Natural Sciences
Mak Researchers Set Out to Address the Challenge of African swine fever in Uganda
The Project is supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).
Overview
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral haemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs; and has recently spread to new areas including Eastern Europe and in Asia as far as Papua New Guinea. This disease has neither vaccine nor treatment and is currently a big challenge to many smallholder pig farmers in Uganda. In Uganda, ASFV genotype IX has been reported to cause outbreaks on a regular basis and is an impediment to development of the swine industry. The disease was previously reported with a mortality of 100%. However different forms of the disease have recently been observed in domestic pigs. Indeed, some studies have shown that pigs that survive ASF become resistant to the same viral isolates although they do not produce classical neutralizing antibody. These observations could have the key for vaccine development strategies.
The research project
Through a project titled “African swine fever virus (ASFV) severity and viral genomic structural features: opportunities for development of a vaccine in Uganda”, a team of researchers led by Prof. Charles Masembe from the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences at Makerere University registered the need to correlate clinical studies of ASF virus with full genome sequences and virus structural data to identify potential candidate genes for vaccine development. The team set out to isolate and characterise highly virulent and low virulent ASF viruses circulating in the swine population in Uganda using next-generation and Electron Microscopy to inform the development of ASFV vaccines and other therapeutic strategies. The team also set out to sequence the whole genome of low and high-virulence African swine fever viruses circulating in the domestic pig population in Uganda; compare the whole genome sequences of low and high-virulence ASF viruses in Uganda, and to find genomic variations and their effects on the virulence and viral evolution. Whole blood and organ tissue samples together with clinical-epidemiological information, were collected from acute and chronic cases of pigs in reported ASF outbreaks in the districts of greater Masaka, Greater Gulu, Mukono, Wakiso, Kakumiro, and additionally in other districts were outbreaks were reported during the study period. The project was supported by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF). Other members on the project are; Assoc. Prof. Vincent Muwanika (Co-PI), Dr. Rose Ademun (Scientist), Dr. Mathias Afayoa (Scientist), Dr. Tony Aliro (Field Scientist), Mr. Peter Ogweng (Field Scientist), Mr. Mayega Johnson Francis (Lab Technologist), Okwasiimire Rodney (Lab Technologist), and Mr. Bright Twesigye (Administrator).
Dissemination of the research findings
On 15th May 2024, the project team held a workshop at Doves Nest Hotel in Gulu District to disseminate the research findings, and to fact check by mapping pig farms, abattoirs, slaughter slabs, and pork restaurants in both Gulu District and Gulu City for on-going and future research.
The workshop was officially opened by the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Gulu District, Mr. Okidi Cosmas James on behalf of the CAO. In his remarks, Mr. Okidi appreciated the project team, noting that the workshop was timely since piggery as a poverty alleviation programme had been embraced by most farmers as a replacement for cattle. Sharing his experience, he expressed concern over the increasing threat of ASF, a factor he said was undermining the growth of the swine industry in Uganda.
During the meeting, the Project PI, Prof. Charles Masembe presented the status of ASF research in Uganda and globally, highlighting the complexity of ASF, dangers of ASF, ASF diagnostic advances, importance of keeping pigs and scientific efforts to control ASF, including the advances in the development of the ASFV vaccine.
Other presentations focused on ASF control and prevention mechanisms, potential role of production systems in ASF transmission, community involvement in disease control, spatio-temporal spread of ASF at the wildlife-livestock interface, the role of carrier pigs in ASFV transmission and maintenance, biosecurity implementation and challenges. All these presentations evoked discussion points from the participants. Participants expressed the need to understand how ASF is transmitted, and the extent to which farmers can trust veterinarians since they are considered to spread the disease. They highlighted the need to institute quarantine during ASF outbreaks and called for sensitization on the acceptable methods for disposing off infected pork. Another concern arising from the meeting was the need to understand if ASF is zoonotic and if not, why ASFV infected pork should not be eaten. Participants also sought guidance on why farmers should continue to keep survivor pigs if they spread ASFV, and why the government has not constructed slaughter slabs in all villages to control the spread of ASFV.
Recommendations by participants;
- Strengthening community awareness through different production departments in the district and city by organizing workshops as closer to the farmers as possible for example at every parish or ward.
