General
Mak Launches Zoonotic Disease Management Capacity Building Project
Makerere University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA) has today officiated at the launch of a project that will see the Institution take lead in building capacity in Zoonotic Disease Management. The CAPAZOMANINTECO project will use an integrated ecosystem health approach to manage human diseases of animal origin such as Ebola in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Speaking at the launch, the DVC AA, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang appreciated the support given to Makerere University by the Norwegian Government.The CAPAZOMANINTECO project is one of the 9 projects funded by the Norwegian Program for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) at Makerere University.
NORHED aims at increasing higher education and capacity building in low and middle income countries to increase incomes and reduce poverty.
Spearheaded by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), CAPAZOMANINTECO is a collaborative effort of 4 universities: University of Zambia, University of Barl El Gazal (South Sudan), Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Makerere University, which is also the grant recipient.
Dr. Okello Ogwang saluted the country management team for the concerns in terms of public health raised by this project, which he said, “bring all of us together."
According to Dr. Clovice Kankya, the Project Coordinator Makerere University, the project will improve the health and wellbeing of people in the participating countries of Uganda, Zambia and South Sudan through strengthening education and research.
Dr. Jessica Nakavuma, Deputy Principal, CoVAB expressed gratitude to NORHED for availing what is needed to build capacity and stressed that Makerere was prepared to effectively manage the project.
"I am confident that Makerere University under the coordination of Dr. Clovice Kankya shall achieve the desired goals of this project", said Dr. Nakavuma.
Dr. Kankya explained that the project will improve research capacity in zoonoses, food system and food safety issues within universities and public health sectors. He also noted that the timing for the launch could not have been better.
"The launch of this project is timely due to re-emerging threats like Ebola that the region is grappling with" he said. He further stated that in order to effectively manage such diseases, the project will employ the One Health approach of integrating different disciplines to promote health.
Professor Eystein Skjerve, the Project Coordinator, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) explained that Norway has had a long historical collaboration with Uganda and Zambia in zoonotic diseases since 2001.
"Uganda is the biggest partner of NORHED since its launch in 2012", noted Professor Skjerve. He said that of recent, Norway has been involved in developing the young state of South Sudan and that NMBU's main role in the CAPAZOMANINTECO project will be to complement research and teaching capacity in the 3 participating countries.
According to Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Director Research and Graduate Training, the launch symbolized the nature and character of several other collaborations that Makerere is engaged in.
"Records show that Makerere and her partners have over the years propelled the research agenda together. We shall continue to consolidate and develop research through strengthening research capacity." Prof. Buyinza said.
Among the deliverables of this project is support to researchers at Masters and Doctoral level. 6 PhD students, 2 from each of the participating countries presented their research proposals during the launch. The beneficiaries are enrolled in the University of Zambia, Makerere University and Norwegian University of Life Sciences. “The students will each carry out research within their respective countries of origin, as is the requirement of the project” noted Dr. Kankya
Story by Jovia Musubika (CoVAB) and Prossy Nabatte
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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