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A once-outdated research lab in Uganda, as recently as 2015, has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a multi-unit scientific powerhouse that now plays a pivotal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 Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) on 24th July 2026 accredited over 90 Senior Academic Members of staff that form Makerere University‘s Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Good Research Review Practice (GRRP) after an intensive three-day Training. The closing ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)-DVCAA Prof. Sarah Ssali who was represented by the Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Tonny Oyana.
UNCST’s Role Appreciated
In his remarks, Prof. Oyana reiterated the core function that research plays in Makerere University‘s mission and noted that excellence in research must always be underpinned by excellence in research ethics. “Research Ethics Committees play a vital role in fulfilling this responsibility,” he stated.
“Your decisions influence not only the quality and credibility of research conducted at the University but also the trust that research participants, communities, funding agencies, policymakers, and the public place in our institution,” remarked the DVCAA, who underscored the pivotal role of RECs in upholding Makerere University‘s reputation as a centre of research excellence.
He therefore thanked UNCST for promoting responsible conduct of research and strengthening ethical review systems in Uganda through facilitating trainings for RECs in GRRP and other critical areas such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP). He equally commended the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP) led by Prof. Robert Wamala for organising the training, which continues to strengthen research governance structures across the University.
Incorporate RECs in Governance Structures
Presiding over the certificate award ceremony, the Deputy Executive Secretary UNCST, Dr. Martin Patrick Ongol congratulated all participants upon braving the three days of training despite their busy academic and research schedules. He equally commended Prof. Robert Wamala for ensuring that RECs at Makerere receive regular training and accreditation as mandated by governing procedures.
In the same breath he noted that RECs are key to ensuring that institutions conduct credible research and therefore ought not to be kept at the periphery of governance. “We would like to see that Research Ethics Committees get incorporated into governance and management structures of Makerere University – not like ad-hoc or adjunct entities within the ecosystem.”
Dr. Ongol equally called upon researchers and proposal writers in the room to ensure that issues of ethics are adequately budgeted for in the studies. “When it comes to participant compensation, we sometimes hit a snag,” he cited. He equally called upon members of RECs to ensure that issues of documentation are adequately addressed. “80% of noncompliance issues observed by UNCST are due to improper, missing or poorly handled documentation, and one of the ways of improving is through continuous engagement and we hope that we shall get there” he added.
DRIP and National Accreditation Committee Laud RECs
Prof. Robert Wamala whose Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships is at the heart of coordinating training with UNCST commended members of RECs, many of whom hold the ranks of Professors, Associate Professors and Senior Lecturers for sacrificing time to complete the GRRP Training. He reiterated that RECs are at the heart of ensuring that Makerere‘s research, particularly that involving human participants, meets national and international standards through harmonised ethical review approaches.
Adding her voice, Prof. Sylvia Angubua Baluka, a member of the UNCST National Accreditation Committee noted that in addition to RECs, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees play an important role in safeguarding the lives of animals that we depend on for food.
“I would therefore like to appreciate all Chairpersons and Members of Committees that are here; you are doing a good job and based on our site monitoring visits, we can address gaps in monitoring the research protocols you approve so as to have more impactful work and outputs that are more compliant with the ethical approval given” she added.
RECs at a glance
A total of 95 members of RECs took part in the GRRP Training as broken down below.
- Makerere University School of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (SOM–REC) – 19
- Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SBS–REC) – 17
- Makerere University School of Health Sciences (SHS–REC) – 15
- Makerere University School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (MakSS–REC) – 5
- Makerere University School of Public Health Research Ethics Committee (MakSPH–REC) – 19
- Makerere University College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS–REC) – 3
- Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES–REC) – 13
- Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB–REC) – 4
Research
Uganda Strengthens Research Ethics Oversight as Makerere and UNCST Equip Ethics Committees for Emerging Scientific Challenges
By Moses Lutaaya
Kampala, Uganda — July 22, 2026
Uganda’s research sector is preparing for a new era of scientific advancement as emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, genomics, digital health; big data analytics and international research collaborations continue to transform the landscape of scientific inquiry. However, experts have emphasized that these developments must be matched with stronger ethical oversight mechanisms to protect research participants, maintain scientific credibility and preserve public trust.
The call was made during the three-day Good Research Regulatory Practice (GRRP) Course for members of Research Ethics Committees (RECs) from Makerere University and other institutions. The training was organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships at Makerere University in partnership with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) to strengthen research governance and enhance ethical review practices.
Speaking at the official opening of the course, Prof. Robert Wamala, Makerere University’s Director of Research, Innovation and Partnerships, said ethical oversight remains central to achieving quality research that contributes to national development.
Prof. Wamala said Makerere University remains committed to producing research that addresses Uganda’s priorities while contributing to regional and global scientific advancement. However, he cautioned that research excellence cannot exist without strong ethical safeguards.
“Every research project involving human participants carries with it a profound responsibility to uphold the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of those who make research possible,” Prof. Wamala said.
He described Research Ethics Committees as critical pillars of Makerere’s research ecosystem, emphasizing that their role extends beyond regulatory compliance to protecting scientific credibility and maintaining public confidence.
“The quality, consistency, independence and timeliness of ethical review directly influence the quality of research produced by our institution and the confidence that participants, funders, collaborators and society place in our work,” he said.
Prof. Wamala observed that emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, genomics, digital health, big data analytics and cross-border research collaborations have introduced new ethical questions requiring continuous learning and adaptation.
