_{By Joseph Odoi}

A consortium of researchers from Makerere University‘s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (COVAB) and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from CRDF Global have piloted a cyberbiosecurity project to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on laboratories handling high-risk biological materials.

As per  the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), CyberBiosecurity is the “safeguarding and mitigation of misuse, exploitation, damage to or disruption of valuable information, data, databases, equipment, and facilities at the interface of the biological laboratory, related life sciences facilities, and digital worlds.”

The project, titled “Establishment of Cyber Biosecurity Inventory and Procedures for Effective Safety and Administrative Controls for COVAB and UVRI Laboratories in Uganda,” is led by Associate Professor Lawrence Mugisha from COVAB, Makerere University, and Dr. Stephen Balinandi from UVRI.

While hosting the workshop on August 16, 2024  at the  Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, Makerere University ,  Professor Mugisha  in a special way welcomed the participants  to the workshop. He noted that; Cyber threats and attacks have become a  serious threat to many establishments including (government institutions, business enterprises and other critical facilities like financial and health facilities) across the global disrupting services and causing serious financial losses in addition to individual and institutional safety.

‘’ More recently these attacks have extended and targeted laboratories handling biological materials including high risk and highly pathogenic organisms like anthrax, ebola, SARS-CoV2 viruses with potential for bioterrorism.

To contribute to data driven interventions  aimed at securing and protecting laboratory facilities handling high consequence/risk pathogens from cyber-attacks and the need for cyberbiosecurity,  Makerere University led by College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) in collaboration with Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is implementing the first pilot project in Uganda on Cyberbiosecurity.

This collaborative project  is aimed at  mapping and identifying  potential cybersecurity threats to the biological laboratories at Makerere University and UVRI by conducting a thorough information and communication Technology (ICT) risk assessments.  The project will then develop comprehensive Cybersecurity Standard Operating Procedures, guidelines and manuals with a goal of establishing  Cyberbiosecurity Policy.  Furthermore, the project is aimed at  creating awareness about  cyber threats, cyber biosecurity, biosafety and biosecurity among staff, scientists/researchers and management at the two institutions to promote Cyber security best practices’’ explained Prof. Mugisha

In his opening remarks, CoVAB Principal Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine emphasized the reality of cyberbiosecurity threats, sharing that he himself has been a victim of a cybersecurity breach involving his atm. He urged the team to consider developing training projects focused on cyberbiosecurity and to build a strong cybersecurity research team within CoVAB and UVRI. Prof. Mwiine also called on the team to actively seek research opportunities around cyberbiosecurity adding that   CoVAB is open to collaborations.

Furthermore, Prof. Mwiine expressed his gratitude to Prof.  Mugisha for his tireless efforts in coordination and leading activities and projects  advancing ethics, bioethics and biosafety in Uganda, noting that Prof. Mugisha played a key role in establishing Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at Makerere University. Prof. Mwiine also reiterated Makerere University’s commitment to cyberbiosecurity and biosecurity, highlighting the ongoing research collaboration between CoVAB and UVRI.

In her presentation centered around Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC), Sandra Matinyi, Co-founder and Executive Director of Nuo Bioscience, shared critical insights on the global guidance framework for the responsible use of life sciences. This framework, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, focuses on mitigating biorisks and governing dual-use research.

‘’With the emergence of new technologies and rapid advancements in life sciences research, there was previously no global guidance for identifying or mitigating risks related to dual-use research of concern until the WHO introduced this framework in 2022.’’

She noted that Uganda, while still lacking a specific policy on DURC, is among the first countries to pilot the introduction of the WHO framework. This positions Uganda at the forefront of adopting international standards for biosecurity, which is essential given the global nature of these concerns.

“As a country, Uganda has not yet developed a specific policy, but we are among the first to pilot the introduction of this framework.

‘’Mitigating biorisks and governing dual use research is a global issue as we live in a global village. Its a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play including scientists, researchers, the public among others. The framework is based on a one health approach and it does not assume a one fits it all approach. We ought to customize framework to the Ugandan context.’’” added.

In her presentation, Dr. Monica Namayanja highlighted the critical importance of establishing a Bio-Risk Management Committee, the role of dedicated biosafety officers, and the need for specialized laboratory managers. She emphasized that the involvement of top management is crucial for effective bio-risk management, noting that continuous improvement in this area is essential for maintaining best practices.

During the workshop, participants and project team shared   lessons and facility based best practices desired for cybersecurity focusing on pertinent aspects of safeguarding digital and biological infrastructures.

