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Veterinary & Biosecurity

Researchers utilize ICT to monitor & address Antimicrobial Use (AMU) & Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Animals

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Joseph Odoi & Harriet Musinguzi

A consortium of researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)-Makerere University, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya, University of Nairobi and Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences (SLU) have developed an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) system to   address Anti-microbial resistance and monitor antibiotic usage in Livestock starting with poultry industry. This innovation comes at a time when AMR is emerging as a global health concern

Antimicrobial Resistance occurs when some of the germs (bacteria, virus, or fungus) that cause infections resist the effects of the medicines used to treat them. This may lead to ‘treatment failure’, or the inability to treat the cause of the infection.

The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials; lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals; poor infection and disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms; poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; lack of awareness and knowledge; and lack of enforcement of legislation.

To counter this trend,a two-day Project workshop titled  Management  of animal  diseases and antimicrobial use by  information and communication technology to control antimicrobial resistance in East Africa (MAD-tech AMR project 2022-2024 ) was convened at CoVAB) by the project Co-investigator Associate Professor Lawrence Mugisha aimed at sharing progress made by the research team.

Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, the Dean School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) giving his remarks.

The workshop was opened by the College Principal represented by Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, the Dean School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB),who in a special way welcomed the participants to Makerere University.

He noted that  with support from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences effective 12th June 2020, Makerere University in collaboration with Sweden, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Kenya,  and University of Nairobi, the researchers embarked on implementing the MAD-tech-AMR project that aimed at providing an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) framework for improved monitoring and control of antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock in low  and middle-income countries.

Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, who represented the Principal CoVAB, Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine at the official opening of the two day engagement further  revealed that  antimicrobial resistance is now a leading global health and development threat  thus needs urgent attention.

“Tools to monitor antimicrobial Usage  are very important and that is why the MAD-tech-AMR project is necessary in this day”.  One of the biggest challenge we have is data collection and storage around  AMR  which this project is solving . Additionally , We are yet to see the toll of microbial resistance.  This research will bring out some fundamental issues given that microbial resistance is still a concept, yet to be appreciated’ he noted.

He equally thanked the project team led by Prof. Lawrence Mugisha for undertaking the project that affects every one’s livelihood.

Prof. Lawrence Mugisha, the Principal Investigator at Makerere University, in a summary update of MAD-tech-AMR project  said if left unchecked by 2050, AMR may contribute to up to 10 million deaths per year with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Africa being victims.

Prof. Lawrence Mugisha makes his presentation at the workshop

In Context to Uganda, Prof. Lawrence Mugisha noted that with 80% of Ugandans depending on agriculture, the cost of AMR to the national economy and its health systems is significant and thus needs urgent attention.  He emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach if sustainable development goals are to be achieved. He said that AMR has a great Impact on SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SGD3 (good health and wellbeing), SDG6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), and SGD12 (responsible consumption and production).   Prof. Mugisha also shared the way forward to address the AMR challenges and these were;

  • Raising public awareness about AMR
  • Maintenance of sanitation and hygiene
  • Surveillance
  • Investing in human capital for innovative vaccines like herbal for the replacement of Antibiotic use.

As part of the study, researchers addressed the following key findings from the study;

  • Antibiotics were the most used drug by livestock farmers followed by dewormers. More so respiratory related infections was the most reported case followed by digestive problems like diarrhea. The most used antibiotic by farmers was Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride and procaine.
  • 2% of the farmers were female and 21.4% had attained a degree. Their mean age was 37.5 years. Most of the farmers specialized in Economics and business-related studies followed by those with no specific field of study. Majority of the farmers were funded by project owners (78.95%) and household members (16.14%). There were mainly managed by hired labor (44.56%) and household members (33.33%).
  • Worms and Typhoid were reported to be the biggest threat in regards to the health status of birds.
  • In terms of Management Practices, regular cleaning and disinfection were highly practiced by farmers.
  • Most farmers bought drugs from VET Shops and also consulted VETs
  • In regards to IT use, 97% of the farmers, and 100% of drug sellers and feed dealers have mobile phones; 69% of farmers had smart phones and were MTN and Airtel subscribers, and most too used the internet daily.
  • 70% of the veterinary doctors wished to call farmers
  • WhatsApp platforms and Facebook were the most commonly used online Channels

