Veterinary & Biosecurity
CoVAB Open Day Showcases Research and Innovations
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security (COVAB) with support from the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) held an open day during which a number of research outputs and innovations were disseminated.
The event held on Monday 15th November 2021 in Makerere University brought together a number of stakeholders to hear from the college about research and innovation that has been going on for the past three years with over 7 billion shillings spent on 60 Mak-RIF supported research projects over a three-year period.
While presiding over the event where ten of the projects were disseminated, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza commended the leadership at the college and the University as a whole for the flexibility and outlook that has enabled the realigning of university business to the National development Plan III which she said emphasizes science led economic social transformation.
Dr. Musenero emphasized the importance of the output from the University indicating that many of the strategic industrial value chains were aligned to colleges in the University. She enumerated them to include the engineering economy, mobility, beauty and apparel, the digital economy, agro-security and the pathogenic economy.
‘We have created a prototype along many value chains and Makerere has to play a core role taking on a new mantra as a University for Technology advancing the country’ she said urging the institution to aim at making more influence on the economy. The Minister cited the example of the two centres of excellence in CoVAB like the Bio Security centre which was to be supported to become a national centre of excellence.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that there was tremendous transformation going on in the colleges adding that he was excited to witness what he always wanted the University to be. While congratulating the researchers from CoVAB for the good work done, the Vice Chancellor noted that universities were increasingly getting tasked to show what they are doing for society for instance their contribution towards the realization of the Strategic Development Goals. ‘As a university we have a role to transform the nation’ he said adding that we were duty bound to be part of the solution to our society.
The Chairperson of the Mak RIF fund Makerere University Prof. William Bazeyo congratulated CoVAB for choosing to associate with development that was to take Uganda to the next level through research and innovation and the determination to cause change. He commended Prof. John David Kabasa, the Principal CoVAB for taking lead in the research effort on issues affecting the people, citing the Tick project as an example.
Prof. John David Kabasa, the Principal CoVAB while welcoming guests on behalf of the management and staff of CoVAB said as scientists, they were ready to take off given the various grants they receive. He commended the Minister for Science Technology and Innovation for the support rendered to the college more so the revamping of the research infrastructure more so the centre for Bio security.
He presented to the Minister some of the projects that were being disseminated and they included the following;
- Developing Monitoring System for Quantifying and Mapping antibacterial used in Livestock Farming Systems in Uganda by Prof. Lawrence Mugisha.
- Developing Novel Phytonutraceuticals from wild edible fruits and vegetables for Mitigating Malnutrition among pregnant women and School going children by Dr. Anne Juliet Nalunkuma Kazibwe. The study established that women and children had issues of malnutrition due to poor feeding. There were a number of deaths related to malnutrition. The researchers identified the wild fruits like enderema, matungulu, katunkuma, nakati , mushrooms and added value based on a feeding value. They came up with a cocktail packaged in products like bagiya, cookies, porridge powder to supplement diet.
- Establishment of a platform to strengthen production of safe and healthy dairy and chicken derived foods using one health to counter antimicrobial resistance and drug residues in Uganda. (PLAS-SAFE). Dr. Paul Ssajjakambwe and team have established a platform called (PLAS-SAFE) to strengthen the production of safe chicken and diary derived foods using one health drug residue approach. This is expected to support health, trade and research which are some of the key strategic directions of the country.
- Developing a community-based model for integrating bioenergy and poultry production using rice agro-waste (Integrated bioenergy agriculture model) by Prof. David John Kabasa. The study was aimed at addressing the challenges of accessing wood fuel arising from destruction of nature. They came up with briquettes made from rice husks.
- Optimization of the dosage, adjuvant and route for the candidate anti-tick vaccine with Dr. Kokas Ikwap as the Principal Investigator.
- An Assessment of veterinary drug residues in milk, chicken and eggs and development of a residue monitoring plan for these foods in Uganda and Dr. John Kateregga.
Cytokines as novel therapeutic agents in the management of late-stage Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness: a preclinical trial (CaNTMS) by Dr. Charles Drago Kato. - Strengthening veterinary clinical research, training and outreach at Makerere through a learner-centered herd-health and community action research program (SHARP) for improved animal welfare, health and productivity by Prof. James Okwee-Acai. The study was aimed at documenting the baseline animal health, welfare, productivity indices in peri urban Kampala and Wakiso Districts. It aimed at strengthening the capacity of veterinary clinical research, training and community outreach as well as improved animal welfare, health and productivity.
- Optimizing SMART Dairy Technologies for Efficient Sustainable Productivity of Dairy Farmers in Uganda Dr. Robert Tweyongyere.
- Agrochemical residues in meat and milk of cattle in the acaricide-tick-resistant infested areas, A case study of Gomba District by Dr. Peter Waiswa. The study established that majority of the farmers use chemicals to kill ticks instead of the conventional acaricides due to the effectiveness of the drug. The study established that milk and beef from the study area contained agrochemical residues and that although they were below the recommended maximum residue limits, this could reach critical levels if no intervention was done to stop the vice.
