Veterinary & Biosecurity
CoVAB Celebrates outgoing staff
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity bade farewell to some of its long serving staff that left university services to take on other responsibilities outside Makerere University.
The event held on Friday 19th January 2024 in Ruth Keesling gardens did not only include the recognition of the contribution of outgoing staff but also formerly welcomed new staff that joined the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS).
Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine, the Principal of the College who was represented by the Principal Human Resource Officer Mr. Godfrey Makubuya said he was privileged for having been tutored by a number of staff that were now leaving the college. He said these did their work with uttermost dedication despite the challenges within the operating space then. He said it was gratifying to note that they are leaving the college to better placement. He urged them to always keep CoVAB at heart even in their new duty stations and that the college doors will be always open to receive them in their respective capacities whenever need arose.
Prof. Mwiine commended the Dean, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS) Dr. Claire March Mugasa for the gesture of formerly recognizing and sending off colleague staff, most of who were part of SBLS.
On her part, Dr. Claire Mugasa Marc, the Dean of the School of School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS)said the school organized the event as one way of energizing staff and ushering them into the new year.
‘We have come together to energize ourselves for the new year’, she said adding that thepeople leaving the college would always be part of Covab. We are commissioning them to the next placement’, she said. She urged the departing staffto always remember that CoVAB made them what they became and thereforewere duty bound to support it in any way possible.
She encouraged the staff still in service to keep supporting the colleagues in their next call of duty whenever necessary so that they can achieve their mandate, but also seek them out in order to strengthen each other’s output.
She said although the staff were leaving, they were still partners of CoVAB and that the same principals like collaboration especially with other universities and institutions were still pertinent.
In their remarks, some of the departing staff that graced the send off ceremony expressed their gratitude to Makerere University for being a good employer, nurturing them for a long time and greatly contributing toward becoming responsible citizens.
Assoc. Prof. Majalija Samuel one of the departing staff promised continued support to the College specifically the students to benefit from the ongoing research and innovations at his duty station as Head of Research at NARO.
The things we struggle to do here with students have answers in NARO, he said and that he was looking forward to a time when the students would benefit from this kind of collaboration. He extended his appreciation to his mentors and colleagues at CoVAB with whom he interacted during his tenure of office.
Dr. Stephens Kisaka who also left CoVAB for NARO after an eighteen-year tenure said with his new assignment, there was no way he could not work without CoVAB. ‘We came to Makerere University to work but we leave with friends and money. Makerere University paid us well and we are all well, the reason why other agencies have identified us to serve, ‘he said. He pledged continued support to CoVAB whenever a need arose.
On behalf of her husband Dr. Denis Muhangi, the wife Mrs. Muhangi said he left the University as an accomplished person and pledged to keep the University flag high at his new duty station. ‘After 19 years of service, I leave a happy man, Makerere University made me what I am and I will not shame it’, he said, while encouraging bosses to treat subordinates well because some of his bosses now are his former students. You gave him character and he is a man of integrity as a veterinary pathologist, she observed.
Dr. Paul Ssajakambwe who is also joining NARO said they were leaving CoVAB as a happy lot and that they were going with good memories from the place that nurtured them to the present level.
While speaking at the same event, the Acting Head of the Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences Department Prof. Joseph Erume said he was happy to be part of the college that has transformed many people himself inclusive. He commended those leaving the College for their great contribution realized for decades and urged them to continue being ambassadors of the college.
The new staff that were formally welcomed to the SBLS included Christine Kesiime, Dr. Kalenzi David, and Dr Angwe Martin.
PICTORIAL
Veterinary & Biosecurity
First Symposium on Bacteriophage Research & Applications in Uganda Highlights Remarkable Milestones & Future Prospects
Bacteriophage research and its applications were the focal point of the 1st Symposium on Bacteriophage Research and Applications, convened by Makerere University‘s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) on Thursday, March 27, 2025. This landmark event showcased Uganda’s strides in harnessing bacteriophages as innovative solutions to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other pressing health and agricultural challenges.
Key speakers included Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, CoVAB (Makerere University), who showcased Uganda’s pioneering phage research initiatives and vision. Tobi Elaine Nagel, the President of Phages for Global Health (USA), discussed the global significance of phage research. Prof. Martha Clokie, from the University of Leicester’s Centre for Phage Research (UK), shared insights into the latest advancements in phage therapy. Dr. Robert Blasdel, representing VASALE (Belgium), presented innovative solutions using bacteriophages. Ms. Abigail Riggs, from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), emphasized international partnerships and policy development.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Edward Wamala, Makerere University’s Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, who represented the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at the event, highlighted the critical role of bacteriophage research in addressing the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He explained how the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in human health, agriculture, and aquaculture have accelerated the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, rendering standard treatments ineffective. Citing statistics from the World Health Organization, he pointed out that AMR claims over 1.3 million lives annually, a number expected to rise without urgent action. He lamented the stagnation of new antibiotic development due to high research costs and rapid bacterial resistance, making bacteriophage therapy a powerful and promising alternative.
