Veterinary & Biosecurity
Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Mugisha hailed for spearheading Animal Ethics in Research & Teaching
Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Mugisha from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security (CoVAB) has been commended for taking a lead role in the development of the National Guidelines for use of animals in research and teaching and the establishment of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
This was during a workshop held at CoVAB on 9th March 2022 to launch accreditation process of the School of Veterinary and Animal Resources (SVAR) Institutional Animal Care and use Committee (SVAR IACUC).
Associate Prof Lawrence Mugisha who is the current Chairperson of the Institutional Animal care and use committee (IACUC) said the process of establishing the committee started in 2017 and that the guidelines provided that for it to be accredited, it must have a fully constituted and trained membership, with a well-established secretariat in a functional office run by a full time administrator.
He said the purpose of the forum was to review the present form of the Institutional Animal care and use committee (IACUC), the standard operating procedures (SOPS) in preparation for accreditation that was due in April 2022.
While giving reference to the Animal Cruelty Act 1957, which was operating without guidelines, Prof. Mugisha noted that these were established to promote the welfare of animals and promote proper use of animals in research and teaching. “Our national regulation for use of animal in research and teaching is in line with several international regulations and guidelines. For example, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), The Council for International Organisation for Medical Sciences (CIOMS) and The International Council Laboratory Animal Sciences (ICLAS) which states that animals should be used only when necessary and only when their use is scientifically and ethically justified.
He said the principles of the 3Rs-Replacement, Reduction and Refinement should be incorporated into the design and conduct of scientific and or educational activities that involve animals. In addition, animals selected for the research should be suitable for the purpose and of an appropriate species and genetic background to ensure scientific validity and reproducibility, he explained.
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was represented at the event by Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration congratulated CoVAB for the initiative. He said as a research led University, it was imperative that the guidelines were in place and called upon the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology to regularly make consultations with Makerere University bearing on its mantra of being research centred. He commended the leadership of CoVAB for making good use of the MAK RIF funds part of which supported the process through the study entitled; Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Ethical conduct of Research involving Animals (ICEcoRIA).
The Assistant Executive Secretary, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) Ms. Hellen Opolot has hailed Prof. Mugisha who as the Chairperson was instrumental in leading a multidisciplinary group of members to design The National Guidelines for Use of Animals in research and teaching. She said the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) launched the guidelines on the 16th of September 2021, an event presided over by the Minister Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. She said the guidelines now provide a framework for scientists, institutional animal care and use Committees, facility managers, sponsors, funders ,teaching institutions and animal care staff to consider while planning to use animals in research and teaching’ explained Miss Opolot of UNCST.
For national regulatory oversight in the use of animals in research and teaching, Miss Opolot noted that UNCST has powers to accredit specialized committees and research councils and that section 3 of The National Guidelines for Use of Animals in research and teaching Act stipulates that IACUCs are established by institutions owning and caring for animals used for purposes of research and teaching. She highlighted the key requirements for the establishment of IACUCs that included appointment of the IACUC members and IACUC administrator by the head of the institution or his/her designee. Other requirements include well established operational offices and board meeting space, well written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and assurance of financing mechanism for the committee.
Prof. Norbert Frank Mwiine the College Principal extended his appreciation to Uganda National Council for Science and Technology for partnering with Makerere University to promote quality research and animal use. He equally thanked Prof Mugisha for his leadership in research and the promotion of animal ethics nationally and internationally. He highlighted the importance of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and established National guidelines in promoting the quality research and harmonized animal use in line with international standards.
He implored staff in the college to acquit themselves with provisions of the guidelines and operations of the IACUC in order to follow the due process of protocol to obtain all approvals required to undertake research using animals. He pledged commitment towards supporting the operations of committee in the college and the university as a whole.
Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, Dean of School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) stressed the importance of regulation in the use of animals in research and teaching adding that the guidelines were necessary and timely for practice purposes. “I would like to thank Uganda National Council for Science and Technology for embracing the idea of having an animal research and teaching committee and taking it forward to national level’. Prof. Tweyongyere commended the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) for funding animal research and teaching at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources.
The Workshop attracted over 30 participants from government institutions, academia and regulatory agencies among others. The guidelines for animal research and teaching can be accessed on www.uncst.org
Written by Harriet Musinguzi and Odoi Joseph.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Alumni of Molecular Biology Honor Prof. George William Lubega for Outstanding Contributions
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Uganda Advances Bacteriophage Research in Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance
Makerere University convened a symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), the event brought together researchers from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Kampala International University, and Ian Clarke International University, and other players, highlighting a collaborative approach to tackling global and local issues.
Day two of the symposium saw researchers and policy makers together with partners from the UK and USA hold a discourse on the best way forward in the promotion of bacteriophage research and production in the country to support efforts against anti-microbial resistance.
Speaking at the event held at Hilton Garden Inn, Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, the lead phage researcher from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, stressed the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial agents due to the rise in drug resistance and limited discovery of new antibiotics. Bacteriophages, natural viruses that target bacteria, she said, were identified as a promising solution to revolutionize disease control, treatment, and food security. She said research in this area was key because humankind was at risk of the impending calamity of life-threatening treatment failure.
Prof. Robert Wamala, Makerere University‘s Director for Research, Innovations, and Partnerships, who spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the importance of building local capacity in phage research. He noted that such efforts could enhance Uganda’s resilience against AMR and yield homegrown solutions for human, animal, and crop health.
