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Mak’s ELISA Test Kit could save Uganda from FMDV devastation

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The ELISA Test Kit, an in-house innovation developed by Dr. Frank Norbert Mwiine during his PhD Research could help save Ugandan cattle farmers from the devastation caused by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).

The ELISA Test Kit, an in-house innovation developed by Dr. Frank Norbert Mwiine during his PhD Research could help save Ugandan cattle farmers from the devastation caused by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).

Assoc. Prof. David Owiny (L) with the Guest of Honour Dr. Anna Rose Ademun Okurut at the 9th PhD Dissemination Series 15th December 2011, Makerere University Dr. Mwiine made these revelations as he disseminated his research findings at the ninth PhD Dissemination Series, held on Thursday 15th December 2011, and chaired by Associate Professor David Owiny, Acting Deputy Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security(CoVAB). The Series are organized by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Academic Affairs as a way of accounting to the Makerere University Community by successful PhD graduates, and as an avenue for sharing with the general public, cutting edge research relevant to their daily needs.

Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe, Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) urged all stakeholders present, especially the staff, to maximally utilize all opportunities accorded by the Government’s line Ministries and special programs.
“Government is the most valuable partner if we are to enhance the visibility of Makerere University” he remarked.
Dr. Frank Norbert Mwiine’s PhD study was sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

Dr. Frank Norbert Mwiine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), Makerere University make his presentation on Serotype Specificity of FMDVAs he made his presentation on “Serotype Specificity of Antibodies against Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in Cattle in Selected Districts in Uganda”, Dr. Mwiine appreciated the opportunity to conduct his research accorded by MAAIF, noting that FMDV was one of those neglected animal diseases, despite its devastating economic impact.

He noted that whereas vaccines were imported by the Government of Uganda and heavily subsidized to enable farmers vaccinate all their animals, the smaller ruminants i.e. goats and sheep were often neglected and the vaccines were only of the trivalent type.

As revealed by his research, more than five out of the seven known strains of FMDV were prevalent in Uganda, hence rendering the trivalent vaccines completely ineffective against any disease outbreaks. The situation is further aggravated by scarce Government resources, implying that imports that are only made during outbreaks, thus preventive vaccination cannot be carried out.

Dr. James Okwee-Acai, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security(CoVAB) was the Day's discussantDr. Mwiine’s passion to help see the disease eradicated from the country stems from his previous work experience as a Veterinary Officer in Western Uganda. His first-hand account of infected animals practically starving to death as they could neither graze nor walk, drove him to develop the ELISA Test Kit. The kit will be used to detect all seven strains of FMDV and help develop their respective antibodies. The ELISA Test Kit is set to be patented and is currently in production phase so that it may be made commercially available to veterinary officers.

Farmers in Bushenyi District where FMDV prevalence was observed to be low were commended for their good farming practices, which ensured that the farms were fenced and their cattle did not use the communal watering points. Dr. Mwiine however noted the need to sensitize farmers bordering national parks to avoid straying into these, as strains of the serotype A; usually found in buffaloes alone, was recorded in cattle herds around Lake Mburo National Park. He also called on Government to effect a shift in policy from nomadic pastoralism to ranching.

Dr. Anna Rose Ademun Okurut, MAAIF was the Guest of HonourThe Guest of Honour Dr. Anna Rose Ademun Okurut, Head, National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre-MAAIF, hailed Dr. Mwiine for successfully completing his PhD study and developing the ELISA Test Kit.

She thanked the Danish Government through the Livestock Wildlife Diseases in East Africa Project (LWDEA) Project for helping to provide scholarships to four PhD and 4 MSc students. Dr. Ademun further congratulated her former Faculty of Veterinary Medicine upon the successful transformation from a School to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security(CoVAB).

Dr. Ademun further congratulated Makerere University for continuing to produce world-class innovations, noting that it was the only way to give back to the communities and the nation, “The Government is proud of outputs of the nature of Vaccines, the Kiira-EV and research that informs current policies and activities” she concluded.

 

Downloads

9th PhD Dissemination by Dr. Frank N. Mwiine: ppt(1,947KB), pdf(1,046KB)

9th PhD Dissemination Dr. Frank N. Mwiine Brief Profile: doc(40KB), pdf(13KB)

9th PhD Dissemination Dr. James O. Acai Brief Profile: doc(34KB), pdf(13KB)

 

 

 

 

mwamai@admin.mak.ac.ug, Public Relations Office

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Aptitude Test Results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2024/2025

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Senate Building

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released Aptitude Test Examination results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 24th February, 2024.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

Below is the list for Full Results for Candidates who sat Mature Age Entry Examinations 2024/25 for Bachelor of Laws. Note: All candidates who scored a final mark of 50% and above should prepare for the Bachelor of laws pre-entry examination:

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Strengthening Partnerships: Makerere University Welcomes Delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada

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The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) and UWO President-Dr. Alan Shepard (3rd Left) show off the signed MoU as Left to Right: UWO's Dr. Opiyo Oloya and Dr. Lily Cho as well as University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, UWO's Dr. John Yoo and Head of Advancement-Mr. Awel Uwihanganye witness on 21st March 2024. Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

By Carol Kainomugisha

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the University Management, welcomed a delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada (UWO), marking an important milestone in the strengthening of international partnerships and collaborations. The week-long visit, characterized by insightful discussions and exchanges with various colleges, departments and units of the University, highlighted various areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration between the two esteemed institutions.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) and Dr. Alan Shepard (2nd Left) sign the MoU as Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) and Dr. Lily Cho (Right) witness. 21st March 2023, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd Right) and Dr. Alan Shepard (2nd Left) sign the MoU as Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (Left) and Dr. Lily Cho (Right) witness.

