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Stakeholders to take on Electronic Rabies Surveillance using a One Health Approach in the control of Rabies

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Stakeholders in the Rabies Elimination project in Uganda (eRabies) have intensified efforts aimed at the use of electronic Rabies Surveillance using a One Health approach in the efforts towards elimination of rabies in Uganda.

A two-day workshop was convened at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University from 28th-29th August 2023, during which the stakeholders deliberated on a number of proposals for the best applicable surveillance tools to address One Health concerns in the effort towards the elimination of Rabies.

Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of Department, Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health at CoVAB. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of Department, Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health at CoVAB.

‘The purpose of the meeting is to hear from various actors and see what works for us, to enable us collect information and have it shared in a sustained way with One Health as a key component’ said Prof. Clovice Kankya, the Head, Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health at CoVAB, at the start of the meeting held in the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health.

Kankya noted that with one year of implementation to date, the eRabies project was progressing well drawing a lot of support from the implementing local Governments of Kyegegwa, Soroti and Kampala Capital City Authority that spearhead the community engagements and other related activities. He said the graduate fellows from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries supported by the project were also on schedule.

He said Rabies is a global challenge being a zoonotic disease affecting the entire world more so here in Africa where there is close interaction between the wild animals and the human population.  The Uganda Wildlife Authority, he said, was brought on board specifically Queen Elizabeth National Park to address some of the challenges affecting people drawing from the wild animals.

Prof. James Acai-Okwee, Deputy Principal CoVAB officiated at the opening. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Prof. James Acai-Okwee, Deputy Principal CoVAB officiated at the opening.

The Deputy Principal CoVAB, Prof. James Acai Okwee, in his opening remarks noted through the eRabies project, Makerere University and the host CoVAB were consolidating efforts towards the control of rabies in Uganda. ‘In as much as Rabies is a killer 100%, it is also preventable 100%’ observed Prof. Acai, adding that Makerere University and CoVAB specifically have been involved in such efforts through filed activities, vaccinations and animal welfare programs aimed at the control of rabies.  He said through research, such efforts were to be intensified from a scientifically informed point of view.

Prof. Sonja Hartnack, from the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich gives the background to the project. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Prof. Sonja Hartnack, from the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich gives the background to the project.

Prof. Sonja Hartnack, from the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, one of the partners gave an overview of the project.  She said the four-year project has seven different work packages while emphasizing that presently, the stakeholders were addressing work package one, that entails Surveillance systems and integrated bite case management.  She noted that the communities were crucial in the rabies control efforts and specifically in identifying the barriers for rabies control through research interventions and the development of educational materials for awareness creation.

She made reference to the World organization for Animal Health (WOAH) recommended practices that points out that dog owners are clearly identified as one way through which the barriers to dog vaccination can be addressed in the communities and emphasized responsible dog ownership.

Participants engage in group work. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Participants engage in group work.

She said it was important to assess which vaccinations approaches are most successful in terms of vaccination coverage, whether there were static points vaccinations, or linked to institutions like Schools or other Veterinary activities or even human health related activities. She said through quantitative and qualitative research, the eRabies project was set to establish what works.  She also pointed out the need to increase the laboratory capacity at regional levels as well as taking on rapid tests in the field.

Prof. Sonja Hartnack said the deliberations in the meeting were to inform the efforts towards having an integrated bite case management (IBCM) system by looking at different systems, picking out key data elements, reviewing the challenges of the existing processes for a proper One Health approach.

Dr.  Andrew Kambugu, Director, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) affirms IDI’s support to the project. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Dr. Andrew Kambugu, Director, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) affirms IDI’s support to the project.

Dr.  Andrew Kambugu, Director, Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) one of the key partners in the eRabies project extended appreciation to the Swiss Government and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) for the grant that is supporting the implementation of the activities.  He referred to COVID-19, a Zoonotic disease that affected many people as having come from the contact between animals and humans.  He said the model that would come out of the meeting was to be relevant to many.  He emphasized the need for increased collaboration between different agencies in Africa, where he noted that many were working in silos.  He affirmed that IDI was to give all relevant support needed in the eRabies project.

The deliberations in the workshop shared experiences from varied stakeholders that included the Infectious Diseases Institute experiences of Rabies Surveillance in West Nile region, the respective implementing Local Governments, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries.

Group work presentations by participants. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Group work presentations by participants.

Participants identified some of the challenges experienced in timely dog bites reporting that need to be addressed in the surveillance.  They included late reporting by the victims, failure to capture data from the private Veterinary Medicine practitioners that handle a number of cases in the communities, omission of the wildlife Veterinarians in the reporting system and the little interaction between the Human Health practitioners and the Veterinarians, coupled with the limited data sharing avenues.

Participants in a plenary session. Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. East Africa.
Participants in a plenary session.

The eRabies project is implemented by Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) in collaboration with the Vetsuisse Faculties, Universities of Bern and Zurich from Switzerland. It is contributing to efforts towards elimination of Rabies by 2030.