The presentations also explored emerging topics in biosecurity including Dual Research (DUR), Dual Research of Concern (DURC) and Know Your Collaborator |(KYC)

The project, which started in April 2024 and is set to conclude in September 2024, was made possible with support from CRDF Global (Strengthening Individuals | Building Relationships | Improving Our World).

For More Information, please contact project Principal Investigator, Prof. Lawrence Mugisha, Tel.+256772566551, email: mugishalaw@gmail.com/lawrence.mugisha@mak.ac.ug

The Makerere University Anti-Tick Vaccine Project Committee visited Alfasan Uganda Ltd on 24^th June 2024 to review the advancements in the Anti-tick vaccine project, particularly focusing on the progress in the establishment of the vaccine production line at Alfasan Uganda Limited. This visit signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Makerere University and Alfasan, as they work together towards the creation of a successful Anti-Tick vaccine.

The Principal Investigator (PI) of the Anti-Tick Vaccine Project, Dr. Margaret Saimo-Kahwa welcomed the team and gave a brief overview of the project’s operations. She highlighted Alfasan’s expertise in manufacturing veterinary and human drugs and the suggestion by H.E, the President of Uganda gave in view of the collaboration between Alfasan and Makerere University for the production of the Anti-Tick vaccine. The PI assured team that Alfasan was fully equipped to develop the vaccine in  adherence with the standards set by the National Drug Authority.

The Managing Director of Alfasan, Dr. Stephen Birungi said he was delighted to work with Makerere University, where he once studied at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB). He said a successful collaboration was key in ensuring further advancements and innovations in the field of veterinary medicine.

The Chairperson of Makerere University’s Anti-Tick Vaccine Project Steering Committee, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe emphasized the national significance of the project, and that it was catered for in the national budget. He outlined the division of equipment between Makerere University and Alfasan, stressing the importance of the visit to assess the progress at the Anti-Tick Vaccine production site in Namanve.

The facility Pharmacist at Alfasan, Mr. Ivan Kafeero provided a brief history of the company, highlighting its transformation from an international collaboration to a prominent private entity in Uganda. The collaboration between Alfasan and Makerere University resulted in the joint production of a laboratory experimental vaccine in 2022, necessitating the facility’s upgrade to accommodate vaccine production alongside pharmaceuticals.

During the tour of the vaccine production facility led by Mr. Kafeero, various departments were showcased, including raw material warehouses, production sections, laboratories, and packaging rooms. The comprehensive tour demonstrated the facility’s readiness for vaccine production and emphasized the critical need for sustainable energy and water sources to support the operations effectively.

Following discussions and observations during the visit, the Committee Chairperson commended the progress achieved thus far and confirmed plans for a follow-up visit in two months to monitor the facility’s operational readiness for commencing production.

The collaborative partnership between Makerere University and Alfasan signifies a ground-breaking initiative in animal healthcare research and underscores the potential for significant advancements in combating tick-borne diseases through innovative collaborations and dedicated efforts.

It is my pleasure to share the Annual Report for the year 2023, which highlights various milestones realized in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity. First and foremost, I wish to congratulate all of us for the input rendered in the running of the college during the period, which effort made us score in several areas as prescribed by the mandate of the college and Makerere University as a whole.

Our mandate is teaching and learning, research and innovation, as well as knowledge transfer and partnerships. As you will realize in this report, this task has been handled meticulously through a concerted effort by all stakeholders, the students, the teaching, and the administrative staff and partners. The college takes pride in the contribution made by our partners who continue to support us in the delivery of the mandate in varied ways, such as Norbrook (U) Ltd, which since 2021 has continued to prize the best performing Veterinary students with cash prizes every year.

The College continues to excel in research and community outreach as evidenced by the increased research output in several Biomedical and Applied research projects with support from the Government of Uganda and our development partners which for instance resulted in the establishment of a Biomarker discovery and translation research laboratory at COVAB. Equipment was procured 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. The platform supports drug target discovery and elucidation of drug action mechanisms.

The college hosts a Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility that support pre-clinical studies in animal models for vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, 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.

This and other efforts strategically place CoVAB and Makerere at large in a position to confront major animal and even human health challenges as significant proportions of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are of animal origin (Zoonotic).

We are looking forward to an even more successful period ahead of us, and together definitely we shall achieve all we set out to do.

Prof. Frank Nobert Mwiine
PRINCIPAL