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Veterinary & Biosecurity

CoVAB Hosts the Roots Africa University Clubs’ Exhibition and Mentorship Engagement Discourse during which the 2023 Wakiso District Human Rights Report was launched

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By Harriet Musinguzi & Jacinta Nakaye

The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement was held at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity bringing together several stakeholders that held a discourse centered around youth involvement in addressing critical issues such as poverty and hunger.

The event which also marked the launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 was held on May 11, 2024, and was hosted by The INNOVETS which is a student-driven initiative based in the CoVAB. The initiative is dedicated to empowering students with hands-on skills, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating research expertise, as well as enabling the development of innovative ideas that have the potential to transform the livestock sector in Uganda.  

Some of the guests who attended the ceremony at CoVAB. They included Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya, a Ugandan lawyer and human rights activist (Left). The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the guests who attended the ceremony at CoVAB.

The discourse convened with support from Roots Africa, a non-profit organization based in the USA, attracted the participation of several sectors including students, agriculturalists, academicians, human rights experts, policymakers, members of the Uganda Police, and business professionals. It was aimed at highlighting pressing challenges and the actions needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2 – No Poverty and Zero Hunger, respectively.

Under the theme, “The right to food: Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs changemakers,” participants engaged in insightful discussions that teased out actionable solutions including entrepreneurship, leadership, and building sustainable agriculture business models.

Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, Minister of State for Agriculture awards the INNOVETS a cheque worth USD 500 upon emerging the winners after pitching for their product MAKBEE during the inter-university clubs’ product pitching competitions. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, Minister of State for Agriculture awards the INNOVETS a cheque worth USD 500 upon emerging the winners after pitching for their product MAKBEE during the inter-university clubs’ product pitching competitions.

Keynote speaker, Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, The Minister of State for Agriculture, passionately advocated for commercial perennial crop agriculture, emphasizing the potential of cash crops like Coffee and high-demand food crops like vegetables. He said it was time now that the country intensify efforts towards addressing the greatest challenges faced today which he said, were associated with feeding the fast-growing global population, exacerbated by climate changes and the associated consequences such as environmental, and natural resources degradation, natural biodiversity loss all of which affect food security.

Prof. Frank Norbert Mwine Principal CoVAB made welcome remarks. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Frank Norbert Mwine Principal CoVAB made welcome remarks.

Prof. Frank Mwine, the Principal of CoVAB, while welcoming the guests to the college highlighted the importance of mindset change in communities to ensure food safety and security,.  He urging changemakers to take proactive steps towards educating communities about their rights and for the academicians to embrace the role of the ‘university in communities.’

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, Director of Research, Education, and Documentation, who represented the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Mariam Fauzat Wangadya. 

He shared that the agenda for human rights in Uganda has been evolving for some time. In 1995, it was streamlined both through a legal framework and an institutional framework. He reported that it was observed that the Uganda Human Rights Commission alone couldn’t promote and protect human rights everywhere in Uganda.

Participants visit the exhibition stalls at CoVAB. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Participants visit the exhibition stalls at CoVAB.

“Promoting and protecting human rights cannot be done by a single entity, it requires several departments and agencies to achieve this,” he noted. He further reported that the Ministry of Local Government directed all districts to establish district human rights committees, and this was effected in a few districts including Wakiso. However, some districts still lack this committee because of inadequate resources.

Mr. Byonabye said the right to food, health, other social services, and human rights were cross-cutting, interdependent, and interrelated. Whereas there is a legal and institutional framework, there’s individual observation of these rights because they are violated at the individual level. Therefore, the proper application of these requires a mindset change, he observed.

Some of the judges for the inter-university pitching competition pose for a photo with the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino (3rd Left). The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the judges for the inter-university pitching competition pose for a photo with the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwino (3rd Left).

Notable speakers, including the Wakiso District Chairperson, Mr. Matia Lwanga Bwanika, and representatives from civil society organizations like the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), shared valuable insights on health rights, community engagement, and the protection of vulnerable groups. Mr. Bwanika recognized and commended the involvement of Makerere University as a key partner in advocating for human rights. “Makerere University, having hosted the event, proves that a rights-friendly environment was an initiative that academicians were also advocating for, said the Wakiso District Chairperson.

He said several districts were still lagging in establishing human rights committees due to demands for facilitation and commended the voluntary service rendered by the team that put together the 2023 Human Rights Situation report for Wakiso.

The Deputy Executive Director- Programmes at The Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), Noor Nakibuuka Musisi, reported about the health rights situation in some parts of Wakiso. She petitioned policymakers to extend services to rural areas, citing Bussi Island as one of the areas with no health facilities which was a key challenge for expecting women. 

The Wakiso District Human Rights Committee Chairperson, Mr. Elly Kasirye also gave an address, affirming that human rights realization is achievable when structures are established while engaging people at the grassroots. 

The Wakiso District Human Rights Committee Chairperson, Mr. Elly Kasirye (2nd left) moderated the panel discussion on the human rights situation in Africa. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The Wakiso District Human Rights Committee Chairperson, Mr. Elly Kasirye (2nd left) moderated the panel discussion on the human rights situation in Africa.

