Makerere University’s School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory (SBLS) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) has ushered in a new academic year with a vibrant orientation for its undergraduate and postgraduate students. The school, which offers the Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology (BBLT) alongside several master’s and PhD programs, continues to position itself as a hub for training professionals in biosecurity, infectious disease management, and biotechnology.

In her address to the incoming class, Associate Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of SBLS, congratulated students on making what she described as “one of the best decisions of your lives.” She emphasized that SBLS is a place where knowledge is transformed into solutions for society, and where laboratories serve as the cornerstone of discovery.  Prof. Mugasa urged students to embrace active learning, discipline, and self-direction, reminding them that success at university is not accidental but the result of consistent effort and curiosity. She highlighted the importance of attendance, noting that students must participate in at least 70 percent of classes to qualify for examinations. “Your growth will depend on your determination to make the most of the opportunities before you,” she said, encouraging learners to see themselves as future leaders and agents of change.

The Dean’s message was echoed by other faculty and staff of the school, who stressed that SBLS offers both freedom and responsibility. Students were cautioned against passive learning and overreliance on social media, with lecturers emphasizing that the brain remembers what it works on, not what it hears. The orientation also underscored the employability of SBLS graduates, with alumni working across Uganda’s public and private sectors, including the army and police, as well as internationally.

With programs such as the Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology (BBLT) recognized as among the most employable in Uganda, the Dean concluded by urging students to seize the opportunity before them, add value to themselves and the country, and embrace the journey ahead with responsibility and determination.

The School Registrar, Dr. Zakumumpa reminded students to complete registration and clear pending requirements to avoid inconvenience. At the same time, Arthur Moses Opio from the Directorate of ICT advised on technical support for accessing university systems, many of which are now online.

Faculty leaders, including Dr. Philip Magambo, Dr. Kungu, and others emphasized that SBLS is not only a place of learning but also a platform for students to build competence, character, and connections that will serve them in their careers and beyond.

The orientation highlighted the laboratory as the cornerstone of investigation. William Kabasa Micross, Chief Lab Technologist at CoVAB, reminded students that while freedom exists in the learning environment, lack of concentration leads to weak grades and diminished opportunities. He stressed that organizations seek people of value, and success is within reach for those who commit themselves fully. Other faculty echoed this sentiment, urging students to embrace active learning, question concepts, and apply knowledge rather than relying on passive memorization. Dr. Luke Nkakarahuka underscored that the brain remembers what it works on, not what it hears, and encouraged students to cultivate small daily habits that build long-term success.

Speakers also addressed the importance of self-directed learning. Students were advised to read ahead, attend seminars, seek research opportunities, and take initiative in their academic journey. Online learning was presented as a powerful complement to traditional methods, with access to world-class professors and research databases enabling SBLS students to compete globally. The message was clear: success depends on personal responsibility, and no one can learn on a student’s behalf.

Beyond academics, the orientation emphasized holistic growth. Ibrahim Ntulume encouraged students to focus on the “three Cs”, namely competence, character, and connection, highlighting the role of social capital in university life. Joseph Kungu, representing Dr. Kankya Clovice, reminded students to embrace their chosen programs, even if they had initially hoped for human medicine, and urged them to become agents of change. Faculty members also shared success stories of alumni who excelled in BBLT and other programs, noting that graduates are employed across Uganda’s public and private sectors, including the army and police, and are making an impact globally.

The orientation concluded with a strong message of encouragement: SBLS offers the right environment, mentorship, and resources for students to excel, but success will depend on their effort, discipline, and commitment.

Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) successfully conducted an orientation for incoming students of the Bachelor of Industrial Livestock Business (BILB) and Bachelor of Agribusiness and Production (BAP) programs. The event, held on August 6^th, 2026, provided a comprehensive overview of the academic journey, career opportunities, and expectations awaiting the new cohort of the students under the Department of Livestock and Industrial Resources.

Warm Welcome from Leadership

Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, Head of the Livestock Industrial Resources (LIR) Department, congratulated the incoming students and affirmed that they had made the right choice by joining CoVAB. “Whether this program was your first choice or not, you are in the right place,” she said. She reassured them that CoVAB provides a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically and professionally. Dr. Nampanzira encouraged students to plan their lives well in order to maximize the opportunities available at Makerere University.

Program Insights

Dr. Sylivia Nalubwama, the BAP program coordinator described the program as “rich with opportunities,” noting that graduates can explore diverse employment avenues across agribusiness and livestock industries. She explained that classes run from Monday to Friday, with courses allocated to specific classrooms. Attendance is strictly monitored, and students must attend at least 70% of sessions to qualify for exams. “If you are already employed, make arrangements to balance work and study because attendance is key,” she cautioned.

