Engineer Bainomugisha's website

I am an Associate Professor of Computer Science and the Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University. My research is focused on leveraging Computer Science to develop novel solutions to global challenges. I am also passionate about advancing high-quality Computer Science education—that is of sufficient breadth and depth, practical and fast enough, and responsive to the fast-evolving demands of the field.

I believe in the transformative power of computational technology and intelligence to tackle complex society challenges and improve people's lives.

Currently, I lead several research initiatives aimed at creating and applying computational methods and tools that can significantly improve the quality of life, particularly in the context of developing countries. Through these efforts, I strive to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact, ensuring that technological advancements contribute meaningfully and responsibility to addressing societal needs.

Previously I investigated and developed programming languages and software tools to help programmers easily write highly adaptive and distributed mobile software without worrying about low-level concerns. My research in this area helped create iScheme and Flute programming languages. In 2008, I pioneered iScheme as an alternative programming language to develop mobile applications for the iPhone after it was launched in 2007.

I received a Ph.D in Computer Science (with Greatest Distinction - “Summa cum laude”) and MSc. (with Great Distinction) in Computer Science from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium in 2008 & 2012, respectively. I received a B.Sc. (First Class Honors) in Computer Science from Makerere University in 2006, where I also received the Best Science and Overall Best graduate award for that year. Prior to returning to Makerere University I worked as a pre-doctoral and postdoctoral researcher at the Software Languages Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. Prior to that I worked in the Software Development industry and IT Management in Uganda.

`Flagship initiatives and projects`

I have had the privilege of leading teams of talented individuals dedicated to addressing complex societal challenges, with a focus on making a meaningful impact on both people’s lives and the environment. I founded/co-founded AirQo, Crane Cloud and Sunbird AI, among others. Our current initiatives span five key areas:

AI for the Environment
African AI Cloud Infrastructure
AI for Finance
AI for Healthcare
Non-profit AI for Social Good

Notable projects

AirQo.Africa: At AirQo, we pioneered AI-driven technology to provide communities and cities across Africa with accurate, hyperlocal, and real-time air quality data, empowering them to take informed action in mitigating air pollution. AirQo is currently in over 15 African cities providing actionable air quality information covering a population of over 60 million people living in these cities. Thanks to the partnership with Google, and other partners.

Crane Cloud: At Crane Cloud, we are developing a multi-cloud solution that supports seamless AI computation, enabling app and service portability between private and public clouds. This solution is specifically tailored to address unique challenges in Africa, such as bandwidth limitations, internet connectivity issues, and power outages.

Sunbird AI: Sunbird AI is at the forefront of developing non-profit AI technologies for social good in Africa, aiming to harness AI for addressing key developmental and societal challenges across the continent.

HASH: At HASH, we are focused on using AI to improve maternal, sexual, and reproductive health outcomes. Our work emphasizes the responsible development and application of AI to enhance healthcare systems and support better health outcomes for women in Africa.

Past research projects

iScheme and Flute programming languages. Earlier in my career, I investigated and developed programming languages and software tools to help programmers easily write highly adaptive and distributed mobile software without worrying about low-level concerns. My research in this area helped create iScheme and Flute programming languages. In 2008, I pioneered iScheme as an alternative programming language to develop mobile applications for the iPhone after it was launched in 2007.

BRIGHT: As part for the BRIGHT project, we trained 10 PhD students and 5 postdoctoral researchers between Makerere University, Chalmers University of Technology and Gothenburg University, with the key aim of advancing CS and software engineering expertise in Uganda.

COAST: As part of the COAST project, we contributed to the development of end-to-end AI and data systems for targeted surveillance and management of COVID-19, with the goal of improving pandemic response strategies in Uganda and preparing for future health crises.