By Irene Best Nyapendi
Bibian Amito is more than an average, upstart software engineer. The Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum recruited for Uganda’s leading telecom company, MTN, before her recent graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering has had her fingers and mind in client verification, help for sickle cell victims and more.
Amito didn’t even have to apply for her job. She joined MTN in March 2023, as a graduate trainee on a three-month probationary period. Impressively, her commitment and hard work secured her a permanent position.
Since joining the company, she has delved into smart architectural software systems and diverse development tools. Recently, she was part of a team that developed a user interface called Tin Verification that was used by MTN’s internal administrators to check for verification of MTN clients. Previously, there was no system, and developers would query the databases and share raw data with the administrators.
“I have witnessed the dynamic pace of technology, particularly the transition from 4G to 5G,” Amito said. “I have successfully developed mock applications, websites, and APIs.”
Currently, Amito is actively involved in a research project focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease, a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Sickle cells that block blood flow to organs deprive the affected organs of blood and oxygen that can damage nerves and organs, including kidneys, liver and spleen.
The project involves the development of a smart wearable device for real-time diagnosis, monitoring and health management.
The device aims to facilitate proper follow-up on the health status of individuals with sickle cell disease. The goal is to empower users with continuous monitoring capabilities, enabling them to take proactive measures to maintain their health and prevent crisis attacks. The smart wearable device will also serve as an educational tool, offering valuable insights on healthy living practices for individuals with sickle cell disease.
Through the project, Amito is committed to delivering a comprehensive, efficient, and reliable wearable device that contributes to the well-being of those affected by sickle cell disease.
“I have some dear relatives I have seen living with sickle cell, and they are my greatest motivation for the project,” Mito said.
She envisions a long, prolific career with the telecom. Her future goals include specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. She aspires to create innovative solutions tailored to her community’s needs, using technology as a tool for positive transformation. She also plans to engage in continuous study.
Leaving scholarship to join UCU
In the early stages of Amito’s academic journey, her aspirations were anchored in the pursuit of a career in surveying. Following the completion of high school, she secured a government scholarship to study surveying.
Her uncle and mentor advised her to study at UCU. He wanted her to study Civil and Environmental Engineering but Amito was offered the Electronics and Communication Engineering program — a field entirely unfamiliar to her.
This unforeseen development posed a challenging decision as she grappled with weighing the benefits of the government scholarship against the allure of private education in a new course.
Her mother encouraged to try out the new course, arguing that most people yearn for new things because “new” usually means better/improved.
“Who doesn’t like new things? Who doesn’t enjoy having a new piece of clothing or a new pair of shoes?” – her mother had asked, rhetorically.
“I lost the love for surveying after I started the new course,” Amito said of the UCU program she began in 2018.
Her four-year journey at UCU not only equipped her with a foundation in electronics and communication engineering, but also ignited her passion for the telecommunications industry. This passion was sparked by a combination of fascination with technological advancements and a profound recognition of the industry’s transformative impact on society.
“The rapid pace of innovation within the industry, from the development of cutting-edge communication technologies to the expansion of global connectivity, captivated my attention,” Amito said. “I found the prospect of being at the forefront of these advancements both exciting and inspiring.”
UCU not only provided her with a strong theoretical foundation, but also exposed her to hands-on projects, internships, and industry insights with experience to adapt quickly to new technologies and methodologies. These and her motivation have been a driving force in her journey from academia to her current role now as a software developer at MTN.
“The exposure to smart architectural software systems and various development tools at UCU has equipped me with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to projects in my current position,” Amito said. “I’ve been able to apply the principles learned in class to real-world scenarios, such as developing mock applications, websites, and APIs.”
Amito, who was the best in her class, also is a part-time Teaching Assistant at UCU in the Department of Computing and Technology.
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