Personal Background
John Francis Mukulu SJ, born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, has carved a niche for himself as an avid software developer, linux and open source software enthusiast. Raised in a Christian family, Mukulu embraced Christian and Catholic values that have guided him throughout his life before and after joining the Society of Jesus, Eastern African province. His early life in Dar-es-Salaam was marked by curiosity and a keen interest in software engineering and technology, setting the foundation for his future achievements as a systems engineer and software architect. Mukulu is a Jesuit Scholastic member of the Society of Jesus in Eastern African Province, and continues to serve most of his missions in Eastern African province, where he is actively involved in various technological and community-oriented Jesuit missions.
Academic Qualifications
Mukulu’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and intellect. He began his formal education at St. Anthony’s Secondary School, and later Loyola High School where he excelled in his studies, that saw him moving on to the pursuit of further studies in computer science related knowledge and skills. He demonstrated his prowess in Computer Science through various engagements throughout his academic path and later on in his career.
Mukulu’s passion for computer science led him to the University of Dar-es-Salaam, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. His academic excellence was highlighted by various prizes he was awarded in a number of projects and exhibitions he was engaged in such as the ICT Project Exhibitions organised by IT Students Associations of Dar es salaam University.
Mukulu has a robust academic and professional background with a blend of technical and philosophical education. He completed his Master of Arts in Philosophy and Humanities, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Philosophy from Arrupe Jesuit University, Harare, Zimbabwe. While at Arrupe Jesuit University contributed to various instrumental areas of the University as later certified by the award certificates on the contributions offered to the University. His previous academic and professional experience of Science in Computer Science and software engineering at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, makes him well rounded in both expert domains.
Professional Qualifications and Skills
Mukulu’s professional qualifications are extensive and encompass a wide range of skills essential in the field of computer science and engineering. He has developed expertise in Unix and Linux system development and administration, giving expert experience in development and administration of robust and reliable ICT systems. His skills in WEB, desktop and mobile application development are notable, particularly using various frameworks and platforms based on Python, PHP, Java and C++ and their related frameworks.
In web application development, Mukulu has demonstrated versatility with proficiency in Python (Django Framework), PHP (Symfony2 Framework), Java (Spring and Hibernate), and Ruby (Rails Framework). He is also well versed in a collaborative and distributed software development in a continuous software integration environment. His capabilities extend to system maintenance, network administration, deployment and capacity building ensuring the seamless operation of IT infrastructures in various knowledge domains such as Academics, Health, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation. Additionally, Mukulu possesses significant skills in graphics design, and content development using open source tools.
Professional Experience
Mukulu’s career is marked by diverse and impactful roles that have solidified his reputation as a skilled software engineer and avid tech enthusiast. He began his professional journey briefly as a Direct Sales Agent at the National Bank of Commerce (NBC), where he developed strong communication and sales skills. During his undergraduate studies he briefly returned to Loyola High School as a Computer Science teacher, sharing his knowledge and inspirations to the next generation of tech enthusiasts at Loyola High school.
In the last years of his undergraduate studies, Mukulu featured as a part-time Graphics Designer at TANZAM, creating visually compelling designs that showcased his creative and technical abilities. He also joined IT FARM as a Systems Developer, contributing to various IT solutions. Later after graduating from University of Dar es salaam, he began his long-term association and career with HISP Tanzania, a then project within the University of Dar-es-Salaam’s Computer Science Department, where he served as a Lead developer and Systems Architect. His work at HISP Tanzania and University of Dar es salaam involved developing and maintaining extensive health information systems and national data warehouses for the ministry of health, agriculture, water and sanitation and other institutions.
Training and Capacity Building Experience
John Francis Mukulu has an extensive and well rounded career in training and capacity building, primarily focusing on information systems, data management and analytics. He has a cross-border experience with expertise that spans across various countries and numerous health-related projects, significantly contributing to the improvement of health data systems, implementation of national data warehouses and the capacity of health professionals.
Mukulu has served as a Technical Consultant for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) in Tanzania. In this role, he has been instrumental in training and capacity building on the management, administration, and use of the Human Resources for Health Information System (HRHIS) and the District Health Information System (DHIS2). His contributions included providing maintenance and technical support for the HRH national data warehouse, training data managers on data utilisation and analysis, and ensuring interoperability and integration between HRHIS, DHIS2, and other systems for data exchange.
