Leading agricultural experts and stakeholders convened for a high-level roundtable discussion on climate-smart initiatives and livestock feed innovations in Uganda. Hosted at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, the event brought together scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas on sustainable agriculture and the future of livestock feeding.
In the opening remarks, Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, the head of the Department of Livestock and Industrial Resources Department at CoVAB welcomed participants and expressed deep appreciation for their engagement, emphasizing the significance of such discussions in driving meaningful change. She acknowledged the progress made in climate-smart agriculture while stressing the need for thorough documentation and continued evaluation to ensure that all achievements are fully leveraged for future impact.
The Livestock Climate Smart Technologies Round Table Discussion is one of the activities organized under the four-year collaborative research project namely; Building Capacity for Innovation and Advancement of Climate Smart Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (CICSA-E&SA). One of its objectives is to develop a Climate Smart Agriculture platform that includes key stakeholders engaged and interested in key activities and initiatives that promote Climate Smart Agriculture practices and technologies to share experiences and lessons to further the resilience of farmers among others. The project is run by a project implementation committee comprised of Prof. John Tabuti, Prof. Josephine Esaete, Prof. Vincent Muwanika, and Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira.
Participants were drawn from key units including the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries (MAAIF), the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (CAES), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) among others and they included scientists and PhD students. Throughout the session, experts explored various innovative farming strategies, including improved manure management, the use of repurposed agricultural byproducts, and alternative feeding approaches such as insect-based feed and probiotics. The discussions highlighted the necessity of research-driven solutions to maximize efficiency and ensure safe adoption of these techniques.
Dr. Dorothy Nampanzira, Head of the Livestock and Industrial Resourses Department, CoVAB (Right), flanked by Dr. Maholo Mulongo Denis, Ass. Commissioner Animal Nutrition, MAAIF.
With Uganda’s livestock industry expanding rapidly, concerns were raised about gaps in technical knowledge among farmers, particularly as modern farming practices evolve. Participants emphasized the importance of bridging this gap through better documentation, sensitization programs, and closer collaboration between researchers and farmers.
The discussions made some future projections based on available research and experiences drawn from elsewhere which projections indicate that Uganda will need to significantly increase its milk and meat production by 2050 to meet the growing demand. Experts underscored the importance of predictive models and data-driven research to assess feed availability, considering factors such as rising carbon dioxide levels that could affect grass protein content, which is a major component of livestock diets.
The discussions concluded with recommendations to strengthen stakeholder cooperation, enhance information-sharing efforts, and revive research dissemination initiatives. Dr. Nampanzira encouraged continued engagement, urging participants to contribute to future projects and explore funding opportunities to support similar discussions. This roundtable serves as a critical step toward sustainable agriculture, ensuring Uganda remains prepared to meet evolving climate and food security challenges.
Prof. Vincent Muwanika moderated the sessions during the discourse.
During the discussions, participants reflected on various strategies farmers are adopting to cope with climate change, including innovative manure management and repurposing agricultural byproducts. While some methods have traditional roots, enhancing efficiency through research and technology was emphasized as crucial for long-term sustainability.
A key topic was the adoption of alternative feeding strategies such as insect-based feed, blood meal, and probiotics. Scientists highlighted the need for further research to validate these methods, ensuring they meet safety standards and are viable for widespread use. In addition, participants explored high-protein forage options, such as elephant grass from China, which boasts a 19% protein content. Experts warned, however, of the risks associated with introducing non-native plant species, stressing the importance of scientific guidance in agricultural innovations.
Another challenge addressed was the knowledge gap between farmers and researchers. With an increasing number of elite farmers investing in modern practices, the lack of technical oversight could lead to long-term negative effects. Stakeholders called for better documentation of successful farming methods and increased efforts in farmer education.
Discussions also touched on Uganda’s future food security, with projections indicating a 200% increase in milk demand and a 300% rise in meat production by 2050. Experts stressed the importance of data-driven research to assess feed availability and predict future needs, noting that rising carbon dioxide levels could diminish grass protein content, which was a major concern for livestock-dependent industries.
