CoVAB staff pose for a photo with the Summer School students from Mississippi State Universtity on 1st July 2022 at the Centre for Bio Security and Global Health (CeBIGH), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), Makerere University.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security successfully completed the 2022 Summer school and the International Cultural Boma that was held on the Theme; Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health in Uganda: A need for partnership and collaboration for development.
Students from the Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, USA took part in a one-month summer school organized by the college.
Deputy Principal CoVAB Prof. James Okwee Acai makes his remarks at the Boma.
Following the completion of the activity, a Boma which is a knowledge sharing and exchange session was convened at the College in partnership with AFROHUN Uganda on Friday 1st July 2022. It brought together students under the One health program as well as students from Mississippi State University USA.
Prof. James Okwee Acai, the Deputy Principal on behalf of the Principal Prof. Norbert Frank Mwiine welcomed the participants to the knowledge sharing opportunity where CoVAB and Makerere University as a whole was sitting together with Mississippi State University and AFROHUN to share experiences and what was learnt in Tropical Veterinary Medicine as well as getting to know what happens outside the said sphere.
Prof. Stephen Reichley makes remarks during the Boma at CoVAB.
‘It is in the interest of sharing information to identify and address challenges that affect life’, said Prof. Okwee while extending his appreciation to Mississippi State University for the over ten-year relations it has had with the College despite the challenges. He said what started as a summer school may no only last but grow into problem solving partnerships in research, training and community development.
The Team Leader from Mississippi University Prof. Stephen Reichley appreciated CoVAB for the lead role in organizing the one-month long Summer School that brought his students into contact with a new area with most of them being in Africa for the first time. He said the summer school was opening up opportunities for further collaboration in areas like student exchange programs as well as graduate research. It was a great experience for the students to move out of their area to the unknown and that the exposure left lifelong imprint on the students’ academic, practice and outlook towards life he noted.
Summer school participants listen to other peoples’ experiences.
Dr. Gabriel Tumwine the Summer School coordinator said the one-month expedition by the students from Mississippi State University was a great field experiential learning opportunity using one health approach. He said the deliberations in the Boma were an opportunity for the organizers to get feedback which would inform the subsequent summer school and Boma. Tumwine commended Dr. Sente for keeping with the team while in the field all through. He took cognizance of the students from AFROHUN who were taking part in the Boma to share their experiences and lessons learnt from their placements in various parts of the country and the projects they handled within the communities.
In a presentation by Dr. Peninnah Nsamba, a Veterinarian and Virologist, it was explained that effort has been on to bring the one health concept to the fore front by showing students that it was not only their individual professions that mattered rather a synergy was necessary for the needed balance and multi-sectoral approach in addressing community challenges. She highlighted some of the successes realized to date and these included bringing together students from various disciplines and colleges in Makerere and other Universities who through a didactic course commit to solve community challenges in a holistic approach.
Dr. Peninnah Nsamba makes her presentations on the One Health succeess story.
The Mississippi State University students that included Katie Ann Stanley, Brook Taylor Dominello and Jordan Leigh McCoy presented a report about their field experiences that took them into contact with various disciplines including Aquaculture and fisheries, conservation, the abattoirs, dairy production, the national parks, small animal clinics as well as agriculture.
They appreciated attendant factors like religion that formed part of the reason for family cohesion as one thing that struck them. They appreciated the creativity among Ugandans in the way they handled different Veterinary issues but called for improvement in the abattoirs and slaughter houses as well as general animal welfare.
Mississippi State University Students on Summer School out in the filed attending to goat kids.
Similarly, students in the 2021 AFROHUN cohort presented reports where they shared their field experiential learning. Using the one health concept that was developed to appreciate the interconnectedness of every sector,environment, human and animal, the students explained that the experiences helped them appreciate a lot of things and supported the host communities solve some of the identified and prioritized challenges. The areas visited included slaughter houses and the problems identified included lack of protective gear, people involved in self-medication and the associated risk in microbial resistance. The other community challenge handled was sharing water sources by animals and humans in Pallisa and how the situation was addressed together with the community leadership.
Dr. Claire Mugasa (Right) hands over certificates to participants at the close of the Boma.
Dr. Claire Mugasa, the Dean School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS) formally closed the Boma and congratulated all the teams for having completed the program as scheduled. She said their participation was an opportunity for shared learning and she extended the College’s appreciation to AFROHUN for the opportunity given to students of various disciplines to work on real life challenges using the one health approach. She was happy to learn that the principles learned were put into practice and was optimistic that the future was bright with more and more people working towards the realization of the one health approach.
A Mississippi State University Student out in the field of wildlife conservation, just next to a rhino.
The International Cultural Boma as a concept in an African context means a meeting that allows learning and a two-way exchange of information between elders and youngsters. African culture involves the transfer of wisdom and knowledge from the wise, knowledgeable, and highly experienced elders to the young that are mentored into responsible community members. The concept was therefore used to allow opportunity to share knowledge from all stakeholders as experienced in the course of learning.