- Makerere University ASF research team should collaborate with Gulu University, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Studies so that ASFV diagnosis and research is jointly done at the University which is nearer to the farmers for quick response to ASF outbreaks.
- City, District, and sub-county leaders should formulate a by-law to enforce the implementation of ASF control and prevention methods.
During plenary, participants were tasked with mapping pig farms/farmers, abattoir/slaughter slabs and pork restaurants in their respective sub-counties in Gulu District and Gulu City, in addition to generating a comprehensive farm/farmer list in the two areas. Mapping was successfully done and presented for purposes of clarity by each team representing a particular sub-county. The participants were then given a template to populate on the farm/farmer list since they could not recall all farms/farmers name and their mobile phone contacts.
Remarks by Gulu District RDC
In his closing remarks, the RDC of Gulu District, Mr. Oryem Auric thanked the research team for choosing the district for the workshop, noting that the feedback from the participants indicated that the workshop was very beneficial to them. He pledged to dedicate some of the free airtime offered to his office on Radio Mega, a popular FM Radio Station in Gulu City affiliated to Radio Uganda, towards the popularization of the project activities. He reiterated that the objectives of the project were in line with the current Government of Uganda programme on wealth creation through the Parish Development Model and the 4 acre model of which piggery is one of the means recommended for poverty alleviation by the President of Uganda. He called on the farmers to embrace and utilize the knowledge acquired to improve their farms and increase their household incomes.
By Dr. Alice Nabatanzi
Due to the frequent use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of poultry by Ugandan farmers, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. This has resulted in an outbreak of poultry and human diseases in addition to drug residues in chicken meat being consumed by the majority of Ugandans. Thus, “If you are eating chicken daily then you could be at a high risk.” These residues have spilled into the environment and also contaminated the food for the indigenous free-range chicken which people thought were safer to eat. Interestingly, some consumers think cooking chicken can reduce antibiotic residue levels, but it does not completely remove them. Boiling or frying chicken can cause antibiotic residues to migrate into the cooking liquid, but they don’t guarantee full degradation or elimination.
Looking at the situation at hand, I went back to our indigenous knowledge systems in a quest to formulate an organic poultry feed since natural solutions have proven safer, effective, and sustainable. But remember, to break the cycle or solve any problem, we have to start from the roots and this is by improving the diet for our poultry and ruling out the use of conventional antibiotics. Thus, I went ahead to investigate natural bacteriocins and phytobiotics which I integrated into a special feed for chicken. In addition to the feed is a probiotic solution for gut health.
Special thanks to the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) for funding this research to prototypes.
Soon we will commence bulk processing and take the feed to the market but before that, we will scientifically validate the feed through efficiency testing in comparison with imported feeds and Uganda-produced feeds. Furthermore, we will produce different feeds to meet the needs of the different types of chicken (broilers, layers, dual-purpose). This will put our product in a better place on the market and also be able to convince our customers with concrete scientific evidence. In addition, we want to change the mindsets of the majority of Ugandans, especially poultry farmers, and let them understand that Organic poultry farming is the best as it results in quality meat, quality eggs, quality fertilizer, and more returns/ profits.
In conclusion, we need to embrace our indigenous systems and remember that once we were healthier without cancer, strange disease conditions, and rampant fertility issues. This is majorly because we consumed clean food as opposed to now where our food is highly contaminated with drug residues.
Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), Makerere University
Overview
The Ugandan government has increasingly recognized the critical role of science education in driving the nation’s economic development. As such, it has put in place deliberate policies aimed at popularizing science education in schools. This initiative seeks to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to the country’s development. Since 2004, science education has been made compulsory in lower secondary schools, and the Uganda Government has continuously emphasized the importance of science and technology through policies like the National Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy, introduced in 2009. These policies aim to create a strong foundation for the country’s “Transformation for Prosperity,” focusing on technological innovation and development. The introduction of astronomy and space science as part of the curriculum supports this vision, offering students the tools to explore scientific concepts that will drive future innovation.
