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Veterinary & Biosecurity

Researchers Embark on Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict & prePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBD)

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By Joseph Odoi

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) constitute a major challenge facing African healthcare systems and economies today. But vector-borne diseases also increasingly pose a threat to Europe, as novel outbreaks of VBDs of both animals and humans, along with an increased spread of invasive vectors, is anticipated to occur more frequently in the future. Globalization, climatic and environmental changes are important drivers behind this development. Nevertheless, there is a general lack of knowledge of the key characteristics that allow certain vectors and the diseases they transmit to spread and establish in new, previously disease-free areas in both Africa and Europe

To combat this growing threat, the GLOBE Institute at the University of Copenhagen and the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, along with partners from Europe and Africa including Makerere University, received research funding from European Union (EU) for the five year  project (2021-2025)entitled“A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict and prePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBD)”.

PREPARE4VBD is a multi-disciplinary consortium that brings together 10 university and ministerial partners from 5 African and 3 European countries, united to address a future with increasingly changing global patterns of zoonotic vector-borne diseases through a holistic, pro-active approach that reaches beyond specific diseases, vector species, borders or scientific disciplines.

While launching the Project during the stakeholders engagement workshop at Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, CoVAB, Makerere University,Professor Lawrence Mugisha in a special way welcomed participants to the event. He noted that the cross disciplinary team of researchers were inspired to undertake the project  following recent research findings  that highlighted the high diversity of ticks, tick burden and numerous diseases transmitted by ticks in Uganda.

‘’The project is cross-disciplinary involving partners from human and veterinary health, as well as natural and social sciences. Researchers are focusing on three main areas, including the development of new molecular diagnostics technologies, the development of mathematical and statistical models to predict disease outbreaks and spread, and the strengthening of research and surveillance capacity in both Africa and Europe. The researchers will also be using a One Health approach, which calls for cross-disciplinary cooperation between various professional groups to tackle the challenges posed by these diseases from a holistic perspective on health in animals, humans, and the environment’’ explained Professor  Mugisha  who is  Project Principal Investigator at Makerere University

Professor Lawrence Mugisha giving an overview of the Project at the Workshop.
Professor Lawrence Mugisha giving an overview of the Project at the Workshop.

A cross-disciplinary approach is vital

According to  the Project Lead-Professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen,Many countries already have well-established systems for monitoring vector-borne diseases of livestock and humans, respectively. But they often lag behind when it comes to diseases that can jump from animals to humans, so-called zoonoses.

“We need to develop better systems for early detection and early warning when these vectors or the diseases they spread move into new, previously disease-free areas. But the systems should also be able to predict the longer-term change in disease patterns due to e.g. rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns.

“Likewise, we need to ensure that the science and tools we develop in the project can be implemented by the relevant authorities and society. This calls for a cross-disciplinary approach that involves partners from sectors and disciplines within both human and veterinary health, as well as natural and social science,” explains Anna-Sofie Stensgaard.

The PREPARE4VBD framework and work package organization

The PREPARE4VBD framework will enable the integration of different existing and novel data on zoonotic vector-borne diseases and tools to:

A) Build knowledge of neglected tick-, mosquito- and snail borne VBDs of importance for animal and human health in endemic African countries,

B) Assess their capacity to adapt and spread to new areas using a holo-genomics approach and climate change impact modelling,

C) Supported by novel diagnostic tools for new and rapid VBD discoveries and model-based surveillance for early warning, and

D) Strengthening the capacity for surveillance and detection of the targeted VBDs through training and effective communication of project results and dissemination of freely available data and tools to consortium partners and other relevant stakeholders

Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) Project Management.
Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) Project Management.

The stakeholder’s workshop attracted  over 70 participants ranging from government officials, academia,media, farmers and one- health officials among others.Key issues discussed by participants include importance of dissemination, effective communication by researchers to influence policy, need to develop diagnostic tools and model based surveillance for early detection and early warning about Vector borne diseases.

Dr. David Musoke at the event highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary research including environmental health in addressing emerging Vector-Borne Diseases.
Dr. David Musoke at the event highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary research including environmental health in addressing emerging Vector-Borne Diseases.

