Veterinary & Biosecurity
Best Veterinary Medicine Students are Products of UPE & USE
Published
3 years agoon

The best performing students in the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in the 72nd Graduation are products of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE).
The trio as we gather from their stories are all from humble beginnings and had to endure hardships like lack of school fees, walking long journeys to and from School. They credit their success to hard work, resilience and support from family, friends and well-wishers.
They received a cash prize of Uganda Shillings Fifteen Million with the first getting 7 million, the second getting 5 million and 3 million for the third.
Alex Kyabarongo, the best student of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine class of 2022 with CGPA 4.25 was born on the 1st of April 1997 in a pastoral family in the cattle corridor, a last born of Mr. Fred and Mrs. Norah Kagyendaira of Bubaare Village Kiruhura District. Alex studied in the local schools Bubaare and Kyeera Primary Schools which were about 10 kilometers away from home. He got 25 and 17 aggregates at O and A level respectively. Although he had a dream of becoming a teacher, this changed when he discovered veterinary medicine and wanted to become a Veterinary Doctor. He studied both his Ordinary and Advanced high school levels in the same school (Mbarara Secondary School, 2010-2015), a third world government school.
Alex had been struggling with school fees and had only studied on the mercies of the school head teacher, Mr. Birungi Godfrey who secured him a half bursary to complete his “A” level after day schooling for the entire “O” level. ‘ After completing my “A” level I took a leap of faith and filled in PUJAB forms placing Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University as my first choice, and waited for the miracle to happen’. Said Alex. With 17 points in BCA/Sub. Math he was admitted to Makerere University on a government scholarship. “I came with one ambition, getting grades that can take me to Master’s degree level so that I can break the barrier of illiteracy in the family and in the village at large, especially in sciences’

At Makerere University, Alex has not just been a class student, he has been involved in many University programs including leadership positions, which include deputy speaker of the Veterinary Students Association (MVSA) in his first year, GRC school of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) in his second year, President of the One Health Club at Makerere University in his 3rd and 4th year, President of the Animal Welfare club in his 3rd Year.
Also, Alex served at the International level as an iGEM Ambassador to Africa in 4th year and the iGEM Regional Ambassador Program Coordinator for Africa in his 5th year, JOGL Ambassador for Africa in 5th year. He won two student grants to carry out research, in his 4th year (AFSCAN Studentship) and 5th year (HSA Scholarship), and he would like to continue pursuing a path in research as a career. “I look forward to continue pursuing my dream as I serve my country to which I am in debt and I thank God who has enabled me throughout this thrilling journey”. To my family, teachers and mentors thank you for the love and support throughout this amazing journey.
Ojangole David, the second best student of Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine class of 2022 with CGPA of 4.2 was born in 18th June 1996 in Kumi District to peasant parents, Ochola Joseph and Nakiria Hellen Rose and has eight siblings.
He attended his primary education at a Universal Primary Education school, Kabukol Primary School (2002 to 2009) where he obtained 17 aggregates. He later joined Mukongoro High School (2010 to 2013), a rural Universal Secondary Education school in Kumi district. ‘I used to walk to and fro for a distance of 4Km every school day and despite the challenges faced, I managed to obtain 23 aggregates for eight in Uganda certificate of education’, said the star student that beat the odds to excel.
The finger of God touched him and he got sponsored by Pilgrim Africa that enabled him study his Advanced level at Soroti Municipal Secondary school (2014 to 2015). He got 15 points in the subject combination of PCB/subsidiary mathematics, which enabled him get government sponsorship to study Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University.
‘While at campus, my priority was at attending lectures, discussion with classmates, research, personal reading, prayer being at the forefront and I thank God for the accomplishment’ explained the wonderful student who intends to take on his Master’s degree as soon as funds allow’.
Wafula Ivan the third best student of Bachelor of Veterinary medicine class of 2022 was born on 28th February 1996 and he lost his father three months later on 17th May 1996. “I was then left with my mother Nakayiwa Rose who stopped in primary two to take care of me. Her only dream was to see her son finishing senior six because she knew she could not afford financing someone at university and its by God’s grace that she witnessed her son becoming a doctor on 25th May 2022’ stated the over joyed star student.

