MUKULU, JOHN FRANCIS

1. Personal Statement

AI-Ethics researcher focusing on Ethical Intelligence in Machine Learning, integrating philosophy, ethics, and computational systems. Strong background in software engineering, large-scale data warehouses, and health information systems, with international academic and apostolic contributions at the intersection of technology, ethics and Jesuit mission service.

2. Education

[Sophia University – 上智大学 – Tokyo, Japan, 2024–present]

MSc in Green Science and Engineering, specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Ethics (2024-present). https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/

[Arrupe Jesuit University – Harare, Zimbabwe, 2022–2024]

Masters of Arts in Philosophy & Humanities (2022–2024) https://www.aju.ac.zw/

[Arrupe Jesuit University – Harare, Zimbabwe, 2021-2022]

Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy (2021-2022) https://www.aju.ac.zw/

[Jesuit Formation – Arusha, Tanzania, 2019–2021]

Formation in Jesuit and Ignatian spirituality and apostolic missions (2019–2021) https://easternafricajesuits.org/

[University of Dar es salaam – DSM, Tanzania, 2007–2010]

B.Sc. Computer Science (2007–2010) https://www.udsm.ac.tz/

4. Professional Experience

[University of Dar es salaam – COICT – 2010–2019]

Senior Systems Developer & Software Architect for national health information systems (HRHIS – https://hrhis.moh.go.tz/, DHIS2 – https://dhis2.org/, HMIS Portal – https://hmisportal.moh.go.tz/, eIDSR).

Led design, development, rollout, and training of HMIS National data warehouse across all regions in Tanzania – https://dhis.moh.go.tz/.
Designed, Developed and Implemented National Agricultural Routine Data System (ARDS) and ARDS Web-portal – https://ards.kilimo.go.tz/.
Collaborated with CDC, JICA, Engender Health, PACT, and JHPIEGO in design, development and implementation of Information systems, for more info see https://dhis2.udsm.ac.tz/.
Spearheaded the architecture of the Innovations hub for various digital solutions, for more information, see https://dhis2.udsm.ac.tz/innovations/

[HISP Tanzania – Co-founder & Lead developer – 2016-2019]

Developed Digital solutions for health products, customization of DHIS2 for implementing partners and national data warehouses for African countries implementing DHIS2 Platform, for more information, see https://hisp.tz/.

Coordinated international DHIS2 academies and training across Africa, India and Europe for developers and implementers of DHIS2 health systems see https://dhis2.org/academy/ for more information.
Pioneered research and development division for HISPTZ Innovations including the HISPTZ Appstore, for list of innovations, see https://apps.dhis2.org/organisation/hisp-tanzania/view

[Jesuit Missions & Apostolates – 2019-present]

Consultant and lead developer for ICT infrastructure supporting education, pastoral works, and governance across 6 countries. Engaging in consultancy, design, development and maintenance of IT and digital solutions for Jesuit missions in Eastern Africa (AOR). For more information see https://easternafricajesuits.org/

Designed and managed institutional websites and systems for schools, parishes, congregations, and retreat houses (see Section 6 below). This includes integration of digital solutions in Ignatian and Jesuit forums and its collaborators.

[Other Earlier Roles – 2007-2010]

National Bank of Commerce – NBC (Banking) – Direct Sales Representative – engaged in sales of current and savings accounts and loan products at Mbagala branch, Industrial park branch & HQ, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

Loyola High School (Teaching) – Computer science Teacher, taught programming and software design & development, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

5. International Expertise

[Partnership & Collaboration – 2010-2025]

South Africa
Facilitated training at the International DHIS2 Basic Academy for the Eastern and Southern Africa zone. Supported capacity building of HISP South Africa team in customization and training on DHIS2. Led migration support from DHIS 1.4 to DHIS2 with local troubleshooting and bug resolution.
Zimbabwe
Developed and customized the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare’s National Database. Provided national and provincial capacity building and training of trainers in DHIS2 use. Contributed to the preparation and development of global DHIS2 training manuals for HISP.
Rwanda
Facilitated Advanced DHIS2 training on development, deployment, and customization of data warehouses. Supported local capacity building for systems integration & interoperability.
Uganda
Facilitated DHIS2 Academy (Basic and Advanced levels) and contributed to nationwide rollout. Shared expertise with the Global HISP Team on DHIS2 customization, server maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Kenya
Contributed to the integration of Kenya’s Health Information Data Warehouse with the East African Data Warehouse. Supported troubleshooting, bug reporting, and cross-border system integration.
India
Supported customization and rollout of DHIS2 for local health information needs in Asia through DHIS2 Academy in Goa. Contributed in design and customization based on DHIS2 Tracker module at IIHMR, New Delhi.
Japan
Current graduate research at Sophia University, Tokyo, in Green Science and Engineering (AI Ethics). Active engagement in AI ethics research and international conferences

