Veterinary & Biosecurity
Mak Field Day Training on livestock feed Climate-Smart Innovations conducted in Buwama
A team of scientists and students from Makerere University convened at Our Lady of Assumption Mitala Maria Parish in Buwama where, together with farmers from the surrounding area undertook a practical demonstration of improved silage-making technologies aimed at faster animal feed production. The outreach activity was aimed at addressing the challenge of low production in terms of milk and meat from livestock, which was attributed to low quantity and poor quality of feeds especially during the dry season, coupled with the poor production systems with limited land–intensive systems of production in the face of climate change.
The farmer field school event held on Wednesday 20th November 2024 was organized under the theme; Stakeholder Platform: Collaborative Knowledge Co-Creation and Sharing for livestock feed Climate-Smart Innovations in Uganda. It was one of the four-year collaborative research project activities titled, “Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA). This collaborative research project is implemented by Makerere University in partnership with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Norway), Maseno University (Kenya), and LUANAR and DARS (Malawi), funded by the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education (Diku)
The Principal Investigator, Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira Kalule, who is also the head of the Department of Livestock and Industrial Resources (LIR) at the College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) led the team that comprised Dr. Herbert Mukiibi from CoVAB, Prof. Vincent Muwanika from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Dr. Esaete Josephine from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
In her remarks, Dr. Nampanzira observed that because of climate change, the country particularly the farming communities was experiencing challenges in sustaining productivity and in getting adequate feeds for the livestock in the dry spells. We are looking for innovations that can sustain production she said, while emphasizing the fact that several useful practices from indigenous knowledge could be developed further for the benefit of many others. She said as scientists, they were going to the communities to look out for such practices, have them validated, and thereafter build capacity about these practices. Silogist, the technology used in making silage was developed through such on-farm experiences to preserve pastures and ensure the availability of feeds, especially in the dry season, she noted.
One of the pillars of the project, Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA), is the creation of a stakeholder platform involving various players in the livestock value chain, inclusive of researchers, farmers, politicians, and the church. The outreach conducted in Mitala Maria was in line with the project’s objectives of developing a Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) platform that includes key stakeholders engaged in activities and initiatives that promote Livestock CSA practices and technologies that limit greenhouse gas emissions from Livestock. Through such fora, the stakeholders would deliberate and establish why, despite the number of innovations and technologies developed by scientists at Makerere University, farmers were still engrossed in poverty as evidenced by the lack of feeds during the dry season. The stakeholder engagement was expected to find ways of transferring these technologies to the people for adoption, leading to improved livestock productivity said, Dr. Nampanzira while explaining why the university reached out to the communities through Mitala Maria Catholic Church.
Dr. Herbert Mukiibi, the brain behind Silogist who is a veterinarian by training with an interest in the microbiology field said throughout his practice he has been exposed to the challenges faced by farmers and using literature from research at Makerere University, together with the farmers, through action research, he has come up with solutions to the existing problems faced by farmers. He noted a lot of expertise has been written in many forms of publications which unfortunately was not being used by the farmers. As a university, we were finding ways of packaging such messages through such demonstrations to enable hands-on experience and tooling amongst the farmers.
‘In Mitala Maria, we found them with a non-commercial farm, shared the technologies that were piloted in other communities, and supported them make the farm commercial. We are here to look at what was done and enable other farmers to learn that they can turn around their farms and go commercial amidst the climate change era where farmers are increasingly getting confused with low crop and animal yields because of the scarcity of resources’ said Dr. Mukiibi. He pointed out other challenges faced by farmers like lack of nutrient recycling caused by people taking products from the farm and not having a loop of nutrients coming back to the farm leading to depletion of soils for which he said, he had come up with nutrient recycling tools so that farmers can realize high yields as it used to be.