Prof. Lawrence Mugisha further emphasized that using the current ICT system developed by MAD-Tech-AMR team could favour the use of  mobile phones in monitoring AMU and  AMR.  ‘It would also be easy to work with common telecommunication companies (MTN and Airtel) to whom farmers had already subscribed. Real-time communication with veterinary doctors, feed dealers, drug sellers, and farmers themselves would be made easy. Since 80% of the farmers do farm-related activities, so deploying an IT system is easy in monitoring AMR use, he explained.

As part of monitoring AMU and AMR, Wangoru Kihara from MAD-tech-AMR Project, Kenya  shared a brief architecture of the upcoming IT application named: “Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) application developed by the Project which can link farmers to veterinary drug/pharmacy owners and veterinarians to get help in real-time.

In this Platform;

  • Different users like farmers(farmers, agrovets, vets) can download the application, register and log in.
  • After logging in, they can report a disease or browse disease symptoms or share drug usage details on their farms.
  • Access is through smartphones, computers, laptops.
  • Real-time processing of data is possible for users to visualize: agrovets- drugs sold, farms – disease history

           Mr. Wangoru Kihara explains the ADIS system developed by MADTECH project

In her presentation centered on the  MAD-tech-AMR project aims and objectives, Professor Susanna Sternberg Lewerin from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Veterinary Public Health  revealed that although Antibiotics are powerful medical tools that allow curing of  serious infectious diseases in people and animals, it also has the ability to trigger bacteria to develop resistance to drugs thus the need to consult with professional practitioners before use.

               Dr. Sussanna Sternberg making a presentation at the event.

In context to bacteria developing resistance to drugs, Dr. Henry Kajumbula from the Department of Microbiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences noted that in 2015, a situation analysis was conducted by the Uganda National Academic Science (UNAS) and it was found that some of the most reliable antibiotics with a high safety margin and great effectiveness were found to meet a high resistance of about 40%. “The prevailing conditions of hygiene and sanitation in our health care system also drive resistance to antibiotics.  Because of this situation, micro organisms become resistant to the most potent antibiotics. This situation is being recognised in the human health system because of the increase in bacterial infections which are failing to be treated” explained Dr. Kajumbula

              Dr. Kajumbula making a presentation at the event.

Moving  forward, the MAD-TECH-AMR project team  called upon farmers, Agrovets and  policy makers  to make use of  the Animal Disease Information System that will be rolled out soon .

During this event, participants namely farmers, agrovets, policy makers  among others  were trained how to use Animal Disease  Information System (ADIS) specifically how to log in, report a disease or share drug usage details by the ICT expert  in the workshop. Some of the key questions raised by participants include if the ADIS system will be translated into local languages and sustainability among others.

The ICT Expert Kihara demonstrates to participants how to log in and use the ADIS system

The MAD-Tech-AMR stakeholder engagement kicked off on  Thursday 27th   October 2022 at the Biosecurity centre in the College of Veterinary medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and run until Friday 28th October 2022.

More about the Project 

MAD-tech-AMR is a partnership between Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden, International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya, Makerere University, Uganda, and University of Nairobi, Kenya

This project is designed to provide proof of concept, applying a framework for surveillance of AMU, diseases that trigger AMU, and perceived problems with AMR, in East African poultry production systems. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will be coupled with veterinary epidemiology and social science methods.

The ICT framework developed by the project will be pilot-tested in selected poultry production systems in Kenya and Uganda. The framework may be expanded in the future to allow the inclusion of diagnostic tools, but the initial focus is on clinical diagnosis based on tele-consultation and evidence-based therapeutic strategies.

