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.
Natural Sciences
Preparing Graduates for Life after University: CoNAS Launches Terminal Seminar for Final Year Students
Relevance of the seminar
Transitioning from university life to the professional world can be a daunting experience for many graduates. This challenge is particularly pronounced in Uganda, the broader East African region, and across Africa, where many university leavers find themselves ill-equipped to face the realities of life after school. Issues such as limited career guidance, lack of personal development resources, and insufficient awareness of societal expectations leave many graduates unprepared for what lies ahead.
According to data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the youth unemployment rate in the country stands at approximately 13.3%. Each year, over 400,000 graduates join the job market, all vying for a mere 9,000 available formal employment opportunities. This staggering imbalance creates a climate of intense competition, often resulting in widespread disillusionment, anxiety, and in severe cases, depression – largely due to the absence of structured transition programmes to support young people during this critical phase of life.
While some graduates manage to find employment, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or pursue further academic study, many others struggle with prolonged unemployment or underemployment. This vulnerable group is at risk of turning to detrimental coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, criminal activity, or social withdrawal. One of the root causes of this unpreparedness is the lack of mentorship and real-world guidance in key areas such as workplace conduct, professional ethics, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal financial management.
In response to this pressing need, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University, through its School of Biosciences, has launched an innovative initiative – the Terminal Seminar/Symposium for Final-Year Students. Spearheaded by Heads of Departments within the School, the seminar is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of post-university life by equipping students with essential life and career skills.
Objectives of the Terminal Seminar
The seminar aims to:
- Impart practical knowledge on workplace ethics, professional behaviour, and employability.
- Cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling students to create their own opportunities.
- Provide strategies for coping with unemployment, social pressure, and the transition period.
- Raise awareness about mental health and equip students with tools to manage transition-related stress.
- Offer insights into navigating employment in public and private sectors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the global job market.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students are expected to:
- Gain a broader awareness of career and self-employment opportunities.
- Develop realistic expectations about the challenges and opportunities post-university.
- Experience reduced levels of frustration and vulnerability to harmful behaviours.
- Build connections and networks with industry professionals and mentors.
2025 Terminal Seminar Event Highlights
On 23rd April 2025, CoNAS held its flagship Terminal Seminar for Final Year students set to complete their studies in June 2025. The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Godfrey Kawooya Kubiriza, Head, Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Fisheries Sciences, with support from Dr. Barbra Nerima and Dr. Joel Isanga, both faculty members from the Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology.
The event featured a series of empowering sessions, designed to help students navigate the transition from academic life to the professional world. Key topics included career planning, workplace ethics, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being.
A line-up of seasoned professionals and motivational speakers – including Mr. John Walugembe, Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Uganda, and Dr. Catherine Mbidde, Ag Director, Makerere University Innovations Pod (UniPod), also Lecturer at the School of Business at CoBAMS, shared their personal journeys, professional insights, and practical advice for thriving beyond the university walls. Other Speakers included Dr. Alex Behakanira from the Department of Mathematics, Makerere University; Mr. Henry Nsubuga, Manager, Counselling and Guidance Centre, Makerere University; Mr. Maurice Ssebisubi, Senior Programme Officer (Fisheries and Environment) at the Embassy of Iceland; and Ms. Sylvia Kajubi, Deputy Principal at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. John Walugembe offered valuable insights to students, emphasizing the critical importance of time management in shaping a successful career. He encouraged them to cultivate patience, resilience, and integrity as they transition from academic life into the professional world.
Mr. Walugembe also urged the students to maintain an open mind when approaching the job market. “You should not confine yourselves to roles within your academic fields. Remain open to exploring a wide range of opportunities that may arise. You need to approach the job market with flexibility,” he advised.
In addition, he highlighted the dual significance of academic excellence and strong professional networks, noting that good grades can open doors, but relationships and connections often determine how far one can go in their career journey. “The best way to build networks is to improve your value,” he advised.
Addressing the students on how to leverage the digital landscape to advance their careers, Dr. Catherine Mbidde emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools in shaping future opportunities. She, however, expressed concern over the growing trend of digital tool misuse – platforms that could otherwise be harnessed to explore career paths and unlock job prospects.
Dr. Mbidde urged the students to invest in nurturing their entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to proactively develop plans, engage in regular self-assessment, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support along their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of spiritual grounding, advising students to cultivate a strong relationship with God as a source of direction and resilience in navigating the complexities of their career paths.
Mr. Basiima Collins from UniPod emphasized the importance of a mind-set shift as graduates navigate their career paths. He urged students to actively participate in networking events and foster an entrepreneurial mind-set, stressing that these actions are essential for personal and professional growth. “By embracing opportunities for networking, you can build valuable connections and open doors to new possibilities. Additionally, cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set allows you to approach challenges with creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, which are crucial qualities for success in today’s dynamic job market.”
Addressing students on the significance of mental health in the journey of career development, Dr. Alex Behakanira emphasized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable. He noted that although job opportunities may appear scarce, the broader landscape of opportunities remains vast and ever-evolving. Dr. Behakanira encouraged students to strive for relevance not only in their professional environments but also within their homes and communities, underlining the importance of being well-rounded individuals. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Henry Nsubuga stressed the importance of safeguarding one’s mental well-being throughout their career path. He advised students to cultivate a resilient mind-set and to be intentional about steering clear of situations that may lead to emotional distress or depression.
In his remarks, Prof. Juma Kasozi, the Deputy Principal of the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Head of Academics, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He commended the effort as a timely and strategic intervention aimed at equipping students with the practical knowledge and emotional resilience necessary to navigate the dynamic and often challenging world of work. Prof. Kasozi emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application. He extended sincere gratitude to the seminar coordinators, praising their foresight and dedication in conceptualizing and organizing the programme.
The Terminal Seminar will be held on an annual basis.
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
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