Research
The newly refurbished CoVAB-based Research Centre for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control (RTC) Commissioned
On Friday, 1st August 2025, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, officially inaugurated the newly upgraded Research Centre for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control (RTC) Lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the funding partner GALVmed, the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA), and the Uganda Animal Health Laboratory Network, staff and students of the college.
A once-outdated research lab in Uganda, as recently as 2015, has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a multi-unit scientific powerhouse that now plays a pivotal role in advancing national health priorities and training students across diverse disciplines. Strategic partnerships fueled this revitalization, the most recent being the MoTAR project, Monitoring of Ticks and Acaricide Resistance in Uganda, implemented by CoVAB. With support from the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed), the MoTAR project will establish a total network of nine technically equipped laboratories across the country. The labs, three of which have been commissioned, including RTC, Gulu, and Kumi labs, will be central to diagnosing tick-borne diseases, tracking acaricide resistance, and generating data to inform national policy and improve livestock productivity.
“If I could launch laboratories every single day and do nothing else, I would,” declared Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor, during the unveiling ceremony. “Our vision is to transform into a more research-intensive, research-led university that journey begins here.”
He emphasized the transformative power of innovation, urging the community to view research not just as an academic pursuit but as a driver of development and job creation. He commended CoVAB for its remarkable research output, attributing it to the university’s ranking.
Prof. Nawangwe encouraged researchers to embrace a mindset of creativity and production. He noted the increasing volume of patent, trademark, and copyright applications processed by the university’s intellectual property office, which, he said, was evidence that scholars were now committed to turning ideas into impactful solutions.
The Vice Chancellor applauded the critical work taking place in the RTC lab, especially in addressing livestock mortality amid growing population pressures. He challenged vaccine researchers to ensure their innovations directly respond to the urgent need to safeguard the livestock sector, which is a cornerstone of national food security and economic stability.
While addressing the issue of a lack of jobs in the country, he said the responsibility of job creation lies on the shoulders of the researchers. “It is we who must create jobs through the students we train, and the innovations we make. We want every Makerere student to go out with a company in their hands to create jobs, he said, while congratulating the RTC team for the great work done.
The RTC lab’s strategic rise from humble beginnings
According to Dr. Patrick Vudriko, Head of the Facility and Principal Investigator of the MoTAR project, the transformation began in 2011, when the lab faced challenges of outdated equipment and limited operational capacity. Fueled by a vision for change, he said, a committed team spearheaded efforts to restore and reinvent the research center. A turning point came in 2016, when Dr. Vudriko received advanced training in Japan, which, coupled with the arrival of modern equipment, marked the beginning of a structured reorganization. By 2022, the lab had evolved into a robust multi-unit research complex featuring four specialized laboratories, namely genomics, serology, pharmaceutical research and development, and a general research unit, each aligned with CoVAB’s academic departments and Uganda’s broader scientific agenda.
The upgraded RTC Lab has become a magnet for budding scientists across a wide spectrum of disciplines and institutions. While rooted within CoVAB, the facility draws active participation from other colleges at Makerere University, including the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, particularly in the field of nanotechnology, the College of Health Sciences for pharmaceutical studies, the College of Natural Sciences for natural products research, and food science programs. Its national impact is further underscored by strong collaborations with external institutions such as Kyambogo University, Kampala International University (KIU), and Busitema University, and students from foreign universities. Beyond academia, the lab contributes to national health efforts as evidenced by collaborations with the FAO and JICA that have enabled community outreach, especially in Kiboga District, focusing on disease diagnostics and the management of ticks. Dr. Vudriko noted that the insights gained since 2013 stress the urgency of proactive research and rapid testing, since chemical resistance complicates tick control.
The PI explained that MoTAR, working closely with MAAIF, initiated efforts towards developing a digital National Information Management System. This integrates tick species mapping, acaricide resistance data, and pathogen tracking across Uganda’s ecologies. The refurbished and newly equipped labs will make high-quality data contributions to the system and in turn support the agricultural policy development in Uganda.
