The DVCFA-Prorf. Henry Alinaitwe (Front Row: 7th L) with the Principal CoVAB-Prof. Norbert Frank Mwiine (6th R), Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Mugisha (4th R) and other officials at the SVAR-IACUC Accreditation Workshop on 9th March 2022, Makerere University.
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.
Associate Prof Lawrence Mugisha.
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.
Prof. Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration
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.
Ms. Hellen Opolot Assistant Executive Secretary, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.
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.
Prof. Frank Mwiine Principal COVAB
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 UniversityResearch 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
Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF), a fully integrated poultry enterprise located in Buyuki Nama Sub-County, Mukono District, has initiated strategic discussions with Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to establish a Graduate Trainee partnership. This collaboration is designed to bridge the persistent gap between academic instruction and practical industry experience by offering final-year students and recent graduates immersive training across the entire poultry value chain.
At a meeting held at CoVAB, the SAF team, led by Dr. Abu Mayanja, the Chief Operations Officer SAF, and the staff of the Department of Livestock and Industry Resources (LIR), a range of operations where the students would benefit were explained, ranging from feed mill production and hatchery management to broiler farming, outgrower coordination, and abattoir services, providing a rich environment for experiential learning. Dr. Abu said the initiative will not only enhance graduate employability but also foster innovation and research, and build technical capacity in Uganda’s poultry sector, while promoting knowledge exchange and entrepreneurial thinking among young professionals. Dr. Mayanja highlighted the significant human resource gap in Uganda’s poultry industry, noting that most workers acquire skills informally on the job. To address this challenge, the partnership will offer final-year students and recent graduates a six-month comprehensive training program, combining mentorship with hands-on experience across SAF’s integrated poultry operations from feed production and hatchery management to broiler farming and processing.
A section of CoVAB staff who were at the meeting deliberated on the potential partnership
Dr. Sylvia Nalubwama, along with other CoVAB staff, emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed Graduate Trainee partnership with Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF). The team highlighted that the initiative aligns well with Makerere University’s broader mission to provide education that meets societal needs, especially through practical, skills-based training. The two parties agreed to formalize the partnership following the established process, starting at the departmental level through the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR), and concluding with approval of the Memorandum of Understanding by University Management. They also agreed that, due to the urgent workforce gaps in the poultry industry, they would begin immediate engagement and move forward with preliminary activities, including reaching out to interested students and planning the program, even while formalities are still being finalized.
Among some of the terms of the engagement is providing student facilitation, including rent, internet access, and meals, while emphasizing the importance of attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Students will be selected through a merit-based application and interview process. The meeting also spoke of the need for collaboration with BTVET institutions, certification for trainees, and aligning academic programs with industry expectations.
Representatives of the final-year students in attendance expressed keen interest in the Graduate Trainee program and raised pertinent questions regarding remuneration and post-training employment opportunities. In response, representatives from Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF) acknowledged the importance of financial incentives but emphasized that the true value of the program lies in the unique exposure it offers to the commercial and operational aspects of poultry production. They assured students that the six-month training module is designed to equip them with critical skills, industry insights, and entrepreneurial competencies that are essential for driving growth and innovation within Uganda’s poultry sector.
On Monday, 22nd September 2025, the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, launched a four-day intensive training program aimed at equipping Uganda’s next generation of educators with foundational knowledge in One Health. This initiative seeks to foster interdisciplinary understanding among future teachers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing emerging public health challenges.
The initiative, titled “One Health Training of Uganda’s Next Generation of Teachers,” targets selected third-year education students from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), and Kabale University, along with newly graduated teachers from across the country. The training is one of the activities of the broader Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA)project, a regional program spanning 12 countries aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting integrated approaches to health education and practice.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda, underscored the transformative impact of the training, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s future health resilience. He noted that by equipping educators with foundational knowledge in One Health, Uganda is fostering a sustainable network of informed leaders capable of influencing both formal education systems and grassroots communities. These teachers will not only embed One Health principles into their curricula but also serve as local ambassadors and champions for improved sanitation, climate adaptation, and disease prevention within their communities.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda
“This is more than a training,” Prof. Kankya remarked. “It’s a movement to embed One Health thinking into the social fabric of Uganda, given that educators are trusted voices in society. When they grasp the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, they become powerful catalysts for behavioral change and community-driven action.”