For BILB, she highlighted that the program spans three years, each with two semesters. Students are expected to undertake four weeks of business attachment annually, ensuring they graduate with a tangible product or business idea. Knowledge areas include IT skills, research, innovation, livestock management, and processing.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Dr. Nalubwama emphasized that learning at Makerere goes beyond traditional classroom teaching. “Here, we don’t only teach in class. You will learn face-to-face, online, in labs, on farms, and in processing industries,” she explained. She added that group discussions, teamwork-based assignments, and continuous assessments through tests and quizzes will form a key part of the learning process.

Internships and Industry Exposure

Internships are mandatory, lasting eight weeks, and provide professional learning experiences in farms or firms. Students gain exposure to industry practices, value addition, and quality control. Supervision is conducted jointly by farm supervisors and academic staff, ensuring students apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.

Career Opportunities and Guidance

Dr. Kizza, the BILB coordinator, highlighted the overlap between the two programs, offering students flexibility in career paths. He mentioned opportunities in dairy, poultry, and leather industries, with specialization choices available from the second year. “We need graduates who can create products, lead agribusiness enterprises, and support sustainable livestock value chains,” he said.

He outlined his role in academic advising, student support, quality assurance, and career development. He urged students to take responsibility for their academic progress, adhere to university policies, and build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving qualities highly sought after by employers. “Employers today are looking for people with team skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Build these over the three years,” he advised.

Dr. Kizza also reminded students to prioritize their health, utilize resources like the university library, and uphold the prestigious Makerere University brand.

Conclusion

The orientation set a strong foundation for BILB and BAP students, blending academic rigor with practical exposure. With clear guidance from coordinators and a focus on innovation, teamwork, and professionalism, students are poised to embark on a transformative journey that prepares them to thrive in Uganda’s agribusiness and livestock industries.

Makerere University on the 23^rd July 2026 welcomed a delegation from Southwest Minzu University, China, led by the Vice President, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, for a high-level meeting focused on academic collaboration and joint capacity development in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. The meeting, presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Professor Sarah Ssali, brought together senior administrators from the College of Veterinary medicine, Animal resources And Bio-security (CoVAB), researchers, and partners from the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) to explore practical pathways for cooperation between the two institutions.

The visit forms part of a growing interest among international partners in the depth of expertise Makerere University has built over decades in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine and related fields. For Southwest Minzu University, a public university with a strong reputation in ethnic and regional studies as well as agricultural and veterinary sciences, the visit represented an opportunity to identify shared research priorities and areas where the two institutions could pool resources, knowledge and talent.

The engagement is the latest in a series of international visits Makerere University has hosted in recent years, as the institution continues to position itself as a preferred partner for universities and research organizations seeking collaboration in agriculture, biosciences and allied fields. CoVAB has over the years built a reputation for research and training that draws interest from partners across Africa, Asia and beyond, and it is against this backdrop that the visit by the Southwest Minzu University delegation was received with considerable enthusiasm.

A Coordinated Effort Rooted in Local Expertise

The visit was coordinated by Mr. Kirunda Halid, a Makerere University alumnus currently working with the National Agricultural Research Organization and Uganda Christian University. Mr. Kirunda’s role in facilitating the engagement between Southwest Minzu University and Makerere reflects the value that the university continues to draw from its alumni network, particularly those who have gone on to build careers in research institutions with strong ties to national development priorities.

Presenting his report on the outcomes of the visit and the associated meetings, Mr Kirunda noted that the discussions had brought forth clear opportunities to expand collaboration in biotechnology, with particular emphasis on bio-fertilizers and research chemistry. He explained that these areas represent a natural convergence between the technical strengths of Southwest Minzu University and the applied research capacity that NARO and Makerere have developed over the years, particularly through facilities such as the Kawanda laboratories.

According to Mr. Kirunda, the conversations held during the visit went beyond general goodwill and touched on the practical steps required to move any partnership from an idea into a hands-on programme. He observed that both sides recognised the potential of biotechnology applications in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, especially where biofertilizer research could support sustainable agricultural practices, and where research chemistry could underpin diagnostics and product development work relevant to both institutions.

Mr. Kirunda’s dual position as a Makerere alumnus and a NARO researcher placed him in a unique position to bridge the interests of the visiting delegation with the realities of research infrastructure on the ground in Uganda. He noted that National Agricultural Research Organization facilities, particularly those at Kawanda, already carry out substantial work in areas that overlap closely with the interests expressed by Southwest Minzu University, and that this overlap is what makes the proposed collaboration especially promising. Rather than starting from scratch, he explained, the two sides would be building on existing capacity and simply need to align it more closely with shared objectives.

