Veterinary & Biosecurity
CoVAB’s PRESIDE Projects in the 2022 National Pathogen Economy Symposium
By Jacinta Nakaye
CoVAB’s science, research, and innovations shared facility, the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health (CEBIGH) hosted a team from Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation together with a distinguished Professor, John B. Kaneene from Michigan State University on 10th May 2022 for an evaluation activity of its PRESIDE Projects.
During a meeting which was held in the facility’s conference room, the Principal Investigator of the Centre, Prof. John David Kabasa appreciated the government of Uganda for supporting the College research and innovation programs. He also appreciated Prof. Kaneene for his mentorship in ensuring that CEBIGH is an internationally standardized reference laboratory.
“We acknowledge the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Government of Uganda for their support towards research, science, technology and innovation. CEBIGH is a platform for all researchers/scientists to discover solutions to the world’s problems and develop innovations,” said Prof. Kabasa. Adding that, during the structural developments of the facility, Prof. Kaneene was a key adviser on ensuring that the CEBIGH fulfills the requirements for an internationally recognized laboratory.
The Director of CEBIGH Prof. Enock Matovu highlighted on the Centre’s progress and projects it is currently focusing on.
“CEBIGH is critical on developing drugs and vaccines as a solution to minimize and end existing and emerging diseases that distress humans, animals, plant life and the entire ecosystem,” reported Prof. Matovu.
He further gave a highlight on the different PRESIDE research projects housed in CEBIGH which included;
The COVID-19 Biomarker Project by Dr. Kato Charles Drago (Principal Investigator), which is running research on the different classes of COVID- 19 infections to reduce on the burden of patient crowds in hospitals. This research project seeks for markers that are used in classification of COVID- 19 infections and groups the patients into; the controls, symptomatic, asymptomatic and severe based on their markers. The project is as well developing diagnostic kits that will be used for early prediction of who is likely to become severe in infection.
COVID-19 Sub- Unit Vaccine Project by Prof. Matovu Enock (Principal Investigator), which is producing a COVID-19 Vaccine.
Saliva Diagnostic Kit by Prof. Charles Ibingira (Principal Investigator), which is developing time saving cost friendly COVID-19 test kits.
Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility (CLARF) by Prof. John David Kabasa (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Edward Wampande (Co-Principal Investigator), which is a reference laboratory with a breeding unit for lab animals and a trial unit to test the efficacy of developed vaccines and drugs.
This activity was followed by a guided tour led by Prof. Matovu to the Center’s Biosafety Levels 2 and 3, and the Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility which is still under construction.
After the visit to the facilities in the Centre, Prof. Kaneene applauded the work well done by the Centre leadership. He however advised that there’s need to consider recruitment of highly specialized personnel in the reference animal facility which is in completion stages of construction.
Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE), is responsible for the fast-tracking of research and innovations of Vaccines, Drugs and Therapeutics as response to emerging diseases and other public health threats.
CEBIGH is one of those units directed by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda to be established at Makerere University in realization of a regional Veterinary College, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). It is one of the research and development service entities that are repositioning CoVAB to become a major driver of science, strategic research and service nationally, regionally and globally, hence a major actor in the pathogen economy.
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.
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.
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