Rwashana earns first PhD in computer science
Feb 17, 2009
HER encounter with computers started with a tour to a computer-based facility in Kampala. As <b>Jacobs Odongo</b> writes, it was this encounter that propelled Agnes Rwashana Semwanga to the top as the first student to be awarded a PhD in Computer Science
HER encounter with computers started with a tour to a computer-based facility in Kampala. As Jacobs Odongo writes, it was this encounter that propelled Agnes Rwashana Semwanga to the top as the first student to be awarded a PhD in Computer Science at Makerere University.
THE complex networks coordinating the national telephone system mesmerized the students from Gayaza High School on an academic tour.
Among them was Agnes Rwashana Semwanga, who loved mathematics so much that she only wanted a career where mathematics applied, like statistics or engineering.
The tour, however, changed her dream career. Rwashana was fascinated by the computers and networks. It was her turning point. She realized that working with computers like the ones she saw at the then Telephone House was now her dream career.
“Everything was complicated and I felt like becoming a computer engineer to work on such projects,†she recalls. “I checked prospectuses from various institutions of higher learning after my Senior Six. I only wanted to study computer science, but could not afford the fees structure in Canada.â€
Compromise
At the time, computer science had not taken shape in the country. Semwanga had little option but to settle for mathematics.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science with Education (mathematics and chemistry) at Makerere University, but her passion for computers had not withered.
Dream kept alive
“After one year at campus, Dad cajoled me to take up computer science courses during the holidays,†she says. Rwashana did not hesitate. In 1991, she joined HiTech Computer Training Centre for a certificate course.
In her second year holidays, she studied basic programming database management. Her dream was on course. To cap it, Dr. Edmund Katiti, the then director of the centre, offered her a teaching job as soon as she completed her degree course.
Computer teacher
She was now a computer science teacher at least, so what about the mathematics and chemistry she studied at university?
“ I never taught mathematics,†she says, chuckling. “I only teach it when I am coaching my children, otherwise I apply it in my daily life, including my specialty (information system and simulation and modelling).â€
From HiTech, Rwashana had job stints with several companies for instance at Forte Dodge Animal Health Company, where she specialized in accounting packages using computer.
Her professional journey
It finally clicked in March 2002, when Makerere University introduced a masters in computer science at the then Institute of Computer Science. “When I read the advert, I knew this was what I had dreamed of all these years. I had a six-month-old baby, but that did not stop me,†she says, adding that she found the computer world was now advanced and sophisticated, unlike what she left at HiTech a decade ago.
After graduation in 2004, she sank her teeth in the computer world. But the journey had just begun. “The director of the Institute of Computer Science, Prof. Baryamureeba, invited me to take up a job as a research coordinator and assistant lecturer at the institute, which I accepted. Dr. William Ddembe, one of my masters research supervisors, advised me to carry on with my research and upgrade it to PhD level.â€
The mother of three became a pioneer student of yet another new programme at Makerere. But this time round, she was on her way to making history as the first recepient of a doctorate in computer science.
Research inclination
Rwashana’s specialty —information systems and simulation and modelling confirms the saying that an individual’s self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behaviour; the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change.
Rwashana’s simulation model reflects this. “I was disturbed that every time we had immunization programmes, we had to first embark on mobilization campaigns which are quite expensive,†she explains of her thesis.
“When you look at immunization coverage, many times all they are thinking about is campaigns and solutions that do not give long-term effects; after a while you see the immunisation figures going down. So I wanted to use a holistic approach and look at the various factors that are associated with immunization and come up with tools that could help in designing a policy and in training. I wanted to see whether it could help to improve healthcare policies in Uganda.â€
Importance of research
Rwashana’s life is dedicated to research because research “changes life; it effects approach to issues.†She believes education can only be fruitful when it is research-oriented. “When you go to teach without doing research, you expire; only sound research can best combine the theoretical and practical world.â€
Family influence
Born to Selina and Fred Rwashana of Rwashamaire in Ntungamo, Rwashana and her six siblings had to be content with the trials that families of civil servants lived with. Her mother, a retired nursing officer and father, a lab technologist, drilled the ‘education is the key’ motto into their children.
“Despite their meager income and having to raise seven children and other dependants, they strived to take us to the best schools then like Gayaza High School and St. Mary’s College Kisubi.â€
All her siblings are scientists except one. There is a psychiatrist, an agriculturalist, a nurse and a mechanical engineer. Three of them boast of PhDs. Rwashana is married to Henry Semwanga-Lule, of Population Services International, whom she credits for his support.
What drives her?
Rwashana says she owes her achievements to God. Her big dream is to be a professor of computer science, and given her achievements of a masters degree and PhD within six years, this looks closer than a dream. But her secret is determination. Many times in our pursuits, she says, we are confronted with circumstances we do not foresee.
