General
Malaysia based Bio-Angle Vacs SDN. BHD. seeks partnership with CoVAB
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) on Tuesday 19th July 2023 hosted Malaysia based Bio-Angle Vacs SDN.HBD., a pharmaceutical company supplying veterinary vaccine for goats and sheep.
The team was led by the Chief Executive Officer Noor Shazreena Ishak, who was accompanied by Alhaj Habib Kagimu, the honorary Consul of Malaysia in Uganda and Fatim Mohemd Tarip from Pure Adventure Global Trade.
During their interactions with the CoVAB management and staff, it was revealed that Bio-Angle Vacs SDN.HBD were the manufacturers of the first intranasal spray vaccine for small ruminants in the world.
While welcoming the team, CoVAB Principal Prof. Nobert Frank Mwiine gave a brief background about the college and Makerere University as a whole. He said with effect from the year 2022 going forward, the University was refocusing towards becoming research led. He said University and Industry work hand in hand in offering solutions to societal problems, adding that it was high time that the college created strong partnerships with the industry on order to come up with products that benefit society.
Prof. Mwiine noted that the community was affected by a number of diseases and that it was important that scientists address the control, management and total elimination of diseases. He cited the example of the global agenda of eliminating foot and moth disease noting that Uganda was incapacitated because of such diseases and cannot export products to international markets.
He said as Makerere University, there were a number of post graduate programs that can address such challenges through research. ‘The Animal Industry must be improved. It is our role as researchers to precent diseases, there are protocols to prevent diseases’, he said, while taking cognizance of the fact that as much as Uganda was gifted with wildlife, these bring with them a number of viruses and bacteria. It is upon us as researchers to find solutions, he observed.
While addressing himself on the vaccine produced by Bio-angle Vacs Sdn Bhd, Prof Mwiine observed that this was for the small ruminants like goats and sheep and called upon the scientists to help find solutions to other diseases, bearing in mind that need is the mother of innovation.
The Bio-angle Vacs Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Noor Shazreena Ishak, said her company was focusing on products which through innovations would help farmers improve productivity. She said their product STVac an intra nasal spray vaccine was wholly developed and patented by Universiti Putra Malaysia and had 98% proven efficacy. She explained that the vaccine stimulates local immunity that protects the respiratory tract from the invasion of M. haemolytica A 2, A7 and A9 and at the same time stimulates the systematic immunity of the animals.
Alhaj Habib Kagimu, the honorary Consul of Malaysia in Uganda said he was proud of Makerere University, citing the example of the Electric Car which he said he supported and it came to reality. He said Makerere University was internationally recognized and charged the researchers and teachers at the University to ensure that the knowledge they are generating impact others.
‘You people here at Makerere are our leaders whether you know it or not’ he said adding that education is something that cannot be stolen, and pledged continued partnerships with the college.
Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alfasan Uganda Limited on 19th March, 2021 to facilitate production of test batches of the Anti-Tick Vaccine developed by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The MoU was signed on behalf of Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and on behalf of Alfasan by the Managing Director Dr. Stephen Birungi.
Similarly, a memorandum of understanding was signed between The Principal Investigator of the Anti-Tick Vaccine Development Initiative and the Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Uganda for producing and using advanced technology in treating animals. This will enable bringing the technology to Alfasan, a company that is developing the anti- tick and other vaccines that can be administered orally.
Makerere University on Thursday 15th May, 2025 embarked on a two-day induction exercise spearheaded by the Directorate of Human Resources for newly appointed staff, whose tenures commenced in the 2024/2025 financial year. Held in the Senate Conference Hall, day one of the induction was presided over by the Acting (Ag.) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
Warmly welcoming the new staff, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the ladies and gentlemen upon choosing Makerere University as the workplace for embarking on their next phase of professional growth, self-discovery, and personal development.
“You are joining a century-old institution with a distinguished history and a deeply rooted culture of academic excellence” Prof. Buyinza remarked. “For over 100 years, Makerere has nurtured the intellectual talents of young people and contributed meaningfully to the development of society across the globe,” he added.
The Ag. DVCAA nevertheless tipped that although the onboarding process might overwhelm staff with a lot of information, it is all meant to enable them better understand their roles, the benefits due them, and the unique opportunities that come with working in a world-class institution. Prof. Buyinza therefore encouraged new staff to contribute to the attainment of Makerere’s Mission, connect with the vibrant community they are now part of, enjoy the beautiful greenery the campus affords, and take advantage of professional development as well as well-being promoting programmes.
“At Makerere University, the well-being, safety, and professional growth of our staff are priorities. We are committed to walking this journey with you, and to building an institution that is not only a place of work but a place of inspiration and belonging” Prof. Buyinza reassured.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni congratulated the new staff upon successfully completing the rigorous process the resulted into their respective appointments. He equally thanked the Vice Chancellor for endorsing the induction ceremony with not only budgetary support but also his representation.
Reiterating the need to appreciate the culture, politics and dynamics of the institution that they are now part of, Mr. Mujuni tasked new staff to take time and appreciate the University Vision, Mission and Objectives, and ensure that they adhere to them. He equally urged new staff to read and understand the various university policies and where in doubt, consult the relevant offices.
Ultimately, he urged staff in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities not to disregard their individual goals. “You have aspirations that you must achieve as an individual and I encourage you not to neglect them.”
The University Council as the supreme governing body of the university is also the policy making body, whose Appointments Board oversees the appointment, promotion, removal from service, and discipline of all university staff and officers. The representative of Staff with Disabilities on University Council, Mr. Amon Muteganda Kabahima who chaired the session on University Governance equally congratulated new staff.
“You underwent a tough process full of various competitive stages and we are sure that we have the right people for the various jobs” he commended.
Addressing aspects of University Governance and the key Offices, the University Secretary and Secretary to Council, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda guided that the policies and regulations that govern the institution are broad, numerous, and as such cannot adequately be covered over the two-day induction. He nevertheless encouraged staff to visit the University Policies website and appraise themselves with the details, not only for avoidance of breaching them but also building a culture voluntary compliance.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff not to ascribe importance and respect to colleagues based on rank and titles but seek to esteem each and every member of staff as an important and vital contributor to the fulfilment of the University’s Vision and Mission.
“We are all equally important in this university; the person whose services the university does not require, it does not hire. As long as you are here, you are required” he explained.
The University Secretary equally called upon staff to familiarize themselves with the law that establishes and governs public universities; the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA). In his presentation, he singled out section twenty-four (24) that outlines the objectives of a public university in Uganda, as well as sections 30 to 32 that prescribe various offices’ responsibilities.
Mr. Kiranda equally encouraged staff to read the Human Resources Manual, Policy and Regulations against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), the Safeguarding Policy, among others. He concluded by reiterating the need for staff to read and appreciate the policies that directly address their welfare and steer clear of negative narratives and discourse, particularly those that seek to weaponize discourse. Other topics to be covered during the two-day induction include; the University Strategic Plan, Financing, Research-led Agenda, Institutional Communication and Public Relations and the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS). Topics to be covered on day two include; Legal Instruments, The Collegiate System, Human Resources Management and Functions, as well as Policies on Gender Equality and Sexual Harassment. Others include; Academic Issues, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Audit, and Library Resources.
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