General
World Veterinary Day highlights VETMED’s diversity
Whereas Rakai district will play host to the main celebrations tomorrow Saturday 24th April 2010, the Veterinary fraternity descended upon their cradle: The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine on 22nd April 2010, to give back to the community that nurtured them.
Whereas Rakai district will play host to the main celebrations tomorrow Saturday 24th April 2010, the Veterinary fraternity descended upon their cradle: The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine on 22nd April 2010, to give back to the community that nurtured them.
This lecture was part of the Vet Week activities that culminated into the World Veterinary Day on 24th April 2010. This public lecture was hosted at The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in recognition of the partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Uganda Veterinary Association and the private sector. This partnership is aimed at finding solutions to the challenges facing Uganda's Animal Industry through research-driven community development collaborative initiatives.
Keeping in line with the theme of the week “One World, One Health: more cooperation between veterinarians and physicians” panelist after panelist took time off to make their presentation on topical issues.
Dr. Waiswa kicked off the proceedings with interventions made by the Stamp out Sleeping Sickness (SOS) campaign: A public private partnership launched in Kampala in October 2006. This partnership was formed in response to an emergency situation arising in a number of districts in Northern Uganda where the two strains of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) – also known as “sleeping sickness”- threaten to converge. This could have a catastrophic effect for the already stretched local health services. He cited erratic cattle movement irregular spraying of animals in these areas as proponents to the spread of this disease.
Offering the Wildlife perspective, Dr. Andrew Seguya, Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Education 
Center (UWEC) made his presentation on how veterinary and medical intervention for a man trapped chimpanzee in Rwensama Forest helped restore its life. Hounded by the diminishing forest cover, the chimpanzees are forced to raid crops in the community gardens, which unfortunately often lead them to be caught, maimed or even killed by the mantraps. Dr. Seguya however shared a success story of how one chimp Amaanyi, whose limb had been caught in mantrap was evacuated to UWEC for an amputation and ensuing rehabilitation. He paid special tribute to partners like the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda for their active support towards chimp conservation.
“Why do you think God would liken himself to an eagle? Or a lion? It means he loves them! So don’t you think God is a Veterinarian?” questioned Dr. Kansiime Michael as enticed and engaged the 
audience. Dr. Kansiime a lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and General Secretary of the Uganda Christian Veterinary Mission chose a spiritual approach as he presented his topic “Animals and Humans. One World, one Health. The Bible View.” Obviously distressed by scenes of cruelty meted out animals in the previous presentation “Those people depicted laying traps and killing animals are sinners and will never enter the kindom of heaven” he charged on. He concluded his presentation by challenging all present to consider animals as they strove for better living conditions “ As Physicians and Veterinarians, we are custodians of health for humans and animals, lets work together for the better of both species because no amount of strength will outdo the plan of God and separate the two.”
Dr. Jeanne Muhindo from the National Pharmacovigilance Center of the National Drug Authority revealed the realization by the Authority to setup a center to monitor safety and quality of medicines on the market. Hence Veterinary pharmacovigilance is the management of the detection and investigation of the clinical effects of the veterinary medicinal products, mainly aimed at the safety and efficacy in animals, the safety in people and the environment exposed to these products. Dr. Muhindo went on to shock the audience when she stated “People are using animal drugs to treat human illnesses like syphilis!” She therefore stressed the need for analysis and dissemination of the information needed to improve the prescription, dispensing, provision and regulation of drugs to help avert Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) as a result of misuse and abuse of drugs.
A Senior Medical Officer in-charge of HAT in the Ministry of Health, Dr Charles Wamboga wound up the lecture by giving his talk on collaboration between the Ministry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and SOS. Citing the 60million people in sub-saharan Africa who are at risk of acquiring HAT, he justified the need for this collaboration especially in Uganda, which is the only country where both acute and chronic strains of the disease exist. Dr. Wamboga paid special tribute to the Management and Students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, who helped to bring down the epidemic in 2006; and the University of Edinburgh (UK) for the collaborative training offered.
Dr. Andrew Seguya's presentation here
Dr. Kansiime Michael's presentation here
Dr. Jeanne Muhindo's presentation here
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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