General

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Dromedary Camels in Africa and Middle East

Published

7 years ago

August 19, 2019

Mark Wamai

Countries involved in this study. Results are indicated for each country as percentage of detected virus (RNA) and seropositive rate (Antibody) for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Maps adapted from http://d-maps.com/index.php. Source: MERS-COV in Camels in Africa and middle east

Dromedary camels are the natural reservoirs of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Camels are mostly bred in East African countries then exported into Africa and Middle East for consumption. To understand the distribution of MERS-CoV among camels in North Africa and the Middle East, we conducted surveillance in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda,Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. We also performed longitudinal studies of three camel herds in Egypt and Jordan to elucidate MERS-CoV infection and transmission. Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 4027 nasal swabs and 3267 serum samples were collected from all countries. Real-time PCR revealed that MERS-CoV RNA was detected in nasal swab samples from Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Microneutralization assay showed that antibodies were detected in all countries. Positive PCR samples were partially sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was built. The tree suggested
that all sequences are of clade C and sequences from camels in Egypt formed a separate group from previously published sequences. Longitudinal studies showed high seroprevalence in adult camels. These results indicate the widespread distribution of the virus in camels. A systematic active surveillance and longitudinal studies for MERS-CoV are needed to understand the epidemiology of
the disease and dynamics of viral infection.

Please see Downloads for full publication

Source: Prof. Denis K. Byarugaba, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University

Education

Special University Entry Examinations for the Diploma in Performing Arts 2026/27

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2026

Mak Editor

Students from the Department of Performing Arts on 4th April 2025.

The Academic Registrar Makerere University invites applications for the Special University Entry Examinations for admission to the Diploma in Performing Arts.

The examination will take place on Saturday 16^th May, 2026.

Application process is online for those intending to sit the examination. Kindly note that there is payment of a non-refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000/- excluding bank charges in any (Stanbic Bank, Dfcu Post Bank, UBA and Centenary Bank). After filling the online application, you will be provided with 2 Past Papers.

To be eligible to sit the examinations, the candidate must possess an O’ Level Certificate (UCE) with at least 5 Passes.

The deadline for receiving the online applications is Tuesday 12^th May 2026.

How to Apply

Application is online for ALL applicants.
Other relevant information can be obtained from Undergraduate Mature Age Office, Level 5, Room 505, Senate Building, Makerere University or can be accessed from https://see.mak.ac.ug
A non refundable application fee of Shs. 110,000= for Ugandans, East Africans Applicants (Including S. Sudan & DRC) OR US $ 75 or equivalent for international applicants plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Apply through the application portal https://see.mak.ac.ug

Please see download below for the application portal user guide.

Diploma-Performing-Arts-2026-2027 Download

Further inquiries may be sent to email: see@mak.ac.ug

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

General

Diploma Holders Admission Lists under Government Sponsorship for 2026/2027 AY

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2026

Mak Editor

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Makerere-University-Diploma-Holders-Government-Sponsorship-2026-2027 Download

General

Mature Age Examination Results for 2026/2027 Academic Year

Published

3 days ago

April 27, 2026

Mak Editor

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 13^thDecember 2025.

Candidates who scored a minimum of 50% passed and have been recommended by the Pre-Entry & Mature Age Committee to the University’s Admissions Committee for consideration.

The Aptitude Exam (Paper 1) results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2026/2027 can be accessed by following this link.

Please follow the link below for the list:

Makerere_University_Mature-Age-Entry-Composite Results-2026-2027 Download