Veterinary & Biosecurity
COVAB’s outstanding Researchers recognized during the 74th Graduation Ceremony
Published
2 years agoon

Five of the best researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) were during the 74th graduation ceremony recognized for their outstanding contribution to the body of knowledge. They included Dr. Enoch Matovu with 48 publications, Dr. Eddy Wampande with 37, Prof. Denis Byarugaba with 36, Dr. Kato Drago with 33 and Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine, who is also the Principal CoVAB with 30. These were some of the beneficiaries of the inaugural Makerere University Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards given to all Colleges and the University Library.

The graduands that the college presented included 7 Ph.Ds, 58 with Masters Degrees, 212Bachelor Degrees and 5 with Post graduate Diplomas. The PhD Graduands were Agutu Claire, Atim Stella, Driciru Margaret, Kizza Daniel, Mayanja Martin Nsubuga and Othieno Emmanuel.
While making his pronouncement on day three of the 74th graduation ceremony on Wednesday 31st January 2024 when CoVAB presented her students, Prof. Nawangwe noted that with support from various partnerships, the University’s research output in terms of innovations and publications had increased. He said the recognition of outstanding performers in research and publication was based on the highest number of publications between the year 2017 and 2023 according to the Scopus database. He urged all staff to continue conducting research on national development priorities as well as matters of global interest and publishing their work in high-impact journals so as contribute to the university’s drive to become research-led.

The College was applauded for the increased research output and community outreach initiatives, that not only helped to improve on food security but also support efforts towards combating disease. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe pointed out that the college was spearheading the development of the anti-Tick Vaccine and that the Trials of this vaccine were on-going in several districts with promising results. He said the College entered into a memorandum of understanding with a private company to produce the vaccine commercially. He however noted that there were attempts to frustrate this project which is one of the Presidential initiatives and pledged to undertake further investigations and inform the appropriate authority accordingly.
Research, Innovation and Outreach.
In the area of research, Prof. Nawangwe said CoVAB as a College has continued to excel in research and community outreach in a number of Biomedical and Applied research projects with support from the Government of Uganda, through the Science, Technology, and Innovation secretariat, Office of the President. The college, he said, has been supported to establish a Biomarker discovery and translation research laboratory at COVAB. Under this initiative, Government has procured over twenty-eight (28) pieces of equipment to support the development of point of care diagnostic kits for infectious and non-communicable diseases including cancer. The goal is to translate identified biomarkers into point-of-care diagnostics for both human and veterinary medicine. In addition, the platform supports drug target discovery and elucidation of drug action mechanisms.
Furthermore, the College staff were involved in investigating the genetic markers for tolerance of the tsetse fly transmitted “Nagana” disease by some indigenous cattle, in order to inform programs to raise cattle breeds that can survive and remain productive in tsetse infested areas. This is complemented by an EU funded “COMBAT” project that aims to evaluate the socioeconomic burden of Nagana, identify and type the circulating trypanosome parasites, as well as determining biochemical and immunological markers for disease tolerance, towards progressive control and elimination of this animal disease as a major constraint to animal productivity and economic prosperity.

