacity building in genomics and bioinformatics, aiming to nurture and empower the next generation of bioinformatics scientists.
Davis is a bioinformatics scientist with a vested interest in machine learning, mathematical modelling and population genetics. He serves as an assistant lecturer for the Disease Dynamics and Modelling module in the Masters of Science in Bioinformatics course at Makerere University.
Davis is currently a PhD fellow at Uganda Virus Research Institute investigating the role of schistosoma parasite genetics in schistosomiasis clinical manifestation where he is applying alternative sequencing approaches to allow for widespread genomic surveillance of this disease.
Mukisa John, MD is a PhD in Bioinformatics fellow at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Kampala, Uganda where he also obtained his undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and postgraduate training in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. Currently, John continues to pursue his NIH Fogarty sponsored PhD study training with a focus on understanding the Imputation performance and Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genotypes among children with varying degrees of HIV disease progression in African cohorts from Uganda, and Botswana. He has previously trained in molecular human genetics and bioinformatics techniques at the prestigious human genome sequencing center (HGSC) in Houston, Texas, USA in 2019 -2020. I also had bioinformatics in different genetics research labs under the mentorship Prof. Graeme Mardon and Prof. Neil Hanchard at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, USA in 2019/20. John is passionate about the translation of medical bioinformatics into the clinical bedside.
I am a bioinformatician and health data scientist passionate about leveraging omics and healthcare datasets to uncover meaningful insights and advance infectious disease research.
Khalifan Muwonge is a passionate Ugandan full-stack software engineer, committed to building impactful digital solutions that drive positive change in health and data accessibility. Since joining the African Center of Excellence in Bioninformaatics and Data Intensive sciences (ACE) in Uganda in November 2022, I've contributed to diverse projects, including the SMART app, a mobile application designed to support epilepsy patients.I also contributed to the HEAL app as a full-stack developer, where I built both frontend and backend components. This chatbot application, tailored for health workers, integrates Luganda language support. Additionally, I am involved in the creation of a comprehensive data warehouse and data portal for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) data with the CAMO-Net hub, a collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and ACE.
Racheal Claire Kyomukama is an MSc fellow on She Data Science (SHEDs), a collaborative research training program between the Global Health Sciences (IGHS) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences, Uganda (ACE-Uganda) that aims to train and advance Ugandan women in data science. She has a first class honors degree in Computer science from Makerere university graduating as the best student in the graduating class of 2023.
Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she joined ACE-Uganda as an intern in the Combination Drug Investigation Group (CODING) that leverages insilico approaches to design synergistic drug combinations for bacterial and fungal infections. Her research interests lie in leveraging data science techniques to address the challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Through advanced machine learning algorithms and statistical methods, she is exploring the design of optimal antimicrobial combination therapies and analysis of diverse datasets to understand the mechanisms of resistance and factors that influence drug efficacy. This interdisciplinary approach combines computational methods with microbiological insights to contribute to more effective antimicrobial treatments and combat the problem of AMR.
Muwonge Lawrence is a dedicated MLOps and DevOps Engineer with a strong background in software development and machine learning operations, particularly within the healthcare sector. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Makerere University, i have honed skills in data science, AI, and cloud technologies. i have practical experience in building end-to-end machine learning pipelines, web and mobile applications, and optimizing High Throughput Computing (HTC) environments.
My recent work at the African Center of Excellence for Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) included developing AI-driven solutions such as a miscarriage risk prediction pipeline and handling the Machine learning operations of AI chatbot (HEAL) project that was aimed to improve pandemic preparedness in Uganda. My expertise extends to computer vision projects, including the detection of colorectal and breast cancer using deep learning, as showcased in multiple codeathons.
As a passionate problem solver, i am committed to leveraging technology to drive impactful change, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings, with a long-term goal of achieving health equity across Africa.
Dr. Timothy Mwanje Kintu is an early-career researcher and medical doctor dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions to improve healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. His research interests include infectious diseases, aging, and health data science. In 2024, he received the International Investigator Scholarship Award to present findings on birth outcomes among mothers co-infected with HIV and syphilis at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. Skilled in Python and R, Dr. Kintu integrates his medical expertise with data science to advance projects tackling complex health issues in Africa. As the co-founder of the Patient-Centered Care Movement Africa, he works to implement patientcentered practices within African healthcare systems, aiming to enhance care quality and accessibility. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the International Health Journal and collaborates with international multidisciplinary teams to explore how technology can improve public health practices and policies. His career goal is to enhance healthcare systems in Africa through the integration of technology and data-driven methods, developing sustainable health solutions for a healthier and more equitable future on the continent.