A section of the participants in the dialogue.
The event concluded with recommendations to strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement and revive research dissemination initiatives. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) was urged to develop regulatory frameworks, particularly on animal feed policy, to support sustainable livestock farming.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Nampanzira praised the participants for their dedication and called for continued collaboration in securing funding for future discussions. She encouraged experts to contribute to extension grants and policy formulation, recognizing the significance of collective action in addressing Uganda’s agricultural challenges.
On Monday, 22nd September 2025, the Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health (BEP) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, launched a four-day intensive training program aimed at equipping Uganda’s next generation of educators with foundational knowledge in One Health. This initiative seeks to foster interdisciplinary understanding among future teachers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing emerging public health challenges.
The initiative, titled “One Health Training of Uganda’s Next Generation of Teachers,” targets selected third-year education students from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University (UCU), and Kabale University, along with newly graduated teachers from across the country. The training is one of the activities of the broader Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA)project, a regional program spanning 12 countries aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting integrated approaches to health education and practice.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda, underscored the transformative impact of the training, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s future health resilience. He noted that by equipping educators with foundational knowledge in One Health, Uganda is fostering a sustainable network of informed leaders capable of influencing both formal education systems and grassroots communities. These teachers will not only embed One Health principles into their curricula but also serve as local ambassadors and champions for improved sanitation, climate adaptation, and disease prevention within their communities.
Prof. Clovice Kankya, Head of the BEP Department at CoVAB and Principal Investigator of the COHESA project in Uganda
“This is more than a training,” Prof. Kankya remarked. “It’s a movement to embed One Health thinking into the social fabric of Uganda, given that educators are trusted voices in society. When they grasp the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, they become powerful catalysts for behavioral change and community-driven action.”
He emphasized the pivotal role of teachers as agents of change, stressing that One Health, a multidisciplinary approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health, is vital for addressing today’s complex health challenges. Despite its growing global relevance, he observed that the concept of One Health remains largely underrepresented in Uganda’s education and public health sectors. This gap, he argued, makes the involvement of teachers especially critical, as they can serve as catalysts for a multiplier effect, extending the reach and impact of One Health principles across both formal education systems and local communities.
A section of the participants engaged in group work during the training
Prof. Clovice Kankya further highlighted that the ripple effect of empowering teachers will extend beyond schools, reaching homes, villages, and regional networks. In doing so, the initiative aims to build a generation of citizens who are not only aware of health risks but are also equipped to respond collaboratively and sustainably.
The trainees, drawn from diverse teaching disciplines, received instruction in key areas such as an introduction to One Health principles, zoonotic diseases and outbreak investigation, risk communication strategies, community engagement, and exit protocols, among others. Facilitators from AFROHUN and CoVAB were carefully selected for their expertise in outbreak response, strategic communication, and community-based education. The curriculum is enriched with social science perspectives to strengthen community entry approaches and promote culturally sensitive messaging, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to engage effectively with local populations.
In a strategic gathering at Makerere University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) held its Founder’s Convention to reflect on its 12-year journey and unveil its ambitious next chapter: the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA). The event, hosted under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Biomolecular Sciences (SBLS), brought together scientists, students, and strategic partners from across Uganda and beyond. The convention served as both a retrospective and a launchpad, celebrating CIMTRADZ’s achievements while setting a bold agenda for MAGBBA’s future.
Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat.
Ms. Brenda Nakazibwe, Team Lead for the Pathogen Economy at the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, delivered an address on behalf of Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. She commended the brains and effort behind CIMTRADZ for their relentless efforts in implementing research and training programs initially supported under the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology that set the pace for the numerous achievements realised to-date.
Nakazibwe outlined Uganda’s strategic roadmap for harnessing science and innovation to drive national development. She revealed that since March 2022, the STI Secretariat has operated through eight specialized bureaus focused on mobility, export promotion, and productivity acceleration. “Our mandate is to coordinate the ecosystem,” Nakazibwe emphasized, “bringing together academia, media, and the private sector to ensure science leads us to another level.”