GALVmed supports small-scale livestock farmers through MoTAR
Speaking on behalf of the funding agency GALVmed, Dr. Johnson Ouma, the MoTAR Project Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the support provided by Makerere University towards the smooth project implementation. He underscored GALVmed’s mission to expand access to veterinary products and services for small-scale livestock producers, particularly those who lack the financial resources and proximity to essential inputs like drugs and diagnostics.
Dr. Ouma cited compelling research evidence that highlighted the widespread challenge of tick infestations and increasing resistance to acaricides, which has significant implications for livestock health and productivity. Thus, he explained the importance of investing in robust information systems capable of mapping acaricide resistance, tick distribution, and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens.
He commended Makerere University for taking a leadership role in developing these innovations, with the intent that successful strategies would be replicated in other countries facing similar challenges. Dr. Ouma concluded with optimism, noting that the MoTAR project is expected to yield impactful outcomes, both locally and internationally.
Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine Applauds RTC Lab’s Transformation
The Principal of CoVAB, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, praised the RTC Lab team led by Dr. Patrick Vudriko for the impressive progress in revitalizing the laboratory. “It’s more than infrastructure; it’s a movement,” he said, emphasizing the lab’s key role in connecting classroom theory with hands-on experience.
Students are now being immersed directly into laboratory environments, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and diagnostic techniques. Prof. Mwiine underscored that fifth-year veterinary students are actively deployed into districts, engaging with farmers and applying their knowledge on the ground.
This hands-on approach guarantees that future veterinarians are not only academically prepared but also rooted in community involvement and practical problem solving. Through training and outreach initiatives, the labs function both as learning centers and catalysts for societal change.
“We should take Makerere to the community and not the community coming to us” Prof. Mwiine added. He extended appreciation to MAAIF for the proposed 69 veterinary labs to be constructed in the country. He said the college continues to train students who will be handy in the use of the labs.
Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR), underscored the strategic importance of the RTC Lab by tracing its historical focus on tick-related research. He emphasized that tick resistance goes far beyond science, touching on economics, policy, and sustainability. “When ticks become resistant to acarisides,” he noted, “it leads to increased chemical use, higher costs, and broader socioeconomic consequences.” Prof. Tweyongyere celebrated the lab’s evolution into a national hub, now supporting other laboratories and diagnostic units in communities across Uganda. He further applauded the veterinary fraternity for its commitment to advancing animal health and spearheading diagnostic services in underserved regions.
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 5th Biennial Conference is underway at Makerere University, and Day 2 has kicked off with a keynote address from Prof. Vukosi Marivate. The keynote speaker and ABSA-UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria delivered his address under the theme “Research, Innovation & Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation: The Power of the Grassroots”.
Prof. Marivate reminded the audience that Africa’s AI journey is growing from the ground up, powered not by huge institutions but by determined communities and university-based innovators who refuse to wait for permission to build. He spoke passionately about initiatives like Masakhane and the Deep Learning Indaba, which have transformed African language research and expanded technical capacity across the continent. Rather than chasing prestige journals alone, he emphasized work that actually serves African people: building language models, releasing open-source tools, nurturing talent and keeping researchers rooted on the continent. In his words, the future of African AI will be shaped by local builders who choose their own path, invest in research, and create technology guided by real community needs, not external validation.
The keynote address was followed by a round discussion moderated by Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and speakers emphasized that Africa’s AI future will be built through deep, intentional collaboration. The discussion was centered on a theme: Collaboration of Networks (Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa). They noted that the question is no longer whether AI will reshape society; it already is. The real task now is ensuring Africa shapes AI in a way that advances prosperity, equity and shared opportunity. Panelists highlighted that isolated excellence will not deliver transformation. Instead, the continent needs networks that pool expertise, resources and vision across universities, sectors and borders.