The Makerere University Biomedical Laboratory Technology Students Association (MUBLISA) recently organized a transformative mentorship meeting at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB) at Makerere University, inspiring students to excel in biomedical laboratory technology. The mentorship session aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application while promoting diversity, inclusion, and professional development.
Two accomplished alumni were present at the event and they shared invaluable insights into thriving in the professional landscape beyond academic lectures. Their stories resonated with attendees, providing practical advice and motivation to navigate the challenges of building successful careers. It was also attended by the Dean, of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), Dr. Claire M. Mugasa.
Dr. Kiyemba Stephen Kaggwa, the distinguished director of Ebenezer Laboratories, delivered an uplifting keynote address that left a lasting impression on students and professionals alike. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to biomedical laboratory technology, Dr. Kaggwa encouraged aspiring professionals to explore their field’s untapped potential and underscored the transformative role of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth.
Dr. Kaggwa, who leads Ebenezer Laboratories, an institution celebrated for its dedication to accurate diagnostics and advancing medical science in the region as a prominent clinical laboratory based in Kampala, further demonstrated his commitment to healthcare innovation and patient-centered care. The inspiring event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership, mentorship, and innovation in shaping the next generation of professionals. It left students motivated to not only succeed but also to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
The other speaker, Ms. Eunice Ainomugisha, the Vice Chair of the Allied Health Professionals Council where she represents the medical laboratory reiterated the value of building meaningful relationships and staying organized to seize opportunities. Ainomugisha who illustrated her points by using her own experience as a struggling young girl to seize the available opportunities in the field, encourages the students to dream big and seek out the best for themselves despite the circumstances.
Dr. Gabriel Tumwine, representing the head of the Biomedical Laboratory Technology Department, Dr. Kato Drago highlighted the need for mentorship alongside academic training. He commended MUBLISA for taking the lead in empowering students to develop connections and skills essential for their careers. Students were inspired by the event’s message of perseverance, hard work, and the “power of right connections.” This pioneering mentorship program set the stage for many more initiatives aimed at equipping biomedical laboratory technology students with tools for success in academia, research, and industry.
The mentorship meeting not only celebrated the achievements of the department but also served as a powerful reminder of the impact Makerere University‘s graduates continue to make in advancing health and scientific research.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Makerere University Hosts Stakeholders Workshop on One Health approach to understanding Climate Change and Zoonoses
By Joseph Odoi
On January 30-31, 2025, Makerere University in partnership with Glasgow, UK and University of Stockholm, Sweden with support from Europe’s CIVIS University Alliance, organized a multi-disciplinary workshop at Kabira Country Club, Kampala, Uganda entitled “One Health and Diagnosing Zoonoses – Understanding the Importance of Climate Change in Disease Prevalence.” The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academicians, researchers, and practitioners, to collaborate on addressing public health challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
The workshop was organized and officially opened by Associate Professor Lawrence Mugisha from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University alongside Professor Jonathan Cooper from the University of Glasgow, who led the CIVIS Alliance team to Uganda.
In his opening address, Prof. Mugisha welcomed participants and outlined the key objectives of the workshop. He noted that the primary aim of the workshop was to build new pathways for knowledge exchange and strengthen One Health capabilities within Uganda and East Africa in order to develop a better understanding of the role of climate change in disease dynamics (including zoonoses) in humans and animal health and their wellbeing.
Furthermore, the workshop sought to explore the regional links between zoonotic disease prevalence and climate change by using appropriate digital tools/systems that will, in future, have the potential to be used more widely in Sub-Saharan Africa.
On the impact of Climate Change in Disease Prevalence, Professor Mugisha noted that the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have all warned around the need to better understand the harmful effects of climate change on health and disease, especially in low-and-middle-income-countries with such effects readily seen with Sub-Saharan Africa suffering some of the worst impacts.
‘’Uganda is also considered as a ‘hot spot’ for emerging and re-emerging infectious disease epidemics. The country has experienced several epidemics including; Ebola, Marburg, Plague, Rift Valley Fever, Yellow fever and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever. ‘’Many of these public health challenges arise from the interaction between humans-animals-environment and require a One Health approach as a collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals, plants and the environment.’’ added Professor Mugisha.
In his remarks, Professor Jonathan Cooper from the University of Glasgow acknowledged participants and provided a brief background on the CIVIC University Alliance. He stated that under CIVIS, multiple universities collaborate to offer joint learning pathways, research opportunities, and diverse degree programs, creating a dynamic network where students and academics can move freely between institutions. Through this collaboration, they work together to address societal challenges, including One Health and climate change, while also developing real-world solutions. He also commended the collaborative efforts of Makerere University, particularly those of Professor Lawrence Mugisha, in working across multiple disciplines at local, national, and global levels to achieve optimal health for people, animals, plants, and the environment.
