Joyce Nakatumaba-Nabende

Dr. Joyce Nabende is the Principal Investigator of the Makerere University Centre for Artificial Intelligence (MAK-AI).

MAK-AI is dedicated to harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to address Africa’s most pressing development challenges, with the goal of improving Human Development Indices (HDI) and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Centre focuses on translating cutting-edge AI research into practical, contextually relevant solutions that deliver measurable social impact.

Guided by Responsible AI principles, MAK-AI emphasizes the development of AI systems that are transparent, accountable, fair, and inclusive by design. Its core research areas include AI for health, AI for agriculture, natural language processing, and AI for environment and climate action, while also working to strengthen local capacity and foster national and international research collaboration.