Veterinary & Biosecurity
UK-based Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) seeks collaboration with CoVAB in Aquatic Animal Health
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity on 8th August 2023, hosted a team from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, an executive agency for the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Dr. Richard Paley and Mr. Andrew Wokorac Joseph of the Environment and Animal Health group were in the College courtesy of Dr. John Walakira from the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO). Their visit is aimed at forging collaboration and support diagnostic and research activities pertaining to aquatic animal health.
The team was welcome to the College by the Principal, Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine, represented by the Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, Prof. Robert Tweyongyere. While extending appreciation for the upcoming collaboration, the Principal noted that Uganda is one of the main producers of fisheries products in Sub-Saharan Africa and it is the second largest foreign exchange earner for Uganda. He said the interventions in the collaboration were pertinent given the declining production that is also negatively affecting national and household income and food security which is being addressed by the Government of Uganda through promotion of aquaculture.
Prof. Mwiine highlighted some of the challenges affecting aquaculture that include lack of quality feed and seed as well as technical expertise. He said although fish diseases are yet to be considered a major challenge, with the advances in aquaculture, there is bound to be frequent disease outbreaks. He said anti-microbial resistance and drug residues were inevitable because in the process of managing fish disease, antibiotics are administered. Further he pointed out the limited knowledge and skills in fish health management which falls in the docket of veterinaries but few are well equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge.
He made reference to Makerere University’s vision of innovative teaching, learning and services responsive to national and global needs, and the strategic direction of enhancing and strengthening partnerships with industry, the community through multiple collaborations with universities and other research institutions regionally and globally.
The Principal informed the team that Makerere University offers comprehensive training programs in aquaculture, fisheries production and aquatic animal health at CoVAB and the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS). He said at CoVAB, research in aquatic animal health has expanded to cover core areas of biosecurity and ecosystem health following the one health approach. He emphasized the need for increased collaborative ties and networks with the private sector, research institutions, universities and technical agencies, working closely with the fish farmers.
He explained that at CoVAB, the two Schools synergistically offer training across the graduate and undergraduate programs. He highlighted some of the fisheries/aquaculture research projects ongoing that include Safe Fish that is investigating phages as alternatives to antibiotic use in fish management; Novel Feeds, that is developing a feed formulation for fish larvae; Bioconversion of Industrial waste products in Nile perch , Artificial Intelligence system to balance water quality and feed; Capacity Building in aquatic animal health and environmental health as well as probiotics for use on Tilapia and Nile Perch farms.
Dr. John Walakira from the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) noted that there was potential for a long-term relationship between CoVAB and NARO and urged the college to identify gaps that need to be filled in future in the aquaculture industry. He said the team was in the college to establish what it can do in the industry, noting that issues of diseases are recurrent and a preserve of the veterinarians. He noted that aquaculture animal health was growing very fast with over 2.5 billion fingerlings in the region and in the process, diseases are on the increase.
He said the team from Cefas was in the college to establish what was on ground for example the graduate courses as well as training for the practitioners in the industry. He said Africa has been without aquaculture related diseases but now they are getting reported and veterinarians called to take up the challenge. Because of the rich resources in Uganda, it’s time to train practitioners, he said, and that Makerere University especially CoVAB is a focal point especially in dealing with such diseases.
Dr. Richard Paley from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquatic Science (Cefas) while briefing the meeting said Cefas is an International Centre of Excellence involved in the maintenance of the health of wild and farmed seafood to minimize loss and maximize food security. He said as a world leader in marine science and technology, Cefas collects, manages and interprets data on the aquatic environment, biodiversity and fisheries. He their Weymouth lab has over 1100 scientists dedicated to aquatic health bringing together all the necessary disciplines that among many include disease inspection, diagnosis, research and development, microbiology, virology and many more.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) designated Cefas as the WOAH Collaborating Centre for Emerging Aquatic Animal Diseases. He said their aim is to function as a global resource for health and disease research, diagnostics, pathogen detection and description, and knowledge sharing associated with aquatic animals. The meeting was attended among others by the Assoc. Prof. Jesca Nakavuma who is also undertaking research in Safe Fish that is investigating phages as alternatives to antibiotic use in fish management, as well as Veterinary medicine students.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Prof. Clovice Kankya Assumes Leadership at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
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.