Prof. Mugisha delivered a keynote address on climate change and human health and highlighted how climate change is causing unprecedented threats to human health, driving emergence of new infectious diseases and exacerbating the existing ones in addition to fueling frequent occurrence of severe natural catastrophes like floods, hurricanes and wildfires. He reported as per World Economic Forum Report of 2024, that climate change is projected by 2050 to cause additional 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide. He called upon all stakeholders to act together through research, innovations and public directed interventions to reverse the potential impact of climate change. He provided examples of different research consortiums working together to contribute to finding solutions to address the impacts of climate on health of humans, animals and entire ecosystem. Highlighted Projects include DIDIDA-Improving disease diagnosis in Africa (Home – Didida), PREPARE4VBDS— A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict and prePARE for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (prepare4vbd.eu) and recently funded DIDIDI- development of advanced, low-cost and deployable digital dashboards and diagnostics to understand how changes in climate are affecting the dynamics of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosomiasis in underserved rural community settings in sub-Saharan Africa
Dr. Frederick Monje, a focal person for the One Health Platform from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), provided a brief background of the National One Health Platform of Uganda. He stated that the platform was established in 2016 to serve as a multi-sectoral coordination mechanism aimed at addressing public health threats arising from the interactions between humans, animals, and the environment.
Dr. Monje emphasized that the National One Health Platform in Uganda plays a critical role in surveillance, early detection, and rapid response to outbreaks through collaborations with district health teams, universities, and research institutions. He noted, “One Health is one of the ways to prevent the next pandemic. We need to do a lot of preparedness to prevent cross-cutting public health threats from coming to us. We have developed a number of training and partnerships with universities and many stakeholders to achieve the One Health objective.”
In his presentation, Mr. Monje also cited the World Bank’s report, highlighting that globally, zoonotic diseases sicken 2.4 billion people annually, kill 2.2 million, and affect more than 1 in 7 livestock. The direct economic costs of zoonotic diseases are estimated at 20 billion dollars per year. He pointed out that Uganda, due to its proximity to the Congo Basin and other hotspots, faces significant public health threats from zoonotic diseases.
Mr. Monje further emphasized that the platform’s impact is evident in its district-level One Health teams, which have strengthened Uganda’s pandemic preparedness and response to zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and anthrax. He reiterated that One Health is critical to preventing future pandemics, requiring continuous preparedness, collaboration, and policy development to safeguard public health.
In her presentation, Ms. Patricia Nyinguro- Principal Meteorologist at the Kenya Meteorological Department revealed that there is rising temperatures in Kenya, showing an increasing trend since 1961, particularly in semi-arid regions. Despite this, she noted that public perception of heatwaves is low yet rising temperatures are key drivers of heat-related mortality, morbidity, and infectious diseases.
Moving forward, Ms. Patricia emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing heat health action plans and called for the development of indicators to measure progress in climate change adaptation.
In a digital technologies session, Dr. Xin Guo from the University of Glasgow shared insights on mobile health platforms for diagnostics, including demonstrations of relevant applications. He showed how apps can help diagnose diseases, especially zoonotic ones, and improve healthcare, especially in areas that need better disease tracking and response.
Participants engaged in discussions on zoonoses, its impact, and the importance of the One Health approach. Key questions explored included: What are zoonoses? Why is One Health crucial? Who are the stakeholders involved, and how can zoonoses be effectively addressed?
Using the Double Diamond Methodology, participants in group discussions also identified the most pressing challenges that climate change poses or will pose on zoonoses, potential solutions, and the reasons why these solutions aren’t being implemented yet.
Key outcomes from the engagement included the drafting of a policy brief outline, which will guide future initiatives aimed at tackling public health threats.
The workshop also tackled important issues such as data interoperability, data ownership and management, and ethics and privacy. These topics were thoroughly explored during structured discussions, with a particular focus during the Early Career Researcher (ECR) session.
Dr. Paul Mbanka, Assistant Commissioner of Health Services, outlined the Ministry of Health’s commitment to addressing Zoonoses related cases citing presence of an incident management system, which includes an SMS-based mechanism for reporting diseases to the emergency response center. Upon detection of an alert, the information is verified, samples are collected, and if confirmed, a response is initiated. In terms of areas for improvement, Dr. Mbanka acknowledged the challenge of information sharing across various sectors. When asked about Data sharing by workshop participants, He also stated that the Ministry of Health is open to sharing data with researchers, provided it supports the Ministry’s goals
The two-day workshop concluded with an emphasis on the critical need for continued collaboration in the One Health sector. Participants, including Researchers, Academicians, PhD and Master’s students from Makerere University, and Uganda and Kenya registered students at Glasgow University made presentations and also engaged in strategic discussions on tackling zoonotic diseases, climate change, and the integration of digital innovations in health data management.
To conclude the workshop, Prof. Lawrence Mugisha, Professors Julien Reboud and Jon Cooper of the Makerere University and University of Glasgow respectively expressed their appreciation to all participants for the insightful presentations, discussions and emphasized the importance of ongoing partnerships across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
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