Project Partners 

  • Susanna Sternberg Lewerin, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden (Coordinator)
  • Florence Mutua, International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya
  • Lawrence Mugisha, Makerere University, Uganda
  • Joshua Onono, University of Nairobi, Kenya

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Harriet Musinguzi

Veterinary & Biosecurity

Makerere University Secures UGX 980 Million to Construct a Student Hostel at Buyana Stock Farm

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CoVAB Leadership led by Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine, together with the Makerere University Council Audit Committee led by Mr. Amon Muteganda inspected the boundaries of Buyana Stock Farm. Farm Manager Buyana Stock Farm under College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, handover of leadership from Dr. Mathias Wasswa to Ms. Nansubuga Frances in Mpigi District, 28th August 2025.

Makerere University has secured funding amounting to UGX 980 million for the construction of a student hostel at Buyana Stock Farm, a key research and training facility under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The construction due to commence soon, will be undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), addressing a longstanding challenge of inadequate accommodation for staff and students.

The announcement was made during a handover ceremony on Thursday, 28th August 2025, where Dr. Mathias Wasswa, the long-serving Farm Manager, officially passed the mantle to Ms. Nansubuga Frances after a 19-year tenure. Dr. Wasswa was lauded for his resilience and commitment in steering the farm through resource constraints and maintaining its relevance in Uganda’s veterinary education landscape.

Left to Right: Dr. Mathias Wasswa, outgoing Farm Manager; Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB; and Ms. Nansubuga Frances, incoming Farm Manager, during the handover ceremony held on Thursday. Farm Manager Buyana Stock Farm under College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, handover of leadership from Dr. Mathias Wasswa to Ms. Nansubuga Frances in Mpigi District, 28th August 2025.
Left to Right: Dr. Mathias Wasswa, outgoing Farm Manager; Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB; and Ms. Nansubuga Frances, incoming Farm Manager, during the handover ceremony held on Thursday.

The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Buyana Stock Farm, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive review and restructuring. On the same day, an audit led by Mr. Muteganda Amon, Chair of Makerere University’s Audit Committee, uncovered critical challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, staffing constraints, and an urgent need for strategic reforms. These findings underscore the necessity of revitalizing the farm to reclaim its status as Uganda’s premier veterinary training institution.

Among the issues highlighted were the lack of student housing, a crumbling administration block, and deteriorated animal units. Other challenges included poor water supply system and animal welfare concerns, including disease outbreaks, poor pasture management, and lack of contingency plans for dry seasons. The farm also faces Governance gaps, with most workers not formally employed by the university and rigid recruitment policies leaving key roles vacant.

A section of the College and Audit Committee members during a de brief meeting following the inspection of facilities at Buyana. Farm Manager Buyana Stock Farm under College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, handover of leadership from Dr. Mathias Wasswa to Ms. Nansubuga Frances in Mpigi District, 28th August 2025.
A section of the College and Audit Committee members during a de brief meeting following the inspection of facilities at Buyana.

The handover event was attended by key stakeholders including Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine (Principal, CoVAB), Prof. James Acai Okwee (Deputy Principal), Ms. Nyakato Barbara (Human Resource Officer), and Prof. Robert Tweyongyere (Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources).

As Ms. Nansubuga Frances assumes leadership, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a blend of technical expertise and a deep commitment to animal welfare. The transition is expected to usher in a new era of revitalization, with plans for infrastructure upgrades, improved governance, and a renewed focus on research and outreach.

Some of the stock at Buyana farm. Farm Manager Buyana Stock Farm under College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa, handover of leadership from Dr. Mathias Wasswa to Ms. Nansubuga Frances in Mpigi District, 28th August 2025.
Some of the stock at Buyana farm.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Veterinary & Biosecurity

Global Scholar Prof. John B. Kaneene Pushes for Structural Change in Ugandan Universities to Elevate Research and Innovation

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Guest lecture by Prof. John B. Kaneene. Theme “Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation: Lessons from Michigan State University for Uganda’s New Industrial STI Dispensation” 26th August 2025, CEBIGH, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Renowned academic Prof. John B. Kaneene has called for sweeping structural reforms across Ugandan universities, including Makerere University, to enhance their global competitiveness and research output. Speaking at a forum on science and innovation, held on August 26th at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Prof. Kaneene emphasized the urgent need for improved facilities to support active research participation.