Prof. Wamala expressed Makerere University’s commitment to advancing research that addresses critical societal challenges, aligning with its mission of generating transformative knowledge and fostering sustainable development. He emphasized Uganda’s potential to lead in bacteriophage research, driven by multi-disciplinary partnerships and capacity building. He also highlighted ongoing studies into aquaculture-specific bacteriophages at CoVAB as an example of how phage technology can revolutionize sectors like agriculture while addressing AMR. Through such efforts, the university aims to position Uganda as a global leader in innovative solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and enhance public health.
Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, widely regarded as the mother of phages in Uganda, delivered a compelling presentation at the Symposium, where she detailed the impressive progress of phage research in Uganda since its inception in 2017. She highlighted Makerere University’s pioneering efforts, starting with a cohort of five undergraduate students, which have since expanded into groundbreaking research addressing challenges in agriculture, clinical health, food safety, and environmental safety. Key achievements include advancements in E. coli and Salmonella detection, tackling avian colibacillosis, and innovations in decontamination methods, underscoring the transformative potential of phage technology in combating antimicrobial resistance and enhancing public health.
The symposium honored collaborative efforts, including the establishment and accomplishments of Phage Team Uganda, which developed a repository of 125 characterized phage isolates and trained over 20 PhDs, MScs, and BSc students. Partnerships with international organizations such as IDRC InnoVet AMR and AU Safe Fish have significantly contributed to advancements in antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Nakavuma noted challenges such as insufficient facilities for large-scale phage production, regulatory limitations, and financial constraints. She affirmed that despite the challenges, the team remained ambitious, envisioning the creation of a fully equipped Phage Research and Development Center, the commercialization of phage products, and the establishment of policy frameworks to support the use of phages in Uganda.
The Deputy Principal of CoVAB, Prof. James Acai Okwee, warmly welcomed the partners to the conference and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to the college’s research efforts. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and achieving impactful results, highlighting the pivotal role that partnerships play in fostering academic and scientific growth. Prof. Okwee’s remarks set an encouraging tone for the conference, reinforcing the college’s commitment to advancing research initiatives and creating opportunities for shared learning and development.
The event that attracted the participation of various stakeholders including academia, civil society, and policy makers, concluded with acknowledgments of the efforts of Phage Team Uganda, collaborators, and funders, setting the stage for an exciting future in Uganda’s journey to combat antimicrobial resistance and ensure food and environmental safety.
The Makerere University Biomedical Laboratory Technology Students Association (MUBLISA) recently organized a transformative mentorship meeting at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB) at Makerere University, inspiring students to excel in biomedical laboratory technology. The mentorship session aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application while promoting diversity, inclusion, and professional development.
Two accomplished alumni were present at the event and they shared invaluable insights into thriving in the professional landscape beyond academic lectures. Their stories resonated with attendees, providing practical advice and motivation to navigate the challenges of building successful careers. It was also attended by the Dean, of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), Dr. Claire M. Mugasa.
Dr. Kiyemba Stephen Kaggwa, the distinguished director of Ebenezer Laboratories, delivered an uplifting keynote address that left a lasting impression on students and professionals alike. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to biomedical laboratory technology, Dr. Kaggwa encouraged aspiring professionals to explore their field’s untapped potential and underscored the transformative role of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth.
Dr. Kaggwa, who leads Ebenezer Laboratories, an institution celebrated for its dedication to accurate diagnostics and advancing medical science in the region as a prominent clinical laboratory based in Kampala, further demonstrated his commitment to healthcare innovation and patient-centered care. The inspiring event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership, mentorship, and innovation in shaping the next generation of professionals. It left students motivated to not only succeed but also to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
The other speaker, Ms. Eunice Ainomugisha, the Vice Chair of the Allied Health Professionals Council where she represents the medical laboratory reiterated the value of building meaningful relationships and staying organized to seize opportunities. Ainomugisha who illustrated her points by using her own experience as a struggling young girl to seize the available opportunities in the field, encourages the students to dream big and seek out the best for themselves despite the circumstances.
Dr. Gabriel Tumwine, representing the head of the Biomedical Laboratory Technology Department, Dr. Kato Drago highlighted the need for mentorship alongside academic training. He commended MUBLISA for taking the lead in empowering students to develop connections and skills essential for their careers. Students were inspired by the event’s message of perseverance, hard work, and the “power of right connections.” This pioneering mentorship program set the stage for many more initiatives aimed at equipping biomedical laboratory technology students with tools for success in academia, research, and industry.
The mentorship meeting not only celebrated the achievements of the department but also served as a powerful reminder of the impact Makerere University‘s graduates continue to make in advancing health and scientific research.
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