Breaking New Ground in Wireless Connectivity: Sheila Mugala Ndoboli’s PhD Triumph at Makerere University

Edited by Kikomeko Pius & Harriet Musinguzi

On January 8, 2026, the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University witnessed a landmark academic milestone as Ms. Sheila Mugala Ndoboli successfully defended her doctoral research titled “Performance Analysis of an Aerial Assisted Cellular Network.”

The defense, held in the historic CEDAT Board Room (Old Building), was conducted in a hybrid format bringing together participants both physically and virtually. This dual setting reflected the very spirit of Ms. Ndoboli’s research: bridging gaps in connectivity through innovative approaches to wireless communication.

Adding to the prestige of the occasion, the PhD defense was attended by Associate Professor Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of CEDAT, together with Professor Mosese Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University.

The Research

Supervision and Guidance

The journey was guided by distinguished mentors:

Her dissertation explored the integration of aerial platforms into cellular networks, a cutting-edge area of study that promises to enhance coverage, reliability, and performance in regions where traditional infrastructure faces limitations. By analyzing performance metrics and proposing novel frameworks, Ms. Ndoboli’s work contributes to the growing body of knowledge on next-generation communication systems.

• Associate Professor Dorothy Okello, Dean of the School of Engineering and Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Makerere University.
• Dr. Johnathan Sserugunda, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Makerere University.

Their expertise and mentorship provided the foundation for Ms. Ndoboli’s rigorous academic pursuit.

Defense Proceedings

The defense opponent, Dr. Geoffrey Andogah from Muni University, engaged critically with the research, ensuring its robustness and scholarly merit.

The panel comprised eminent scholars:

1. Associate Professor Dorothy Okello, Dean, School of Engineering, Makerere University
2. Dr. Ronald Kizito, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Makerere University
3. Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Makerere University
4. Associate Professor P. Lating, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Makerere University
5. Dr. Abubaker M. Waswa, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Makerere University

Their collective insights enriched the discourse, affirming the significance of the research.

Celebration of Achievement

In a moment of joy and camaraderie, Ms. Ndoboli cut a celebratory cake alongside her supervisors and panelists, sharing it with all present. The gesture symbolized not only personal triumph but also the collective spirit of academic excellence at Makerere University.

Significance

Ms. Ndoboli’s success underscores Makerere University’s role as a hub of innovation in Africa, nurturing scholars who address pressing global challenges. Her work on aerial-assisted cellular networks holds promise for advancing connectivity in underserved regions, aligning with broader goals of digital inclusion and sustainable development.

Photos taken by Kikomeko Pius.

Posted by Isemaghendera Alex, IT Officer, CEDAT