Veterinary & Biosecurity
CoVAB Celebrates the Life & Accomplishments of the Late Prof. Christine Dranzoa
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security (CoVAB) joined the rest of the Makerere community and other mourners to celebrate the life of the Late Prof. Christine Dranzoa on Friday 1st July 2022 at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere University.
The requiem mass organized in honor of the late Prof. Dranzoa attracted a number of mourners that included a representative of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni who was the chief mourner, family, friends, colleagues from various walks of life as well as the Makerere University fraternity where the late was an alumna and an academic member of staff for long.
Prof. Dranzoa was remembered by the clergy as a devout member of the St. Augustine community who actively participated in the varied church programs.
Numerous eulogies described the late Professor Dranzoa as the first in many respects, as the first woman to get a Ph.D. and to become a Professor in the West Nile Region and a renowned advocate for the girl child as well as mentor and advisor to many who were privileged to interact with her.
During her tenure at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security, (CoVAB), Prof. Dranzoa was remembered and recognized as the founder of the Wildlife Animal Resources Management (WAAM) from a small unit in the Anatomy department. The unit through her effort and zeal trained and impacted many people who are serving the nation, the region and the world in various capacities. She also served as the Head of department until the year 2005 when she left to serve in other capacities.
Prof. Christine Dranzoa who was remembered as an all-round Academic, Researcher, Ecologist, Conversationalist and Administrator was also recognized in her role as the founder Vice Chancellor of Muni University, one of the public universities and degree-awarding institutions in the country located in Arua.
“In her 56 years of life from 2nd September 1965 to the time she died on 26th June 2022, she left Moyo, West Nile, Uganda, Africa and the whole world better than she found it” noted the chairperson of the organizing committee for the burial of the late Prof. Christine Dranzoa while addressing mourners during the mass. Many of the condolence messages including one from CoVAB’s Principal Prof. Nobert Frank Mwiine and Dr. Nalule Sarah from the WAAM department could not be read due to the overwhelming messages from organizations and individuals she impacted.
She was remembered for the roles she played as Chairperson, Member and Advisor on a number of bodies and agencies including the Forum for Women University Vice Chancellors, Uganda Veterinary Association, Uganda National Academy of Sciences and many more.
“She was altruistic, a perfectionist, a pillar and dependable person and so the family has lost a pivot,” said her children and other family members while giving their eulogy. ‘to you the employers of the Late Prof. Dranzoa, you have also lost a great asset’ they noted. They further commended the management and staff of Makerere University for giving the late Prof Dranzoa the opportunities that opened her doors worldwide as evidenced from the messages from many people.
The Vice Chancellor Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in a condolence Message read for him by Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs (DVCAA) Prof. Umar Kakumba said the Late Prof. Dranzoa was raised and nurtured at Makerere University where she acquired her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 1987, later joining as a lecturer in 1991, earning her Masters the same year and later in in 1997 she got her PhD in Zoology.
“Professor Dranzoa’s service to Makerere can best be described as dedicated and impactful. She spearheaded efforts to turn the Wildlife subsection under the Department of Anatomy in the then Faculty of Veterinary Medicine into a fully-fledged Department of Wildlife and Animal Resources Management. As Head of this department, she initiated programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, whose graduates continue to make important contributions to wildlife and biodiversity conservation all over the world” it was stated in a statement by Prof. Nawangwe.
The Vice Chancellor said that the Late Prof. Christine Dranzoa served as Deputy Director of the then School of Graduate Studies where she led many policy reforms including the introduction of the Doctoral Committee Supervision Model and Public Defense of Theses and Dissertations. She also popularized the award of joint degree programs by units of the University.
He further noted that with her exceptional qualities, Professor Dranzoa was appointed as Chairperson of the Taskforce charged with setting up Muni University from December 2009 to May 2010 and thereafter as Vice Chancellor where she contributed to the transformation of Muni University.
Prof. Nawangwe extended special condolences to Muni University upon the loss of their Vice-Chancellor, senior colleague and mentor as well as the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum upon the loss of an active and resourceful Member.
Other condolence messages were received from many other agencies that included the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) where the Late Prof. Dranzoa was Chairperson, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) where she was a Member and President Emeritus. The Nile Women Initiative where she was a co-founder and Chairperson.
Other organizations that joined the mass in celebrating the life of Prof. Christine Dranzoa included the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), The Education Service Commission, UNESACO Uganda, Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB), Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) and many more
In the homily by the main celebrant at the requiem mass, he noted that educated people detest God when still alive and are only forced in church when they die. He reminded the congregation that from dust they came and they would go.
“If we know that this hour will come to all of us, it’s wise that when still alive we prepare for this moment and this is what Christine did. She was 56, she left a trail. Which trail are you leaving? We should cultivate values that will prepare us to see God” he emphasized.
