The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE-Uganda) has launched the She-Data Science Program, a new initiative aimed at empowering Ugandan women with advanced skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics.
The program was unveiled during the ACE Consortium Meeting in Kampala, a gathering that brought together ACE center directors, international partners, and government officials to review progress in digital health innovation and research.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, presided over the launch and described the initiative as central to Uganda's digital agenda.
"The She-Data Science Program is not just about skills training; it is about ensuring women are full participants in shaping the technologies and solutions of tomorrow," she said.
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The program has already placed two women at doctoral level, five at master's level, and several in internships. Dr. Zawedde congratulated the fellows, calling them "pioneers, role models, and trailblazers" who would inspire more women to pursue careers in science and technology.
She reaffirmed government commitment under the Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023-2027), which prioritises innovation, digital skills, and women's inclusion in ICT. "L
"By embedding digital skills in schools and promoting initiatives that encourage more girls to pursue technology careers, we are laying the foundation for an inclusive knowledge economy," she noted. She emphasised that investing in women strengthens health systems, governance, and the economy at large.
ACE-Uganda, established in 2019 by Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute in partnership with the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has already recorded major milestones.
It has trained over 100 graduate students in bioinformatics and data science, developed digital health tools such as the HEAL application for frontline health workers, created virtual reality training tools for medical emergencies, and established a high-performance computing cluster that supports more than 50 research projects across Africa.
Dr. Zawedde also commended ACE-Uganda's international partners, including the University of California San Francisco's Institute for Global Health Sciences, the ACE Consortium, and the Infectious Diseases Institute.
"Your partnership is helping us build a more inclusive, equitable, and competitive future," she remarked.
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The launch of the She-Data Science Program underscores Uganda's commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology.
By focusing on women's empowerment, the country is positioning itself as a regional hub for bioinformatics and innovation while ensuring women take a leading role in shaping Africa's digital future.