While emphasisng the commitment of continued support to the academia in finding solutions to societal challenges, Nakazibwe also spotlighted Uganda’s prioritized industrial value chains, which include ICT, artificial intelligence, infrastructure innovation, aeronautics, and space science. She stressed that science must be a tool to combat poverty and unemployment, aligning with the goals of National Development Plan III.
Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, was represented by Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
Representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza praised the university’s growing network of research centers, some of which have attained Level 5 status as centers of excellence. He emphasized that the transition from the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ) to the proposed Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA) signals a strategic shift toward sustainability and broader impact.
“In the face of pandemics and epidemics, the world is counting on scientists,” Prof. Buyinza said. “This is no longer a concern confined to laboratories, but it’s a matter of national survival.”
He called on Uganda’s scientific community to develop a comprehensive national inventory of pathogens, stressing that biosecurity must be a shared responsibility across sectors. He also commended the movement of Makerere’s academic talent into government and private agencies, describing it as a positive extension of the university’s influence.
“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he noted, urging researchers to harness their expertise to address pressing health and development challenges. “Collaboration and cooperation are no longer optional but are essential.”
Prof. Buyinza concluded by pledging institutional support for scientific initiatives that translate into tangible products and services, reinforcing Makerere’s role as a driver of innovation and societal transformation.
Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens.
During the convention Prof. John David Kabasa delivered a powerful message on the future of biosecurity and bioeconomy, calling on scientists to take the lead in safeguarding society against biological threats. Prof. Kabasa emphasized the urgent need to protect both human and animal populations from emerging pathogens. He described biosecurity and bioeconomy as critical pillars for national resilience and global competitiveness.
“We are living in an era of insufficiency,” Prof. Kabasa stated, “where bio threats are no longer distant possibilities but immediate challenges demanding coordinated action.”
He commended Makerere University for its visionary leadership and the platform it has provided to advance scientific research and innovation. He also acknowledged the Government of Uganda for its substantial investments across institutions, which he said have laid the foundation for transformative progress.
Prof. Kabasa stressed the importance of capacity building and value amplification, and called on universities and schools to equip learners with skills that enhance the value of biological assets and foster entrepreneurial thinking.
Prof. Kabasa however, he expressed concern over the persistence of outdated ideologies, weak innovation culture, and limited Pan-African collaboration. To address these gaps, he advocated for a culture of collaboration across higher education, research, and service delivery.
“Scientists hold the key to societal transformation,” he said, urging them to embrace their responsibility and develop solutions to pressing challenges.
Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University one of the founder mentors
Prof. M. Kaneene of Michigan State University delivered an inspiring presentation that underscored Uganda’s growing role in global biosecurity and infectious disease preparedness. Speaking as one of the founding mentors of the Consortium for Integrated Management of Transboundary Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ), Prof. Kaneene reflected on the initiative’s journey and its far-reaching impact. He highlighted a Special Issue of a scientific journal featuring four foundational papers that helped catalyze new projects not only in Uganda but across Africa and beyond. “Centers like CEBIGH give CoVAB a unique niche in addressing regional and global biosecurity challenges,” Prof. Kaneene said, emphasizing the importance of research and training in tackling emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
He urged stakeholders to build on past achievements and expand the center’s influence through targeted programs such as short courses and summer training initiatives. With Uganda poised to take a leadership role, he stressed that biosecurity must remain a national priority.
Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho represented the CoVAB Principal and welcomed the participants
The Principal of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, represented by Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho reflected on the consortium’s decade-long impact. He noted that CIMTRADZ had significantly contributed to the expansion of the former Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, particularly under the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory Sciences.
“CIMTRADZ has been instrumental in shaping our infrastructure and academic programs,” Prof. Mwiine said. He highlighted key developments including the central laboratory, animal research facility, biomarker and diagnostic facility, and the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health. He also pointed to the launch of advanced degree programs,Master’s and PhDs,that have created new opportunities for staff and students to pursue higher education and research excellence.