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Rt. Hon. Eng. Asiimwe Jonard, visited the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) during his maiden official visit to Makerere University, commending the tremendous research work ongoing at CoVAB and across the University.
In his remarks, the Minister noted that his visit to the University highlighted the pivotal role of research, technology, and innovation in shaping Uganda’s economic transformation and showcased Makerere’s capacity to translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address both national and global challenges.
The visit, held on September 16th, 2026, was anchored under the theme “Research Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies and Enterprise Creation.” It offered the Minister an opportunity to tour CoVAB’s state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre for Global Biosecurity and Biomolecular Technology (CeBioTech) and engage directly with faculty, researchers, and students. He commended the college for its tremendous contributions to animal health, food security, and biosecurity, emphasizing that these areas are vital to building a resilient and sustainable economy for Uganda.
While addressing college staff, researchers, and other stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that universities must serve as engines of innovation, moving beyond scholarly work to commercialization. He commended CoVAB’s vaccine development for both humans and animals, describing it as a cornerstone of Uganda’s biosecurity agenda. He further highlighted the importance of integrating social sciences into innovation, noting that project management and product development strategies are essential to fast-track research outputs into viable enterprises.
The Minister toured several flagship facilities at CoVAB, including the Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility, which provides laboratory animal services and pre-clinical trial support; RePROVaD, which designs recombinant proteins and subunit vaccines for emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Mpox; the Anti-Tick Vaccine project, which addresses the persistent challenge of ticks and tick-borne diseases affecting livestock productivity; and BIOMARKER, which develops antibody-based diagnostics to strengthen disease detection. These initiatives, he noted, demonstrate Makerere University’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to both national and global health challenges.
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined priority actions where CoVAB is expected to play a leading role. These include advancing veterinary innovations toward certification and commercialization, leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen Uganda’s pathogen economy, positioning veterinary science as a driver of agro‑industrialization, developing sustainable models for shared diagnostic and biosecurity laboratories, and providing commercialization support for innovators in areas such as intellectual property, regulation, standards, and market access. By focusing on these areas, he emphasized, CoVAB will not only enhance Uganda’s scientific capacity but also accelerate the country’s journey toward economic resilience and prosperity.
Asiimwe pledged continued support for Makerere University and encouraged the development of structured University–Industry exchange models to ensure veterinary research translates into enterprise creation. He also emphasized the importance of self-sustainability for research centers, noting that revenue generation is key to long-term impact.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the Minister for recognizing CoVAB’s strategic role and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to advancing veterinary science and innovation for Uganda’s prosperity.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Reviews Uganda’s Emerging Science Ventures
By Jacinta Nakaye
Uganda’s drive to strengthen science, technology and innovation took center stage as the Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation toured Makerere University’s Centre for Biosecurity and Biomolecular Technology (CeBIOTECH). The centre is hosted at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The visit aimed to assess the progress of ventures supported under the Science, Technology and Innovation–Office of the President (STI-OP).
The visit brought legislators, scientists, and innovators together around a shared question: How can Uganda turn investments in scientific research into practical technologies, enterprises, and solutions that respond to national development challenges?
At CeBIOTECH, the Committee was taken through a portfolio of emerging science ventures, including Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility, which focuses on providing lab animal services, pre-clinical trial support, and specialized training to accelerate biosecurity and health solutions; RePROVaD, which focuses on designing and manufacturing recombinant proteins and subunit vaccines for emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Mpox; the Anti-Tick Vaccine venture focused on addressing the challenge of ticks and tick-borne diseases; and BIOMARKER focused on developing Antibody-based diagnostics.
The delegation also toured laboratories within the Centre where research, product development and other activities supporting the ventures are undertaken.
The engagement offered the Committee a first-hand view of the scientific infrastructure, expertise and processes underpinning Uganda’s efforts to move research beyond academic discovery and towards innovation, enterprise development and eventual application.
Where science meets national priorities
For years, Uganda has invested in research and generated scientific knowledge across universities and research institutions. However, converting that knowledge into products and services that reach communities and markets remains one of the country’s most important innovation challenges. The ventures showcased at CeBIOTECH represent an attempt to bridge this gap.
Although they operate in different areas, the ventures share a common pathway using scientific research and technological expertise to develop solutions with potential to address challenges facing Ugandans while contributing to economic growth.