The event also involved panel discussions where several concerns were shared. Participants brainstormed ideas on the promotion and protection of human rights, which focused on community engagements, paying attention to rights for children with disability, issues concerning human settlement in wetlands which also affects human rights through causing floods, triggering questions on health and food security, and the need to build networks of powerful organizations, people, social movements as a notable solution to address these challenges. 

What is Roots Africa?

Founded by Mr. Cedric Nwafor, Roots Africa is a non-profit organization registered in the USA dedicated to combating hunger and poverty in Africa through innovative academic partnerships, bridging the gaps between academic institutions and experts in the United States. In Uganda, Roots Africa is working with students’ clubs from Makerere University (INNOVETS-CoVAB), Gulu University, Bukalasa Agricultural College, Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Bishop Stuart University, and Mountains of the Moon University. 

Who are the INNOVETS? 

The INNOVETS is a student-driven initiative based in the CoVAB. It is dedicated to empowering students with hands-on skills, fostering research expertise, and enabling the development of innovative ideas that have the potential to transform the livestock sector in Uganda.

The INNOVETS celebrate emerging winners after pitching for their product MAKBEE during the interuniversity clubs’ product pitching competition, which was one of the key activities during the event. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The INNOVETS celebrate emerging winners after pitching for their product MAKBEE during the interuniversity clubs’ product pitching competition, which was one of the key activities during the event.

Some of the farmers who attended the ceremony gave insightful contributions during the discourse. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Some of the farmers who attended the ceremony gave insightful contributions during the discourse.

Representatives from government institutions, non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and academia pose for a photo after launching the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 at CoVAB. The Roots Africa University Clubs’ exhibition and mentorship engagement and launch of the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 hosted by The INNOVETS, 11th May 2024, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Representatives from government institutions, non-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and academia pose for a photo after launching the Wakiso District Human Rights Report for the year 2023 at CoVAB.

Harriet Musinguzi

Veterinary & Biosecurity

First Symposium on Bacteriophage Research & Applications in Uganda Highlights Remarkable Milestones & Future Prospects

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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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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.

Tobi Elaine Nagel, the President of Phages for Global Health (USA), was one of the presenters. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Tobi Elaine Nagel, the President of Phages for Global Health (USA), was one of the presenters.

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.

Prof. Robert Wamala, Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships addressed the participants. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Robert Wamala, Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships addressed the participants.

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.

A Section of the stakeholders that participated in the engagement. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
A Section of the stakeholders that participated in the engagement.

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, from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Jesca Nakavuma, from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity.

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 University leadership included Prof. Robert Wamala (R) and Assoc. Prof. James Acai Okwee (C), Deputy Principal CoVAB. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The University leadership included Prof. Robert Wamala (R) and Assoc. Prof. James Acai Okwee (C), Deputy Principal CoVAB.

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.

The participants were actively involved in the discussions. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The participants were actively involved in the discussions.

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.

Part of the audience at the symposium. 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, School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bioengineering Conference Hall, CAES, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Part of the audience at the symposium.

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.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Veterinary & Biosecurity

CoVAB’s MUBLISA Hosts Groundbreaking Mentorship Meeting

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A section of the MUBLISA leadership at the event. Makerere University Biomedical Laboratory Technology Students Association (MUBLISA) transformative mentorship meeting to inspire students to excel in biomedical laboratory technology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), March 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

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 (Left), flanked by the Dean SBLS. Dr. Claire M. Mugasa. Makerere University Biomedical Laboratory Technology Students Association (MUBLISA) transformative mentorship meeting to inspire students to excel in biomedical laboratory technology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), March 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Kaggwa (Left), flanked by the Dean SBLS. Dr. Claire M. Mugasa.

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.

Ms. Eunice Ainomugisha, the Vice Chair of the Allied Health Professionals Council addressed the BLT students. Makerere University Biomedical Laboratory Technology Students Association (MUBLISA) transformative mentorship meeting to inspire students to excel in biomedical laboratory technology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), March 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ms. Eunice Ainomugisha, the Vice Chair of the Allied Health Professionals Council addressed the BLT students.

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.

Dr. Gabriel Tumwine explained the importance of having mentors as students. Makerere University Biomedical Laboratory Technology Students Association (MUBLISA) transformative mentorship meeting to inspire students to excel in biomedical laboratory technology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), March 2025, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Gabriel Tumwine explained the importance of having mentors as students.

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.

Harriet Musinguzi

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Research

Call for Manuscripts: AJABS and One Health-GHS MakPRESS Journals

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A female user inside one of the Labs at CoVAB. College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

The College Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) is delighted to share a call for manuscripts for potential publication in two distinguished journals: the African Journal of Animal and Biomedical Sciences (AJABS) and the One Health and Global Health Security Journal (One Health-GHS).

AJABS: A leading platform for innovative research in animal science and biomedicine.

One Health-GHS: A global journal addressing infectious diseases, public health at the human-animal-environment interface, and biomedical research focusing on human, animal, and ecosystem health.

The two journals are now hosted by Makerere University Press.

Topics of Interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Animal health and welfare
  • Emerging zoonotic diseases
  • Biomedical research and advancements
  • One-health perspectives and initiatives

We encourage submissions of original research, review articles, and case studies as detailed in the downloads below.

For inquiries or to submit your manuscript, kindly contact Dr. Joseph M. Kungu at covabjournals2025@gmail.com or deputy.principal@mak.ac.ug.

Mak Editor

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