More About The PREPARE4VBD Project

The PREPARE4VBD project, part of the research and innovation actions under Horizon 2020 (Grant agreement No 101000365: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101000365), will be coordinated by The University of Copenhagen’s GLOBE Institute and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. This international collaboration brings together a diverse group of partners from universities, institutes, and government agencies to enhance preparedness and response capacities for vector-borne diseases.   In addition to contributing to the development of better surveillance systems, the project will also offer courses, webinars, and workshops for African and European PhD students and researchers, as well as launch information campaigns to share project results with society.

The partners involved in this project are:

  • Makerere University (Uganda)
  • Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania)
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
  • University of Naples Federico II (Italy)
  • Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Switzerland)
  • University of Bern (Switzerland)
  • International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Kenya)
  • Vector Control Division, Uganda Ministry of Health (Uganda)
  • Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • National Institute for Medical Research (Tanzania)

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Veterinary & Biosecurity

PREPARE4VBD Project Holds Final Workshop in Uganda; A Landmark in Vector-Borne Disease Preparedness

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A Group photo of a multidisciplinary team at Best Western Premier | Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda after the final dissemination of Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs. Final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) with Prof. Lawrence Mugisha Co-Principal Investigator from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, held 5th-8th May 2025, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.

By Joseph Odoi

The final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) was successfully held from May 5th to 8th, 2025 at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, marking the culmination of a five-year, cross-continental research effort addressing vector-borne diseases in the era of climate change and globalization.

The hybrid event attracted over 80 participants, including researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, veterinarians, early-career scientists, and students from Africa and Europe. The workshop featured two key sessions with; one at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, and another at the Centre for Biosecurity, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University.

In his opening remarks, Professor Lawrence Mugisha (Uganda’s Co-Principal Investigator from CoVAB, Makerere University), officially welcomed all stakeholders and highlighted that the purpose of the workshop was to share research findings and engage stakeholders as the project wraps up. The project commenced in September 2021 and will end in August 2025.

Prof. Mugisha noted that the overall aim of PREPARE4VBD is to strengthen preparedness in Africa and Europe for emerging zoonotic vector-borne diseases, especially in an era of climate change and increasing global interconnectedness by  (a) Creating a broad, and conceptual knowledge about vector-borne disease emergence and responses to climate change that reaches beyond specific diseases, vector species, borders or scientific disciplines  (b)Improving prediction and preparedness in Africa and Europe for zoonotic vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and freshwater snails to livestock and humans under climate change and globalization.

Professor Lawrence Mugisha welcoming participants to the event and sharing about PREPARE4VBD aim. Final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) with Prof. Lawrence Mugisha Co-Principal Investigator from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, held 5th-8th May 2025, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.
Professor Lawrence Mugisha welcoming participants to the event and sharing about PREPARE4VBD aim.

In a project overview, the PREPARE4VBD Principal Investigator, Professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, noted that vector-borne diseases are on the move, accounting for 17% of all infectious diseases and causing 700,000 deaths across the globe each year. She emphasized that zoonotics can’t be isolated as a human or animal health issue.

The PREPARE4VBD Principal Investigator, Professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen sharing about the PREPARE4VBD work and Outcomes. Final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) with Prof. Lawrence Mugisha Co-Principal Investigator from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, held 5th-8th May 2025, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.
The PREPARE4VBD Principal Investigator, Professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen sharing about the PREPARE4VBD work and Outcomes.

“The problem is growing and they are on the move,” she said, pointing to increased outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever, Dengue, West Nile, Chikungunya, Fasciolosis, and Schistosomiasis.

Because of this, she noted that the project thought of the need for cross-cutting and in-depth knowledge to improve surveillance and build capacity for early detection, as vector-borne diseases respect no borders. This, she explained, justified the formation of a multidisciplinary team consisting of 10 complementary partner institutions in Europe and Africa.

In terms of approach, she noted that the project used a proactive approach that focuses on addressing VBDs at a lower level, rather than the usual reactive approach that tackles diseases after they present themselves in large numbers.

More specifically, Professor Anna-Sofie noted that PREPARE4VBD focused on four thematic areas aimed at

A) Building knowledge through baseline data collection of neglected tick-, mosquito-, and snail-borne VBDs of importance for animal and human health in endemic African countries.

B) Assessing their capacity to adapt and spread to new areas using a holo-genomics approach and state-of-the-art climate change impact modelling.

C) Developing novel, sensitive diagnostic tools and model-based surveillance for rapid VBD discovery and early warning.

D) Strengthening the capacity for detection and surveillance of the targeted VBDs through training, effective communication, and dissemination of freely available data.