Prof. Sharon Fonn of the CARTA Consortium stressed the value of co-created knowledge systems and shared investment in research platforms. She showcased CARTA’s AI-driven research visibility tool, which is already helping African scholars connect findings to policy and practice. Prof. Anthony Egeru of RUFORUM grounded the conversation in agriculture, reminding delegates that AI must reach the acre, not just the algorithm. He emphasized practical innovation that improves smallholder farmers’ productivity and livelihoods, especially through youth-led agritech ventures. From PASGR, Mr. Jim Kaketch underscored that social scientists must not be an afterthought in AI governance, urging frameworks that safeguard ethics, accountability and citizen inclusion.
Dr. Rachid Serraj from Mohammed VI Polytechnic highlighted the power of industry-university partnerships and hands-on innovation models that prepare young Africans to build, not just consume, AI tools. Prof. Akinyemi added that African universities must rethink promotion and reward systems to recognize innovation, impact and cross-disciplinary work. The panel’s shared message was simple but powerful: Africa has talent, vision and momentum. What is needed now is aligned investment, harmonized policies and a commitment to build AI ecosystems that reflect African priorities and enable African creators to lead from the front.
The keynote address and roundtable discussion were followed by the the Fourth Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Adama Ibrahim, Vice-Chair of the Science for Africa Foundation, and a Special Panel of the O.R. Tambo Research Chairs Initiative chaired by Makerere University‘s Dr. Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende. The session tackled themes such as: Application of AI in Research and Innovation in African Universities; Building AI Capacity and Talents in African Higher Education Institutions; Promoting Collaborative Research and Innovation Networks in AI in Africa; Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation; and AI and Creative Economies.
View Session
The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Information, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza has officially opened the 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference on Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, held on October 29, 2025. Hosted by Makerere University, the three-day conference has drawn together distinguished guests including Vice Chancellors and their deputies from universities under the ARUA, alongside leading scholars and practitioners in Science, Technology and Innovation. The gathering comes at a momentous time as ARUA celebrates its 10th anniversary—an occasion that underscores the alliance’s growing impact on advancing research and collaboration across the continent. Over the course of the conference, participants will deliberate on how research, innovation and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and drive sustainable transformation.
Addressing Africa’s Scientific Renaissance
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, opened the conference with a compelling call for Africa to seize its moment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She reflected on the continent’s history of disruption—from the slave trade to colonization—that interrupted the continuity of African innovation, noting how earlier generations independently developed technologies, smelted iron, and applied natural therapeutics without formal laboratories. Hon. Musenero urged African scientists, researchers, and universities to reclaim this legacy by transforming knowledge into practical solutions that address real-world challenges, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
She emphasized that the role of science must extend beyond academic publications and ivory towers, stressing the need for inventions, industrialization, and commercialization of research outcomes. Highlighting Uganda’s progress, she pointed to innovations in electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, as well as initiatives to harness AI and digital technology to benefit local economies. She challenged researchers to align their work with national priorities, protect intellectual property, and translate knowledge into tools, industries, and enterprises that uplift communities. Hon. Musenero concluded by urging African scientists to embrace challenges as opportunities, enter the “Evil Forest” of innovation with courage and resilience, and ensure that Africa no longer remains a passive observer in global technological advancement but a leader shaping its own development trajectory.
Dr. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council on her part described the gathering as a convergence of visionaries, dream builders, and custodians of Africa’s future. She emphasized that the theme of the conference, Research, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Transformation, called for a shift from consuming knowledge to creating and exporting it, positioning Africa at the center of global development.
