ACE-Uganda is dedicated to enhancing health in Africa through High Performance Computing, Bioinformatics, Visualization, and Data Science. Established in 2019, the ACE collaborates with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University and other stakeholders to advance research in bioinformatics and health data science. Our efforts also include training the next generation of quantitative scientists in the region. 

The ACE completed projects reflect the commitment to improving health through innovative research in HPC, Bioinformatics, Visualization, and Data Science. Since 2019, the ACE has launched numerous initiatives addressing critical health issues in Africa, working closely with IDI and international partners. These projects highlight our commitment to scientific excellence and our strategic approach to addressing regional health challenges. 

VR Usability Testing

Ongoing Projects

Project NameProject Funder/ CollaboratorProject Duration
SPARCO (Sickle Pan-African Research 
Consortium)
National Institute of Health (NIH) 
 
Nov-21 to Oct-26 
DS-I (Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa) ODSP (Open Data Science Platform Uganda)National Institute of Health (NIH)  Sep-21 to June-26 
CAMO-NET (Centers for Antimicrobial Optimization Network)Wellcome Trust Mar-23 to Feb-26 
Pathogen detection in children living with HIV 
presenting with non-malarial febrile Illness using metagenomic sequencing at Baylor-Uganda (PHICAMS) 
European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Nov-21 to Oct-24 
SHEDS: She Data Science Institute of Global Health Sciences University of California San Francisco (IGHS-UCSF) 
Cancer genomics and genomics data science Uganda Cancer Institute & Fred Hutch Cancer Institute 
Acute Respiratory Interventions Study (ARISE Africa) Busitema University 
AI for Health Equity: Transforming Pandemic Preparedness in Uganda (HEAL)Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) 

Completed Projects

Project NameProject Funder/ Collaborator Project Duration
An Innovation Hub on Artificial Intelligence for Maternal, Sexual, Reproductive Health in Sub-Saharan Africa (HASH) 
 
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Nov-21 to Oct-23 
Exploring the Future of Virtual Reality in Africa:  
Africa Skills Awareness and Policy (ASAP) 
Rockerfeller Philanthropist Advisors Nov-22 to Aug-23 
VMERGE (Virtual Reality in Education)  
Tailoring and Scaling Virtual Reality Technology for Emergency Care in Uganda
Makerere Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) Jan-23 to June-23 
COAST Project (End-to-end AI and data systems for targeted surveillance and management of COVID-19 and future pandemics affecting Uganda) The Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC)/ Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) May-21 to Apr-23 
The Epilepsy AppDUKE University Jan-22 to Feb-23 
Feasibility of Virtual Reality-based training for optimizing COVID-19 case handling in UgandaThe Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations fund (RIF) Aug-20 to Apr-21  
Data-driven HIV prevention among young adults in Uganda The Government of Uganda through Makerere University Research and Innovations fund (RIF) Jul-20 to June-21