Veterinary & Biosecurity
AFRISA Develops SPEDA Validation Tool for Implementation of Parish Development Model: Sets Up Community Demonstration Farms in Butebo & Budaka Districts
By Jacinta Nakaye
African Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA) is currently developing a SPEDA validation tool which will be used in the assessment of the Parish Development Model’s functionality.
The implement which was launched on 16th May, 2022 in Kaberekeke village in Kachocha parish, Butebo District and Petete Parish in Budaka District, comprises of a set of activities in regards to industrial animal and crop productivity, with a major objective of generating household enterprises in communities to improve their incomes.
The community productivity acceleration processes are coordinated by the Institute’s Director, Mr. Felix Okello, together with his team of programme officers for the different animal industry value chains of; Dairy industry and business, poultry industry and business, as well as the piggery value chain.
With the engagement of community members from participating villages of Kaberekeke, Bulyabwinta, Buganza and Bunamwera, the industrial farm activities being implemented by the institute include; construction of demonstration farms, termed as common user facilities. These facilities will bring together farmers to acquire knowledge and skills on specific issues in regards to animal nutrition, animal health, and how to generate income from the various animal and crop value chains.
While speaking to Mr. Okello who coordinated the entire process, he affirmed that the demonstration farms will also be a platform for farmers to easily access market for their products, through the community-based leadership of productivity assistants.
The Productivity assistants were selected by the community members from participating parishes and villages during a leadership selection ceremony for the different animal and poultry value chains. The selection process was coordinated by a community mobilizer and Dairy value chain specialist, Mr. Julius Mutenga together with a poultry value chain specialist, Mr. Robert Hamba.
Other activities involved in this implement include; sensitization of farmers on; the affordable standard structure of animal and poultry houses, animal and poultry drugs, nutrition, planting of grass which is scientifically termed as Chloris Gayana for livestock, animal and poultry vaccination, and utilization of animal wastes for manure production among others.
While in a meeting with community members, Mr. Okello highlighted on the ownership of the structures and the beneficiaries.
“The demonstration structures which settle on land contributed by some of the community members are communal and will entirely benefit all participating farmers in the Kaberekeke and Petete,” he stressed. Adding that, “these structures serve as demonstrations on how animal houses and enterprises should be operated. You must use these examples to set up affordable enterprises back at home.”
Following the ongoing community capacity development, participants had this to say;
Nampijja kamidha, a poultry farmer from Kaberekeke village reflected her excitement about finally gaining knowledge on poultry feeding and health.
“I have 30 chicken but before the training, I wasn’t conscious about what my chicken were eating, I was practicing free range. This training has introduced me to a number of important affordable poultry feeds in which I am willing to invest for the sake of my birds’ health.”
Ms. Nampijja highlighted that poultry farming is her only source of income to provide for her family and pay her children’s school fees.
“The way of living has been quite difficult given that I still have school fees to clear. This is why I need my numbers on the farm to multiply. With a poultry facility set up I will use this as a benchmark for my farm practice,” said Nampijja.
Mr. Majja Mike, a farmer with one bull reported that from this engagement, he is now able to construct an affordable kraal for his bull. He also hopes to multiply his herd, given the acquired skills in setting up a good structure to shelter farm animals.
Mr. Sam Mirimu, a pig farmer, who lives in Petete village also disclosed his excitement about the industrial farm training.
“I was previously only practicing poultry farming with over 80 chicken, but I decided to also get skilled in domesticating pigs after learning that there’s wide market for pork,” said Mirimu. He added that, “I was so critical on setting up a nice shelter for my pigs and had to learn this from this training. Currently, I have 4 pigs; 3 females and 1 male.”
Mirimu also appreciated the support the Government of Uganda is providing at the grassroots in up scaling household incomes.
“I was a farmer who lacked the reflection on how much wealth I can generate from my animals and chicken, however, this engagement with AFRISA has opened my eyes,” said Mirimu. AFRISA is blending the Skilling, Production, Enterprise Development and Academic (SPEDA) tool into the Parish Development Model as one of the household wealth creation service delivery strategies. The institute is employing this with the engagement of productivity assistants for the different value chains. Productivity assistants are to serve as an example and change the mindsets of households in their communities from subsistence into money economies, with practical application of the acquired industrial farm skills.
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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