Harriet Musinguzi

Veterinary & Biosecurity

Experts Discuss Climate-Smart Agriculture and Livestock Feed Innovations in Uganda

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Participants at the roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda in the E-Boardroom at CoVAB. Leading agricultural experts and stakeholders high-level roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda hosted May 2025 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.

Leading agricultural experts and stakeholders convened for a high-level roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda. Hosted at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, the event brought together scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas on sustainable agriculture and the future of livestock feeding.

In the opening remarks, Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, the head of the Department of Livestock and Industrial Resources Department at CoVAB welcomed participants and expressed deep appreciation for their engagement, emphasizing the significance of such discussions in driving meaningful change. She acknowledged the progress made in climate-smart agriculture while stressing the need for thorough documentation and continued evaluation to ensure that all achievements are fully leveraged for future impact.

The Livestock Climate Smart Technologies Round Table Discussion is one of the activities organized under the four-year collaborative research project namely; Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (CICSA-E&SA).  One of its objectives is to develop a Climate Smart Agriculture platform that includes key stakeholders engaged and interested in key activities and initiatives that promote Climate Smart Agriculture practices and technologies to share experiences and lessons to further the resilience of farmers among others.  The project is run by a project implementation committee comprised of Prof. John Tabuti, Prof. Josephine Esaete, Prof. Vincent Muwanika, and Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira.

Participants were drawn from key units including the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries (MAAIF), the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) among others and they included scientists and PhD students.  Throughout the session, experts explored various innovative farming strategies, including improved manure management, the use of repurposed agricultural byproducts, and alternative feeding approaches such as insect-based feed and probiotics. The discussions highlighted the necessity of research-driven solutions to maximize efficiency and ensure safe adoption of these techniques.

Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, Head of the Livestock and Industrial Resourses Department, CoVAB (Right), flanked by Dr. Maholo Mulongo Denis, Ass. Commissioner Animal Nutrition, MAAIF. Leading agricultural experts and stakeholders high-level roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda hosted May 2025 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, Head of the Livestock and Industrial Resourses Department, CoVAB (Right), flanked by Dr. Maholo Mulongo Denis, Ass. Commissioner Animal Nutrition, MAAIF.

With Uganda’s livestock industry expanding rapidly, concerns were raised about gaps in technical knowledge among farmers, particularly as modern farming practices evolve. Participants emphasized the importance of bridging this gap through better documentation, sensitization programs, and closer collaboration between researchers and farmers.

The discussions made some future projections based on available research and experiences drawn from elsewhere which projections indicate that Uganda will need to significantly increase its milk and meat production by 2050 to meet the growing demand. Experts underscored the importance of predictive models and data-driven research to assess feed availability, considering factors such as rising carbon dioxide levels that could affect grass protein content, which is a major component of livestock diets.

The discussions concluded with recommendations to strengthen stakeholder cooperation, enhance information-sharing efforts, and revive research dissemination initiatives. Dr. Nampanzira encouraged continued engagement, urging participants to contribute to future projects and explore funding opportunities to support similar discussions.  This roundtable serves as a critical step toward sustainable agriculture, ensuring Uganda remains prepared to meet evolving climate and food security challenges.

Prof. Vincent Muwanika moderated the sessions during the discourse. Leading agricultural experts and stakeholders high-level roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda hosted May 2025 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Vincent Muwanika moderated the sessions during the discourse.

During the discussions, participants reflected on various strategies farmers are adopting to cope with climate change, including innovative manure management and repurposing agricultural byproducts. While some methods have traditional roots, enhancing efficiency through research and technology was emphasized as crucial for long-term sustainability.

A key topic was the adoption of alternative feeding strategies such as insect-based feed, blood meal, and probiotics. Scientists highlighted the need for further research to validate these methods, ensuring they meet safety standards and are viable for widespread use. In addition, participants explored high-protein forage options, such as elephant grass from China, which boasts a 19% protein content. Experts warned, however, of the risks associated with introducing non-native plant species, stressing the importance of scientific guidance in agricultural innovations.

Another challenge addressed was the knowledge gap between farmers and researchers. With an increasing number of elite farmers investing in modern practices, the lack of technical oversight could lead to long-term negative effects. Stakeholders called for better documentation of successful farming methods and increased efforts in farmer education.

Discussions also touched on Uganda’s future food security, with projections indicating a 200% increase in milk demand and a 300% rise in meat production by 2050. Experts stressed the importance of data-driven research to assess feed availability and predict future needs, noting that rising carbon dioxide levels could diminish grass protein content, which was a major concern for livestock-dependent industries.

A section of the participants in the dialogue. Leading agricultural experts and stakeholders high-level roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda hosted May 2025 at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa.
A section of the participants in the dialogue.

The event concluded with recommendations to strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement and revive research dissemination initiatives. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) was urged to develop regulatory frameworks, particularly on animal feed policy, to support sustainable livestock farming.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Nampanzira praised the participants for their dedication and called for continued collaboration in securing funding for future discussions. She encouraged experts to contribute to extension grants and policy formulation, recognizing the significance of collective action in addressing Uganda’s agricultural challenges.

Harriet Musinguzi

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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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