As the world grapples with the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), bacteriophage research offers a promising alternative. Phages, which are natural enemies of bacteria, have the potential to revolutionize the approach to treatment, disease control, and food security, he noted. He said building local expertise in phage application can enhance Uganda’s resilience against AMR and produce sustainable homegrown solutions to health and environmental challenges.
Prof. Robert Wamala said Makerere University was committed to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation that addresses national and global challenges in line with the university’s role in knowledge generation, technology advancement, and policy influence. The importance of regulatory institutions, he said, cannot be overemphasized in this endeavor, since they enforce compliance, uphold ethical standards, and foster an enabling environment for impactful research and innovation. He said the engagement presented an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between researchers, institutions, and regulatory bodies to ensure that the outcomes are scientifically sound and are aligned to the national development priorities and global best practices.
Dr. Claire M. Mugasa, the Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), CoVAB reiterated the fact that antimicrobial resistance was on the rise in Uganda and Africa, more than elsewhere in the world. She said it was time now that efforts be intensified in looking for sustainable options to curb the dangerous trends. She said this cuts across the human and the animals. She said it was an opportune time for players to come together to find ways of getting the required alternative. She said by coming together, the different ideas developed individually would in a concerted effort, pulling resources together for a way forward.
During the discourse, several subjects were addressed, including an introduction to antimicrobial resistance, phage biology, phage application, and lessons learnt from the establishment of a phage research centre in the UK, which was presented by Prof. Martha Clokie from the University of Leicester. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and regulatory compliance, positioning Uganda as a leader in sustainable solutions for global challenges.
The symposium was sponsored by Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), through a grant to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in partnership with Phages for Global Health.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
First Symposium on Bacteriophage Research & Applications in Uganda Highlights Remarkable Milestones & Future Prospects
Bacteriophage research and its applications were the focal point of the 1st Symposium on Bacteriophage Research and Applications, convened by Makerere University‘s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) on Thursday, March 27, 2025. This landmark event showcased Uganda’s strides in harnessing bacteriophages as innovative solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other pressing health and agricultural challenges.
Key speakers included Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, CoVAB (Makerere University), who showcased Uganda’s pioneering phage research initiatives and vision. Tobi Elaine Nagel, the President of Phages for Global Health (USA), discussed the global significance of phage research. Prof. Martha Clokie, from the University of Leicester’s Centre for Phage Research (UK), shared insights into the latest advancements in phage therapy. Dr. Robert Blasdel, representing VASALE (Belgium), presented innovative solutions using bacteriophages. Ms. Abigail Riggs, from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), emphasized international partnerships and policy development.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Edward Wamala, Makerere University’s Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, who represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the event, highlighted the critical role of bacteriophage research in addressing the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He explained how the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human health, agriculture, and aquaculture have accelerated the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, rendering standard treatments ineffective. Citing statistics from the World Health Organization, he pointed out that AMR claims over 1.3 million lives annually, a number expected to rise without urgent action. He lamented the stagnation of new antibiotic development due to high research costs and rapid bacterial resistance, making bacteriophage therapy a powerful and promising alternative.
Prof. Wamala expressed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing research that addresses critical societal challenges, aligning with its mission of generating transformative knowledge and fostering sustainable development. He emphasized Uganda’s potential to lead in bacteriophage research, driven by multi-disciplinary partnerships and capacity building. He also highlighted ongoing studies into aquaculture-specific bacteriophages at CoVAB as an example of how phage technology can revolutionize sectors like agriculture while addressing AMR. Through such efforts, the university aims to position Uganda as a global leader in innovative solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and enhance public health.
Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, widely regarded as the mother of phages in Uganda, delivered a compelling presentation at the Symposium, where she detailed the impressive progress of phage research in Uganda since its inception in 2017. She highlighted Makerere University’s pioneering efforts, starting with a cohort of five undergraduate students, which have since expanded into groundbreaking research addressing challenges in agriculture, clinical health, food safety, and environmental safety. Key achievements include advancements in E. coli and Salmonella detection, tackling avian colibacillosis, and innovations in decontamination methods, underscoring the transformative potential of phage technology in combating antimicrobial resistance and enhancing public health.
The symposium honored collaborative efforts, including the establishment and accomplishments of Phage Team Uganda, which developed a repository of 125 characterized phage isolates and trained over 20 PhDs, MScs, and BSc students. Partnerships with international organizations such as IDRC InnoVet AMR and AU Safe Fish have significantly contributed to advancements in antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Nakavuma noted challenges such as insufficient facilities for large-scale phage production, regulatory limitations, and financial constraints. She affirmed that despite the challenges, the team remained ambitious, envisioning the creation of a fully equipped Phage Research and Development Center, the commercialization of phage products, and the establishment of policy frameworks to support the use of phages in Uganda.
The Deputy Principal of CoVAB, Prof. James Acai Okwee, warmly welcomed the partners to the conference and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to the college’s research efforts. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and achieving impactful results, highlighting the pivotal role that partnerships play in fostering academic and scientific growth. Prof. Okwee’s remarks set an encouraging tone for the conference, reinforcing the college’s commitment to advancing research initiatives and creating opportunities for shared learning and development.
The event that attracted the participation of various stakeholders including academia, civil society, and policy makers, concluded with acknowledgments of the efforts of Phage Team Uganda, collaborators, and funders, setting the stage for an exciting future in Uganda’s journey to combat antimicrobial resistance and ensure food and environmental safety.
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