“These achievements align perfectly with Makerere University’s vision of being a thought leader in knowledge generation for societal transformation,” he added. Prof. Mwiine cited vaccine development as one of the tangible outcomes of the consortium’s work and expressed optimism about the next phase of the initiative, which transitions into the Multisectoral Alliance for Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Advancement (MAGBBA).
Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS)
Dr. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), presented an overview of the school’s mandate in biosecurity, biosafety, and biomedical sciences. “Our laboratories are not just teaching spaces, they are hubs of innovation shared across departments, schools, and colleges,” Dr. Mugasa said. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with sister universities in Uganda and abroad, noting that collaboration is key to building capacity and driving scientific progress.
Following her remarks, Dr. Enoch Matovu, Director of the Centre for Global Health, addressed the urgent need for preparedness in the face of emerging and re-emerging diseases. He cited the 2022 chickenpox outbreak as a wake-up call for the region’s health systems.
“The establishment of this research centre was a strategic response to such threats,” Dr. Matovu said. “Through programs like vaccinology, we are equipping scientists to protect both human and livestock ecosystems.”
He praised the founding team behind the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health for their vision and dedication, which have propelled CoVAB to the forefront of regional biosecurity efforts.
A Section of the attendees that reflected on the achievements
During the CIMTRADZ Founder’s Convention at Makerere University, participants celebrated a decade of achievements in biosecurity and institutional development at CoVAB. Key milestones included the establishment of a state-of-the-art research center, enhanced international collaborations, staff capacity building, and the launch of advanced academic programs. The event also highlighted cultural and academic exchanges such as summer schools, workshops, and conferences. These accomplishments reflect CoVAB’s strategic growth and its evolving role as a regional leader in biosecurity, now transitioning into the next phase under MAGBBA.
Makerere University has secured funding amounting to UGX 980 million for the construction of a student hostel at Buyana Stock Farm, a key research and training facility under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The construction due to commence soon, will be undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), addressing a longstanding challenge of inadequate accommodation for staff and students.
The announcement was made during a handover ceremony on Thursday, 28th August 2025, where Dr. Mathias Wasswa, the long-serving Farm Manager, officially passed the mantle to Ms. Nansubuga Frances after a 19-year tenure. Dr. Wasswa was lauded for his resilience and commitment in steering the farm through resource constraints and maintaining its relevance in Uganda’s veterinary education landscape.
Left to Right: Dr. Mathias Wasswa, outgoing Farm Manager; Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB; and Ms. Nansubuga Frances, incoming Farm Manager, during the handover ceremony held on Thursday.
The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Buyana Stock Farm, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive review and restructuring. On the same day, an audit led by Mr. Muteganda Amon, Chair of Makerere University’s Audit Committee, uncovered critical challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, staffing constraints, and an urgent need for strategic reforms. These findings underscore the necessity of revitalizing the farm to reclaim its status as Uganda’s premier veterinary training institution.
Among the issues highlighted were the lack of student housing, a crumbling administration block, and deteriorated animal units. Other challenges included poor water supply system and animal welfare concerns, including disease outbreaks, poor pasture management, and lack of contingency plans for dry seasons. The farm also faces Governance gaps, with most workers not formally employed by the university and rigid recruitment policies leaving key roles vacant.
A section of the College and Audit Committee members during a de brief meeting following the inspection of facilities at Buyana.
The handover event was attended by key stakeholders including Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine (Principal, CoVAB), Prof. James Acai Okwee (Deputy Principal), Ms. Nyakato Barbara (Human Resource Officer), and Prof. Robert Tweyongyere (Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources).
As Ms. Nansubuga Frances assumes leadership, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a blend of technical expertise and a deep commitment to animal welfare. The transition is expected to usher in a new era of revitalization, with plans for infrastructure upgrades, improved governance, and a renewed focus on research and outreach.