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
Today, Monday 18th May 2026, most students will begin their End of Semester Two Examinations, and they have been encouraged to remain confident and calm during the examination season.
Data from the University Counselling and Guidance Centre shows that even the best-prepared students experience anxiety, pressure, fear of failure, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion during examinations.
Addressing students during a pre-examination mental health workshop organised by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University on 15th May 2026, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Academic Registrar, reminded students that their mental health is far more important than any grade.
“This workshop comes at the right time. I encourage all students to understand that your worth is not defined by a single examination or grade. Examinations are only one part of your educational journey. What matters equally is your ability to remain healthy, focused, ethical and hopeful throughout the process,” Prof Buyinza, said.
Prof. Buyinza shared practical tips to help students avoid fatigue and excessive stress during this period.
“Prepare a realistic reading timetable and avoid last-minute cramming. Take short breaks while studying to allow your mind to recover and improve concentration. Get adequate sleep and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and energy drinks,” he noted.
During the session, he also encouraged students to engage in light physical activity, stretching or short walks to refresh their minds and reduce tension.
“Maintain a positive mindset and avoid comparing yourself excessively with others. Stay connected with supportive friends, family members, mentors or counsellors whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Prof. Buyinza advised.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting students not only academically, but also in their mental and psychosocial wellbeing, encouraging learners to seek help from counsellors, lecturers, mentors, peers, family members and available support systems whenever necessary.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Prossy Nakayiki, the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Examinations and Transcripts warned students against examination malpractice and urged them to uphold academic integrity.
“Anxiety should never push anyone into examination malpractice, do not enter an examination room with a smart watch, phone or any hidden paper commonly known as bullets. Preparation, honesty, rest and self-belief remain the best approaches to success,” Ms. Nakayiki, said.
She also advised students who had not yet printed their examination cards to do so early, noting that delays at the last minute could cause unnecessary panic and disorganisation.
In her presentation about the reality of examination stress and coping strategies, Connie Evelyn Kharono, a Counselling Psychologist at the Counselling and Guidance Center, called upon students to adopt the 5, 4,3,2,1 Ground technique before an exam or intense study session.
The 5, 4,3,2,1 ground technique, is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies designed for managing stress and anxiety, as it can be done almost anywhere and at any time. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste.
She advised students to focus on what they can control.
“You can control your study schedule, your sleep and how kindly you speak yourself. You cannot control the exact questions that will be on the paper, so channel your energy only into the preparations you can influence,” Ms Kharono, said.
Ms Kharono encouraged students to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure that they are eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Ms Christine Nimusiima, a senior Psycho-Social Officer at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University, called upon the students to practise positive self-talk and maintain a healthy mindset.
“During this examination season, avoid comparing your revision progress or predicted grades with your peers. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. Take a deep breath, trust in the work you have done and remember that you have the resilience to succeed. Best of luck with your preparations,” Ms. Nimusiima said.
By Dr. Racheal Ddungu Mugabi
The Alliance for African Partnership, Africa Office, today received a delegation from the University of Bergen (UiB)’s Division of Research and Innovation. The visiting team comprised Kristin Svartveit, Vivil Valvik Haraldsen, and Emmanuel Ovon Babatunde.
The delegation was officially introduced by Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, Head, Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), together with Dr. Ronald Semyalo (Makerere University coordinator for UiB)
The visit aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote research excellence through international partnerships. The key objectives of the meeting included:
- UiB team sharing information and experiences on enhancing success in EU grant acquisition and management.
- UiB application support process for Postdoc fellowships at Bergen up to a period of 2 years
- AAP Africa Office providing insights into the AAP consortium programs and activities in order to foster collaboration between the AAP consortium and UiB.
The engagement provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploring opportunities for future collaborative research initiatives between Makerere University, the AAP consortium, and the University of Bergen.
The Author is the Director of the AAP Africa Office
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