Frederick E. Kakembo is a seasoned bioinformatics researcher, educator, and Ph.D. Fellow with a deep commitment to application of computational approached to advance our understanding of cancer biology. He holds a foundational degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology and a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics from Makerere University. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. under a D43 grant, Fredrick’s current work is focused on deciphering the cellular and molecular dynamics of Kaposi’s Sarcoma using an integrative single-cell genomics approach and the intra-host variations of Kaposi’s Sarcoma associated Herpesvirus among Ugandan patients at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
In addition to research, Fredrick doubles as a passionate programming instructor for Bioconductor and R to the graduate bioinformatics class, mentoring and shaping the next generation of competent bioinformatics researchers with skills in data analysis and statistical methods.
He is also the chair of the Cancer Genomics Working Group at ACE-Uganda, a pioneer research group with a focus of advancing the frontiers of cancer research and capacity through development and application of innovative bioinformatics methodologies. The group purposes to contribute valuable insights to the scientific community, improve patient outcomes, and empower the next generation of bioinformaticians and researchers in the field of cancer genomics and genetics.
Namuswe Magdalene is a bioinformatician specializing in cancer genomics with a strong focus on its applications in addressing health challenges in Uganda. She is supported by the D43 training grant from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in collaboration with the NIH, Makerere University and the Uganda Cancer Institute, she is currently pursuing an MSc in Bioinformatics and holds a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Makerere University, where she graduated as the top female student from the College of Natural Sciences. Her bioinformatics experience includes roles at the African Centers of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences where I gained various skills including genomic data analysis, statistical modeling, and population genetics and genomics. She has worked on analysis pipelines for variant calling, gene expression profiling, and pathway analysis. With a commitment to applying advanced bioinformatics methods to improve diagnostics, She aims to contribute to innovative cancer care solutions for Uganda and beyond. </p
Florence Nakabiri is a doctoral student at Makerere University with a research focus in cancer and experience in pathogen genomics (malaria) and genomic epidemiology. She is a University of Cambridge-Cancer Research UK-Cambridge Institute alumna, where she looked at the use of dried blood spots in detecting circulating tumor DNA in resource-limited settings. Florence holds a Master’s in Bioinformatics from Makerere University, during which period she looked at the genomic characterisation of common malaria RDT target genes in Africa, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Her doctoral work leverages this interdisciplinary training to apply bioinformatics in uncovering genomic drivers of cancer, contributing to innovative strategies in the fight against the cancer burden, malaria, and NCDs (Chronic Kidney Disease).
Gloria Nakabiri is a dedicated Master's student in Bioinformatics at Makerere University's African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Science. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University. Gloria is currently a recipient of a prestigious D43 training grant, specializing in Cancer Genomics and Genomic Data Science. Her passion for bioinformatics is driven by a desire to unravel the complexities of genomics, with a particular focus on T-cell immunogenomics and cancer biology. As an intern with the She Data Science (SHEDS) program at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Gloria is actively engaged in advancing bioinformatics and data science skills among Ugandan women. Gloria's goal is to bridge the gap between genomics research and clinical applications, contributing to more effective treatment strategies in oncology.
Namutebi Shakirah has a bachelor's degree in biomedical laboratory technology and is currently doing her internship under the SHEDS program at ACE,I have cultivated a strong foundation in clinical laboratory science, Bioinformatics with focus on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Shakira is committed to making a meaningful impact in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics by leveraging my experience and skills.
Amaro Mary Saalome has foundational background in Biomedical Laboratory Technology, she is expanding my expertise through an internship African Centers of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences. Her work and training focus on leveraging bioinformatics to tackle complex health challenges, with a specific emphasis on cancer genomics.
Haliimah Nabakooza is an Administrative Assistant at the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) under the Infectious Diseases Institute. She specializes in improving administrative processes, strengthening communication, and supporting key projects, including leading the development of the IDI Data Governance Framework. Haliimah’s expertise covers office management, document organization, and event planning. Known for her strong analytical skills, adaptability, and attention to detail, she is committed to continuous growth and contributes actively to initiatives that drive innovation and support organizational goals.
Edith Nabukenya, pursed a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University, with a strong passion for bioinformatics and genomic research. Her focus areas include sequence analysis, variant calling, and genomic data interpretation. She is currently interning at ACE, gaining hands-on experience in computational biology and genomic data analysis. Her work involves utilizing programming tools like R and Linux to solve complex biological problems.
MUmberer Collins is a creative and technically adept 3D Animator and VR developer. He has very skills that include mobile and web development, specializing in Flutter cross-platform app development and Virtual Reality (VR) environments. He Possesses a deep passion for blending technology with creativity.
James Israel Mayanja is an ambitious VR developer, he is passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to create not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful virtual experiences. His work is driven by a commitment to innovation, education, and the potential of VR to revolutionize how we learn, work, and interact with the world.