Please click the embedded videos below to view the Requiem Mass at St. Augustine Chapel, Tribute by Muni University Council and Arua City as well as the Burial Ceremony.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
NRM’s Rose Namayanja Seeks Partnership with CoVAB to Boost Farmer Productivity through Research and Innovation
The Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Ms. Rose Namayanja, has called for stronger collaboration between researchers and farming communities to ensure farmers access the right information, technologies, and products needed to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Namayanja made the remarks during a visit to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) at Makerere University on October 12, 2026, where she interacted with researchers and innovators working on various agricultural solutions. A key focus of the engagement was AZOLLA, an innovative low-cost protein source being developed as an alternative livestock feed ingredient to help reduce feed costs and improve farmer productivity. She explained that her visit to CoVAB was intended to obtain first-hand, research-based information that could be shared with other stakeholders and used to provide informed guidance to farmers.
While reflecting on the performance of beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Namayanja noted that government efforts to train and support farmers were yielding positive results in many areas, citing Mubende Municipality as an example. However, she expressed concern about the escalating cost of animal feeds, which continues to affect farmers across the country. She specifically cited the high price of ‘Akalungo’, a protein premix commonly used in livestock feeds, as one of the challenges undermining profitability in the agricultural sector.
Namayanja, who indicated that she too was involved in poultry farming with over One hundred thousand birds, explained that she had learned about Azolla, an alternative and affordable source of protein for animal feeds, from several sources, including the Uganda Prisons Service’s two-acredemonstration facility at the Jinja Show Ground, where a number of agricultural innovations are showcased. Interested in obtaining first-hand knowledge about the innovation, she visited CoVAB to engage with the researchers behind Azolla and better understand its potential to address the feed cost challenge facing farmers.
She noted that her intention was to obtain well-researched and evidence-based information that would enable her to provide accurate guidance and informed advice to farmers seeking practical solutions to improve productivity while reducing production costs.
Explanation of Improvements
“Many people, including members of the elite class, are increasingly investing in agriculture and are seeking support and information from credible institutions,” she said.
Namayanja commended the young scientists and innovators at the college for putting their academic knowledge into practice through solutions that address animal nutrition challenges and help farmers reduce the cost of livestock feeds.
She pledged to work closely with CoVAB to ensure that farmers’ challenges are addressed through scientifically guided interventions and innovations.
CoVAB Showcases Research and Academic Programs
The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. Clovice Kankya, highlighted the wide range of research and academic activities being undertaken at the college. He explained the college’s structure, which comprises the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) and the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnologyand Laboratory Sciences ((SBLS), outlining the various academic programs and research initiatives offered under the two schools.
Scientists Promote Alternative Feed Sources
Speaking during the engagement, Assoc. Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, the Dean of SBLS emphasized the college’s efforts to develop alternative animal feed sources using insects such as maggots and black soldier flies. She explained that these innovations help transform waste into useful products while addressing the growing demand for affordable protein sources in animal feeds. As a representative from the unit responsible for quality management, she noted that the college places great emphasis on ensuring that animal feeds meet national standards and regulatory requirements.
“Food is often said to be a drug, and therefore the feeds we produce must be of high quality,” she said, noting the need to comply with standards set by the National Drug Authority and other regulators.
Prof. Mugasa observed that conventional protein sources such as fish meal and soybean remain expensive, creating competition between livestock and humans for food resources. She stressed the need to expand research, establish demonstration gardens, and increase farmer awareness and confidence in innovations such as Azolla. She also highlighted the need for further research into preservation technologies, including grinding and fermentation methods, to improve the storage and utilization of Azolla products.
Linking Innovations to Communities
Edward Ssebuufu, founder of Anaweza Innovation Academy, said the academy identifies gaps within communities and develops solutions to address them. He revealed that the organization in conjunction with researchers from CoVAB and CAES is establishing demonstration gardens to promote Azolla as an affordable protein source for animal feed among many other innovations. Ssebuufu proposed stronger collaboration between the academy and the Parish Development Model so that proven technologies can be disseminated more effectively to communities.
“We have the technologies here at CoVAB. The question is how we get them to the communities?” he said.
He noted that high feed costs and concerns about feed quality remain major challenges for farmers. According to him, practical community training centers, proper enterprise selection, and farmer group formation are essential strategies for improving agricultural productivity and adoption of innovations.
Makerere UniPod Promotes Commercialization
The Assistant Manager of Makerere UniPod, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, said the innovation hub welcomes staff, students, and members of the public with innovative ideas. She acknowledged that while numerous innovations are being developed at the university, many people are not fully utilizing the services available through the center.
“Our role is to link academia to industry and serve all categories of innovators,” she said.
Dr. Nagwovuma further observed that there is a significant gap in the commercialization of research outputs and innovations, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among researchers, innovators, government agencies, and industry players to ensure that technologies developed at the university reach communities and contribute to national development.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Prof. Clovice Kankya Assumes Leadership at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
Prof. Clovice Kankya officially assumed leadership of Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) on Thursday, September 17, 2026, taking over from outgoing principal Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine in a handover ceremony presided over by Chief Human Resources Officer Deus Mujuni.
Upon assuming office, Prof. Clovice Kankya has laid out a six-pillar vision to transform the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The vision focuses on shifting from lecture-based to competence-driven teaching, advancing impactful research that translates into innovation and national development.
