Connect with us

General

Mak Research on Natural Enemies of Bacteria Excites Farmers

Published

on

“Eating Healthy, Eating Safe:  The Natural Enemies of Bacteria Approach.”

The world is facing a health problem arising from the usage of chemicals, anti-biotics and other drugs in farming hence the need for alternative approaches aimed at providing healthy and safe products for both human and animal consumption.

To find a lasting solution, a team of researchers at Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security embarked on a three year research project to enhance the health and safety of fish in Uganda and Ghana.

This was revealed during the Stakeholders’ meeting for SafeFish project officially opened by Prof. David J. Kabasa, Principal of Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security on Thursday 15th August 2019. The meeting attracted farmers from the Northern, Central, Eastern and Western regions of Uganda, Government Officials, and representatives from the fish sector, policy makers, academicians and partners under the One Health Approach.

The three year research (December 2018 to December 2021) dubbed the SafeFish project is an innovation championed by Makerere University and other partners to boost the Aquaculture sector by developing natural enemies of bacteria (bacteriophages) to improve fish health management, ensure safe  fish production and increase fish productivity for local consumption and export.

Through the SafeFish project, the on-going research seeks to tap into the opportunities presented by the ever increasing demand for fish at the national and global levels, reduce the threats from diseases that affect fish, and conform to guidelines from health regulators such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Union against the use of chemicals, anti-biotics and other drugs in fish farming.

According to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Jesca Lukanga Nakavuma, the SafeFish project is an innovation that provides a safe and healthy alternative of using natural enemies of disease-causing agents (bacteriophages) to improve disease prevention and control in farmed fish.   

Dr. Nakavuma who is also a Senior Lecturer and Microbiologist at Makerere University highlighted that in this era of rampant drug resistance, phages are currently explored globally as alternatives for management of bacterial diseases. Bacteriophages are enemies of bacteria and occur naturally in the environment and in gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans where specific bacteria exist.

“In the developed countries, phages are already being used to ensure that citizens consume healthy and safe products. It is therefore timely for the developing world to follow suit. The SafeFish project championed by Makerere University in collaboration with partners will ensure that Ugandans and Africans in general develop and use phages (bacteriophages) in fish farming,” said Dr. Nakavuma.  

Funded by the African Union, the SafeFish project will develop bacteriophage cocktails as fish disease bio-control agents for improved aquaculture productivity among tilapia farmers, and for economic and social development by addressing food and nutrition safety in Ghana and Uganda.

Prof. Kabasa commended Dr. Nakavuma and the entire research team for competing and winning the African Union Grant and contributing to the realization of the Makerere University research agenda through the SafeFish project that will impact lives nationally and globally.

“I encourage you to put much effort on the research for phages. The SafeFish research will impact lives nationally and globally. World over, there is an increasing demand for eating healthy products with special attention to white meat such as fish. So, development of phages through the SafeFish project undertaken by Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security will reduce the burden of diseases affecting fish, result in safe and healthy fish as well as increased productivity of fish,” said Prof. Kabasa.

With the development and application of phages in fish farming, Prof. Kabasa envisioned a booming Aquaculture sector in Uganda with fish farmers earning mega income from supplying fish for local consumption and export.

“The statistics indicate that out of the current demand for fish, you are only supplying 0.01% of fish.  You should therefore embrace the SafeFish project to come up with phages (bacteriophages) to boost fish farming. When you increase the supply of fish and meet the market demand for fish worldwide, you will bid farewell to unemployment and poverty,” he remarked amidst applause from farmers, policy makers, representatives of Government, academia and private sector.

Dr. Rose Ann Ademun, the Commissioner-Animal Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries stressed the importance of regulation in fish farming. “Regulation is for the good of us. With regulation, we are in position to ensure quality and safety of products. I also encourage farmers and researchers to always report diseases affecting fish to the Chief Veterinary Officer,” she said.

Commenting on the need for Stakeholder engagement and involvement, Dr. John Walakira, Member of the Research Team informed the participants that the research team has reached out to a number of partners. Dr. Walakira pointed out that the ongoing research has been enriched by field visits, interactions with fish farmers, stakeholder meetings and a series of trainings.

“We visited most of the fish farms in Uganda. We interacted with farmers. We are today holding the Buy-In workshop for stakeholders. We will continue to involve the fish farmers and other stakeholders at the next levels of this research. We will also conduct a series of trainings.”

Presenting the Policy issues in the fisheries sector, Dr. Maureen Nanziri Mayanja, a Member of the Research team reiterated that the SafeFish project research on alternative approaches to disease management on top of others will be a contribution to the ecological factor considerations.  “This is an ecological safe way of managing fish and aquaculture in general.”

Important Facts:

Mak Research Team comprises: Dr. Jesca Lukanga Nakavuma, Dr. John Walakira, Dr. Samuel P. Wamala, Mr. Deus Kamya, Dr. Claire M. Mugasa, Dr. Maureen N. Mayanja, supported by Ms. Lillian Tukahirwa and Ms Rose Vivian Mudumba.

The Safe Fish Project Partners include: NARO-NaFIRRI, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences-University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Food Research Institute of Ghana, CSIR-Water Research Institute of Ghana, Fishery and Aquaculture Division, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research; University of Ghana-Legon, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, UK.

Article by: Ritah Namisango, Mak Public Relations Office

 

Mark Wamai

Continue Reading

General

Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

Published

on

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

Published

on

Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

General

Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

Published

on

By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

Mak Editor

Continue Reading

Trending