Prof. Vincent Muwanika who explained his background and linkages with the Sustainable Future Global Network and the Stewardship Institute of Environment appreciated the efforts by Mitala Maria parish which was engaged in several enterprises including livestock farming, banana plantations, eucalyptus growing, and others. He said as a faith-based institution, it was the mandate of the institution to embark on empowering their faithful with the needed knowledge and skills necessary for them to generate household and ultimately church income. He said allowing the farm to be used as a demonstration for others to come and learn was important in supporting the individual household efforts to gain the skills needed to undertake enterprises for income generation.
Several livestock farmers and those with intentions of embarking on the trade participated in the day’s activities drawing valuable learning experiences. ‘I have found silage very user friendly because the cows like it very much, secondly, it makes the feed readily available’, said the cattle attendant at the Mitala Maria farm that hosted the farmer field school where the demonstration was conducted. He said he benefited from the training to further understand the process of making silage and was optimistic that he was going to do the same in his own home where he is rearing cattle.
The head of the laity Mitala Maria Mr. Bwanika informed the gathering that although the farm had been in existence for a long time, it had deteriorated. He commended the team from Makerere University who came on board to support the revitalization of the farm using several technologies according to the strategic plan of the parish. He said, with the advice of the university staff, they were able to plant the pastures, restock the farm, and were on the right path to make it a model farm for the rest to learn from.
Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa” (CICSA-E&SA) aims to develop a higher education multi-disciplinary curriculum in agriculture and economics, targeted to building knowledge and scientific capacity for innovation and advancement of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in East and Southern Africa through long-term partnerships between and among NMBU and four institutions in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
NRM’s Rose Namayanja Seeks Partnership with CoVAB to Boost Farmer Productivity through Research and Innovation
The Deputy Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Ms. Rose Namayanja, has called for stronger collaboration between researchers and farming communities to ensure farmers access the right information, technologies, and products needed to improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Namayanja made the remarks during a visit to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) at Makerere University on October 12, 2026, where she interacted with researchers and innovators working on various agricultural solutions. A key focus of the engagement was AZOLLA, an innovative low-cost protein source being developed as an alternative livestock feed ingredient to help reduce feed costs and improve farmer productivity. She explained that her visit to CoVAB was intended to obtain first-hand, research-based information that could be shared with other stakeholders and used to provide informed guidance to farmers.
While reflecting on the performance of beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Namayanja noted that government efforts to train and support farmers were yielding positive results in many areas, citing Mubende Municipality as an example. However, she expressed concern about the escalating cost of animal feeds, which continues to affect farmers across the country. She specifically cited the high price of ‘Akalungo’, a protein premix commonly used in livestock feeds, as one of the challenges undermining profitability in the agricultural sector.
Namayanja, who indicated that she too was involved in poultry farming with over One hundred thousand birds, explained that she had learned about Azolla, an alternative and affordable source of protein for animal feeds, from several sources, including the Uganda Prisons Service’s two-acredemonstration facility at the Jinja Show Ground, where a number of agricultural innovations are showcased. Interested in obtaining first-hand knowledge about the innovation, she visited CoVAB to engage with the researchers behind Azolla and better understand its potential to address the feed cost challenge facing farmers.
She noted that her intention was to obtain well-researched and evidence-based information that would enable her to provide accurate guidance and informed advice to farmers seeking practical solutions to improve productivity while reducing production costs.
Explanation of Improvements
“Many people, including members of the elite class, are increasingly investing in agriculture and are seeking support and information from credible institutions,” she said.
Namayanja commended the young scientists and innovators at the college for putting their academic knowledge into practice through solutions that address animal nutrition challenges and help farmers reduce the cost of livestock feeds.
She pledged to work closely with CoVAB to ensure that farmers’ challenges are addressed through scientifically guided interventions and innovations.
CoVAB Showcases Research and Academic Programs
The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. Clovice Kankya, highlighted the wide range of research and academic activities being undertaken at the college. He explained the college’s structure, which comprises the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) and the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnologyand Laboratory Sciences ((SBLS), outlining the various academic programs and research initiatives offered under the two schools.