Further, he said his leadership will support building valuable partnerships that strengthen staff capacity and global contribution. He emphasized treating people as the greatest resource by addressing staff attrition and fostering mentorship, while reinforcing governance and accountability to ensure institutional trust. Finally, he pledged to create a listening college with open communication channels between staff and students, positioning CoVAB as a hub of excellence, innovation, and impact.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, in his maiden address as Principal CoVAB, began with heartfelt appreciation: “I stand before you with a profound sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility.” He pledged to confront challenges honestly, build on existing achievements, and transform ideas into measurable outputs. Emphasizing his leadership philosophy, he declared that it is anchored on “continuity where continuity serves, change where change is necessary, and innovation where innovation can create greater impact.”
A Call to Collective Action
Prof. Kankya urged students to challenge the college intellectually and prepare to become solution creators rather than job seekers. He called on staff for active participation and constructive criticism, and encouraged researchers and partners to form multidisciplinary teams tackling Uganda’s pressing problems.
Further, he pledged to lead with consultation, accountability, and consensus-building. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. It’s not a chapter that I write alone; it’s a chapter that we shall write together,” he said. “Together, let us move CoVAB from retention to practice, from knowledge to innovation, and from innovation to impact.”
Prof. Kankya envisions CoVAB as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and impact — with improved infrastructure, digital transformation, enhanced staff development, and financial sustainability. His leadership is expected to strengthen academic programs, enhance resource mobilization, and steer the college toward greater influence in veterinary medicine and animal resources, both in Uganda and beyond.
Legacy of Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine at CoVAB
Outgoing Principal Prof. Mwiine highlighted milestones during his tenure, including the construction of a 980-million-shilling hostel at Buyana Stock Farm, roofing of the CoVAB building, acquisition of a bus for student transport, provision of 500 lecture hall seats, and painting of the college building without drawing on university funds. Yet, he also pointed to persistent challenges such as staffing gaps, unimplemented departmental restructuring, and high staff attrition. He urged his successor to remain resilient, stressing that resource mobilization often comes with resistance and criticism.
The Chief Human Resources Officer for Makerere University, Mr. Deus Mujuni commended Prof. Mwiine for leaving an indelible mark on the college and urged Prof. Kankya to build on that legacy. He emphasized continuity, urging the new principal to consult past leaders and rely on institutional memory, while reminding staff to extend the same trust and dedication to the incoming leadership.
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Rt. Hon. Eng. Asiimwe Jonard, visited the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) during his maiden official visit to Makerere University, commending the tremendous research work ongoing at CoVAB and across the University.
In his remarks, the Minister noted that his visit to the University highlighted the pivotal role of research, technology, and innovation in shaping Uganda’s economic transformation and showcased Makerere’s capacity to translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address both national and global challenges.
The visit, held on September 16th, 2026, was anchored under the theme “Research Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies and Enterprise Creation.” It offered the Minister an opportunity to tour CoVAB’s state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre for Global Biosecurity and Biomolecular Technology (CeBioTech) and engage directly with faculty, researchers, and students. He commended the college for its tremendous contributions to animal health, food security, and biosecurity, emphasizing that these areas are vital to building a resilient and sustainable economy for Uganda.
While addressing college staff, researchers, and other stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that universities must serve as engines of innovation, moving beyond scholarly work to commercialization. He commended CoVAB’s vaccine development for both humans and animals, describing it as a cornerstone of Uganda’s biosecurity agenda. He further highlighted the importance of integrating social sciences into innovation, noting that project management and product development strategies are essential to fast-track research outputs into viable enterprises.
The Minister toured several flagship facilities at CoVAB, including the Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility, which provides laboratory animal services and pre-clinical trial support; RePROVaD, which designs recombinant proteins and subunit vaccines for emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Mpox; the Anti-Tick Vaccine project, which addresses the persistent challenge of ticks and tick-borne diseases affecting livestock productivity; and BIOMARKER, which develops antibody-based diagnostics to strengthen disease detection. These initiatives, he noted, demonstrate Makerere University’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to both national and global health challenges.
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined priority actions where CoVAB is expected to play a leading role. These include advancing veterinary innovations toward certification and commercialization, leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen Uganda’s pathogen economy, positioning veterinary science as a driver of agro‑industrialization, developing sustainable models for shared diagnostic and biosecurity laboratories, and providing commercialization support for innovators in areas such as intellectual property, regulation, standards, and market access. By focusing on these areas, he emphasized, CoVAB will not only enhance Uganda’s scientific capacity but also accelerate the country’s journey toward economic resilience and prosperity.
Asiimwe pledged continued support for Makerere University and encouraged the development of structured University–Industry exchange models to ensure veterinary research translates into enterprise creation. He also emphasized the importance of self-sustainability for research centers, noting that revenue generation is key to long-term impact.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the Minister for recognizing CoVAB’s strategic role and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to advancing veterinary science and innovation for Uganda’s prosperity.
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