He urged institutions to revamp their reward systems, noting that scholars who achieve significant milestones should be recognized in line with their contributions. “Success must be incentivized,” he said, adding that such recognition would motivate researchers and elevate academic standards.

The guest lecture was held under the theme “Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation: Lessons from Michigan State University for Uganda’s New Industrial STI Dispensation.” The session explored the transformative role of universities in enhancing human wellbeing, societal development, and economic growth. It offered critical insights into institutional frameworks such as tenure and promotion, innovation and research ecosystems, and mentoring and incentive structures—drawing valuable lessons from Michigan State University to inform Uganda’s evolving science, technology, and innovation landscape.

Guest lecture by Prof. John B. Kaneene. Theme “Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation: Lessons from Michigan State University for Uganda’s New Industrial STI Dispensation” 26th August 2025, CEBIGH, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. John B. Kaneene from Michigan State University was the Guest Speaker at the Science and Innovation forum at CoVAB, Tuesday, 26th August 2025.

At the discourse attended by scientists, prodigy Scientists, administrators, and regulators of Scientists, Prof. Kaneene also criticized the current promotion framework, calling for stricter, merit-based criteria free from political interference. He proposed a more rigorous system for academic progression, from Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and ultimately Professor. “The title of Professor should be earned through demonstrable excellence in both research and teaching,” he stated, arguing that current standards fall short.

In addition to structural reforms, Prof. Kaneene highlighted the need to improve the quality and quantity of academic publications. He advocated for a shift from basic science to industrial and translational research, where universities produce innovations that directly benefit public health and economic development. “We must bridge the gap between research and real-world solutions,” he said.

Prof. Kaneene concluded by urging the Ugandan government to recognize universities as engines of national progress. He called for increased funding, better infrastructure, and targeted support for top scientists. “With the right investment, our universities can drive economic growth and improve the health of our communities,” he affirmed.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Bureau Chief, Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing Uganda’s pathogen economy and strengthening its scientific research ecosystem. She highlighted the Secretariat’s role in supporting research development and fostering ecosystem establishment as Uganda moves toward sustainable growth. She emphasized that the bureau is actively working to position science and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation.

Ms. Nakazibwe commended the presentation by Prof. John B. Kaneene, a distinguished U.S.-based academic, describing his insights as highly relevant to both scientists and the general public. She acknowledged his longstanding contributions to Uganda’s scientific landscape, particularly his involvement in the foundation of the STI Open Platform (STI OP), formerly known as the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE). The PRESIDE initiative was instrumental in fast-tracking research and innovation in vaccines, drugs, and therapeutics in response to emerging diseases and public health threats.

She further emphasized the importance of the issues raised during the discussion, including innovation, research incentives, academic tenure, and promotion systems. Ms. Nakazibwe described these as “tangible and actionable areas” that must be addressed across all levels of Uganda’s scientific and academic institutions.

“These are not abstract ideas and practical reforms that can strengthen our research culture and ensure our scientists are empowered to deliver solutions for national development,” she stated.

(L) Prof. Enock Matovu, Director CEBIGH, where the discourse was hosted. Guest lecture by Prof. John B. Kaneene. Theme “Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation: Lessons from Michigan State University for Uganda’s New Industrial STI Dispensation” 26th August 2025, CEBIGH, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
(L) Prof. Enock Matovu, Director CEBIGH, where the discourse was hosted.

While introducing Prof. John B. Kaneene, Prof. John David Kabasa emphasized that the discourse stemmed from a longstanding consortium between universities in the United States and Africa. This partnership has been instrumental in driving major advancements in Uganda’s veterinary and biosecurity sectors. Speaking at the strategic engagement on science and innovation, Prof. Kabasa highlighted the consortium’s focus on capacity building in the integrated management of transboundary diseases and zoonoses, noting that it laid the foundation for transformative change in the country’s scientific and academic landscape.

He noted that the partnership’s strength and future-oriented vision led Makerere University to approve a development strategy and investment plan that upgraded its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine into the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity. “Biosecurity became central to our mission because we are focused on global biosecurity,” Prof. Kabasa said.

