Veterinary & Biosecurity
The Africa Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) mission at Makerere University
Makerere University has been subjected to an assessment to determine its suitability for hosting a Regional Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa. The evaluation follows a jointly submitted Expression of Interest by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS).
The Africa Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) mission was at Makerere from 11th to 12th March 2024, specifically at the colleges that offer fisheries related programs, CoVAB and CoNAS where they looked at the suitability of the existing Teaching and Research Facilities and other parameters necessary for the establishment of a center of excellence.
The team comprised of Etienne Hinrichsen the leader together with Patrick Karani, from AU-IBAR, and Daniel Adjei Boateng the Aquaculture Expert on the mission undertook a two-day in-depth review of the state of affairs of Makerere University in order to make an informed decision in regard to its suitability to host the center. According to Etienne Hinrichsen, aquatic animal health has got a leg in various areas and that staff within the institution were better placed to understand this unlike those from outside. He said their excursion in Makerere offered a learning experience that would enrich their evaluation. It is always difficult to evaluate something while on your desk and it gets much richer when you see it on the ground, he said while appreciating the staff that took them around. A lot was seen in terms of physical infrastructure and what remains now is to correlate the human capacity in order to determine what AU-IBAR can do for you or what you can do as a centre of excellence in Africa, he observed. He observed that Makerere University was already collaborating with the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFFIRI), which was an advantage because of the good relations it has with AU. Other areas of concern he said, include accessibility matters for international students since the centre will serve the entire continent.
While interacting with the AU-IBAR mission, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, expressed optimism that Makerere University was best suited to host the center since it had in place all that was needed to offer the required trainings and research. He said the university’s move towards becoming research led and the various policies and facilities in place were a fertile ground for taking on training in the fisheries sector, an area that was increasingly getting onboard due to the demand for fish in the country and the region. ‘If the AU mission is to give us opportunity to do even better in what we are doing, I will be very happy,’ he said adding that the university was a host of students from 39 other countries who would also be beneficiaries since Uganda has a big coverage of lakes and rivers coupled with the increase in the fish farming enterprise. Further he said with the exploding population in Africa, unless we find solutions for food security, we must be prepared for very unstable people in the near future, justifying the reason why Makerere University should host the centre of excellence.
The mission interacted with a section of members of staff and graduate students both at CoVAB and CoNAS.
The AU-IBAR verification visit to Makerere University as one of the institutions for selection as Africa Centers of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture reviewed a number of areas including
- existence of the relevant curricula;
- related disciplines taught in the institution;
- number of staff in disciplines like qualification and years and nature of experience;
- Percentage of students from each cohort that have graduated from the institution over the past;
- capacity to undertaken research and develop new information and technology;
- peer reviewed publications, popular articles and other information targeting stakeholders;
- relevant policies, administrative and financial management systems in place.
Once selected, Makerere University will champion the training in Fisheries and Aquaculture through graduate training in Masters, PhD and short-term courses, as well as applied research in the form of partnerships and collaborations with other institutions and the private sector.
Makerere University hosts the Africa Center of Excellence in Materials, Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO ACE) and Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI).
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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