As African universities expand their global research networks to confront transboundary animal health threats, Makerere University has moved to strengthen its international footprint through a new academic collaboration in veterinary medicine.
Makerere University has signed letters of intent with the University of Central Lancashire School of Veterinary Medicine to collaborate on joint research projects at Master’s and PhD levels.
The partnership is designed to combine the expertise and research strengths of both institutions in tackling critical animal health challenges affecting Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the wider global community.
Key areas of focus include emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the advancement of animal welfare standards.
These themes are increasingly central to global health discussions, particularly under the One Health approach that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
Following the signing of the letters of intent, the delegation from Lancashire University conducted a field visit to the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary to explore practical avenues for collaborative research.
The sanctuary, situated on an island within Lake Victoria, offers a distinctive environment for the study of primate behavior, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare science.
Researchers examined the sanctuary’s potential as a living laboratory for postgraduate research, particularly in conservation medicine and primate health management.
Prof. Heather Bacon, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Lancashire University, expressed optimism about the emerging collaboration.
“We were impressed by the great potential for research collaboration projects with Makerere and other partners such as Ngamba,” she said.
“This partnership aligns with our shared goals of advancing veterinary medicine and improving animal health.”
The collaboration forms part of Makerere University’s broader 10-year strategic plan aimed at transforming the institution into a leading center of applied research that contributes directly to economic growth and sustainable development across Africa.
Prof. Frank Asiimwe of Makerere University emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement within that vision.
“This partnership scores high on our strategic goals,” he said.
“We look forward to impactful research outcomes that benefit both humans and animals.”
University officials indicated that the formal Memorandum of Understanding will be signed at Lancashire University in April 2026, marking the next milestone in what both institutions anticipate will be a long-term and impactful academic partnership.
