Staff and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) were encouraged to embrace gender-responsive practices as a key step towards building an inclusive, equitable, and productive academic environment.
The call was made during a gender sensitization workshop held on October 28th, 2026, organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, which brought together members of the CoVAB community to deepen their understanding of gender issues and their relevance in higher education institutions.

Principal Calls for Active Participation

A section of the participants that included academic and administrative staff listen attentively
Welcoming participants to the workshop, CoVAB Principal Prof. Clovice Kankya thanked the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming for choosing the College to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take advantage of such learning opportunities.

He described the meeting as one of his first major engagements with members of the College community since assuming office and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and participation in institutional programs.

“Opportunities such as these should not be taken for granted. When experts come to share knowledge and experiences, it is important that we make time to attend, listen, and learn,” he said.

Prof. Kankya noted that he was one of the staff training gender in the past and noted that to date, there were many gender experts who together work towards ensuring the student community gains the needed knowledge and skills to mainstream gender concerns in the college activities.

Gender Concerns Everyone

Some energizers to keep the participants fully engaged

Addressing common misconceptions about gender-related discussions, the Principal emphasized that gender is not exclusively a women’s issue but one that concerns all members of society.

“Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles, responsibilities, and relationships that shape our lives and workplaces. Understanding these issues helps us create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone,” he explained.

Drawing from his academic experience, Prof. Kankya noted that gender considerations cut across disciplines and sectors and remain an important component of sustainable development efforts worldwide. He urged participants to appreciate the role of gender mainstreaming in fostering equal opportunities, promoting respectful working relationships, and enhancing institutional effectiveness.

The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) recently hosted a gender sensitization session aimed at increasing awareness of Makerere University’s gender policies and gathering stakeholder feedback to support their effective implementation.
Organized by the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming, the engagement brought together staff and students to discuss gender equality, prevention of sexual harassment, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and the role of university stakeholders in fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Principal Welcomes Gender Mainstreaming Directorate

Prof. Clovice Kankya, Principal CoVAB – made welcome remarks, acknowledging the importance of gender in all areas

The session was officiated by the new CoVAB Principal, who thanked the Directorate for selecting CoVAB to host the engagement and encouraged staff and students to take full advantage of opportunities that contribute to professional and personal growth. While challenging the common misconception that gender discussions are solely women’s affairs, he emphasized the importance of participation in university activities, noting that such engagements provide valuable opportunities to learn, share experiences, and contribute to institutional development. “Gender is not all about women. It is about the social roles and responsibilities that shape our interactions and work environments. Understanding these issues is important for all of us.”, he stated.
Disseminating University Gender Policies

R-L: The Director of the Gender mainstreaming Directorate at Makerere University Dr. Euzobia Baine, and Mr. Eric Tumwesigye facilitated the session.

Facilitators from the Directorate of Gender Mainstreaming led by Dr. Euzobia Baine explained the purpose and scope of Makerere University’s Gender Equality Policy and the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment. Dr. Baine said the sensitization session aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the University’s gender policies and to obtain feedback from stakeholders to guide their implementation and continuous improvement.
Participants were informed that the policies apply to students, academic staff, administrative staff, and all other individuals who study, work, or undertake activities within university spaces. The Directorate also highlighted its mandate to coordinate policy implementation and provide technical support to colleges, schools, departments, and administrative units across the University.
Promoting Gender Equality across University Functions
The meeting highlighted the broad scope of the Gender Equality Policy, which seeks to integrate gender considerations into teaching, learning, research, outreach, partnerships, and institutional management.
Participants learned that the policy promotes the integration of gender perspectives into curricula and research activities, equitable access, participation, retention, and progression for students and staff, increased participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and leadership positions, Gender-responsive community engagement and university partnerships and a university culture founded on respect, inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity. The facilitators emphasized that gender mainstreaming is not a stand-alone activity but a responsibility that should be incorporated into all university programs and operations.
Addressing Sexual Harassment in University Spaces

A key component of the sensitization focused on the University’s Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment. Participants were informed that the policy was developed in response to evidence showing that sexual harassment was affecting members of the university community and that stronger preventive and response mechanisms were needed.