He emphasized the pivotal role of teachers as agents of change, stressing that One Health, a multidisciplinary approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for addressing today’s complex health challenges. Despite its growing global relevance, he observed that the concept of One Health remains largely underrepresented in Uganda’s education and public health sectors. This gap, he argued, makes the involvement of teachers especially critical, as they can serve as catalysts for a multiplier effect, extending the reach and impact of One Health principles across both formal education systems and local communities.
A section of the participants engaged in group work during the training
Prof. Clovice Kankya further highlighted that the ripple effect of empowering teachers will extend beyond schools, reaching homes, villages, and regional networks. In doing so, the initiative aims to build a generation of citizens who are not only aware of health risks but are also equipped to respond collaboratively and sustainably.
The trainees, drawn from diverse teaching disciplines, received instruction in key areas such as an introduction to One Health principles, zoonotic diseases and outbreak investigation, risk communication strategies, community engagement, and exit protocols, among others. Facilitators from AFROHUN and CoVAB were carefully selected for their expertise in outbreak response, strategic communication, and community-based education. The curriculum is enriched with social science perspectives to strengthen community entry approaches and promote culturally sensitive messaging, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to engage effectively with local populations.
In a strategic gathering at Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) held its Founder’s Convention to reflect on its 12-year journey and unveil its ambitious next chapter: the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA). The event, hosted under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Biomolecular Sciences (SBLS), brought together scientists, students, and strategic partners from across Uganda and beyond. The convention served as both a retrospective and a launchpad, celebrating CIMTRADZ’s achievements while setting a bold agenda for MAGBBA’s future.
Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat.
Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, delivered an address on behalf of Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. She commended the brains and effort behind CIMTRADZ for their relentless efforts in implementing research and training programs initially supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology that set the pace for the numerous achievements realised to-date.
Nakazibwe outlined Uganda’s strategic roadmap for harnessing science and innovation to drive national development. She revealed that since March 2022, the STI Secretariat has operated through eight specialized bureaus focused on mobility, export promotion, and productivity acceleration. “Our mandate is to coordinate the ecosystem,” Nakazibwe emphasized, “bringing together academia, media, and the private sector to ensure science leads us to another level.”
While emphasisng the commitment of continued support to the academia in finding solutions to societal challenges, Nakazibwe also spotlighted Uganda’s prioritized industrial value chains, which include ICT, artificial intelligence, infrastructure innovation, aeronautics, and space science. She stressed that science must be a tool to combat poverty and unemployment, aligning with the goals of National Development Plan III.
Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, was represented by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
Representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza praised the university’s growing network of research centers, some of which have attained Level 5 status as centers of excellence. He emphasized that the transition from the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) to the proposed Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA) signals a strategic shift toward sustainability and broader impact.
“In the face of pandemics and epidemics, the world is counting on scientists,” Prof. Buyinza said. “This is no longer a concern confined to laboratories, but it’s a matter of national survival.”
He called on Uganda’s scientific community to develop a comprehensive national inventory of pathogens, stressing that biosecurity must be a shared responsibility across sectors. He also commended the movement of Makerere’s academic talent into government and private agencies, describing it as a positive extension of the university’s influence.
“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he noted, urging researchers to harness their expertise to address pressing health and development challenges. “Collaboration and cooperation are no longer optional but are essential.”
Prof. Buyinza concluded by pledging institutional support for scientific initiatives that translate into tangible products and services, reinforcing Makerere’s role as a driver of innovation and societal transformation.
Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens.
During the convention Prof. John David Kabasa delivered a powerful message on the future of biosecurity and bioeconomy, calling on scientists to take the lead in safeguarding society against biological threats. Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens. He described biosecurity and bioeconomy as critical pillars for national resilience and global competitiveness.