Prof. John David Kabasa explained that the discourse stemmed from a longstanding consortium between universities in the United States and Africa. Guest lecture by Prof. John B. Kaneene. Theme “Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation: Lessons from Michigan State University for Uganda’s New Industrial STI Dispensation” 26th August 2025, CEBIGH, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. John David Kabasa explained that the discourse stemmed from a longstanding consortium between universities in the United States and Africa.

Over the past 15 years, he said, the consortium has yielded significant milestones, including the establishment of a Master’s program in Biosecurity, ongoing development of a PhD in Biosecurity, and the creation of a Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health. These efforts are now being aligned with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation to promote Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation, key pillars of Uganda’s emerging industrial bioeconomy under the pathogen economy framework championed by His Excellency, the President of Uganda.

Prof. Kabasa, alongside Prof. John B. Kaneene and other founding scientists, announced plans to elevate the consortium’s work to a new level, with a renewed focus on global biosecurity and industrial bioeconomy. He revealed that partners mentored through the original initiative, including directors from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), senior scientists at the ministry level, and academics from other universities, are injecting fresh energy into the collaboration.

“We are now engaging to define how universities can lead national transformation, and what strategic steps they must take to reposition themselves,” Prof. Kabasa stated. He confirmed that a series of follow-up meetings will be held to chart the path forward.

Dr. Monica Namayanja, Centre Manager CEBIGH. Guest lecture by Prof. John B. Kaneene. Theme “Industrial Biomedical Research and Innovation: Lessons from Michigan State University for Uganda’s New Industrial STI Dispensation” 26th August 2025, CEBIGH, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Monica Namayanja, Centre Manager CEBIGH.

The Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health (CEBIGH) is one of the specialized units established at Makerere University, whose creation is part of a broader vision to develop a regional veterinary college through the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). As a key research and development entity, CEBIGH is instrumental in repositioning CoVAB as a leading driver of scientific innovation, strategic research, and public service nationally and globally. Through its work, CEBIGH is emerging as a major contributor to Uganda’s growing pathogen economy.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Makerere Scientists Document Climate-Smart Innovation in Sentema, Applaud Farmer’s Odor-Control Breakthrough

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Some of the Cattle on the farm located in a residential area in Sentema. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

A team of scientists under the regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited Mr. Mugisha Jonan, an urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, whose adoption of innovative practices is redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings.

Mr. Mugisa, a farmer and environmentalist explains how he started his farm and took on the use of the innovation. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Mugisa, a farmer and environmentalist explains how he started his farm and took on the use of the innovation.

Through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, Mr. Mugisha has not only resolved the persistent issue of odor from his dairy farm, but is also unlocking more profitable outcomes by embracing climate-smart agricultural techniques. Central to his approach is the use of VTC Technology, a system designed to recover nutrients from diverse waste streams, including farm and market waste, and return them to their original sources. This transformative method was introduced to him by Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, a renowned scientist from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity at Makerere University.

The Scientists inspect the innovation where wastes are dumped and will eventually turn into manure. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The Scientists inspect the innovation where wastes are dumped and will eventually turn into manure.

Based on the demonstration on the farm, the innovative practice will help in reshaping urban agriculture by enhancing sustainable food production while simultaneously addressing critical environmental challenges such as waste management and odor control. Mr. Mugisha’s work stands as a compelling example of how local science-driven solutions can empower urban farmers and contribute to greener, more resilient cities.

Prof. Asaete, Dr. Nampanzira, Dr. Herbet Mukiibi were conducted around the vegetable garden where the manure is applied. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Prof. Asaete, Dr. Nampanzira, Dr. Herbet Mukiibi were conducted around the vegetable garden where the manure is applied.

Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira Kalule led a team that included Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, the innovator who collaborated directly with Mr. Mugisha to implement the nutrient recycling innovation. Also part of the team was Prof. Josephine Esaete from the College of Education and External Studies, part of the members of the bigger project research team that includes Prof. Robert Stephen Tabuti and Prof. Vincent Muwanika, both from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University.