As part of project activities, Professor Anna-Sofie shared that the project conducted

  • Training of 4 MSc students and 11 PhD fellows, as well as early-career researcher summer schools in Uganda and Kenya.
  • Engaging fellows in the  poster sessions and technical workshops, such as molecular diagnostics and VBD modeling.
  • Promotion of transdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among partners across Africa and Europe.

In terms of key project achievements, she noted the project was able to achieve the following

  • The development of a new AI-assisted Mini-FLOTAC microscope model.
  • Creation of a model for Rift Valley Fever transmission and analysis of climate change impacts on snail-borne diseases.
  • Discovery of an Ixodes tick species in Kenya, which was previously only known in Europe.
  • Large-scale vector-snail warming experiments conducted across different climates, from South Africa to Denmark.
  • Creation of a Global Vector Database (GVD) for centralized vector data collection.
  • Development of non-invasive diagnostic tools, including PCR tools for pathogen detection in livestock blood/tick fluids, environmental DNA methods for liver fluke detection, and establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training videos, all publicly accessible online.

Research Highlights in Uganda

In terms of consortium research highlights from the VBD project in Uganda, Adriko Moses from the Ministry of Health shared a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate risks of liver fluke infections, a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals.

Adriko Moses from the Ministry of Health sharing about importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate risks of liver fluke infections. Final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) with Prof. Lawrence Mugisha Co-Principal Investigator from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, held 5th-8th May 2025, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.
Adriko Moses from the Ministry of Health sharing about importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate risks of liver fluke infections.

Six districts near lake basins were studied: Hoima, Buliisa, Apac, Lira, Jinja, and Mayuge. The study involved 300 human samples, with 2 positive cases identified. Findings also highlighted damaged livers in slaughtered animals.

To address this trend in Uganda, the following policy recommendations were made from the study

Policy Recommendations for Control and Prevention of Liver Fluke Disease in Uganda

  • Strengthen meat inspection policy in Uganda, including livestock testing before slaughter and enhanced meat testing protocols.
  • Promote vegetable hygiene to control zoonotic fascioliasis—a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated food.
  • Scale up veterinary interventions in livestock through collaboration between farmers and veterinary services.
  • Establish surveillance systems to monitor infections among livestock.
  • Increase community engagement to improve health education and foster community-led health initiatives.

Remarks from Government and Academia

Dr. Peter Wanyama, representing the Commissioner for Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), commended the consortium for selecting Uganda and recognized the threat of VBDs to both animal and human health, as well as national development. He noted the challenge of tick resistance, and that MAAIF is constructing 69 diagnostic laboratories to address emerging vector-borne threats. He emphasized the need for local knowledge, effective communication, and knowledge translation.

Dr. Peter Wanyama sharing noted that MAAIF is constructing 69 diagnostic laboratories to address emerging vector-borne threats. Final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) with Prof. Lawrence Mugisha Co-Principal Investigator from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, held 5th-8th May 2025, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Peter Wanyama sharing noted that MAAIF is constructing 69 diagnostic laboratories to address emerging vector-borne threats.

Dr. Allan Muruta, Guest of Honour and Commissioner for Animal Health Services at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the multidisciplinary team to Uganda on behalf of the Minister of State for Primary Health Care.

Dr. Allan Muruta, Guest of Honour and Commissioner for Animal Health Services at the Ministry of Health sharing his remarks. Final dissemination workshop of the EU-funded project: A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict, and PrePARe for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (PREPARE4VBDs) with Prof. Lawrence Mugisha Co-Principal Investigator from College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, held 5th-8th May 2025, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Allan Muruta, Guest of Honour and Commissioner for Animal Health Services at the Ministry of Health sharing his remarks.

He thanked the consortium for a well-done multidisciplinary effort addressing the growing challenge of vector-borne diseases in Africa. As a technical officer in surveillance, Dr. Muruta appreciated the project’s clear planning and timely execution.

“Africa is endemic to zoonotic diseases but allow me to share what the Ministry of Health has done. Our Integrated Surveillance Department has set up coordinated responses to several public health issues,” he shared.

He welcomed the findings and policy briefs developed through the research, noting they are relevant, science-based, and practical. He said the Ministry of Health has clear structures for handling policy issues and committed to engaging further to ensure policy uptake and action.

“All the policy briefs are feasible, new, and based on up-to-date science. The Ministry will follow through to see these policies implemented.”

