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Veterinary & Biosecurity

Researchers embark on Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) Project in Uganda

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By Joseph Odoi

Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security (CoVAB), with a consortium of partners, namely the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech (ISAAA) have embarked on implementing a new project titled; Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) Project, funded by the European Union.

This project aims to generate an inclusive Research & Innovation ecosystem, facilitating rapid uptake, adaption and adoption of solutions to issues that can be dealt with using a One Health approach, with the One Health concept embedded across society in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), working for healthy humans, animals and environments.

The project was launched during a stakeholders meeting held on 7th December 2022 at the Biosecurity Centre, Makerere University. The function was graced by Prof. James Okwee Acai, the Deputy Principal of CoVAB, Rose Nakabugo from the Office of the Prime Minister and other government institutions   that include Ministry of Health, Kyambogo University and the National One Health Platform among others.

While officially launching the project, Prof. Clovice Kankya, the Project’s Principal Investigator (PI) for East Africa welcomed the participants to the event. He noted that; the world is facing unprecedented, inter-connected threats to the health of people, animals, and the environment; addressing these threats requires cross-sectoral, systems-wide approaches.

“The One Health concept recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and the environment.COVID-19 and its origins as a zoonotic pathogen is a particularly pertinent example, but One Health concerns many of the other major threats of our time, such as climate change and disease emergence, antimicrobial resistance, ecosystem destruction with loss of biodiversity and the fragility of food and feed systems.

 In a globalised world, it is imperative that all nations and societies better manage One Health. In this project we look to build One Health capacity in Eastern and Southern Africa” Prof.Kankya explained of the new project

Expected outputs

  • Government entities with OH mandates and OH stakeholders across society capacitated in cross-sectoral collaboration around OH
  • Government entities capacitated in the development of evidence-based OH strategies and policies
  • National secondary, tertiary, and vocational education institutes strengthened in building OH capacity for the next generation workforce
  • Research institutes capacitated in training next generation OH researchers
  • Research institutes capacitated in identification, development, adaption, and delivery of OH solutions (technologies, soft skills and strategic approaches for addressing current challenges)
  • Service providers (public, private) capacitated in identification, adoption and delivery of OH solutions
  • OH related Public-Private Partnerships strengthened in delivery of OH solutions and consultation on OH issues
  • Contribution to emerging understanding on OH, its appropriate use and added value
  • Knowledge and Information on OH research and policies in ESA promoted through project platforms

In his remarks, Professor James Okwee Acai, the Deputy Principal on behalf of the Principal Prof. Norbert Frank Mwiine emphasized the importance multi-sectoral approach and collaboration in One Health adding that capacity building is key in One Health research. He also thanked partners for choosing to work with Makerere University as a trusted partner in One Health research.

Prof. James Okwee Acai, the Deputy Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB).
Prof. James Okwee Acai, the Deputy Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB).

In her remarks, Rose Nakabugo from the Office of the Prime Minister said, ‘Uganda as a country is faced by zoonotic diseases thus the coming of COHESA will help in addressing these challenges affecting humans, animals and environment.’ She, in a special way, thanked the project team lead for Uganda, Prof. Kankya for taking lead in an initiative that will help in knowledge generation and provide direction for One Health including a curriculum for further education in One Health

Rose Nakabugo from the Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment in One Health Initiative.
Rose Nakabugo from the Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment in One Health Initiative.

During this launch, One Health Stakeholders were taken through focus group discussions, interviews with key stakeholders were organized, and the Q & A feedback and evaluations were collected. The focus group session was chaired by Mr. Okello Justine from COVAB

Mr. Justine Okello from CoVAB leading participants through a Q&A session as part of COHESA Project Work.
Mr. Justine Okello from CoVAB leading participants through a Q&A session as part of COHESA Project Work.

Some of the issues highlighted by the participants were relevance of One Health at their workplace, the importance of capacity building in one health, funding challenges around One Health, capacity building, coordination and collaborations around One Health, what should be done to promote One Health and challenges and the future of One Health in 10 years from now.

More about the Project

The COHESA project consortium works with in-country multiplier organizations (mostly One Health research and implementation organizations) to deliver the project to beneficiaries, mainly government, education, research and service providers engaged in One Health.