In our latest ‘Stories of Change’ feature, CARTA graduate, Kato Charles Drago, cohort 3, Makerere University shares his journey from an early-career scientist to a leading expert in infectious disease in Uganda. His work focuses on biomarkers for zoonotic diseases, securing over $5 million in research funding, and establishing a biosafety level 2 lab for high-impact research at Makerere. Beyond his research, Kato is mentoring the next generation of African scientists and strengthening regional collaborations.
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity presented a total of 186 students during the 75th Makerere University Graduation ceremony. This diverse cohort included 68 women and 118 men. Among the graduates, six earned their esteemed PhDs, showcasing the college’s commitment to advanced education and research.
In addition to celebrating the graduates, the event also honored faculty members for their exceptional contributions to research excellence. Senior career awards were presented to Prof. Mugisha Lawrence, Dr. Enoch Matovu, Prof. Kankya Clovice, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, and Dr. Nyakarahuka Luke.
The Midcareer awards went to Dr. Muhanguzi Denis, Dr. Vudrico Patrick, Dr. Mutebi Francis, and Dr. Nanteza Ann. The Early career awards were given to Dr. Wilfred Eneku, Dr. Abigaba Rubaijaniza, and Dr. Paul Ssajakambwe. These awards highlight the college’s commitment to fostering excellence in research and education across various career stages.
The Guest of Honour-Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu (4th L) and Chancellor-Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga (5th L) with Chairperson Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara (6th L), VC-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (6th R), Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (4th R), AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (5th R), Chief DRIP-Dr. Robert Wamala (3rd L) and Research and Teaching Excellence Award Recipients.
During the first session of the Graduation ceremony held at the Freedom Square, the Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga in his remarks directed the integration of political economy teaching across all courses to enhance students’ understanding of the country’s socioeconomic conditions.
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga addresses the congregation.
He said in the effort to further the research endeavors, the government pledged to increase Makerere University‘s research funding and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor, presided over the event and encouraged the university to establish an agro-industrial park on its land. “The parks would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,” he stated.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Other dignitaries included members of Parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and academics. She lauded Makerere University for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation. “Today reflects the resilience, hard work, and commitment of our graduates, supported by the university staff, management, and parents,” she said. The Minister commended the Vice Chancellor and management for fostering research and innovation while urging them to maintain robust quality control systems to uphold the institution’s integrity. She also reflected on Makerere’s recent milestones, including the commissioning of a new School of Law building and the launch of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Your achievements stem from hard work, transparency, and accountability. They set Makerere apart as a leader in higher education,” she noted.
Vice Chancellor Highlights Makerere’s Impact
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe speaking during the Graduation.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the 13,658 graduates at Makerere University, including 143 PhD recipients and a notable 53% female graduates. He acknowledged the contributions of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ educational journeys. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the College of Veterinary Medicine’s significant contributions to biosecurity and sustainable food systems. He reiterated the university’s transformation into a research-led institution, driven by the government’s Research and Innovation Fund. Key national priorities being addressed include improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance.
Highlights of CoVAB’s Notable Research Achievements
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized several significant research projects and accomplishments at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB). He mentioned that in collaboration with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and supported by the Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) Global, CoVAB researchers are tackling the rising threat of cyberattacks on laboratories handling high-risk biological materials.
Furthermore, the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health (CeBiGH) at CoVAB continues to advance the development of recombinant vaccines and diagnostics, with support from the Science Technology and Innovations Office of the President (STI-OP). They have established state-of-the-art laboratories with up to Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) containment. These labs have developed prototype prognostic tests and vaccine prototypes for COVID-19, anti-tick vaccines, and East Coast Fever, expanding their research to other diseases requiring diagnostics and vaccines.
The Vice Chancellor also informed the gathering about the molecular and computational biology research group, led by Dr. Muhanguzi Dennis. This group, in partnership with the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) in Greece, leads a large consortium of seven sub-Saharan institutions to explore the role of ticks as disease vectors, focusing on Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Additionally, the college, supported by the Swiss Government, is leading efforts to eliminate rabies in Uganda and the region through electronic surveillance. This initiative, using a one health approach, involves partnerships with the University of Zurich, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, among others.
“Graduation Statistics of the 75th graduation ceremony
Some of the graduating students at the ceremony.
During the course of the 75th graduation ceremony, a total of 13,658 graduands received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. 53 % of the graduands were female and 47% male. 44% of the PhD graduands were female. 16% of the graduates are graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
The excitement was palpable as hundreds of graduands and parents flocked Makerere University Freedom Square for the first session of the colourful graduation ceremony on Monday 13th January 2025.
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga will confer degrees and present diplomas to a total of 13,658 graduands during the 75th graduation ceremony of Makerere University that runs until Friday 17th January 2025.