Akurut is passionate about understanding the role of tuberculosis in cancer development. With a background in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Bioinformatics from Makerere University, she has pursued impactful research, supported by funding from the Nurturing Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Capacity program. As a Fogarty Master Fellow at the Infectious Disease Institute, she developed an in silico vaccine for drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis. Her research includes contributions to the Childhood Acute Nutrition (CHAIN) study, analyzing proteomic data to identify differentially expressed proteins and their correlation with outcomes at discharge and 6-month follow-up; understanding the differences in vaccine responses in rural and urban populations; modelling transmission dynamics of infectious diseases among others. Proficient in immunoinformatics, proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and disease modelling, Akurut is now a PhD student in Bioinformatics, funded by the SHE DATA program under the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE). Her current focus is on the mechanisms linking Tuberculosis (TB) to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Martin Okitwi is a laboratory Scientist with extensive experience in malaria parasite phenotyping and genotyping, and a MSc. Bioinformatics finalist at the ACE-Bioinformatics and Data Sciences, Makerere University. He is interested in understanding antimalarial drug resistance mechanisms and patterns in Uganda, using ex-vivo and bioinformatics/genomics approaches, with a focus on artemisinin partial resistance. He an established author and a current beneficiary of a US-NIH-Fogarty International Center malaria training grant.
Syrus is a researcher with a robust academic foundation in Biochemistry and Mathematics from Makerere University. His early work, an undergraduate project on genotyping the DIIIa allele in sickle cell patients, was supported by the MakRif project to advance sickle cell surveillance in Uganda. This experience laid the groundwork for his interdisciplinary approach to health research.
Following graduation, Syrus volunteered at the Central Public Health Laboratories, where he developed expertise in both wet and dry lab methodologies. This role enriched his practical skills, setting the stage for his Master’s degree.
Currently, Syrus is pursuing a master’s degree at Makerere University with support from MRC/UVRI/LSHTM under the GIISER project and ACE under the SHEDs project. He actively engages in key working groups at ACE, including those focused on Cancer Genomics, AMR, Mathematical Modeling, and Bioinformatics. His research interests are concentrated on Viral infections such as Chikungunya virus, Cancer biology and single-cell analysis in infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
His research reflects a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge that supports impactful public health solutions, especially in infectious disease and genomics. His work aims to bridge the gap between molecular science and its applications in disease surveillance and treatment.
Walter Odur is a Research Assistant and Trainee at ACE, contributing to the DSI-Africa-funded project titled Genome-wide Characterization of Complex Variants and Their Phenotypic Effects in African Populations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University and is a member of the Cancer Genomics Working Group, where he is involved in developing a workflow for somatic mutation detection in cancer genomes. Walter’s primary research interest centers on the role of DNA repeats in various cancer types, specifically investigating how these highly mutating genetic elements contribute to cancer development and progression in African populations and how they might be leveraged to improve treatment outcomes. To support bioinformatics capacity building in Africa, he has served as a teaching assistant in DSI-Africa’s First Human Genome Repeat Expansion Analysis Virtual Workshop and as a teaching staff for H3ABioNet’s Introduction to Bioinformatics course (IBT2024).
Kevin Cissy Nabukeera is an MSc Fellow at the African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics under the SHE-DATA SCIENCE (SHEDS) project grant collaborated by The Institute of Global Health Sciences, University of San Francisco California.
Kevin's research focuses on leveraging cancer-testis antigens as targets for developing immunotherapeutic approaches for subtypes of invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. Her broader career aspirations and research interests include disease modeling for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cancer genomics, immunotherapy, and applying bioinformatics techniques to derive actionable insights that enhance diagnosis, treatment, and decision-making in healthcare.
Kawalya Hakiimu is a PhD research fellow, passionate about population genomics and omics analysis in general to uncover meaningful insights and advance human disease research. He is currently undertaking a study to characterise alleles and selection signals in Sickle Cell modifier genes across populations funded by NIH. He has done extensive works in Cancer as well as Viral and Structural bioinformatics domains. Additionally, he has strong interest in machine learning, health related Artificial intelligence and networks analysis.
Shamim Bakuwera is an undergraduate student of Biomedical Laboratory Technology at Makerere University. She is an intern at the African Centre of Excellence under the SHE Data Science program where she is gaining hands-on experience in bioinformatics and data science.
Her skills include genomics, data analysis and computational tools, complementing her background in laboratory technology. For her undergraduate research, Shamim studied the pathogenic proteins of Bacillus anthracis and their interactions with human proteins, highlighting her multidisciplinary approach to addressing health challenges.
Shamim is passionate about human genomics, pathogen-host interactions, and bioinformatics in infectious disease research.