Dr. Magara highlighted Makerere University’s initiatives, including the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF), the AI and Data Science Research Center, and the Innovation Pod, as examples of how African universities can drive societal transformation when innovation is pursued with vision and intentionality. She also underlined the importance of collaboration through ARUA, noting that technology must serve humanity and be guided by African values of ethics, community, dignity, and shared prosperity. Pointing to Africa’s young population as a key engine of creativity and growth, Dr. Magara called on leaders and researchers to build ecosystems that empower scholars, inspire innovations that uplift communities, and forge partnerships to accelerate the continent’s progress.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed delegates to the Conference, expressed gratitude for Makerere’s role as a pioneer member of the alliance and paid tribute to the visionaries who laid its foundation. Speaking from the historic Main Hall—where Africa’s early independence leaders once debated the continent’s future—Professor Nawangwe reflected on how today’s struggles have shifted from political emancipation to scientific, technological, and economic liberation. He emphasized the urgent need to address Africa’s pressing challenges, including population growth, health, governance, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Highlighting Uganda’s commitment to science, he cited the government’s support to Mak-RIF and the appointment of a scientist-led Ministry for Science, Technology, and Innovation as milestones of progress. He added that under the stewardship of strong leaders such as Dr. Lorna Magara and Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Makerere has received over $8 million annually in research funding, fostering groundbreaking innovations by students, faculty, and community innovators. Professor Nawangwe called for sustained collaboration, increased investment, and shared resolve to harness Africa’s knowledge and innovation for true emancipation.
A call to prepare early and act decisively for AI
The Secretary General of ARUA, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, delivered an insightful overview of the 5th Biennial International Conference, highlighting the urgency for Africa to leverage AI and research to transform its social, economic, and political landscape. He observed that while the continent continues to grapple with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, health crises, and governance gaps, artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress towards Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Gyapong emphasized the potential of AI to enhance research efficiency, drive innovation, and address pressing issues in agriculture, health, education, and governance. He also underscored the need for Africa to develop data infrastructure, ethical frameworks, and equitable access to AI tools. Outlining the conference program, he noted that discussions would center on building AI capacity in higher education, strengthening university–industry collaboration, and advancing responsible AI ecosystems. Concluding with an African proverb, he reminded participants that “you cannot fatten a goat on the market day,” urging institutions to prepare early and act decisively for Africa’s transformation.
In his address, the Chairperson of the ARUA Board, Prof. Sizwe Mabizela, paid tribute to the visionary leaders who founded ARUA and commended its founding Secretary General, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, for his exceptional leadership in strengthening the alliance across the continent. Professor Mabizela emphasized the importance of collaboration among African universities and their global partners in addressing the complex challenges facing humanity—ranging from climate change and pandemics to inequality and technological disruption. He called for stronger, sustainable international research networks that enable knowledge exchange, innovation, and institutional growth, allowing African universities to become central contributors to global progress. Expressing appreciation to Makerere University for hosting the conference, he applauded the organizers, keynote speakers, and participants for their dedication to advancing Africa’s research and innovation agenda. He concluded with optimism, affirming that through collaboration, shared purpose, and resilience, Africa’s future remains bright with promise and possibility.
In his virtual address, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, urged Africa to harness its vast potential as the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. He reflected on the continent’s unique position to redefine its development path through courage, collaboration, and conviction. Acknowledging the challenges of climate change, health inequities, educational disparities, and economic inequality, he emphasized that Africa’s research institutions are already generating groundbreaking, context-driven innovations. Drawing inspiration from Robert Frost, Professor Marwala noted that Africa stands at a crossroads—and that the choices made today will shape its destiny. He called for bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation, affirming that with collective effort and optimism, “nothing can stop us now.”
During the conference, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astria Learning, a global education technology company dedicated to developing impactful, flexible, and accessible e-learning solutions. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Astria Learning’s CEO Dr. Jeff Bordes highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education and underscored the partnership’s role in shaping the future of learning in Africa. He shared that, recognizing AI’s potential to redefine teaching and research, Astria pivoted its focus from traditional software development to AI-driven educational technologies. Through this collaboration, Makerere University and Astria Learning will establish an AI e-Campus aimed at accelerating postgraduate education and supporting the African Union’s goal of producing one million PhDs by 2035. Dr. Bordes noted that AI tools such as automated grading systems, intelligent tutoring, and adaptive content creation will empower lecturers to manage larger cohorts efficiently without compromising quality. Expressing gratitude to Makerere University’s leadership, he affirmed Astria Learning’s commitment to transforming higher education and building global capacity through technology.
