Godliver Owomugisha

Seeing what the eye can’t see 👁️ We are highly intentional about detecting the very first signs of disease in plants. Our low-cost spectral sensors have achieved strong results. We are grateful to all our partners. ai.busitema.ac.ug

At the intersection of technology and its users lies policy. Let’s talk about policies! I am delighted to chair the AI Steering Committee at Busitema University. Working alongside an exceptional team, we are shaping how AI is understood, adopted, and governed within the institution and beyond.

2 years later, our first cohort of MSc in Artificial Intelligence students graduates today! 🎓 When we started this programme, I received a TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) @TWASnews , which enabled me to sponsor four students. Today, the programme admits over 15 students every year. What a milestone! Congratulations to our first cohort, and to everyone who has contributed to building this programme 🎉

One month later, it still feels special to reflect on @dsa_org Summer school. Ten years ago, I was that Master’s student, learning and discovering many techniques for the first time. This year, it was an honour to serve as Program Chair, working alongside a dedicated team to bring such a colourful event to life. It has been especially rewarding to see the posts, reflections and comments from an event we truly enjoyed organising! What does DSA at 10 teach us? I had the opportunity to chair a very engaging panel on “The Future of Careers and Work in the AI Era.” Two things particularly stood out for me: 1. AI is changing careers, but our greatest advantage will be our ability to adapt. Beyond technical skills, the future will require continuous learning, creativity, interdisciplinary thinking and, importantly, the ability to apply AI to real problems in our communities. 2. Africa’s AI future will be stronger if we grow together. We need to deliberately create and share opportunities across our networks, institutions and countries, especially through scholarships, visiting and exchange programmes, mentorship, research collaborations and opportunities for young researchers. Ten years of DSA is a reminder of what a strong African community can achieve when we learn together, create opportunities for one another and grow together. @dsa_org @BusitemaUniv @Makerere @BUAIIR

This week, I had the privilege of participating in the Women in Leadership Training organized by hersea.org/ at @MbararaUST We often don’t realize what we’re missing until we surround ourselves with inspiring leaders and colleagues who challenge our thinking, share their experiences, and encourage us to see new possibilities. Leadership is not just about leading institutions. It is about creating environments where others can grow, thrive, and contribute to meaningful change. Thank you, HERS-EA and Busitema University, for an inspiring and enriching learning experience. “You are not only shaping higher education. You are reshaping the world.”