The Parliamentary Science Committee’s visit consequently provided more than an opportunity to observe ongoing research. It created a platform for legislators to interact with the scientists behind the innovations and gain insight into the journey from research concept to a potentially viable product or enterprise.
That journey can involve years of research, laboratory experimentation, testing, validation, regulatory requirements, intellectual property protection, investment, and commercialisation.
A diverse portfolio of innovation
The diversity of ventures at CeBIOTECH reflects the broad scope of Uganda’s science and innovation agenda.
The CLARF, REPROVaD, and BIOMARKER ventures demonstrate the range of scientific work being pursued. At the same time, the Anti-Tick Vaccine Venture highlights efforts to address one of the persistent challenges affecting livestock production.
Rather than viewing the ventures as isolated projects, the visit highlighted the importance of building an ecosystem in which scientific discoveries can be nurtured into sustainable enterprises.
Such an ecosystem requires more than laboratory facilities. It depends on skilled human resources, research financing, modern infrastructure, regulatory support, partnerships, intellectual property management, manufacturing capacity, and market access.
Taking the fight against ticks beyond conventional control
One of the ventures presented to the Committee was the Tick Control Innovations Initiative Ltd.’s Anti-Tick Vaccine Venture, which is developing a vaccine aimed at controlling ticks and reducing the burden of tick-borne diseases in cattle.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases continue to present significant challenges to livestock production, affecting animal health and productivity and placing additional costs on farmers.
The development of an anti-tick vaccine represents an innovative approach to complement conventional tick-control measures and potentially provide farmers with an additional tool for managing the problem.
The inclusion of the venture among the STI-OP innovations showcased to Parliament demonstrates how scientific research can be directed towards challenges with direct implications for agriculture, livestock production and rural livelihoods.
For Uganda, the significance of such innovations lies not only in the scientific breakthrough itself, but also in the possibility of developing locally generated technologies that can eventually reach farmers and contribute to a more productive livestock sector.
The laboratories behind the innovations
A significant part of the Committee’s programme was the tour of CeBIOTECH’s laboratories. The tour offered members an opportunity to see the facilities where scientific investigations and activities supporting the various ventures are undertaken.
Behind every innovation that eventually reaches the market is a substantial amount of work that is rarely visible to the public: laboratory experiments, sample analysis, quality control, testing, documentation, and validation.
The laboratory visits therefore helped demonstrate that successful innovation requires sustained investment in scientific infrastructure and the people who operate it. For Uganda’s science ventures to mature into viable enterprises, maintaining and strengthening such infrastructure will remain critical.
Parliament and the science agenda
The engagement also highlighted the important role Parliament can play in creating an environment in which scientific innovations can thrive.
While researchers generate knowledge and innovators develop technologies, policy and public investment can determine whether promising innovations receive the support needed to progress.
The Parliamentary Science Committee’s interaction with the ventures therefore provided an opportunity to understand the realities of research and innovation. Such an engagement strengthened the connection between policymakers and scientists, ensuring that decisions concerning science, technology and innovation are informed by the practical experiences of those working within the sector.
A step towards an innovation-driven Uganda
The Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation’s visit to CeBIOTECH comes at a time when Uganda continues to position science, technology, and innovation as central to national transformation. The ventures visited provide a glimpse into what this ambition can look like in practice; scientists working on locally relevant challenges, laboratories supporting research and development, and emerging enterprises seeking to convert scientific knowledge into usable solutions.
The visit also underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government, Parliament, universities, research institutions, private-sector players and investors. For the innovators at CeBIOTECH, the engagement provided an opportunity to demonstrate progress, highlight the potential of their work and draw attention to the support required to move their innovations to the next level. For Parliament, it offered a closer look at the people, facilities, and scientific processes behind Uganda’s emerging innovation landscape.
Ultimately, the story unfolding at CeBIOTECH is not simply about laboratories or individual ventures. It is about Uganda’s capacity to generate its own solutions, build enterprises around scientific knowledge, and turn research investment into tangible national value.
As the country pursues a more knowledge-driven economy, the progress of ventures such as CLARF, SUBUNIT, the Anti-Vaccine Venture, RePROVaD, and BIOMARKER will be an important measure of how effectively Uganda can move from research to innovation, from innovation to enterprise, and from enterprise to impact.
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