 “Mr. Mugisha’s work exemplifies the kind of innovation we aim to capture, document and validate as solutions that are proven to work, locally driven, environmentally sound, and socially inclusive,” said Dr. Nampanzira, following a tour of the project site nestled within a densely populated urban residential area.

Dr. Nampanzira said the reason for the visit to the farmer was because through the project, scientists were looking out for farmers doing unique things that actually give them good results which are not known to the scientists. She said the purpose was to validate such practices and have them promoted.

A vegetable garden with a high yield. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
A vegetable garden with a high yield.

The project, Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate-Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (CICSA-E&SA), continues to engage with farmers who have adopted some climate-smart agricultural practices by identifying and supporting solutions that work for farmers on the ground. Through hands-on engagement and collaboration, the initiative focuses on practical innovations that address real challenges, ensuring that climate-smart agriculture is not only sustainable, but also accessible and effective for local communities.

While describing the innovation demonstrated by Mr. Mugisha, Dr. Herbert Mukiibi explained that the Nutrient Recycling Technology is designed to recover nutrients from various waste streams such as domestic, farm, hospital, schools or market waste and return them to their original source. If the nutrients came from the garden, the ultimate goal is to return them to the garden, Dr. Mukiibi noted. He said that most systems release nutrients through waste, which wastes are often mistreated because people don’t realize they are valuable resources. He said through such interventions, they were coming in to tap on these wastes and return them to the garden in a ready form that can be used by the crops for better yields without necessarily using inorganic forms of fertilizers.

Dr. Mukiibi emphasized that this technology not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also transforms public perception of waste, from a nuisance into a valuable resource thereby encouraging more responsible and productive environmental practices. He commended Mr. Mugisha, the farmer behind the initiative, for embracing the technology and personally financing its development. Thanks to Mr. Mugisha’s commitment, the project has advanced to the point where it is nearly ready to produce, package, and sell organic manure, marking a significant milestone in practical nutrient recycling.

“We want to document the various innovations that promote climate-smart agriculture while simultaneously addressing farmers’ real-world challenges,” said Prof. Asaete Josephine, who is part of the research team. “The innovation demonstrated by Mr. Mugisha not only solved his initial problem, the unpleasant smell of dung that was causing concern in the neighborhood, but also evolved into a broader solution. What began as an effort to manage odor has also addressed nutrient deficiencies. That’s where the climate-smart aspect comes in, she noted.  Instead of spending resources on inorganic fertilizers, the farmer is now benefiting from nutrient recycling, which promotes faster plant growth while tackling the original issue of odor.”, she noted.

Mr. Mugisha explains the Innovation that has helped him resolve the challenge of waste and odor management on his farm. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Mr. Mugisha explains the Innovation that has helped him resolve the challenge of waste and odor management on his farm.

Mr. Mugisha informed the visiting team that he initially started the farm to meet his family’s nutritional needs. However, as the farm grew, he encountered significant challenges related to waste management, which led him to connect with Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, whose expertise helped guide him toward innovative solutions. He said he first adopted biogas technology yet, odor problem persisted, leading him to explored more sustainable options and eventually embraced the nutrient recycling innovation. He said transforming waste into organic manure enabled him resolve the environmental concerns but also enhanced the productivity of his vegetable gardens, and is moving towards packaging and sale of organic manure.

The team interacts with Mrs. Mugisha (R). In the background is the slab where the manure will be dried before further processing and packaging. Regional research initiative “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) visited to Mr. Mugisha Jonan, urban farmer and environmentalist in Sentema Wakiso District, adoption of innovative practices redefining the feasibility of farming in densely populated urban settings through the Nutrient Recycling Innovation, CoVAB, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
The team interacts with Mrs. Mugisha (R). In the background is the slab where the manure will be dried before further processing and packaging.

The CICSA-E&SA project is a multi-institutional collaboration led by Makerere University, in partnership with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), Maseno University (Kenya), and LUANAR and DARS (Malawi). The project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku) and aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices across East and Southern Africa.

Harriet Musinguzi

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