On each day, after the Chancellor has dissolved the congregation, the best researchers, best teachers and excelling students in the company of their parents or guardians proceed to Makerere University Convocation gardens for a luncheon.
The Makerere University Convocation Graduation luncheon brings on board invited staff and alumni as well as keynote speakers from the government, private and business sector to witness the presentation of the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards to the best University researchers and students.
Some of the dignitaries present for the first luncheon included: The Chancellor-Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara, the commencement Speaker-Vice of the University of South Africa, Prof. LenkaBula Puleng, Secretary of the Education Service Commission-Dr. Asuman Lukwago, among others.
Welcoming the dignitaries, the Chairperson of the Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba congratulated the best students accompanied by their parents upon this academic milestone, and encouraged them to join the Convocation (the Alumni and Staff association) in order to tap into mentorship opportunities as well as professional networks.
Dr. Asuman Lukwago – Secretary of the Education Service Commission speaking at the award ceremony.
In his earlier address to the congregation in the Freedom Square, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, stated that the meritorious award presented to researchers was in recognition of their prolific publication record and outstanding contribution to Makerere University’s scholarly excellence.
This being his maiden graduation ceremony as Chancellor of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University upon his appointment and installation by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated the readiness of the University Council and Management to implement the good ideas and strategies aimed at scaling Makerere University to greater heights.
Making reference to the commencement speech delivered by Prof. LenkBula Puleng, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the need for graduates to always remember the speaker’s focus on what should be done to emancipate Africa from poverty.
Prof. Nawangwe thus called upon all the researchers who were recognized to use the awards as an inspiration to carry out more research that addresses the needs of the African continent.
During the event, the Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, noted that Africa is still trapped in poverty and lags behind because the continent is not integrated.
According to Dr. Kiyonga, although Africa lags behind, African Universities have to collaborate to address continent-wide challenges, enhance research capacity, foster knowledge sharing, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the development of Africa by tackling issues such as poverty.
Chancellor Kiyonga rallied universities in Africa to intensify collaborations in order to spur research and development.
Winners of the “Norbrook -Veterinary College Annual Academic Excellence Award” receiving their award from Norbrook Officials.
“Makerere University researchers need to know what is happening in the University of South Africa, check out how they teach and exchange staff and students. If we get together as Universities, we will move fast,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor equally called upon the graduates to be innovative and find solutions to address societal challenges. He reminded the graduates that people would judge them by asking what they did during their time.
“Our children are going abroad for work; this is a curse. If most of them leave, who will develop the Nation? Let us come together because the future of Africa is embedded in integration,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga said.
To ensure that the message on integration of Africa remains on the agenda, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga informed the University leadership, staff, alumni and invited guests, that when provided with platforms to speak, he will always advocate for the integration of Africa.
“As the Makerere University Convocation brings us together, we must uphold the slogan, ‘We build for the future’ not just for Makerere’s future, or Uganda’s future, but for Africa’s future,” Dr. Kiyonga said.
Inspired by the good initiatives of the Makerere University Convocation headed by Mr. George Turyamureeba, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga-a 1978 graduate of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Makerere University pledged to pay all his convocation dues.
Presenting the keynote speech, Dr. Asuman Lukwago-Secretary of the Education Service Commission congratulated all the graduates on their academic achievements. Dr. Lukwago called upon all fresh graduates to live responsibly so as to achieve their full potential.
Sharing his personal experience on taking on unpaid employment after completing his studies at the Medical school, Dr. Lukwago urged the graduates who have accumulated knowledge, not to remain idle as they wait for employment.
“Many of you are focusing on looking for payment and it is true you need to be paid, but suppose you get a non-paid employment? My first assignment was on a volunteer basis, but my Professor encouraged me to take it on. He said: ‘Among the people whom you will be teaching will be sons and daughters of Ministers. If you teach them well, they will recommend you’ and that is how my name went into boardrooms,” Dr Lukwago narrated.
He encouraged the graduates to focus on their future noting that life feels long and hard when someone is suffering but is short and enjoyable when one achieves his or her target.
“You have been good students at the University level, but you have to be good citizens who can contribute to the growth of our Country’s economy. Analyze and unpack the four-acre model, a modern type of farming,” Dr Lukwago guided.
The Four-Acre Model advocates for diversified farming, where farmers allocate one acre to coffee, another to fruits, the third to pasture for dairy, and the fourth to food crops.
Why the convocation is important:
The Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba explained that the association brings on board alumni and staff of Makerere University.
The mission of the convocation is to mobilise members and well-wishers to support the welfare and progress of Makerere University and to participate in the enhancement and improvement of intellectual and material wellbeing of the university community.
Mr. Turyamureeba pointed out that for one to qualify as a Member of Makerere University convocation, he or she pays an annual subscription of UGX 50,000/=. A member of the Makerere University Convocation benefits in form of: Career Development and Job opportunities, Alumni networking and social capital, Career guidance and mentorship programs, Financial support and scholarships.