Mukulu has also served as a DHIS2 International Consultant for the Global Health Information Systems Programme (HISP) with notable international impact across partners and users of DHIS2 platform. He has customised and utilised DHIS2 to support local information needs in various countries. He has also served as a trainer and facilitator for multiple DHIS2 Academy levels across East and Central Africa. Notably, he facilitated the DHIS2 Academy Basic to Advanced Level hosted in various countries such Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, South Africa, India, Norway and other countries. His contributions also extended to the development of global training manuals and local capacity building on systems integrations with DHIS2
In addition to his work with University of Dar es salaam and Ministry of Health, Mukulu has provided consultancy services to several other organisations. For instance, he served as a DHIS2 Local Consultant for Engender Health Tanzania – Respond Tanzania Project. His role involved analysing and designing web-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) analysis tools through DHIS2. He developed and customised the Engender Health M&E DHIS2 data warehouse, prepared training, system, and end-user manuals, and provided server maintenance and technical support for Engender Health’s ICT unit.
Mukulu also worked with PACT Tanzania on the Pamoja Tuwalee Project, supported by PEPFAR. His responsibilities included developing and implementing a data warehouse for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and designing and customising reporting tools and dashboards. Additionally, he offered technical support and troubleshooting services, ensuring the smooth functionality of the data management systems.
His consultancy work extended to JHPIEGO Tanzania, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, where he developed and customised post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) reporting tools and reports, as well as infection prevention and control (IPC) indicators and reporting tools. Furthermore, he integrated the National AIDS Control Programme’s male circumcision tools into the HMIS national data warehouse and facilitated the training and rollout of these tools.
Moreover, Mukulu collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (DoCSE). In this consultancy role, he conducted requirements elicitation and analysis of existing systems for developing a web portal. He designed and customised data collection and reporting tools for the Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries (ASLMs), developed and tested the Agricultural Routine Data System (ARDS) web portal, and prepared system manuals and end-user training materials.
Another significant project involved developing the electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR) system in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), MoHSW Mobile Health (mHealth), and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). Mukulu played a key role in requirement elicitation, system analysis, design, development, and implementation of a USSD framework for mobile reporting to DHIS. He also prepared documentation and training manuals for eIDSR in the piloted districts and provided support and troubleshooting for mobile reporting of outbreaks and diseases of epidemiological importance.
Overall, Mukulu’s consultancy projects have significantly contributed to the enhancement of health information systems in Tanzania. His expertise in system development, customization, and integration, coupled with his commitment to capacity building, has played a vital role in improving data management and utilisation within various health and agricultural sectors in the country.
Notable Contributions
Mukulu’s contributions to the field of computer science and technology are significant and diverse. He played a pivotal role as one of the core developers in the early development of the Global District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), tailoring the software to Tanzanian use-case. DHIS2 is an open-source health management data platform used extensively by ministries of health in Africa and globally. He also pioneered the early development of Human Resource for Health Information System (HRHIS2) for the Ministry of Health in Tanzania which efficiently manages health workforce information. His early development works of Linux distributions, particularly, the then Bongo Linux Operating System, that was tailored for Tanzanian use-cases, underscores his dedication to creating locally relevant technology solutions.
Religious Life and Ignatian Spirituality
The religious journey of John Francis Mukulu as a Jesuit from an Eastern African province of the Society of Jesus is deeply rooted in his Christian faith, specifically within the framework of Ignatian spirituality. As a Jesuit Scholastic, his life is immersed in the Jesuit missions of the Society of Jesus, a religious order of the Catholic Church known for its educational, missionary, and charitable works. Mukulu’s commitment to this path is evident in his educational and professional choices, reflecting a deep alignment with the Jesuit ideals of service, intellectual rigour, and spiritual depth.
Ignatian spirituality, founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, emphasises finding God in all things, the importance of discernment, and a commitment to love and service for others. These principles have profoundly influenced Mukulu’s life and work. His early formation at Arusha Gonzaga Gonza Jesuit novitiate, and his education at Arrupe Jesuit University in Harare, Zimbabwe, where he pursued a Master’s degree in Philosophy and Humanities, provided him with a robust foundation in Ignatian thought and practice. This education emphasised critical thinking, ethical reflection, and a profound understanding of the human condition, all central to Jesuit education.
Mukulu’s daily life and professional endeavours are marked by the Ignatian practice of “contemplation in action,” which involves integrating one’s faith with everyday activities and decisions for the greater good, a core tenet of Jesuit service. This alignment of professional expertise with a mission to love and serve showcases his dedication to living out the Jesuit motto, “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” (For the Greater Glory of God).