He further noted that Uganda already has a functional One Health platform bringing together directors from health, water, and wildlife sectors. However, he emphasized the need to strengthen data sharing across the sub-national level. The Ministry, he said, is engaging with different sectors to make this happen.

Dr. Muruta reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s openness to more collaboration in tackling zoonotic diseases and strengthening the One Health approach.

Prof. Frank Mwine, Principal of CoVAB, Makerere University, welcomed participants and applauded collaborative efforts in addressing vector-borne diseases.

In his remarks at Makerere University, Prof. Frank Mwine welcomed the diverse participants and thanked Prof. Lawrence Mugisha for his proven coordination and mobilization around One Health. He acknowledged the growing threats posed by climate change and emphasized the interconnectedness of ecosystems citing how birds migrate from Europe to Africa—as a reason for cross-border collaboration.

He commended the PREPARE4VBD project team for their unique research and innovations aimed at addressing vector-borne diseases and appreciated the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme for supporting such a critical initiative.

Looking ahead, Prof. Mwine stressed the importance of training the next generation  to strengthen preparedness and response efforts in the future.  

In a cross-country experience-sharing session involving Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and South Africa, coordinated by Prof. Moses J. Chimbari (South Africa), participants agreed on the urgent need to integrate One Health into university curricula and bring together diverse disciplines to address vector-borne diseases caused by climate change and other complex factors.

In this engagement, there were a number of panel discussions revolving around translating policy recommendations into practical actions for long-term impact. Prof Lawrence Mugisha at this engagement announced that another dissemination on VBDs project outcomes will be held specifically for Students who were doing exams at the time of the Project dissemination

Workshop Highlights

Key research outcomes were presented, including the development of a Global Vector Database (GVD), AI-assisted diagnostic tools, and predictive climate-disease models.

The Entebbe session hosted high-level stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, NGOs, and international research bodies. Discussions emphasized the importance of translating research into policy and action.

For outreach and dissemination, thirteen policy briefs were shared, alongside posters, infopacks, risk maps, peer-reviewed publications, newsletters, and fellow-driven blog posts  all aimed at sustaining knowledge exchange beyond the project lifespan.

Notable to mention was the development of a knowledge co-production model under the project, titled “Knowledge Co-Construction in Stakeholder Engagement Workshops in Health Research” by Kathrin Heitz Tokpa, Lawrence Mugisha, Moses Chimbari, and Bassirou Bonfoh.

The project has notably enhanced Africa Europe scientific cooperation and empowered local institutions with tools and training to detect, track, and control emerging diseases.

About the Project

PREPARE4VBD is a multi-disciplinary consortium that brings together 10 university and ministerial partners from 5 African and 3 European countries, united to address a future with increasingly changing global patterns of zoonotic vector-borne diseases through a holistic, pro-active approach that reaches beyond specific diseases, vector species, borders or scientific disciplines.

Project partners included; Makerere University, Sokoine University of Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Naples Federico II, Swiss TPH, University of Bern, ICIPE, Uganda’s Vector Control Division, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, and Tanzania’s NIMR.

The project is part of Horizon 2020’s research and innovation actions (Grant agreement No. 101000365: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101000365) and is coordinated by the University of Copenhagen’s GLOBE Institute and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

To read more about the project, visit the PREPARE4VBD website (www.prepare4vbd.eu), which offers key resources on vector-borne disease preparedness, including open-access tools, training materials, and research outputs to support continuous capacity building.

Mak Editor

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Alumni of Molecular Biology Honor Prof. George William Lubega for Outstanding Contributions

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Professor George William Lubega. Alumni of molecular biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University honor Prof. George William Lubega, a distinguished teacher whose dedication to nurturing scientists has left an indelible mark on Uganda's scientific community, 28th March 2025, Mestil Hotel, Kampala, Uganda East Africa.

On Friday, March 28th, 2025, alumni of molecular biology gathered at Mestil Hotel in Kampala to honor Prof. George William Lubega, a distinguished teacher whose dedication to nurturing scientists has left an indelible mark on Uganda’s scientific community.

The event, organized by the alumni, celebrated Prof. Lubega’s pivotal role in transforming students into leaders in molecular biology. Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical, and Laboratory Sciences at Makerere University, shared heartfelt recollections of Prof. Lubega’s impact, including his scholarship support and passionate teaching style. Dr. Mugasa noted, “The scientists we have in Uganda are a testimony to his boldness. He has been a father to us in science, and now we are fathers of others.”

