After a very rigorous and competitive process, the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has selected the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) as a regional node for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) taking charge of the East African region node. AICAD is a regional organization charged with linking university-generated research technologies to the communities to fight poverty. AICAD has country offices located at Makerere University in Uganda, Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, and Egerton University in Kenya. The other two award winners in Africa include; the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) for the Northern African Node based in Egypt and the UbuntuNet Alliance for the Southern Africa Node based in Malawi. The appointment will be for a five-year term, starting in June 2023, with additional regional nodes to be appointed to cover all regions of the continent. This morning July 12, 2023, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe held a joint press conference with AICAD Country Director Dr. Gastone Ampe Tumuhimbise at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University to announce the new development. ResearchFinds News (RFN) later caught up with Dr. Tumuhimbise for deeper insight into this program. The interview was recorded by Arinaitwe Rugyendo for RFN and below are the excerpts:
RFN: Congratulations, Dr. Gastone Ampe Tumuhimbise, and the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD)’s win to host the regional node for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) in the East African region. Can you tell us more about this initiative and your role in it?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: Thank you. The African Open Science Platform (AOSP) is a significant initiative aimed at promoting open science practices across the African continent. As the regional node director for the AICAD in East Africa, my role is to coordinate and support the implementation of open science programs at the regional level. This includes fostering collaboration, strengthening knowledge networks, and enhancing cooperation between regions to advance the vision of the AOSP.
RFN: That sounds like an important role. How do you envision the impact of the AICAD and AOSP in East Africa?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: AICAD has a strong focus on capacity development and linking university-generated knowledge to practical applications for poverty reduction. Through the AOSP, we aim to position African scientists at the forefront of data-intensive science by promoting open access to research, open sharing of data, and fostering collaboration. By enhancing regional cooperation and knowledge networks, we can amplify the impact of research and drive innovation in the East African region. Ultimately, we hope to harness the power of open science to transform lives and contribute to the reduction of poverty in our communities.
RFN: That is indeed a noble initiative. How will you work with universities and research institutions in East Africa to promote open science?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: Collaboration with universities and research institutions is crucial for the success of the AOSP in East Africa. We will work closely with our member universities, such as Makerere, Kyambogo, Mbarara, Gulu, Busitema, Kyambogo, and others, to ensure that open science principles and practices are integrated into their research activities. This includes promoting open-access publishing, facilitating the sharing of research data, and encouraging the use of open-source tools and technologies. We will also engage in capacity-building activities and create platforms for dialogue and knowledge exchange to foster a culture of open science in the region.
RFN: You talked of a regional nod. Which countries are involved?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: We have Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somali, Djibouti etc. All countries of the Eastern Africa region. The other nods are in the northern part of the continent (Egypt) and southern part (Malawi). The initiative will spread to West Africa soon.
RFN: Which country is hosting the nod?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: We are a regional organization headquartered at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Infact, AICAD is well-positioned to drive the Open Science agenda and harness the power of research to transform lives in our region.
RFN: How does AICAD plan to contribute to the AOSP and promote Open Science in East Africa?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: AICAD, with its country offices at Makerere University in Uganda and other partner institutions, will coordinate member universities and research data generating agencies to advance the ideas of Open Science. Our primary goal is to ensure that research, science, and data contribute to poverty reduction in Africa. Through knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and promoting dialogue, we aim to strengthen knowledge networks, enhance cooperation, and support the implementation of Open Science programs at the regional level.
RFN: Could you tell us more about AICAD’s mission and its approach to poverty reduction through human capacity development?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: AICAD’s vision is to be the leading African institution in building human capacity for poverty reduction and wealth creation. Our mission is to leverage our uniqueness and appropriate technology to sustainably build poverty-reducing and wealth-creating technical capacity in the East African Community and beyond. We believe in creating awareness, collaborating with stakeholders, and fostering teamwork to address the challenges of poverty.
RFN: With AICAD’s extensive network and presence in over 40 districts in Uganda, what impact has the organization made in these communities?
Dr. Tumuhimbise: AICAD has played a vital role in supporting universities and institutions to reach communities with knowledge and technologies geared towards poverty reduction. Through our programs in enterprise development, financial literacy training, organic farming, irrigation, and other areas, we have trained thousands of individuals and empowered them with practical skills and knowledge. Our focus on young women and men, as well as our collaboration with universities, has yielded positive outcomes in creating opportunities and transforming lives.
RFN: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Tumuhimbise. We look forward to witnessing AICAD’s continued impact as the regional node for the African Open Science Platform in East Africa.
Dr. Tumuhimbise: Thank you. We are committed to promoting Open Science, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable development through research and knowledge sharing. Together, we can build a better future for East Africa and the entire continent.