He said modern ethical oversight demands more than simply following regulations. “It requires critical thinking, sound judgment, an appreciation of emerging technologies and strict adherence to internationally accepted standards of ethical review,” he said.
He noted that the GRRP Course provides an opportunity to harmonize ethical review approaches across Makerere’s Research Ethics Committees, improve institutional capacity and ensure that research involving human participants meets national and international standards.
Prof. Wamala also commended UNCST for its continued partnership with Makerere University in strengthening research governance, describing the collaboration as a reflection of a shared commitment to fostering a research environment that is ethical, responsible, innovative and internationally competitive.
Relatedly, Dr. Hellen Opolot, the Assistant Executive Secretary and Head of the Directorate of Research Management and Quality Assurance at UNCST, called on Research Ethics Committees to continuously strengthen their capacity as Uganda’s research environment becomes increasingly complex.
Dr. Opolot said scientific progress presents immense opportunities but also introduces new ethical, legal and regulatory challenges that require regulators and ethics committees to remain ahead of emerging trends.
She noted that research in Uganda is rapidly expanding, driven by developments in artificial intelligence, genomics, digital health, social and behavioral sciences and multinational collaborative studies.
“As REC members, your role extends beyond reviewing research protocols. You are responsible for safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of research participants,” Dr. Opolot emphasized.
She commended the organizers, particularly Professor Wamala for their continued commitment to strengthening research governance through capacity-building initiatives targeting Research Ethics Committees, students and researchers.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Wamala for continuously inviting me to these meetings and for organizing important capacity-building programmes, not only for Research Ethics Committees but also for students,” she said.
Dr. Opolot encouraged participants to actively engage in the training, share experiences and develop practical approaches to addressing ethical challenges, noting that many issues facing researchers and regulators require collaboration and informed judgment.
She expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from the training would improve ethical review processes, strengthen post-approval monitoring and promote a culture of research integrity across Uganda.
Prof. Fredrick Nelson Nakwagala, the Chairperson of the Accreditation Committee for Research Ethics in Uganda at UNCST, said the training was aimed at equipping Research Ethics Committees with the skills required to protect human participants and improve research quality.
“The main function of this meeting is to build the capacity of Research Ethics Committees at Makerere University to perform their responsibility of protecting human subjects in research,” Prof. Nakwagala said.
He explained that continuous training remains necessary because ethical standards evolve alongside changes in science and technology.
“Ethics keeps changing because circumstances change. We now have artificial intelligence, mathematical modelling and complex study designs that were not known before. There are also new international and national guidelines on how to protect human participants who volunteer in research,” he said.
Prof. Nakwagala emphasized that Research Ethics Committees play a broader role than approving research proposals. He said they also monitor approved studies to ensure compliance with regulations, scientific standards and legal requirements.
“They monitor approved studies to ensure they are conducted within applicable regulations, scientific standards and the law. This improves both the quality of research proposals and the quality of research implementation,” he said.
He warned that unethical research practices such as plagiarism, fabrication of participants and falsification of data could undermine national development efforts, especially when research findings influence public policy.
“You don’t want research products from scientists who are fraudulent, who fabricate participants or falsify data,” he said. “Research Ethics Committees ensure research is what it claims to be and that the process gives confidence in the results.”
Prof. Nakwagala added that ethics committees play an important role in mentoring postgraduate students by providing a framework that enables them to conduct credible and scientifically sound research.
He linked strong research ethics to Uganda’s development ambitions under the National Development Plan IV, noting that science, technology and innovation are increasingly important in sectors such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, housing and environmental sustainability.
“Ethical oversight is critical in balancing the risks and benefits of development initiatives,” he said.
Addressing concerns about delays in postgraduate research approvals, Prof. Nakwagala said new review timelines introduced by UNCST are expected to improve efficiency while maintaining quality.
“We believe that within a week, most student protocols should receive approval. Only larger studies such as clinical trials require more rigorous review, but even these should not exceed 60 days,” he said.
Day One of GRRP Course Brings Together Experts and Research Ethics Practitioners
Day one of the Good Research Regulatory Practice Course was facilitated by Ms. Irene Semakula Suryani, Dr. Fredrick Nelson Nakwagala, Dr. Robert Sekubugu, Prof. Noah Kiwanuka and Ms. Gladys Nakalema, who guided participants through key areas of ethical review, research governance, regulatory standards and best practices for strengthening Research Ethics Committees.
The training attracted members from various academic units and institutions, including 16 participants from the College of Health Sciences, 5 from the School of Social Sciences, 15 from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), 23 from the School of Public Health, 23 from the School of Medicine, 19 from the School of Biomedical Sciences and 5 from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (COVAB).
Research Ethics Committee Leaders Attend Capacity-Building Training
The course also brought together chairpersons of Research Ethics Committees from different schools and colleges who participated in strengthening ethical review systems at Makerere University and beyond. Among those in attendance were chairpersons of the different RECs including Prof. Stella Neema from the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Paul Kutyabami from the College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Joseph Kagagi from the School of Public Health, among other REC leaders.
The participation of REC chairpersons underscored the importance of institutional leadership in promoting responsible research practices, improving review efficiency and ensuring that scientific advancement is guided by integrity, accountability and respect for human dignity.
The GRRP training, running from July 22 to 24, 2026, is part of ongoing efforts by Makerere University and UNCST to strengthen Uganda’s research governance system and ensure that scientific progress is built on ethical foundations.
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