6. Web & Digital Platforms Engineering

[Jesuit Missions & Apostolic Institutions – 2024 – To-date]

Loyola High School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Renovation and expansion of the official school website (https://loyola.ac.tz/), powered by VPS, with security upgrades and online registration systems and harmonized social media.
St. Ignatius Pre & Primary School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Full website development (https://ipps.ac.tz/) with sections for applications, and events. Integrated social media channels and laid groundwork for future ICT innovations.
St. Francis Xavier Parish, Nyakahoja, Mwanza, Tanzania – Developed and deployed parish website (https://nyakahojaparish.org/) and digital platforms to communicate parish mission, events, and outreach globally.
Xavier Youth Center, Igombe, Mwanza, Tanzania – Built and managed youth center website (https://xavieryouth.org/) and digital presence to promote youth accompaniment initiatives and activities, with social media integration.
Eastern Africa Jesuit(AOR) Province Platform, Nairobi, Kenya (https://easternafricajesuits.org/)– Oversaw and consult on renovation of the AOR province’s official platforms, website, mailing system and newsletter platform.
St. Peter Claver High School, Dodoma, Tanzania (https://stpeterclaver.ac.tz/) – Developed and launched a digital platform for school website and other online learning platforms.
Gonzaga Primary School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (https://gonzaga.ac.tz/) – Designed, developed and deployed institutional website, aligning content and design with Jesuit values and mission.
Radio Kwizera Apostolate, Ngara, Tanzania – Relaunched online presence (https://radiokwizera.co.tz/) to expand global reach of Jesuit radio through live streaming and optimized hosting solutions.
Charles Lwanga Parish, Malindi, Kenya – Designed and developed the parish website (https://charleslwanga.org/) to expand digital presence, promote Ignatian spirituality, and enhance parish communications.
St. Gemma Galgani Congregation, Dodoma, Tanzania – Designed, developed, and deployed website (https://stgemma.or.tz/) in collaboration with the congregation’s leadership, supporting both technical and content management.
Asante Typing Tutor, Maban JRS South Sudan (https://mukulu.org/asante/) – Designed and developed a free, open-source touch typing tutor focused on Ignatian spirituality. Built as an educational tool for digital literacy. see https://github.com/mukulu/asante-typing

7. Skills & Competencies

[Programming, Research, Hobbies – 2007-2025]

Languages and Frameworks: Python (Django, Flask, Data Science), C++, PHP (Symfony, Laravel), Ruby (Rails), Java (Spring, Hibernate), JavaScript (Node.js, React), Linux shell scripting with Bash.
Databases & Data Systems: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle and SQLite database design and administration for Medium to Large scale deployments.
AI/ML Research: Explainable AI, ethics-aware ML metrics, visualization, algorithmic bias assessment.
Operating systems & DevOps: Linux/Unix (system administration, shell scripting), Git/GitHub workflows, containerization (LXC/LXD linux containers), CI/CD pipelines.
Open-Source Contributions: Member of GitHub coding societies & labs:
github.com/dhis2 – Global DHIS2 open-source ecosystem.
github.com/hisptz – HISP Tanzania Innovations.
github.com/udsm-dhis2-lab – UDSM DHIS2 Research Lab.
github.com/dhis2-club-tanzania – Community of practice for DHIS2 developers in Tanzania.
Repositories & Portfolio: Personal open-source projects hosted at github.com/mukulu and professional portfolio at mukulu.org.
Research Interests: Ethical AI and computational philosophy, ICT for development (ICT4D) with applications in health, education, and other extended Jesuit missions. Digital humanities and spirituality in the age of AI.
Hobbies: Coding and open-source contributions. Problem-solving (logic puzzles, mathematics). Languages and intercultural learning. Music and documentary exploration.

[Language Proficiency]

Swahili: Native; excellent in speaking, reading, and writing.
English: Excellent in speaking and reading; very good in academic writing.
French: Excellent reading comprehension; very good in speaking and writing.
Japanese: Currently learning; beginner level in speaking, reading, and writing.

8. Jesuit Formation & Service

Jesuit Novitiate, Arusha, Tanzania, Eastern Africa Province serving at various capacities – ICT Technical consultant, Professional Driver, etc. (2019–2021).
Formation in Ignatian spirituality, Harare, Zimbabwe, philosophy and humanities, and service to marginalized communities at Arrupe Jesuit University and Arrupe Jesuit Community.
Apostolic works in education, East and Southern Africa, youth, and promotion of faith through ICT platforms for Jesuit missions.