Born in a family of 7, Wafula is a product of Universal Primary School (UPE). He studied at St. Jude Lukaya Primary School (2002-2009) where he obtained 8 aggregates. Thereafter he went to Wagwa High School (2010-2013) similarly a Universal Secondary School (USE) school in Lukaya Town Council, Kalungu District where he obtained 16 aggregates at O level then joined St Stephen’s College Bajja (2014-2015) a local private school where he scored 16 points which enabled him join Makerere University on government sponsorship to study Bachelors of Veterinary Medicine.
‘Life has not been easy, because of poverty, challenges and difficulties were inevitable but with God on my side I finally made it. Glory to the Almighty’, said the overjoyed student.I am looking forward to serve my country to the best of my abilities through my profession and advance in my studies, he promises.

The overjoyed mother shared her joy by carrying her son on the back at the graduation ceremony held on Wednesday 25th May 2022.
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Veterinary & Biosecurity
PREPARE4VBD Project Holds Final Workshop in Uganda; A Landmark in Vector-Borne Disease Preparedness
Published
1 week agoon
May 13, 2025By
Mak Editor
By Joseph Odoi
The final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) was successfully held from May 5th to 8th, 2025 at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, marking the culmination of a five-year, cross-continental research effort addressing vector-borne diseases in the era of climate change and globalization.
The hybrid event attracted over 80 participants, including researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, veterinarians, early-career scientists, and students from Africa and Europe. The workshop featured two key sessions with; one at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, and another at the Centre for Biosecurity, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University.
In his opening remarks, Professor Lawrence Mugisha (Uganda’s Co-Principal Investigator from CoVAB, Makerere University), officially welcomed all stakeholders and highlighted that the purpose of the workshop was to share research findings and engage stakeholders as the project wraps up. The project commenced in September 2021 and will end in August 2025.
Prof. Mugisha noted that the overall aim of PREPARE4VBD is to strengthen preparedness in Africa and Europe for emerging zoonotic vector-borne diseases, especially in an era of climate change and increasing global interconnectedness by (a) Creating a broad, and conceptual knowledge about vector-borne disease emergence and responses to climate change that reaches beyond specific diseases, vector species, borders or scientific disciplines (b)Improving prediction and preparedness in Africa and Europe for zoonotic vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and freshwater snails to livestock and humans under climate change and globalization.

In a project overview, the PREPARE4VBD Principal Investigator, Professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, noted that vector-borne diseases are on the move, accounting for 17% of all infectious diseases and causing 700,000 deaths across the globe each year. She emphasized that zoonotics can’t be isolated as a human or animal health issue.

“The problem is growing and they are on the move,” she said, pointing to increased outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever, Dengue, West Nile, Chikungunya, Fasciolosis, and Schistosomiasis.
Because of this, she noted that the project thought of the need for cross-cutting and in-depth knowledge to improve surveillance and build capacity for early detection, as vector-borne diseases respect no borders. This, she explained, justified the formation of a multidisciplinary team consisting of 10 complementary partner institutions in Europe and Africa.
In terms of approach, she noted that the project used a proactive approach that focuses on addressing VBDs at a lower level, rather than the usual reactive approach that tackles diseases after they present themselves in large numbers.
More specifically, Professor Anna-Sofie noted that PREPARE4VBD focused on four thematic areas aimed at
A) Building knowledge through baseline data collection of neglected tick-, mosquito-, and snail-borne VBDs of importance for animal and human health in endemic African countries.
B) Assessing their capacity to adapt and spread to new areas using a holo-genomics approach and state-of-the-art climate change impact modelling.
C) Developing novel, sensitive diagnostic tools and model-based surveillance for rapid VBD discovery and early warning.
D) Strengthening the capacity for detection and surveillance of the targeted VBDs through training, effective communication, and dissemination of freely available data.
As part of project activities, Professor Anna-Sofie shared that the project conducted
- Training of 4 MSc students and 11 PhD fellows, as well as early-career researcher summer schools in Uganda and Kenya.
- Engaging fellows in the poster sessions and technical workshops, such as molecular diagnostics and VBD modeling.
- Promotion of transdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among partners across Africa and Europe.
In terms of key project achievements, she noted the project was able to achieve the following
- The development of a new AI-assisted Mini-FLOTAC microscope model.
- Creation of a model for Rift Valley Fever transmission and analysis of climate change impacts on snail-borne diseases.
- Discovery of an Ixodes tick species in Kenya, which was previously only known in Europe.
- Large-scale vector-snail warming experiments conducted across different climates, from South Africa to Denmark.
- Creation of a Global Vector Database (GVD) for centralized vector data collection.
- Development of non-invasive diagnostic tools, including PCR tools for pathogen detection in livestock blood/tick fluids, environmental DNA methods for liver fluke detection, and establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training videos, all publicly accessible online.
Research Highlights in Uganda
In terms of consortium research highlights from the VBD project in Uganda, Adriko Moses from the Ministry of Health shared a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate risks of liver fluke infections, a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals.

