Mbarara University of Science and Technology celebrates Dr. William Wasswa (PhD), a senior lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, for his recent recognition in the LinkedIn Spotlight: Top 25 AI in Healthcare Voices in Africa ‘2026. This prestigious feature highlights Africa’s leading voices shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence within the health sector.
Who is Dr. William Wasswa(PhD)?
Dr. William Wasswa is a MUST alumnus who began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics. He later enrolled for a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Advancing his expertise further, he pursued a PhD which was a sandwich of MUST and the University of Cape town.
Currently, Dr. William is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology and the head of the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering department. Beyond his academic and professional leadership, he is happily married and blessed with three children.
A visionary in edge AI and digital health
As a Senior Lecturer and the Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering at MUST, Dr. Wasswa has consistently pushed the boundaries of medical technology. He currently leads the Advanced Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence Lab, where his research focuses on creating accessible, high-impact solutions for local health challenges.
Dr. Wasswa is widely recognized for engineering PapsAI, a low-cost, 3D-printed digital microscope powered by Computer Vision. This revolutionary hardware is designed for “Edge AI,” meaning it operates offline to effectively place an automated pathologist in remote Ugandan villages where resources are often scarce.
Transforming cervical cancer diagnostics
The impact of Dr. Wasswa’s work is most evident in the fight against cervical cancer, where his proprietary AI model analyzes cervical cancer slides with an impressive 99.3% accuracy. This technology significantly enhances clinical outcomes by reducing diagnosis time to just 2 minutes per patient. Furthermore, because the device features offline capability and runs without an internet connection, it ensures that life-saving diagnostics reach the most underserved populations.
Global Recognition and Innovation
Beyond this latest LinkedIn Spotlight, Dr. Wasswa’s contributions to engineering and healthcare earned him a spot as a finalist for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. This recognition underscores MUST’s commitment to fostering innovation that addresses community problems through the transfer of implementation science and advanced technology.
A message from the Vice Chancellor
“On behalf of the entire Mbarara University of Science and Technology community, I extend my congratulations to Dr. William Wasswa for this well-deserved continental recognition. As an alumnus and a leader within our Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Dr. Wasswa embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence we strive for.
We thank him for waving the MUST flag so high on the international stage. His work in Artificial Intelligence is not just a scientific achievement but a beacon of hope for improving healthcare delivery across Africa. We are immensely proud of his dedication to solving real-world problems through technology.”
Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor, MUST
