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The Profile

Betty K. N.jpg


A Fellow, Uganda Academy of Sciences (FUNAS), and an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Makerere University is currently involved in various national and international roles related to mathematics and public health. She holds a BSc in Mathematics and Physics, an MSc, Licentiate, and a PhD in Mathematics, with extensive postdoctoral experience in gender and mathematics education, mathematical bio economics and biostatistics. Her research focuses on mathematical modelling in health contexts, including diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, cholera, zika, chikungunya, dengue, brucella, FMD, nodding syndrome, COVID-19.

Nannyonga’s academic career began as a Lecturer at Kyambogo University in 2005. She joined Makerere University in 2008 as an assistant Lecturer, progressing through Lecturer and Senior Lecturer roles, and she has been an Associate Professor since 2022. She has participated in staff exchanges at the African Center of Excellence for Data Science, University of Rwanda since 2019 and is an external examiner for a number of local, regional and international universities.

In addition to her teaching, Nannyonga serves as a consultant and is involved in various advisory committees, including the UNAS Advisory Committee on Human Perceptions in Pandemic Response and the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH), and Makerere University Policy lab for implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM). Her roles in national and international committees include being a Fellow at the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS), a Board Member for the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), a vice chair for the International Basic Sciences programme IBSP at the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, and a member of the African Mathematical Union Commission for African Women in Mathematics (AMU-CAWM).

Nannyonga has significantly contributed to COVID-19 research as a Lead Modeller for the Uganda COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Committee and other vaccination and data management groups. Her grants and fellowships support gender equality in mathematics since 2013, and research on mathematical modelling for disease control.

She has published extensively, with recent work focusing on COVID-19 modelling and its impacts, and has mentored numerous MSc and PhD students. Nannyonga is also active in community service, including leadership roles in the Lions Club of Makerere University, and various educational outreach initiatives.

Nannyonga is the Chair and founding member of the Association of Women Mathematicians Uganda, (AWoM) formerly UGAWoM, and the Eastern Africa Network for Women in Basic Sciences (EANWoBAS). EAWoBAS aims to promote basic sciences in Eastern Africa and comprises of Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Nannyonga is the first female holder of the title of Professorship in Uganda.

Olivia-N


Olivia Nabawanda is dedicated mathematician with a PhD in Mathematics, specializing in Enumerative and Algebraic Combinatorics. Currently, she is a lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She has also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stockholm University. She earned her doctorate as the youngest female to achieve this feat at Makerere University, which has inspired many students and especially females to pursue higher education. Her academic journey began from a humble background in Kayunga district, having gone through the universal education system, which serves as a testament to what can be achieved with determination and hard work.

Olivia’s passion lies in inspiring young girls, especially those from rural areas, to believe in their potential and pursue their careers.

Advice to Girls: Believe in yourself and your dreams. Education is a powerful tool that can transform your life and your community. Never let your background or circumstances define you.

Motto: It is very possible

Rebecca-N


Rebecca is a senior lecturer, in the Department of Mathematics, at the Faculty of Science and Education, Nagongera Campus, Busitema University. In 2022 she graduated with a Ph.D in Mathematics from Makerere University, Ugamda. Rebecca serves as the Node cordinator of the Eastern Africa Network for Women in Basic Sciences (EANWoBAS) and Chair activities of the Association of Women Mathematicians (AWoM).

Beyond her professional roles Rebecca is a dedicated wife to Dr. Muhumuza Asaph Keikara, mother and mentor. She is an active servant of God at Liberty Worship Center, International, Lugala. Rebecca is particularly passionate about supporting the girl child especially in basic sciences. She believes in empowering the girl child by providing them with the necessary information and guidance in pursuing their career in basic sciences to help them succeed.

Rebecca’s journey to success in Mathematics began from Kitante Hill school where she studied from senior one to senior six. At ‘A’ level her combination was Mathematics, Economics and Geography (MEG). Her motivation to excel was fueled by the stereotype that mathematics was for boys, a notion she was determined to challenge. Despite her hard work, she narrowly missed the government sponsorship for Bachelor’s degree by .3 points. Indeed, it was so, but she missed government weights for sponsorship by 0.3 ponts. Her career mistress advised her„ ‘’your mathematics will sell you,” encouraging Rebecca to pursue a Diploma in Education go for a Diploma in Education. These words resonated with her to progress from a Diploma to a Ph.D. in Mathematics. Rebecca attributes her success to the lord, and her dedication to making mathematics a close companion. Her expertise in mathematics has opened doors for her to several countries in the region and as well as Sweden, Italy, Germany, France offering her offering her opportunities.

Rebecca’s journey in mathematics and her commitment to mentoring young women in science exemplify her dedication to making positive impact in her work with AwoM and her involvement in education, she strives to inspire and support the next generation of female scientists and mathematicians.

Key- points:

- Mathematics can be done by both boys and girls. Never give up with Mathematics. PSALM 37:4

Sylvia-N


Dedicated IT professional who is passionate about leveraging technology to drive efficiency and improve user experiences. Vast experience in Information Technology (IT), majorly in the Financial services Industry. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions.

As a person who possesses strong organizational, leadership and communication skills; she strongly believes in the benefits and synergies of working in teams to develop ideas into successful operations through the use of technology. This ensures the efficient and profitable delivery of business services for customers, as well as the satisfaction of stakeholders.

Sylvia’s journey into Technology started off as a Mathematician who attained a BSc and MSc degree and continues to pursue this passion through mentoring young women and supporting them to pursue Mathematics, basic sciences and Technology.

As a founding member of the Association of Women Mathematicians (AWoM) and a member of the East African Women in Basic Sciences, Sylvia is involved in promoting sciences among young girls both locally and regionally.

Her dream is to inspire individuals to become better people and is passionate about empowering the youth especially girls to become leaders.