“We are living in an era of insufficiency,” Prof. Kabasa stated, “where bio threats are no longer distant possibilities but immediate challenges demanding coordinated action.”
He commended Makerere University for its visionary leadership and the platform it has provided to advance scientific research and innovation. He also acknowledged the Government of Uganda for its substantial investments across institutions, which he said have laid the foundation for transformative progress.
Prof. Kabasa stressed the importance of capacity building and value amplification, and called on universities and schools to equip learners with skills that enhance the value of biological assets and foster entrepreneurial thinking.
Prof. Kabasa however, he expressed concern over the persistence of outdated ideologies, weak innovation culture, and limited Pan-African collaboration. To address these gaps, he advocated for a culture of collaboration across higher education, research, and service delivery.
“Scientists hold the key to societal transformation,” he said, urging them to embrace their responsibility and develop solutions to pressing challenges.
Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University one of the founder mentors
Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University delivered an inspiring presentation that underscored Uganda’s growing role in global biosecurity and infectious disease preparedness. Speaking as one of the founding mentors of the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ), Prof. Kaneene reflected on the initiative’s journey and its far-reaching impact. He highlighted a Special Issue of a scientific journal featuring four foundational papers that helped catalyze new projects not only in Uganda but across Africa and beyond. “Centers like CEBIGH give CoVAB a unique niche in addressing regional and global biosecurity challenges,” Prof. Kaneene said, emphasizing the importance of research and training in tackling emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
He urged stakeholders to build on past achievements and expand the center’s influence through targeted programs such as short courses and summer training initiatives. With Uganda poised to take a leadership role, he stressed that biosecurity must remain a national priority.
Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho represented the CoVAB Principal and welcomed the participants
The Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, represented by Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho reflected on the consortium’s decade-long impact. He noted that CIMTRADZ had significantly contributed to the expansion of the former Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, particularly under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory Sciences.
“CIMTRADZ has been instrumental in shaping our infrastructure and academic programs,” Prof. Mwiine said. He highlighted key developments including the central laboratory, animal research facility, biomarker and diagnostic facility, and the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health. He also pointed to the launch of advanced degree programs,Master’s and PhDs,that have created new opportunities for staff and students to pursue higher education and research excellence.
“These achievements align perfectly with Makerere University’s vision of being a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation,” he added. Prof. Mwiine cited vaccine development as one of the tangible outcomes of the consortium’s work and expressed optimism about the next phase of the initiative, which transitions into the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA).
Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS)
Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), presented an overview of the school’s mandate in biosecurity, biosafety, and biomedical sciences. “Our laboratories are not just teaching spaces, they are hubs of innovation shared across departments, schools, and colleges,” Dr. Mugasa said. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with sister universities in Uganda and abroad, noting that collaboration is key to building capacity and driving scientific progress.
Following her remarks, Dr. Enoch Matovu, Director of the Centre for Global Health, addressed the urgent need for preparedness in the face of emerging and re-emerging diseases. He cited the 2022 chickenpox outbreak as a wake-up call for the region’s health systems.
“The establishment of this research centre was a strategic response to such threats,” Dr. Matovu said. “Through programs like vaccinology, we are equipping scientists to protect both human and livestock ecosystems.”
He praised the founding team behind the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health for their vision and dedication, which have propelled CoVAB to the forefront of regional biosecurity efforts.
A Section of the attendees that reflected on the achievements
During the CIMTRADZ Founder’s Convention at Makerere University, participants celebrated a decade of achievements in biosecurity and institutional development at CoVAB. Key milestones included the establishment of a state-of-the-art research center, enhanced international collaborations, staff capacity building, and the launch of advanced academic programs. The event also highlighted cultural and academic exchanges such as summer schools, workshops, and conferences. These accomplishments reflect CoVAB’s strategic growth and its evolving role as a regional leader in biosecurity, now transitioning into the next phase under MAGBBA.