Six districts near lake basins were studied: Hoima, Buliisa, Apac, Lira, Jinja, and Mayuge. The study involved 300 human samples, with 2 positive cases identified. Findings also highlighted damaged livers in slaughtered animals.
To address this trend in Uganda, the following policy recommendations were made from the study
Policy Recommendations for Control and Prevention of Liver Fluke Disease in Uganda
- Strengthen meat inspection policy in Uganda, including livestock testing before slaughter and enhanced meat testing protocols.
- Promote vegetable hygiene to control zoonotic fascioliasis—a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated food.
- Scale up veterinary interventions in livestock through collaboration between farmers and veterinary services.
- Establish surveillance systems to monitor infections among livestock.
- Increase community engagement to improve health education and foster community-led health initiatives.
Remarks from Government and Academia
Dr. Peter Wanyama, representing the Commissioner for Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), commended the consortium for selecting Uganda and recognized the threat of VBDs to both animal and human health, as well as national development. He noted the challenge of tick resistance, and that MAAIF is constructing 69 diagnostic laboratories to address emerging vector-borne threats. He emphasized the need for local knowledge, effective communication, and knowledge translation.

Dr. Allan Muruta, Guest of Honour and Commissioner for Animal Health Services at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the multidisciplinary team to Uganda on behalf of the Minister of State for Primary Health Care.