His involvement in various community and educational initiatives further underscores his commitment to Ignatian values. By teaching and mentoring others, Mukulu embodies the Jesuit tradition of forming men and women for others, nurturing a spirit of service and leadership in those he guides.
Mukulu’s spiritual journey is also characterised by a profound personal practice of discernment, a key aspect of Ignatian spirituality. This involves a reflective process of seeking God’s will in his life decisions, ensuring that his actions and choices align with his faith and values.
John Francis Mukulu’s religious life and dedication to Ignatian spirituality are foundational to his identity and mission. His journey as a Jesuit Scholastic and his professional contributions reflect a harmonious blend of faith, intellect, and action, aimed at promoting love, service, sustainability, and the common good. Through his work and spiritual practice, Mukulu continues to embody the Ignatian ideals of finding God in all things and serving others with a spirit of love and justice
Languages and Fluency
John Francis Mukulu is a polyglot, with proficiency in multiple languages that enhance his professional and personal interactions across diverse cultural contexts. His linguistic abilities span Swahili, English, and French, showcasing his versatility and global competence.
Swahili, being his native language, is the language in which Mukulu excels across all dimensions—speaking, writing, and understanding. This deep proficiency in Swahili is not only a testament to his cultural roots but also a practical asset in his professional engagements within East Africa, where Swahili is widely spoken.
In addition to Swahili, Mukulu has achieved an excellent command of the English language. His fluency in English is evidenced by his excellent speaking and comprehensive understanding. His writing skills in English are also highly commendable. This proficiency has undoubtedly facilitated his academic and professional pursuits, given that English is often the medium of instruction and communication in his fields of expertise, particularly in the realms of computer science and philosophy.
Mukulu’s linguistic repertoire also includes French, in which he has demonstrated excellent comprehension, very good speaking skills, and very good writing abilities. This proficiency in French has been particularly beneficial in his interaction and exposure with the francophone world enhancing his ability to communicate effectively and foster collaborations.
Currently, Mukulu is expanding his linguistic horizons by learning Japanese. This endeavour is part of his preparation for further studies in Japan, where he plans to pursue a Master’s in Green Science and Engineering at Sophia University. His commitment to learning Japanese reflects his dedication to not only achieving academic and professional excellence but also to immersing himself in the cultural and linguistic context of his future studies. By learning Japanese, Mukulu aims to facilitate smoother interactions and deeper integration into Japanese society, thereby enriching his educational experience and fostering more meaningful connections during his time in Japan.
Mukulu’s linguistic skills are a testament to his adaptability and his commitment to continuous learning and cultural appreciation. These abilities not only enhance his professional qualifications but also enrich his personal life, allowing him to navigate and contribute to diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes effectively.
Interests and Hobbies
John Francis Mukulu’s interests and hobbies reflect a multifaceted personality, deeply engaged with both intellectual pursuits and creative activities. He has a profound passion for exploring technologies, particularly Open Source software technologies. This interest drives much of his professional and personal activities, blending seamlessly with his professional expertise in software development and system architecture.
In his leisure time, Mukulu enjoys writing code and programming, an extension of his professional skills into his hobbies. He finds pleasure in solving brain teasers and logic puzzles, which challenge his analytical skills and offer a mental workout. This interest in puzzles and problem-solving aligns with his professional life, where he often deals with complex software development and data analysis tasks.
Mukulu also has a keen interest in watching documentaries, particularly those focusing on technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs. This interest helps him stay updated with the latest developments in his field, providing both inspiration and knowledge that he can apply to his work. His love for continuous learning is further evidenced by his enjoyment of reading novels and magazines, which offer both relaxation and intellectual stimulation.
Sharing knowledge is a significant part of Mukulu’s interests. He actively participates in discussion forums and blogging sites, where he shares his expertise and engages with a community of like-minded individuals. This passion for sharing knowledge underscores his commitment to collaborative learning and growth within the tech community.
Mukulu also treasures the art of Music and dance, providing a creative and physical outlet that balances his intensive intellectual activities. Listening to music and dancing offer him a way to unwind and express himself, contributing to his overall well-being.
In summary, John Francis Mukulu’s interests and hobbies paint a picture of a well-rounded individual who combines his professional skills with personal passions. His love for technology, continuous learning, problem-solving, and creative expression through music and dance all contribute to a dynamic and fulfilling personal life.