Scientists Promote Alternative Feed Sources
Speaking during the engagement, Assoc. Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, the Dean of SBLS emphasized the college’s efforts to develop alternative animal feed sources using insects such as maggots and black soldier flies. She explained that these innovations help transform waste into useful products while addressing the growing demand for affordable protein sources in animal feeds. As a representative from the unit responsible for quality management, she noted that the college places great emphasis on ensuring that animal feeds meet national standards and regulatory requirements.
“Food is often said to be a drug, and therefore the feeds we produce must be of high quality,” she said, noting the need to comply with standards set by the National Drug Authority and other regulators.
Prof. Mugasa observed that conventional protein sources such as fish meal and soybean remain expensive, creating competition between livestock and humans for food resources. She stressed the need to expand research, establish demonstration gardens, and increase farmer awareness and confidence in innovations such as Azolla. She also highlighted the need for further research into preservation technologies, including grinding and fermentation methods, to improve the storage and utilization of Azolla products.
Linking Innovations to Communities
Edward Ssebuufu, founder of Anaweza Innovation Academy, said the academy identifies gaps within communities and develops solutions to address them. He revealed that the organization in conjunction with researchers from CoVAB and CAES is establishing demonstration gardens to promote Azolla as an affordable protein source for animal feed among many other innovations. Ssebuufu proposed stronger collaboration between the academy and the Parish Development Model so that proven technologies can be disseminated more effectively to communities.
“We have the technologies here at CoVAB. The question is how we get them to the communities?” he said.
He noted that high feed costs and concerns about feed quality remain major challenges for farmers. According to him, practical community training centers, proper enterprise selection, and farmer group formation are essential strategies for improving agricultural productivity and adoption of innovations.
Makerere UniPod Promotes Commercialization
The Assistant Manager of Makerere UniPod, Dr. Margaret Nagwovuma, said the innovation hub welcomes staff, students, and members of the public with innovative ideas. She acknowledged that while numerous innovations are being developed at the university, many people are not fully utilizing the services available through the center.
“Our role is to link academia to industry and serve all categories of innovators,” she said.
Dr. Nagwovuma further observed that there is a significant gap in the commercialization of research outputs and innovations, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among researchers, innovators, government agencies, and industry players to ensure that technologies developed at the university reach communities and contribute to national development.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Prof. Clovice Kankya Assumes Leadership at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
Prof. Clovice Kankya officially assumed leadership of Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) on Thursday, September 17, 2026, taking over from outgoing principal Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine in a handover ceremony presided over by Chief Human Resources Officer Deus Mujuni.
Upon assuming office, Prof. Clovice Kankya has laid out a six-pillar vision to transform the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The vision focuses on shifting from lecture-based to competence-driven teaching, advancing impactful research that translates into innovation and national development.
Further, he said his leadership will support building valuable partnerships that strengthen staff capacity and global contribution. He emphasized treating people as the greatest resource by addressing staff attrition and fostering mentorship, while reinforcing governance and accountability to ensure institutional trust. Finally, he pledged to create a listening college with open communication channels between staff and students, positioning CoVAB as a hub of excellence, innovation, and impact.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, in his maiden address as Principal CoVAB, began with heartfelt appreciation: “I stand before you with a profound sense of gratitude, humility, and responsibility.” He pledged to confront challenges honestly, build on existing achievements, and transform ideas into measurable outputs. Emphasizing his leadership philosophy, he declared that it is anchored on “continuity where continuity serves, change where change is necessary, and innovation where innovation can create greater impact.”
A Call to Collective Action
Prof. Kankya urged students to challenge the college intellectually and prepare to become solution creators rather than job seekers. He called on staff for active participation and constructive criticism, and encouraged researchers and partners to form multidisciplinary teams tackling Uganda’s pressing problems.