The delegation was led by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Shepard and accompanied by Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Dr. Lily Cho, the Associate Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Dr. Opiyo Oloya and the Dean, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. John Yoo.

The visit culminated with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will most certainly strengthen the already existing relationship between Makerere University and Western University.

The meeting between Makerere University and Western University commenced with the University Management which discussed collaborative opportunities, particularly in engineering, design, and technology, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Mr. Opio Oloya addressed issues of Inclusivity and diversity in academia, focusing on integrating indigenous knowledge, combating global anti-blackness, and promoting social integration within university communities.

Members of the University Management and the delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada pose for a group photo at the Makerere@100 Monument. 18th March 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Members of the University Management and the delegation from Western University, Ontario, Canada pose for a group photo at the Makerere@100 Monument.

Makerere‘s academic excellence and capacity-building initiatives were showcased, with plans to expand graduate training opportunities and enhance capacity through student and faculty exchanges.

 The meeting concluded with a shared vision for future collaborations, including research projects, academic programs, and student exchanges, reaffirming the commitment to fostering excellence and addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

Fostering Global Academic Partnerships: Western University meets Makerere University Colleges and Units.

In a meeting at the School of Law, led by the Principal, Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, the delegation held lengthy deliberations to explore avenues for academic collaboration, embodying the power of international partnerships in academia.

Central to the dialogue was Western University’s interest in global engagement, particularly in internationalization, aligning with Makerere‘s ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration. The meeting highlighted joint research opportunities, staff, and student mobility programs, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and the potential for cross-cultural learning and growth.

The Principal-Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left), Deputy Principal-Dr. Zahara Nampewo (3rd Left), Principal CHUSS-Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire (3rd Right), Head PAF-Dr. Benon Kigozi with other officials and the UWO delegation at the School of Law. 19th March 2024, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Principal-Associate Prof. Ronald Naluwairo (5th Left), Deputy Principal-Dr. Zahara Nampewo (3rd Left), Principal CHUSS-Associate Prof. Josephine Ahikire (3rd Right), Head PAF-Dr. Benon Kigozi (Right) with other officials and the UWO delegation at the School of Law.

During the meeting between the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and Western University, the Executive Director Dr. Andrew Kambugu outlined IDI’s evolution from an academic venture to a multifaceted institution driving service delivery, research, and capacity building in Africa.

Highlighting existing partnerships, particularly in data management with the Faculty of Medicine at Western University, President Alan Shepard underscored the tangible outcomes of cross-border collaboration, with data-driven research initiatives making significant contributions to healthcare and public health interventions. Future collaboration prospects, including exchange programs, joint initiatives, and equipment donations, emphasized a shared commitment to innovative approaches and collaborative problem-solving to address pressing challenges in Africa.

Dr. Andrew Kambugu (4th Left) with other officials and the UWO Delegation during their visit to IDI. 19th March 2024, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Andrew Kambugu (4th Left) with other officials and the UWO Delegation during their visit to IDI.

Celebrating Collaboration: Farewell Luncheon Honoring Western University Delegation

A farewell luncheon, hosted by Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council, marked the poignant conclusion of the exchange visit with Western University, Ontario, Canada, celebrating the enduring spirit of collaboration and friendship between the two institutions.

Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Opiyo Oloya as Dr. Alan Shepard (Rear Right) and other officials interact. 21st March 2024, Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shakes hands with Dr. Opiyo Oloya as Dr. Alan Shepard (Rear Right) and other officials interact.

 As farewells were exchanged, participants left with cherished memories and a renewed commitment to nurturing the partnership for future endeavors, underscoring the power of collaboration to transcend boundaries and create opportunities for growth and learning.

As Western University and Makerere University look ahead, the memories of the week-long strategic visit will serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding their continued efforts to collaborate, learn, and grow together.

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CTCA Request For Expression of Interest: Finance and Accounts Assistant

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CTCA is seeking the services of a Finance and Accounts Assistant whose overall responsibility will be to provide finance and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA), School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Institution: Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA)
Project Title: Enhance Tobacco Control Institutional Capacity in Africa
Expression of Interest Number: CTCA/EOI/G339/2024

1. Introduction:

The Centre has received funding from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) for the
2024-2026) to implement a project on institutional development. The project investments are
geared towards sustaining human resource capacity and knowledge generation to reduce use of all forms of tobacco products in Africa.

Specifically, the project aims to:

  1. Enhance training opportunities for African governments and relevant actors in tobacco
    control in the continent.
  2. Increase access to knowledge for guiding tobacco use prevention and control in Africa.
  3. Reinforce the institutional development of CTCA for an optimal performance of its
    functions and processes.

Therefore, CTCA is seeking the services of a Finance and Accounts Assistant whose overall responsibility will be to provide finance and administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. The Assistant will support management and other employees on a variety of tasks related to administration, finance, procurement, and communication.

2. Scope of Work

The specific duties include:

  1. Providing support to the accounting and procurement functions through preparing journals and loading payments for review by the budget and finance officer for authorization
  2. Maintain supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
  3. Administer and manage logistics and contracts for services with service providers such as travel agents, hotels, translations and interpretation agencies, office supplies
  4. Maintaining a clean electronic and manual filing system.
  5. Handling communications – Receiving, storing, retrieving, dispatching, organizing documents and other correspondence of the Centre.
  6. Provide secretarial services to CTCA technical meetings.
  7. Assist in the preparation of regularly scheduled reports.
  8. Assist in logistics preparations for meetings, workshops, and missions.
  9. Oversee and supervise the work of junior staff.
  10. Maintain up-to-date employee records.
  11. Any other duties as may be assigned.

See Downloads for detailed advert.

Application deadline: Not later than 17:00 hours on 8th April, 2024.

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