About the Project – Use of Astronomy and Space Science to Promote Science Education in Schools
In an initiative geared towards bolstering science education in Uganda, Makerere University Department of Physics is leveraging the wonders of astronomy and space science to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm among learners. The project, led by Prof. Florence Mutonyi D’ujanga from the Department of Physics has reached 10 schools in Kampala, Luwero, and Mukono districts, using the vast universe to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. The astronomy outreach activities have impacted numerous schools across different regions in Uganda. The initiative started during the COVID-19 lockdown, with initial outreach to nearby schools in Kampala. As the programme gained momentum, it expanded to various districts, benefiting students from both primary and secondary levels. The schools that have participated in the programme include, Kampala: Makerere College School and Makerere CoU Primary School, Luwero: Mulusa Academy (Wobulenzi), Wobulenzi Bright Parents, Janan Luwum S.S., and Janan Luwum Nursery & P/S, MUkono: Our Lady of Africa S.S., Kyesereka CoU P/S, Mpoma Royal College, and Mpoma Junior School.
Aims and Objectives of the Project
Funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF), the central aim of this initiative was to use astronomy and space science to capture the imagination of students, encouraging them to embrace the study of science and mathematics. “By engaging students in hands-on, interactive learning activities, the project seeks to improve their performance in these critical subjects. The initiative focuses on making science enjoyable, accessible, and inspiring, fostering a positive attitude toward the subject from an early age,” explained Prof. D’ujanga.
Activities conducted
The project began with a questionnaire to assess the students’ initial understanding of astronomy, followed by tailored outreach activities that addressed gaps in knowledge and sparked excitement about the subject. The activities included;
- Telescope Assembly: Students learned to assemble telescopes using local materials, helping them gain a hands-on understanding of how astronomy tools function.
- Sky Viewing: Students had the opportunity to observe celestial bodies like stars, planets, and constellations, experiencing the universe up close.
- Cultural Astronomy Storytelling: This component introduced students to the rich cultural narratives surrounding astronomy, linking science with history and tradition.
- Astronomy Quiz Sessions: Fun, educational quizzes challenged students’ knowledge of astronomy, stimulating a deeper interest in the subject.
- Planetarium Shows: The project also featured immersive planetarium shows, which are a highlight for many students. These shows provided an exciting visual experience, where learners could see projections of stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena. The planetarium is at the heart of this outreach programme. Traditionally used for educational purposes in the field of astronomy, the planetarium has a hemispheric domed ceiling, which serves as a projection screen for images of celestial objects. The immersive environment fosters curiosity and excitement among learners, laying a solid foundation for further study in science. One of the main objectives of the planetarium shows is to break down the myth that sciences are difficult. By using visual and interactive methods, the project demonstrates that learning about space and the universe can be both fun and inspiring.
Project research dissemination event
On 21st March 2025, the project team hosted a dissemination event at Makerere University to present and share their research findings. The event was presided over by Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, the Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration at Makerere University. The event was attended by students, school administrators, as well as representatives from MakRIF and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. In her address, the Project Principal Investigator (PI), Prof. Florence D’ujanga, emphasized the importance of sparking curiosity in students to encourage them to pursue scientific studies. “By making astronomy and space science more accessible and engaging, this project seeks to inspire greater interest in science education, ultimately benefiting Uganda’s long-term development in critical fields such as technology, engineering, and mathematics,” she explained.
On behalf of MakRIF, Dr. Mercy Rebekah Amiyo expressed appreciation to the research team for their invaluable initiative in promoting the study of science through astronomy. Dr. Amiyo praised the team’s dedication to making complex scientific concepts more engaging. She called upon the project team to secure property rights and take proactive steps toward the commercialization of the project.
In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta emphasized the importance of nurturing scientists who understand principles rather than simply memorizing frameworks. He emphasized the importance of early exposure for children to develop an appreciation for science. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its continued support towards research activities at Makerere University.
Testimonies by students
Sharing their testimonies about the project, Jonathan Mugabi and James Tanzinge, both S.4 students at Makerere College School, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity it provided. They noted that the project had ignited a newfound passion for research, significantly expanding their interest in exploring scientific topics. Through their participation, they were introduced to essential scientific vocabulary, which has helped to deepen their understanding of complex concepts. Additionally, the project exposed them to cutting-edge technology, fostering a sense of excitement and curiosity about the role of innovation in science. As a result, both students have developed a strong desire to continue their studies in the sciences at a higher level, inspired by the hands-on experiences and knowledge they gained from this initiative.
Click on the link below for the pictorial of the dissemination conference;
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Wv5xLOwiNe8Tc9uOWBpt9xvOtwffLHdo?usp=sharing
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