It was explained that the policy provides guidance on prevention, reporting, investigation, and management of sexual harassment cases while promoting safe and respectful learning and working environments for all and that the was commited to supporting colleges and administrative units in implementing the policy and creating awareness among staff and students.
Gender and Equity in Planning and Budgeting
The session also highlighted the growing importance of gender and equity considerations in institutional planning and resource allocation. Participants were informed that the Public Finance Management Act requires public institutions to mainstream gender and equity concerns in their plans and budgets. They also learned that the Equal Opportunities Commission assesses institutional performance in implementing gender and equity commitments. The discussion prompted reflection on how colleges can strengthen compliance with these requirements and address existing gaps in implementing gender-responsive activities.
Fostering an Inclusive University Community

The sensitization session provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback on the implementation of the University’s policies. Participants welcomed the engagement, noting that it enhanced their understanding of gender issues and underscored their role in promoting a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for both staff and students.

The Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Ms. Rose Namayanja, has called for stronger collaboration between researchers and farming communities to ensure farmers access the right information, technologies, and products needed to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.

Namayanja made the remarks during a visit to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) at Makerere University on October 12, 2026, where she interacted with researchers and innovators working on various agricultural solutions. A key focus of the engagement was AZOLLA, an innovative low-cost protein source being developed as an alternative livestock feed ingredient to help reduce feed costs and improve farmer productivity. She explained that her visit to CoVAB was intended to obtain first-hand, research-based information that could be shared with other stakeholders and used to provide informed guidance to farmers.

While reflecting on the performance of beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Namayanja noted that government efforts to train and support farmers were yielding positive results in many areas, citing Mubende Municipality as an example. However, she expressed concern about the escalating cost of animal feeds, which continues to affect farmers across the country. She specifically cited the high price of ‘Akalungo’, a protein premix commonly used in livestock feeds, as one of the challenges undermining profitability in the agricultural sector.

Namayanja, who indicated that she too was involved in poultry farming with over One hundred thousand birds,  explained that she had learned about Azolla, an alternative and affordable source of protein for animal feeds, from several sources, including the Uganda Prisons Service’s two-acredemonstration facility at the Jinja Show Ground, where a number of agricultural innovations are showcased. Interested in obtaining first-hand knowledge about the innovation, she visited CoVAB to engage with the researchers behind Azolla and better understand its potential to address the feed cost challenge facing farmers.

She noted that her intention was to obtain well-researched and evidence-based information that would enable her to provide accurate guidance and informed advice to farmers seeking practical solutions to improve productivity while reducing production costs.

Explanation of Improvements

“Many people, including members of the elite class, are increasingly investing in agriculture and are seeking support and information from credible institutions,” she said.

Namayanja commended the young scientists and innovators at the college for putting their academic knowledge into practice through solutions that address animal nutrition challenges and help farmers reduce the cost of livestock feeds.

She pledged to work closely with CoVAB to ensure that farmers’ challenges are addressed through scientifically guided interventions and innovations.

CoVAB Showcases Research and Academic Programs

The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. Clovice Kankya, highlighted the wide range of research and academic activities being undertaken at the college. He explained the college’s structure, which comprises the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) and the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnologyand Laboratory Sciences ((SBLS), outlining the various academic programs and research initiatives offered under the two schools.

Scientists Promote Alternative Feed Sources

Speaking during the engagement, Assoc. Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, the Dean of SBLS emphasized the college’s efforts to develop alternative animal feed sources using insects such as maggots and black soldier flies. She explained that these innovations help transform waste into useful products while addressing the growing demand for affordable protein sources in animal feeds. As a representative from the unit responsible for quality management, she noted that the college places great emphasis on ensuring that animal feeds meet national standards and regulatory requirements.

“Food is often said to be a drug, and therefore the feeds we produce must be of high quality,” she said, noting the need to comply with standards set by the National Drug Authority and other regulators.

Prof. Mugasa observed that conventional protein sources such as fish meal and soybean remain expensive, creating competition between livestock and humans for food resources. She stressed the need to expand research, establish demonstration gardens, and increase farmer awareness and confidence in innovations such as Azolla.  She also highlighted the need for further research into preservation technologies, including grinding and fermentation methods, to improve the storage and utilization of Azolla products.

