Makerere University yesterday unveiled a central data collection system dubbed Makerere University Data Repository System (MakData) to ease data collection and inform planning and the proper institution’s management.
According to Assoc Prof Robert Wamala the Deputy Director Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (Partnerships and Innovation) and the project Principal Investigator, the system will consolidate data from the various University-managed systems in real-time and generate reports for decision-making.
Some of these systems are; Academic Management Information system (ACMIS), Library Management System, Employee Human Resource Management System, Grants Management System, and Finance Management System.
“MakData System does not duplicate or replace functionalities from existing systems; rather, it mines data and consolidates it to produce integrated reports about a specific domain for quick executive decision support,” Mr Wamala said during the system’s official launch at the University on Thursday April 5.
In his speech, read by his vice in-charge of Finance and Administration, Assoc Prof Henry Alinaitwe, the University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawange said that centralizing data storage and management will enable researchers to have easy access to the information they need at real time from one streamlined source.
“At Makerere University, research is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a cornerstone of the institution’s identity and mission. The university’s research-led approach permeates every aspect of its academic programs, shaping curricula, guiding teaching methodologies, and inspiring students to engage in critical inquiry and discovery,” he said
Adding, “Data management systems play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and quality of research data. By implementing robust data governance protocols and security measures, these systems help safeguard research data against unauthorized access, loss, or corruption, thereby enhancing the reliability and trustworthiness of research findings,” he said.
The State Minister of Planning Mr Amos Lugolobi who officiated the launch, called upon the University leadership to always be transparent and share Data among different departments but with the government for effective planning.
Mr Lugolobi said that adopting transparent data governance practices and ensuring the ethical use of data will help both the university and government during planning.
“As our society becomes increasingly reliant on data-driven approaches, it is imperative that institutions like ours have robust systems in place to manage and harness the power of data effectively,” he said,
Adding that, “Data fuels innovations and creativity that is why you need to collaborate among your departments and share data for the University’s effective management and planning. Let’s share this information because even us the ministry would like to access this information,”
The deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof Umar Kakumba said that the system helps in improving data coverage and representativeness, supporting longitudinal analysis and trend monitoring, facilitating data integration and sharing, and strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
“As such, leveraging administrative data sources is essential for producing high-quality, timely, and relevant official statistics that inform public policy, guide decision-making, and support evidence-based interventions to address societal needs,” he said.
Prof. Fred Masagazi, the Chairperson Makerere University – Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-Rif) Grants Management Committee that the system is one of the projects that are being funded under the Innovation and research Fund by the government.
“Let us all further explore, embrace, and leverage partnerships to write winning proposals so that we can leverage additional funds and support the work we are doing. It is also important that we work towards scaling to the market the research and innovation outputs emanating from the ongoing work at Makerere University but also in the country in general,” he said.