Duration: December 2021-November 2025  (funded by the European Union)

Project Leads:

Theo Knight-Jones (ILRI), Alexandre Caron (CIRAD); Margaret Karembu (ISAAA)

For more information, visit the project website: https://www.ilri.org/research/projects/capacitating-one-health-eastern-and-southern-africa

Mak Editor

Veterinary & Biosecurity

Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd Seeks Graduate Trainee Partnership with CoVAB

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Dr. Abu Mayanja (L), the Chief Operations Officer, and other SAF staff at the meeting

Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF), a fully integrated poultry enterprise located in Buyuki Nama Sub-County, Mukono District, has initiated strategic discussions with Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to establish a Graduate Trainee partnership. This collaboration is designed to bridge the persistent gap between academic instruction and practical industry experience by offering final-year students and recent graduates immersive training across the entire poultry value chain.

At a meeting held at CoVAB, the SAF team, led by Dr. Abu Mayanja, the Chief Operations Officer SAF, and the staff of the Department of Livestock and Industry Resources (LIR), a range of operations where the students would benefit were explained, ranging from feed mill production and hatchery management to broiler farming, outgrower coordination, and abattoir services, providing a rich environment for experiential learning. Dr. Abu said the initiative will not only enhance graduate employability but also foster innovation and research, and build technical capacity in Uganda’s poultry sector, while promoting knowledge exchange and entrepreneurial thinking among young professionals. Dr. Mayanja highlighted the significant human resource gap in Uganda’s poultry industry, noting that most workers acquire skills informally on the job. To address this challenge, the partnership will offer final-year students and recent graduates a six-month comprehensive training program, combining mentorship with hands-on experience across SAF’s integrated poultry operations from feed production and hatchery management to broiler farming and processing.

A section of CoVAB staff who were at the meeting deliberated on the potential partnership
A section of CoVAB staff who were at the meeting deliberated on the potential partnership

Dr. Sylvia Nalubwama, along with other CoVAB staff, emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed Graduate Trainee partnership with Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF). The team highlighted that the initiative aligns well with Makerere University’s broader mission to provide education that meets societal needs, especially through practical, skills-based training. The two parties agreed to formalize the partnership following the established process, starting at the departmental level through the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR), and concluding with approval of the Memorandum of Understanding by University Management. They also agreed that, due to the urgent workforce gaps in the poultry industry, they would begin immediate engagement and move forward with preliminary activities, including reaching out to interested students and planning the program, even while formalities are still being finalized.

Among some of the terms of the engagement is providing student facilitation, including rent, internet access, and meals, while emphasizing the importance of attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Students will be selected through a merit-based application and interview process. The meeting also spoke of the need for collaboration with BTVET institutions, certification for trainees, and aligning academic programs with industry expectations.

Representatives of the final-year students in attendance expressed keen interest in the Graduate Trainee program and raised pertinent questions regarding remuneration and post-training employment opportunities. In response, representatives from Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF) acknowledged the importance of financial incentives but emphasized that the true value of the program lies in the unique exposure it offers to the commercial and operational aspects of poultry production. They assured students that the six-month training module is designed to equip them with critical skills, industry insights, and entrepreneurial competencies that are essential for driving growth and innovation within Uganda’s poultry sector.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Veterinary & Biosecurity

 CoVAB Prepares Future Educators with One Health Skills to Address Zoonotic and Climate Risks

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Secondary School teachers undergoing training in One Health from 22nd - 25th September 2025, at CEBIGH in CoVAB

On Monday, 22nd September 2025, the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, launched a four-day intensive training program aimed at equipping Uganda’s next generation of educators with foundational knowledge in One Health. This initiative seeks to foster interdisciplinary understanding among future teachers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing emerging public health challenges.

The initiative, titled “One Health Training of Uganda’s Next Generation of Teachers,” targets selected third-year education students from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), and Kabale University, along with newly graduated teachers from across the country. The training is one of the activities of the broader Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA)project, a regional program spanning 12 countries aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting integrated approaches to health education and practice.

Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda, underscored the transformative impact of the training, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s future health resilience. He noted that by equipping educators with foundational knowledge in One Health, Uganda is fostering a sustainable network of informed leaders capable of influencing both formal education systems and grassroots communities. These teachers will not only embed One Health principles into their curricula but also serve as local ambassadors and champions for improved sanitation, climate adaptation, and disease prevention within their communities.

Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda

“This is more than a training,” Prof. Kankya remarked. “It’s a movement to embed One Health thinking into the social fabric of Uganda, given that educators are trusted voices in society. When they grasp the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, they become powerful catalysts for behavioral change and community-driven action.”

He emphasized the pivotal role of teachers as agents of change, stressing that One Health, a multidisciplinary approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for addressing today’s complex health challenges. Despite its growing global relevance, he observed that the concept of One Health remains largely underrepresented in Uganda’s education and public health sectors. This gap, he argued, makes the involvement of teachers especially critical, as they can serve as catalysts for a multiplier effect, extending the reach and impact of One Health principles across both formal education systems and local communities.

A section of the participants engaged in group work during the training
A section of the participants engaged in group work during the training

Prof. Clovice Kankya further highlighted that the ripple effect of empowering teachers will extend beyond schools, reaching homes, villages, and regional networks. In doing so, the initiative aims to build a generation of citizens who are not only aware of health risks but are also equipped to respond collaboratively and sustainably.

The trainees, drawn from diverse teaching disciplines, received instruction in key areas such as an introduction to One Health principles, zoonotic diseases and outbreak investigation, risk communication strategies, community engagement, and exit protocols, among others. Facilitators from AFROHUN and CoVAB were carefully selected for their expertise in outbreak response, strategic communication, and community-based education. The curriculum is enriched with social science perspectives to strengthen community entry approaches and promote culturally sensitive messaging, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to engage effectively with local populations.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Veterinary & Biosecurity

CIMTRADZ Founders Convention Reflects on Achievements and Sets a Bold Agenda for Global Biosecurity

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The Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) Founders Convention held at CoVAB on Friday September 12th 2025.

In a strategic gathering at Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) held its Founder’s Convention to reflect on its 12-year journey and unveil its ambitious next chapter: the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA). The event, hosted under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Biomolecular Sciences (SBLS), brought together scientists, students, and strategic partners from across Uganda and beyond. The convention served as both a retrospective and a launchpad, celebrating CIMTRADZ’s achievements while setting a bold agenda for MAGBBA’s future.

Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat.

Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, delivered an address on behalf of Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation.  She commended the brains and effort behind CIMTRADZ for their relentless efforts in implementing research and training programs initially supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology that set the pace for the numerous achievements realised to-date.

Nakazibwe outlined Uganda’s strategic roadmap for harnessing science and innovation to drive national development. She revealed that since March 2022, the STI Secretariat has operated through eight specialized bureaus focused on mobility, export promotion, and productivity acceleration. “Our mandate is to coordinate the ecosystem,” Nakazibwe emphasized, “bringing together academia, media, and the private sector to ensure science leads us to another level.”

While emphasisng the commitment of continued support to the academia in finding solutions to societal challenges, Nakazibwe also spotlighted Uganda’s prioritized industrial value chains, which include ICT, artificial intelligence, infrastructure innovation, aeronautics, and space science. She stressed that science must be a tool to combat poverty and unemployment, aligning with the goals of National Development Plan III.

Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, was represented  by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza

Representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza praised the university’s growing network of research centers, some of which have attained Level 5 status as centers of excellence. He emphasized that the transition from the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) to the proposed Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA) signals a strategic shift toward sustainability and broader impact.

“In the face of pandemics and epidemics, the world is counting on scientists,” Prof. Buyinza said. “This is no longer a concern confined to laboratories, but it’s a matter of national survival.”

He called on Uganda’s scientific community to develop a comprehensive national inventory of pathogens, stressing that biosecurity must be a shared responsibility across sectors. He also commended the movement of Makerere’s academic talent into government and private agencies, describing it as a positive extension of the university’s influence.

“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he noted, urging researchers to harness their expertise to address pressing health and development challenges. “Collaboration and cooperation are no longer optional but are essential.”

Prof. Buyinza concluded by pledging institutional support for scientific initiatives that translate into tangible products and services, reinforcing Makerere’s role as a driver of innovation and societal transformation.

Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens.

During the convention Prof. John David Kabasa delivered a powerful message on the future of biosecurity and bioeconomy, calling on scientists to take the lead in safeguarding society against biological threats. Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens. He described biosecurity and bioeconomy as critical pillars for national resilience and global competitiveness.

“We are living in an era of insufficiency,” Prof. Kabasa stated, “where bio threats are no longer distant possibilities but immediate challenges demanding coordinated action.”

He commended Makerere University for its visionary leadership and the platform it has provided to advance scientific research and innovation. He also acknowledged the Government of Uganda for its substantial investments across institutions, which he said have laid the foundation for transformative progress.

Prof. Kabasa stressed the importance of capacity building and value amplification, and called on universities and schools to equip learners with skills that enhance the value of biological assets and foster entrepreneurial thinking.

Prof. Kabasa however, he expressed concern over the persistence of outdated ideologies, weak innovation culture, and limited Pan-African collaboration. To address these gaps, he advocated for a culture of collaboration across higher education, research, and service delivery.

“Scientists hold the key to societal transformation,” he said, urging them to embrace their responsibility and develop solutions to pressing challenges.

Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University one of the founder mentors

Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University delivered an inspiring presentation that underscored Uganda’s growing role in global biosecurity and infectious disease preparedness. Speaking as one of the founding mentors of the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ), Prof. Kaneene reflected on the initiative’s journey and its far-reaching impact. He highlighted a Special Issue of a scientific journal featuring four foundational papers that helped catalyze new projects not only in Uganda but across Africa and beyond. “Centers like CEBIGH give CoVAB a unique niche in addressing regional and global biosecurity challenges,” Prof. Kaneene said, emphasizing the importance of research and training in tackling emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.

He urged stakeholders to build on past achievements and expand the center’s influence through targeted programs such as short courses and summer training initiatives. With Uganda poised to take a leadership role, he stressed that biosecurity must remain a national priority.

Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho represented the CoVAB Principal and welcomed the participants

The Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, represented by  Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho reflected on the consortium’s decade-long impact. He noted that CIMTRADZ had significantly contributed to the expansion of the former Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, particularly under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory Sciences.

“CIMTRADZ has been instrumental in shaping our infrastructure and academic programs,” Prof. Mwiine said. He highlighted key developments including the central laboratory, animal research facility, biomarker and diagnostic facility, and the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health. He also pointed to the launch of advanced degree programs,Master’s and PhDs,that have created new opportunities for staff and students to pursue higher education and research excellence.

“These achievements align perfectly with Makerere University’s vision of being a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation,” he added. Prof. Mwiine cited vaccine development as one of the tangible outcomes of the consortium’s work and expressed optimism about the next phase of the initiative, which transitions into the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA).

Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS)

Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), presented an overview of the school’s mandate in biosecurity, biosafety, and biomedical sciences. “Our laboratories are not just teaching spaces, they are hubs of innovation shared across departments, schools, and colleges,” Dr. Mugasa said. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with sister universities in Uganda and abroad, noting that collaboration is key to building capacity and driving scientific progress.

Following her remarks, Dr. Enoch Matovu, Director of the Centre for Global Health, addressed the urgent need for preparedness in the face of emerging and re-emerging diseases. He cited the 2022 chickenpox outbreak as a wake-up call for the region’s health systems.

“The establishment of this research centre was a strategic response to such threats,” Dr. Matovu said. “Through programs like vaccinology, we are equipping scientists to protect both human and livestock ecosystems.”

He praised the founding team behind the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health for their vision and dedication, which have propelled CoVAB to the forefront of regional biosecurity efforts.

A Section of the attendees that reflected on the achievements

During the CIMTRADZ Founder’s Convention at Makerere University, participants celebrated a decade of achievements in biosecurity and institutional development at CoVAB. Key milestones included the establishment of a state-of-the-art research center, enhanced international collaborations, staff capacity building, and the launch of advanced academic programs. The event also highlighted cultural and academic exchanges such as summer schools, workshops, and conferences. These accomplishments reflect CoVAB’s strategic growth and its evolving role as a regional leader in biosecurity, now transitioning into the next phase under MAGBBA.

Harriet Musinguzi

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