Improved Laboratory infrastructure
The Vice chancellor said with support from the Science, Technology and Innovations-Office of the President (STI-OP), CoVAB benefited from the laboratory infrastructure and technical capacity improvement. A Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility to support pre-clinical studies in animal models for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics was set up. This is alongside refurbished laboratories at Biosafety Levels 2 and 3 (BSL2, BSL3), fitted with state-of-the-art equipment to execute cutting edge basic and applied research.
Using COVID-19 as a model, the college was in advanced stages of development and production of 1 vaccine and 1 diagnostic, while ably supporting similar endeavors by other partners such as UVRI. Noteworthy was that the established infrastructure and research platforms can be applied to all diseases. This, he said, strategically places the college and Makerere at large in position to confront major animal and even human health challenges as significant proportions of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are of animal origin (Zoonotic).
Electronic Rabies Surveillance using a One Health Approach
In the area of combating Rabies in the country and the region, the Vice Chancellor noted that the College with support by the Swiss Government was championing the elimination of Rabies through the use of electronic surveillance. Rabies, he observed, 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. Using a one health approach, the college with partners that include the University of Zurich is working with graduate fellows and other stakeholders drawn from Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and Uganda Wild life authority among many others.
The Norbrook Veterinary Academic Excellence Award 2024
While recognizing the contribution by various partners in the realization of the Core mandate of the University, teaching and learning. Prof. Nawangwe mentioned such organizations including Norbrook (U) Ltd, who since 2021 continue to prize the best performing Veterinary students with cash prizes of Fifteen Million (15) Shillings annually. ‘We are gratified to note that these Veterinary excellence awards that were launched as part of the golden jubilee celebration of veterinary education in Uganda since the opening of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Uganda in 1971, are still on and running’, he said, while congratulating Norbrook (U) Ltd, the University and CoVAB management and the recipients of the award during this 74th Graduation ceremony namely; Kawuma Denis who scored a CGPA of 4.36, Kyomukama Baker Raymond who scored a CGPA of 4.25, and Atutambire Jonathan who scored a CGPA of 4.17.
Appreciation of Government Support
Nawangwe pointed out that it would not be possible for Makerere University to realize all these achievements had it not been for the unwavering support of the Visitor, the Minister, Parliament and the entire Government. He conveyed his appreciation to the President and the entire Government for the continued support to Makerere University, especially the support to staff welfare and the Research and Innovation Fund. ‘We once again pledge our commitment to serving our country with maximum dedication through training of highly skilled human resource, research for development and support to Government programs including the Parish Development Model and measures aimed at achieving the Sustained Development Goals’, he committed.
A Word to the Graduands
The Vice Chancellor, while addressing himself to the graduands said Graduation Day was the most important and most memorable day in the life of any scholar. It is not only a license to succeed in life, but also a license and a privilege to serve humanity. ‘You have worked hard to get a degree or diploma from one of the best universities in the World. This is a license for you to succeed in whatever you choose to do in your life career. But always remember that success will only come with discipline and hard work, while honoring your parents and fearing God’.
The Awards
Later in the evening, the best researchers from the college, and the best graduands received their certificates and cash prizes respectively during a luncheon organized by Makerere University Convocation, presided over by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director, National Planning Authority. The event, the first of its kind was held under the theme ‘Career Beyond Degrees’.
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Veterinary & Biosecurity
Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd Seeks Graduate Trainee Partnership with CoVAB
Published
1 week agoon
September 26, 2025
Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF), a fully integrated poultry enterprise located in Buyuki Nama Sub-County, Mukono District, has initiated strategic discussions with Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) to establish a Graduate Trainee partnership. This collaboration is designed to bridge the persistent gap between academic instruction and practical industry experience by offering final-year students and recent graduates immersive training across the entire poultry value chain.
At a meeting held at CoVAB, the SAF team, led by Dr. Abu Mayanja, the Chief Operations Officer SAF, and the staff of the Department of Livestock and Industry Resources (LIR), a range of operations where the students would benefit were explained, ranging from feed mill production and hatchery management to broiler farming, outgrower coordination, and abattoir services, providing a rich environment for experiential learning. Dr. Abu said the initiative will not only enhance graduate employability but also foster innovation and research, and build technical capacity in Uganda’s poultry sector, while promoting knowledge exchange and entrepreneurial thinking among young professionals. Dr. Mayanja highlighted the significant human resource gap in Uganda’s poultry industry, noting that most workers acquire skills informally on the job. To address this challenge, the partnership will offer final-year students and recent graduates a six-month comprehensive training program, combining mentorship with hands-on experience across SAF’s integrated poultry operations from feed production and hatchery management to broiler farming and processing.

Dr. Sylvia Nalubwama, along with other CoVAB staff, emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed Graduate Trainee partnership with Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF). The team highlighted that the initiative aligns well with Makerere University’s broader mission to provide education that meets societal needs, especially through practical, skills-based training. The two parties agreed to formalize the partnership following the established process, starting at the departmental level through the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR), and concluding with approval of the Memorandum of Understanding by University Management. They also agreed that, due to the urgent workforce gaps in the poultry industry, they would begin immediate engagement and move forward with preliminary activities, including reaching out to interested students and planning the program, even while formalities are still being finalized.
Among some of the terms of the engagement is providing student facilitation, including rent, internet access, and meals, while emphasizing the importance of attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Students will be selected through a merit-based application and interview process. The meeting also spoke of the need for collaboration with BTVET institutions, certification for trainees, and aligning academic programs with industry expectations.