He thanked the consortium for a well-done multidisciplinary effort addressing the growing challenge of vector-borne diseases in Africa. As a technical officer in surveillance, Dr. Muruta appreciated the project’s clear planning and timely execution.
“Africa is endemic to zoonotic diseases but allow me to share what the Ministry of Health has done. Our Integrated Surveillance Department has set up coordinated responses to several public health issues,” he shared.
He welcomed the findings and policy briefs developed through the research, noting they are relevant, science-based, and practical. He said the Ministry of Health has clear structures for handling policy issues and committed to engaging further to ensure policy uptake and action.
“All the policy briefs are feasible, new, and based on up-to-date science. The Ministry will follow through to see these policies implemented.”
He further noted that Uganda already has a functional One Health platform bringing together directors from health, water, and wildlife sectors. However, he emphasized the need to strengthen data sharing across the sub-national level. The Ministry, he said, is engaging with different sectors to make this happen.
Dr. Muruta reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s openness to more collaboration in tackling zoonotic diseases and strengthening the One Health approach.
Prof. Frank Mwine, Principal of CoVAB, Makerere University, welcomed participants and applauded collaborative efforts in addressing vector-borne diseases.
In his remarks at Makerere University, Prof. Frank Mwine welcomed the diverse participants and thanked Prof. Lawrence Mugisha for his proven coordination and mobilization around One Health. He acknowledged the growing threats posed by climate change and emphasized the interconnectedness of ecosystems citing how birds migrate from Europe to Africa—as a reason for cross-border collaboration.
He commended the PREPARE4VBD project team for their unique research and innovations aimed at addressing vector-borne diseases and appreciated the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme for supporting such a critical initiative.
Looking ahead, Prof. Mwine stressed the importance of training the next generation to strengthen preparedness and response efforts in the future.
In a cross-country experience-sharing session involving Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and South Africa, coordinated by Prof. Moses J. Chimbari (South Africa), participants agreed on the urgent need to integrate One Health into university curricula and bring together diverse disciplines to address vector-borne diseases caused by climate change and other complex factors.
In this engagement, there were a number of panel discussions revolving around translating policy recommendations into practical actions for long-term impact. Prof Lawrence Mugisha at this engagement announced that another dissemination on VBDs project outcomes will be held specifically for Students who were doing exams at the time of the Project dissemination
Workshop Highlights
Key research outcomes were presented, including the development of a Global Vector Database (GVD), AI-assisted diagnostic tools, and predictive climate-disease models.
The Entebbe session hosted high-level stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, NGOs, and international research bodies. Discussions emphasized the importance of translating research into policy and action.
For outreach and dissemination, thirteen policy briefs were shared, alongside posters, infopacks, risk maps, peer-reviewed publications, newsletters, and fellow-driven blog posts all aimed at sustaining knowledge exchange beyond the project lifespan.
Notable to mention was the development of a knowledge co-production model under the project, titled “Knowledge Co-Construction in Stakeholder Engagement Workshops in Health Research” by Kathrin Heitz Tokpa, Lawrence Mugisha, Moses Chimbari, and Bassirou Bonfoh.
The project has notably enhanced Africa Europe scientific cooperation and empowered local institutions with tools and training to detect, track, and control emerging diseases.
About the Project
PREPARE4VBD is a multi-disciplinary consortium that brings together 10 university and ministerial partners from 5 African and 3 European countries, united to address a future with increasingly changing global patterns of zoonotic vector-borne diseases through a holistic, pro-active approach that reaches beyond specific diseases, vector species, borders or scientific disciplines.
Project partners included; Makerere University, Sokoine University of Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Naples Federico II, Swiss TPH, University of Bern, ICIPE, Uganda’s Vector Control Division, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, and Tanzania’s NIMR.
The project is part of Horizon 2020’s research and innovation actions (Grant agreement No. 101000365: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101000365) and is coordinated by the University of Copenhagen’s GLOBE Institute and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.
To read more about the project, visit the PREPARE4VBD website (www.prepare4vbd.eu), which offers key resources on vector-borne disease preparedness, including open-access tools, training materials, and research outputs to support continuous capacity building.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Alumni of Molecular Biology Honor Prof. George William Lubega for Outstanding Contributions
Published
2 months agoon
April 3, 2025
On Friday, March 28th, 2025, alumni of molecular biology gathered at Mestil Hotel in Kampala to honor Prof. George William Lubega, a distinguished teacher whose dedication to nurturing scientists has left an indelible mark on Uganda’s scientific community.
The event, organized by the alumni, celebrated Prof. Lubega’s pivotal role in transforming students into leaders in molecular biology. Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical, and Laboratory Sciences at Makerere University, shared heartfelt recollections of Prof. Lubega’s impact, including his scholarship support and passionate teaching style. Dr. Mugasa noted, “The scientists we have in Uganda are a testimony to his boldness. He has been a father to us in science, and now we are fathers of others.”
Prof. Lubega expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the mentorship he received from his teachers. He also highlighted his groundbreaking contributions, including patented vaccines against trypanosomiasis, and thanked Makerere University for providing an enabling environment for scientific advancement.
The event emphasized the importance of continuing his legacy through initiatives like an association of molecular biologists. The alumni expressed their deep appreciation for Prof. Lubega’s selfless efforts, which have transformed the landscape of science education in Uganda.
This celebration stands as a testament to Prof. Lubega’s lasting influence on his students, colleagues, and the scientific community at large.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Uganda Advances Bacteriophage Research in Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance
Published
2 months agoon
March 31, 2025
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.
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