Prof. Lubega expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the mentorship he received from his teachers. He also highlighted his groundbreaking contributions, including patented vaccines against trypanosomiasis, and thanked Makerere University for providing an enabling environment for scientific advancement.

The event emphasized the importance of continuing his legacy through initiatives like an association of molecular biologists. The alumni expressed their deep appreciation for Prof. Lubega’s selfless efforts, which have transformed the landscape of science education in Uganda.

This celebration stands as a testament to Prof. Lubega’s lasting influence on his students, colleagues, and the scientific community at large.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Uganda Advances Bacteriophage Research in Fight against Antimicrobial Resistance

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Researchers and policy makers together with partners from the UK and USA that took part in the symposium. Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity convened symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), March 2025, Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, East Africa.

Makerere University convened a symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), the event brought together researchers from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Kampala International University, and Ian Clarke International University, and other players, highlighting a collaborative approach to tackling global and local issues.

Day two of the symposium saw researchers and policy makers together with partners from the UK and USA hold a discourse on the best way forward in the promotion of bacteriophage research and production in the country to support efforts against anti-microbial resistance.

Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, the lead phage researcher from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), gave the background to the workshop. Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity convened symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), March 2025, Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, East Africa.
Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, the lead phage researcher from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), gave the background to the workshop.

Speaking at the event held at Hilton Garden Inn, Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, the lead phage researcher from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, stressed the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial agents due to the rise in drug resistance and limited discovery of new antibiotics. Bacteriophages, natural viruses that target bacteria, she said, were identified as a promising solution to revolutionize disease control, treatment, and food security. She said research in this area was key because humankind was at risk of the impending calamity of life-threatening treatment failure.

Prof. Robert Wamala, represented the VC, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity convened symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), March 2025, Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, East Africa.
Prof. Robert Wamala, represented the VC, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Prof. Robert Wamala, Makerere University‘s Director for Research, Innovations, and Partnerships, who spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, underscored the importance of building local capacity in phage research. He noted that such efforts could enhance Uganda’s resilience against AMR and yield homegrown solutions for human, animal, and crop health.

As the world grapples with the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), bacteriophage research offers a promising alternative. Phages, which are natural enemies of bacteria, have the potential to revolutionize the approach to treatment, disease control, and food security, he noted.  He said building local expertise in phage application can enhance Uganda’s resilience against AMR and produce sustainable homegrown solutions to health and environmental challenges.

A section of the stakeholders who participated in the discourse listened attentively. Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity convened symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), March 2025, Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, East Africa.
A section of the stakeholders who participated in the discourse listened attentively.

Prof. Robert Wamala said Makerere University was committed to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation that addresses national and global challenges in line with the university’s role in knowledge generation, technology advancement, and policy influence. The importance of regulatory institutions, he said, cannot be overemphasized in this endeavor, since they enforce compliance, uphold ethical standards, and foster an enabling environment for impactful research and innovation.  He said the engagement presented an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between researchers, institutions, and regulatory bodies to ensure that the outcomes are scientifically sound and are aligned to the national development priorities and global best practices.

Dr. Claire M. Mugasa, the Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), CoVAB reiterated the fact that antimicrobial resistance was on the rise in Uganda and Africa, more than elsewhere in the world. She said it was time now that efforts be intensified in looking for sustainable options to curb the dangerous trends.  She said this cuts across the human and the animals.  She said it was an opportune time for players to come together to find ways of getting the required alternative.  She said by coming together, the different ideas developed individually would in a concerted effort, pulling resources together for a way forward.

Dr. Claire M. Mugasa, the Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS) addressed the meeting. Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity convened symposium to explore bacteriophage applications in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges. Organized by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), March 2025, Hilton Garden Inn, Kampala, East Africa.
Dr. Claire M. Mugasa, the Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS) addressed the meeting.

During the discourse, several subjects were addressed, including an introduction to antimicrobial resistance, phage biology, phage application, and lessons learnt from the establishment of a phage research centre in the UK, which was presented by Prof. Martha Clokie from the University of Leicester. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and regulatory compliance, positioning Uganda as a leader in sustainable solutions for global challenges.

The symposium was sponsored by Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), through a grant to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in partnership with Phages for Global Health.

Harriet Musinguzi

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