A Host’s heartfelt appreciation
Professor Robert Wamala, Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at Makerere University and Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee expressed deep gratitude to the participants, partners, and sponsors whose collaboration made the event possible, and extended a special welcome to international guests visiting Uganda for the first time. Professor Wamala described the conference theme as both timely and forward-looking, noting that AI is reshaping how societies live, learn, and develop.
He emphasized that for Africa, this technological revolution presents not just an opportunity to catch up, but to lead — anchored in strong research, ethical practices, and a shared vision for sustainable development. Appreciating the dedication of his organizing team, he encouraged participants to use the conference as a platform for learning, co-creation, and collaboration across nations, reminding them that while artificial intelligence is powerful, “human intelligence, ethics, and purpose must lead the way.”
Natural Sciences
Mak-CoNAS Wins CAD 0.8 Million Grant to Scale-up Fish Processing Technologies & Empower Women in Uganda
The College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) at Makerere University has been awarded a highly competitive research grant worth CAD 0.8 million to implement the “NutriFishPLUS” project, which aims to scale up innovative fish processing technologies, improve market access, and empower women in Uganda’s fishing communities to boost incomes and livelihoods.
This project builds on the significant achievements of the previous ground-breaking NutriFish project (2019–2023), funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Cultivate Africa’s Future Fund Phase (CultiAF2). The achievements included: 1) establishing group savings schemes to improve access to capital by women and youth; 2) piloting solar tent dryers for processing silverfish (mukene), resulting in doubling of women’s incomes and tripling of the shelf-life to almost five months; 3) developing and test-marketing certified, nutrient enriched fish products, including baby food, sauce and fortified maize meal; 4) conducting comprehensive social and behavioural change interventions, leading to increased women’s participation in profitable ventures and 30% reduction in domestic violence in intervention areas. Despite these achievements, gaps still remain with regard to increasing production of high-quality Small Pelagic Fishes (SPFs) through adoption of solar tent dryers and raised drying racks; enhancing capacity of men, women and the youth in processing, packaging, branding and marketing; improving access to capital and lucrative markets for fish and fish products; and empowering women, youth and other marginalized groups in the small fish value chain; and strengthening resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams.
NutriFishPLUS will be implemented by the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, CoNAS, in collaboration with two private companies (Kati Farms and Nutreal) through a public-private partnership. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Jackson Efitre and his team will focus on scaling-up the use of improved, sustainable fish processing technologies such as the solar Tent dryers and raised racks to new communities across Uganda; enhancing market access and supply chain linkages for high-quality fish and fish products; as well as deepening women’s empowerment and strengthening the resilience of fishing communities through diversified income streams. The project is expected to run for September 2025- March 2028. The expected outcomes include: enhanced incomes and livelihoods for marginalized fishing groups, particularly women and youth; improved health and nutrition for vulnerable groups through diversification of fish products that are embedded in the market with strong supply chain linkages; sustainable fish processing and marketing models that can be scaled across Uganda and the East African region; improved women and youth participation in decision making and control of benefits in the SPF value chains; and improved socioeconomic conditions and ecosystem health through participatory, scalable approaches.
“Winning this competitive grant is an incredible opportunity for the team to solidify the achievements of the first phase as the funding enables us to move beyond research to embed these nutritional and technological solutions into the livelihoods of local communities,” said Dr. Efitre. “I am privileged to lead this impactful work on behalf of Makerere University. Scaling up these tested, climate-responsive technologies as well as empowering the women and youth will secure better nutrition and more sustainable livelihoods across fishing communities in Uganda.”
The project is set to be launched tomorrow, Tuesday, 28th October 2025 by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration and Principal, CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta.
Please see below for details on the project.
Details on the previous project: https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/03/nutrifish-project-registers-significant-achievements/
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