Representatives of the final-year students in attendance expressed keen interest in the Graduate Trainee program and raised pertinent questions regarding remuneration and post-training employment opportunities. In response, representatives from Sekajja Agro Farms Ltd (SAF) acknowledged the importance of financial incentives but emphasized that the true value of the program lies in the unique exposure it offers to the commercial and operational aspects of poultry production. They assured students that the six-month training module is designed to equip them with critical skills, industry insights, and entrepreneurial competencies that are essential for driving growth and innovation within Uganda’s poultry sector.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
CoVAB Prepares Future Educators with One Health Skills to Address Zoonotic and Climate Risks
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 23, 2025
On Monday, 22nd September 2025, the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, launched a four-day intensive training program aimed at equipping Uganda’s next generation of educators with foundational knowledge in One Health. This initiative seeks to foster interdisciplinary understanding among future teachers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing emerging public health challenges.
The initiative, titled “One Health Training of Uganda’s Next Generation of Teachers,” targets selected third-year education students from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), and Kabale University, along with newly graduated teachers from across the country. The training is one of the activities of the broader Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA)project, a regional program spanning 12 countries aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting integrated approaches to health education and practice.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda, underscored the transformative impact of the training, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s future health resilience. He noted that by equipping educators with foundational knowledge in One Health, Uganda is fostering a sustainable network of informed leaders capable of influencing both formal education systems and grassroots communities. These teachers will not only embed One Health principles into their curricula but also serve as local ambassadors and champions for improved sanitation, climate adaptation, and disease prevention within their communities.

“This is more than a training,” Prof. Kankya remarked. “It’s a movement to embed One Health thinking into the social fabric of Uganda, given that educators are trusted voices in society. When they grasp the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, they become powerful catalysts for behavioral change and community-driven action.”
He emphasized the pivotal role of teachers as agents of change, stressing that One Health, a multidisciplinary approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for addressing today’s complex health challenges. Despite its growing global relevance, he observed that the concept of One Health remains largely underrepresented in Uganda’s education and public health sectors. This gap, he argued, makes the involvement of teachers especially critical, as they can serve as catalysts for a multiplier effect, extending the reach and impact of One Health principles across both formal education systems and local communities.

Prof. Clovice Kankya further highlighted that the ripple effect of empowering teachers will extend beyond schools, reaching homes, villages, and regional networks. In doing so, the initiative aims to build a generation of citizens who are not only aware of health risks but are also equipped to respond collaboratively and sustainably.
The trainees, drawn from diverse teaching disciplines, received instruction in key areas such as an introduction to One Health principles, zoonotic diseases and outbreak investigation, risk communication strategies, community engagement, and exit protocols, among others. Facilitators from AFROHUN and CoVAB were carefully selected for their expertise in outbreak response, strategic communication, and community-based education. The curriculum is enriched with social science perspectives to strengthen community entry approaches and promote culturally sensitive messaging, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to engage effectively with local populations.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
CIMTRADZ Founders Convention Reflects on Achievements and Sets a Bold Agenda for Global Biosecurity
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 22, 2025
In a strategic gathering at Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) held its Founder’s Convention to reflect on its 12-year journey and unveil its ambitious next chapter: the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA). The event, hosted under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Biomolecular Sciences (SBLS), brought together scientists, students, and strategic partners from across Uganda and beyond. The convention served as both a retrospective and a launchpad, celebrating CIMTRADZ’s achievements while setting a bold agenda for MAGBBA’s future.

Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, delivered an address on behalf of Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. She commended the brains and effort behind CIMTRADZ for their relentless efforts in implementing research and training programs initially supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology that set the pace for the numerous achievements realised to-date.
Nakazibwe outlined Uganda’s strategic roadmap for harnessing science and innovation to drive national development. She revealed that since March 2022, the STI Secretariat has operated through eight specialized bureaus focused on mobility, export promotion, and productivity acceleration. “Our mandate is to coordinate the ecosystem,” Nakazibwe emphasized, “bringing together academia, media, and the private sector to ensure science leads us to another level.”
While emphasisng the commitment of continued support to the academia in finding solutions to societal challenges, Nakazibwe also spotlighted Uganda’s prioritized industrial value chains, which include ICT, artificial intelligence, infrastructure innovation, aeronautics, and space science. She stressed that science must be a tool to combat poverty and unemployment, aligning with the goals of National Development Plan III.

Representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza praised the university’s growing network of research centers, some of which have attained Level 5 status as centers of excellence. He emphasized that the transition from the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) to the proposed Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA) signals a strategic shift toward sustainability and broader impact.
“In the face of pandemics and epidemics, the world is counting on scientists,” Prof. Buyinza said. “This is no longer a concern confined to laboratories, but it’s a matter of national survival.”
He called on Uganda’s scientific community to develop a comprehensive national inventory of pathogens, stressing that biosecurity must be a shared responsibility across sectors. He also commended the movement of Makerere’s academic talent into government and private agencies, describing it as a positive extension of the university’s influence.
“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he noted, urging researchers to harness their expertise to address pressing health and development challenges. “Collaboration and cooperation are no longer optional but are essential.”
Prof. Buyinza concluded by pledging institutional support for scientific initiatives that translate into tangible products and services, reinforcing Makerere’s role as a driver of innovation and societal transformation.

During the convention Prof. John David Kabasa delivered a powerful message on the future of biosecurity and bioeconomy, calling on scientists to take the lead in safeguarding society against biological threats. Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens. He described biosecurity and bioeconomy as critical pillars for national resilience and global competitiveness.
“We are living in an era of insufficiency,” Prof. Kabasa stated, “where bio threats are no longer distant possibilities but immediate challenges demanding coordinated action.”
He commended Makerere University for its visionary leadership and the platform it has provided to advance scientific research and innovation. He also acknowledged the Government of Uganda for its substantial investments across institutions, which he said have laid the foundation for transformative progress.
Prof. Kabasa stressed the importance of capacity building and value amplification, and called on universities and schools to equip learners with skills that enhance the value of biological assets and foster entrepreneurial thinking.
Prof. Kabasa however, he expressed concern over the persistence of outdated ideologies, weak innovation culture, and limited Pan-African collaboration. To address these gaps, he advocated for a culture of collaboration across higher education, research, and service delivery.
“Scientists hold the key to societal transformation,” he said, urging them to embrace their responsibility and develop solutions to pressing challenges.

Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University delivered an inspiring presentation that underscored Uganda’s growing role in global biosecurity and infectious disease preparedness. Speaking as one of the founding mentors of the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ), Prof. Kaneene reflected on the initiative’s journey and its far-reaching impact. He highlighted a Special Issue of a scientific journal featuring four foundational papers that helped catalyze new projects not only in Uganda but across Africa and beyond. “Centers like CEBIGH give CoVAB a unique niche in addressing regional and global biosecurity challenges,” Prof. Kaneene said, emphasizing the importance of research and training in tackling emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
He urged stakeholders to build on past achievements and expand the center’s influence through targeted programs such as short courses and summer training initiatives. With Uganda poised to take a leadership role, he stressed that biosecurity must remain a national priority.

The Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, represented by Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho reflected on the consortium’s decade-long impact. He noted that CIMTRADZ had significantly contributed to the expansion of the former Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, particularly under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory Sciences.
“CIMTRADZ has been instrumental in shaping our infrastructure and academic programs,” Prof. Mwiine said. He highlighted key developments including the central laboratory, animal research facility, biomarker and diagnostic facility, and the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health. He also pointed to the launch of advanced degree programs,Master’s and PhDs,that have created new opportunities for staff and students to pursue higher education and research excellence.
“These achievements align perfectly with Makerere University’s vision of being a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation,” he added. Prof. Mwiine cited vaccine development as one of the tangible outcomes of the consortium’s work and expressed optimism about the next phase of the initiative, which transitions into the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA).

Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), presented an overview of the school’s mandate in biosecurity, biosafety, and biomedical sciences. “Our laboratories are not just teaching spaces, they are hubs of innovation shared across departments, schools, and colleges,” Dr. Mugasa said. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with sister universities in Uganda and abroad, noting that collaboration is key to building capacity and driving scientific progress.
Following her remarks, Dr. Enoch Matovu, Director of the Centre for Global Health, addressed the urgent need for preparedness in the face of emerging and re-emerging diseases. He cited the 2022 chickenpox outbreak as a wake-up call for the region’s health systems.
“The establishment of this research centre was a strategic response to such threats,” Dr. Matovu said. “Through programs like vaccinology, we are equipping scientists to protect both human and livestock ecosystems.”
He praised the founding team behind the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health for their vision and dedication, which have propelled CoVAB to the forefront of regional biosecurity efforts.

During the CIMTRADZ Founder’s Convention at Makerere University, participants celebrated a decade of achievements in biosecurity and institutional development at CoVAB. Key milestones included the establishment of a state-of-the-art research center, enhanced international collaborations, staff capacity building, and the launch of advanced academic programs. The event also highlighted cultural and academic exchanges such as summer schools, workshops, and conferences. These accomplishments reflect CoVAB’s strategic growth and its evolving role as a regional leader in biosecurity, now transitioning into the next phase under MAGBBA.
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