“You do not have to give up; it could be the first step to the next level, no matter how undesirable it may be.â€
She says persistence has rewards because when you seize it, it will pay off later.
FACTFILE
Gayaza Junior School (P.1 to P.7)
Gayaza High School (S.1 to S.6)
Makerere University — Bachelor of Science in Education
Master of Science in Computer Science, Makerere University, 2004
Certificate in Business Dynamics, Maastricht School of Management, 2007
PhD in Computer Science, Makerere University, 2009
THE complex networks coordinating the national telephone system mesmerized the students from Gayaza High School on an academic tour.
Among them was Agnes Rwashana Semwanga, who loved mathematics so much that she only wanted a career where mathematics applied, like statistics or engineering.
The tour, however, changed her dream career. Rwashana was fascinated by the computers and networks. It was her turning point. She realized that working with computers like the ones she saw at the then Telephone House was now her dream career.
“Everything was complicated and I felt like becoming a computer engineer to work on such projects,†she recalls. “I checked prospectuses from various institutions of higher learning after my Senior Six. I only wanted to study computer science, but could not afford the fees structure in Canada.â€
Compromise
At the time, computer science had not taken shape in the country. Semwanga had little option but to settle for mathematics.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science with Education (mathematics and chemistry) at Makerere University, but her passion for computers had not withered.
Dream kept alive
“After one year at campus, Dad cajoled me to take up computer science courses during the holidays,†she says. Rwashana did not hesitate. In 1991, she joined HiTech Computer Training Centre for a certificate course.
In her second year holidays, she studied basic programming database management. Her dream was on course. To cap it, Dr. Edmund Katiti, the then director of the centre, offered her a teaching job as soon as she completed her degree course.
Computer teacher
She was now a computer science teacher at least, so what about the mathematics and chemistry she studied at university?
“ I never taught mathematics,†she says, chuckling. “I only teach it when I am coaching my children, otherwise I apply it in my daily life, including my specialty (information system and simulation and modelling).â€
From HiTech, Rwashana had job stints with several companies for instance at Forte Dodge Animal Health Company, where she specialized in accounting packages using computer.
Her professional journey
It finally clicked in March 2002, when Makerere University introduced a masters in computer science at the then Institute of Computer Science. “When I read the advert, I knew this was what I had dreamed of all these years. I had a six-month-old baby, but that did not stop me,†she says, adding that she found the computer world was now advanced and sophisticated, unlike what she left at HiTech a decade ago.
After graduation in 2004, she sank her teeth in the computer world. But the journey had just begun. “The director of the Institute of Computer Science, Prof. Baryamureeba, invited me to take up a job as a research coordinator and assistant lecturer at the institute, which I accepted. Dr. William Ddembe, one of my masters research supervisors, advised me to carry on with my research and upgrade it to PhD level.â€
The mother of three became a pioneer student of yet another new programme at Makerere. But this time round, she was on her way to making history as the first recepient of a doctorate in computer science.
Research inclination
Rwashana’s specialty —information systems and simulation and modelling confirms the saying that an individual’s self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behaviour; the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change.
Rwashana’s simulation model reflects this. “I was disturbed that every time we had immunization programmes, we had to first embark on mobilization campaigns which are quite expensive,†she explains of her thesis.
“When you look at immunization coverage, many times all they are thinking about is campaigns and solutions that do not give long-term effects; after a while you see the immunisation figures going down. So I wanted to use a holistic approach and look at the various factors that are associated with immunization and come up with tools that could help in designing a policy and in training. I wanted to see whether it could help to improve healthcare policies in Uganda.â€
Importance of research
Rwashana’s life is dedicated to research because research “changes life; it effects approach to issues.†She believes education can only be fruitful when it is research-oriented. “When you go to teach without doing research, you expire; only sound research can best combine the theoretical and practical world.â€
Family influence
Born to Selina and Fred Rwashana of Rwashamaire in Ntungamo, Rwashana and her six siblings had to be content with the trials that families of civil servants lived with. Her mother, a retired nursing officer and father, a lab technologist, drilled the ‘education is the key’ motto into their children.
“Despite their meager income and having to raise seven children and other dependants, they strived to take us to the best schools then like Gayaza High School and St. Mary’s College Kisubi.â€
All her siblings are scientists except one. There is a psychiatrist, an agriculturalist, a nurse and a mechanical engineer. Three of them boast of PhDs. Rwashana is married to Henry Semwanga-Lule, of Population Services International, whom she credits for his support.
What drives her?
Rwashana says she owes her achievements to God. Her big dream is to be a professor of computer science, and given her achievements of a masters degree and PhD within six years, this looks closer than a dream. But her secret is determination. Many times in our pursuits, she says, we are confronted with circumstances we do not foresee.
“You do not have to give up; it could be the first step to the next level, no matter how undesirable it may be.â€
She says persistence has rewards because when you seize it, it will pay off later.
FACTFILE