Makerere Open to Partnerships That Transfer Knowledge and Technology

In her remarks to the visiting delegation, Professor Sarah Ssali reaffirmed Makerere University‘s openness to collaborations of this nature. She emphasised that the university remains committed to building connections between universities and industries as a means of enabling knowledge and technology transfer, with the ultimate purpose of advancing joint research that benefits both institutions and the wider communities they serve.

“Partnerships such as the one being explored with Southwest Minzu University are consistent with Makerere University‘s broader institutional priorities, which place a strong emphasis on research that has real world application and on collaborations that strengthen the university’s ability to contribute to national and regional development”, Professor Ssali emphasized. She noted that animal husbandry and veterinary medicine are areas where Uganda continues to face practical challenges that require sustained research investment, and that international partnerships bring valuable perspectives, resources and technical expertise to tackle these challenges.

She also took the opportunity to thank Mr Kirunda for channelling the proposed collaboration from Southwest Minzu University to Makerere, describing his role as an example of the continuing value that Makerere alumni bring to the university long after they have left its lecture halls. Her remarks underscored the university’s recognition that partnerships of this kind often begin through individual relationships and networks built over years, before growing into formal institutional arrangements.

Introducing Southwest Minzu University

The head of the visiting delegation, Vice President of Southwest Minzu University, Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, used his remarks to introduce his university to the Makerere audience, sharing a number of quick facts about the institution’s history, academic focus and areas of strength. He explained that his presence at Makerere was driven by a genuine interest in enhancing collaboration between the two universities, and that he saw considerable potential for shared work in the fields of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine given the complementary strengths of both institutions.

Professor Yang’s remarks gave the Makerere hosts a clearer picture of Southwest Minzu University’s academic profile and helped frame the discussion around where the two institutions might find the greatest value in working together. His emphasis on enhancing collaboration echoed the broader tone of the visit, which combined introductions and relationship building with a practical focus on identifying specific technical areas for joint work.

Proposed Next Steps and Already Established Actions

Drawing from the discussions and Professor Yang Sheng-Tao and Mr Kirunda’s remarks, several concrete actions and next steps were proposed or are already underway to give the collaboration a firm foundation.

The first of the already established actions is a July 23^rd 2026 visit to the China-Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park in Luwero to provide technical guidance and training on Phased livestock production and standardized management practices. This assessment is intended to establish the current state of infrastructure, equipment and capacity at the relevant sites, so that any future partnership is built on an accurate understanding of what exists and what may still be needed.

The second proposed step is the development of a detailed collaboration workplan between the universities and the national laboratories involved. This work plan is expected to cover the specific technical areas identified during the visit, namely biotechnology, biofertilizers and chemistry, alongside clear articulation of funding sources, institutional responsibilities and timelines for implementation. Meeting participants agreed that a work plan of this nature would give both institutions a shared reference point for tracking progress and holding each other accountable to agreed milestones.

The coordinated visit, led by NARO and supported by Makerere University leadership alongside the Southwest Minzu University delegation, opened up promising avenues for collaboration in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, particularly around biotechnology applications such as biofertilizers. The Kawanda laboratory was singled out as a key site for technical partnership going forward.

Looking Ahead

The meeting between Makerere University and the visiting Southwest Minzu University delegation reflects a wider pattern in which international academic partnerships are increasingly anchored in specific, actionable areas of shared interest rather than broad cooperation. The emphasis placed on site assessments, a detailed workplan, funding clarity and further engagement between technical and administrative parties suggests that both institutions intend to treat this visit as the beginning of a structured process rather than a one-off exchange of pleasantries.

For Makerere University, the engagement adds to a growing portfolio of international collaborations in agricultural and veterinary sciences, and reinforces the role that the university’s alumni, such as Mr Kirunda Halid, continue to play in connecting Makerere to new opportunities across the globe. For Southwest Minzu University, the visit represents an early but important step toward what Professor Yang Sheng-Tao and his delegation hope will become a lasting partnership grounded in shared research, capacity building and mutual benefit.

As both institutions now turn to the practical work of assessing laboratories, drafting workplans and identifying funding sources, the coming months are expected to determine how quickly this early goodwill translates into concrete joint programmes in biotechnology, biofertilizers, research chemistry, and the broader fields of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine that first brought the two universities together.

Makerere University‘s leadership expressed confidence that the foundation laid during this visit, built through the combined efforts of Professor Ssali’s office, the visiting delegation under Professor Yang Sheng-Tao, and the coordination provided by Mr Kirunda Halid and NARO, would translate into a partnership of lasting value. Both institutions indicated their willingness to maintain open communication as the proposed site assessments and workplan development proceed, with further meetings among technical and administrative leaders expected to follow in the short term.