Linking Innovations to Communities

Edward Ssebuufu, founder of Anaweza Innovation Academy, said the academy identifies gaps within communities and develops solutions to address them. He revealed that the organization in conjunction with researchers from CoVAB and CAES is establishing demonstration gardens to promote Azolla as an affordable protein source for animal feed among many other innovations.  Ssebuufu proposed stronger collaboration between the academy and the Parish Development Model so that proven technologies can be disseminated more effectively to communities.

“We have the technologies here at CoVAB. The question is how we get them to the communities?” he said.

He noted that high feed costs and concerns about feed quality remain major challenges for farmers. According to him, practical community training centers, proper enterprise selection, and farmer group formation are essential strategies for improving agricultural productivity and adoption of innovations.

Makerere UniPod Promotes Commercialization

The Assistant Manager of Makerere UniPod, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, said the innovation hub welcomes staff, students, and members of the public with innovative ideas. She acknowledged that while numerous innovations are being developed at the university, many people are not fully utilizing the services available through the center.

“Our role is to link academia to industry and serve all categories of innovators,” she said.

Dr. Nagwovuma further observed that there is a significant gap in the commercialization of research outputs and innovations, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among researchers, innovators, government agencies, and industry players to ensure that technologies developed at the university reach communities and contribute to national development.

Prof. Clovice Kankya officially assumed leadership of Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) on Thursday, September 17, 2026, taking over from outgoing principal Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine in a handover ceremony presided over by Chief Human Resources Officer Deus Mujuni.

Upon assuming office, Prof. Clovice Kankya has laid out a six-pillar vision to transform the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The vision focuses on shifting from lecture-based to competence-driven teaching, advancing impactful research that translates into innovation and national development.

Further, he said his leadership will support building valuable partnerships that strengthen staff capacity and global contribution. He emphasized treating people as the greatest resource by addressing staff attrition and fostering mentorship, while reinforcing governance and accountability to ensure institutional trust. Finally, he pledged to create a listening college with open communication channels between staff and students, positioning CoVAB as a hub of excellence, innovation, and impact.

Prof. Clovice Kankya, in his maiden address as Principal CoVAB, began with heartfelt appreciation: “I stand before you with a profound sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility.” He pledged to confront challenges honestly, build on existing achievements, and transform ideas into measurable outputs. Emphasizing his leadership philosophy, he declared that it is anchored on “continuity where continuity serves, change where change is necessary, and innovation where innovation can create greater impact.”

A Call to Collective Action

Prof. Kankya urged students to challenge the college intellectually and prepare to become solution creators rather than job seekers. He called on staff for active participation and constructive criticism, and encouraged researchers and partners to form multidisciplinary teams tackling Uganda’s pressing problems.

Further, he pledged to lead with consultation, accountability, and consensus-building. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. It’s not a chapter that I write alone; it’s a chapter that we shall write together,” he said. “Together, let us move CoVAB from retention to practice, from knowledge to innovation, and from innovation to impact.”

Prof. Kankya envisions CoVAB as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and impact — with improved infrastructure, digital transformation, enhanced staff development, and financial sustainability. His leadership is expected to strengthen academic programs, enhance resource mobilization, and steer the college toward greater influence in veterinary medicine and animal resources, both in Uganda and beyond.

Legacy of Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine at CoVAB

Outgoing Principal Prof. Mwiine highlighted milestones during his tenure, including the construction of a 980-million-shilling hostel at Buyana Stock Farm, roofing of the CoVAB building, acquisition of a bus for student transport, provision of 500 lecture hall seats, and painting of the college building without drawing on university funds. Yet, he also pointed to persistent challenges such as staffing gaps, unimplemented departmental restructuring, and high staff attrition. He urged his successor to remain resilient, stressing that resource mobilization often comes with resistance and criticism.

The Chief Human Resources Officer for Makerere University, Mr. Deus Mujuni commended Prof. Mwiine for leaving an indelible mark on the college and urged Prof. Kankya to build on that legacy. He emphasized continuity, urging the new principal to consult past leaders and rely on institutional memory, while reminding staff to extend the same trust and dedication to the incoming leadership.