Further, he pledged to lead with consultation, accountability, and consensus-building. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. It’s not a chapter that I write alone; it’s a chapter that we shall write together,” he said. “Together, let us move CoVAB from retention to practice, from knowledge to innovation, and from innovation to impact.”
Prof. Kankya envisions CoVAB as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and impact — with improved infrastructure, digital transformation, enhanced staff development, and financial sustainability. His leadership is expected to strengthen academic programs, enhance resource mobilization, and steer the college toward greater influence in veterinary medicine and animal resources, both in Uganda and beyond.
Legacy of Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine at CoVAB
Outgoing Principal Prof. Mwiine highlighted milestones during his tenure, including the construction of a 980-million-shilling hostel at Buyana Stock Farm, roofing of the CoVAB building, acquisition of a bus for student transport, provision of 500 lecture hall seats, and painting of the college building without drawing on university funds. Yet, he also pointed to persistent challenges such as staffing gaps, unimplemented departmental restructuring, and high staff attrition. He urged his successor to remain resilient, stressing that resource mobilization often comes with resistance and criticism.
The Chief Human Resources Officer for Makerere University, Mr. Deus Mujuni commended Prof. Mwiine for leaving an indelible mark on the college and urged Prof. Kankya to build on that legacy. He emphasized continuity, urging the new principal to consult past leaders and rely on institutional memory, while reminding staff to extend the same trust and dedication to the incoming leadership.
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Rt. Hon. Eng. Asiimwe Jonard, visited the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) during his maiden official visit to Makerere University, commending the tremendous research work ongoing at CoVAB and across the University.
In his remarks, the Minister noted that his visit to the University highlighted the pivotal role of research, technology, and innovation in shaping Uganda’s economic transformation and showcased Makerere’s capacity to translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address both national and global challenges.
The visit, held on September 16th, 2026, was anchored under the theme “Research Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies and Enterprise Creation.” It offered the Minister an opportunity to tour CoVAB’s state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre for Global Biosecurity and Biomolecular Technology (CeBioTech) and engage directly with faculty, researchers, and students. He commended the college for its tremendous contributions to animal health, food security, and biosecurity, emphasizing that these areas are vital to building a resilient and sustainable economy for Uganda.
While addressing college staff, researchers, and other stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that universities must serve as engines of innovation, moving beyond scholarly work to commercialization. He commended CoVAB’s vaccine development for both humans and animals, describing it as a cornerstone of Uganda’s biosecurity agenda. He further highlighted the importance of integrating social sciences into innovation, noting that project management and product development strategies are essential to fast-track research outputs into viable enterprises.
The Minister toured several flagship facilities at CoVAB, including the Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility, which provides laboratory animal services and pre-clinical trial support; RePROVaD, which designs recombinant proteins and subunit vaccines for emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Mpox; the Anti-Tick Vaccine project, which addresses the persistent challenge of ticks and tick-borne diseases affecting livestock productivity; and BIOMARKER, which develops antibody-based diagnostics to strengthen disease detection. These initiatives, he noted, demonstrate Makerere University’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to both national and global health challenges.
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined priority actions where CoVAB is expected to play a leading role. These include advancing veterinary innovations toward certification and commercialization, leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen Uganda’s pathogen economy, positioning veterinary science as a driver of agro‑industrialization, developing sustainable models for shared diagnostic and biosecurity laboratories, and providing commercialization support for innovators in areas such as intellectual property, regulation, standards, and market access. By focusing on these areas, he emphasized, CoVAB will not only enhance Uganda’s scientific capacity but also accelerate the country’s journey toward economic resilience and prosperity.
Asiimwe pledged continued support for Makerere University and encouraged the development of structured University–Industry exchange models to ensure veterinary research translates into enterprise creation. He also emphasized the importance of self-sustainability for research centers, noting that revenue generation is key to long-term impact.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the Minister for recognizing CoVAB’s strategic role and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to advancing veterinary science and innovation for Uganda’s prosperity.
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