CoVAB – AFRISA Passes Out Over 160 Skilled Livestock Agribusiness Entrepreneurs at the 6th Graduation Ceremony
The Africa Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (AFRISA), housed under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, has graduated more than 165 students with certificates and diplomas. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, 31st March 2026 at Ruth Keesling’s Gardens, marked a significant milestone in AFRISA’s mission to blend academic knowledge with practical industry skills.
Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, Commissioner for Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), representing the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Hon. Bright Rwamirama, delivers remarks.
The Guest of honor, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Hon. Bright Rwamirama, was represented at the AFRISA graduation by Dr. Anna Rose Okurut Ademun, Commissioner for Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). In his address, he commended AFRISA for its pivotal role in equipping graduates with practical skills that directly contribute to Uganda’s agricultural transformation and livestock sector growth.
He emphasized that AFRISA’s model of combining academic knowledge with industry practice has positioned Makerere University as a driver of innovation and community empowerment. By producing graduates who are not only job seekers but also job creators, AFRISA continues to address challenges of youth unemployment, low productivity, and limited value addition in Uganda’s animal resource sector.
Hon. Rwamirama urged the graduates to take their newly acquired competencies into communities, build enterprises, and embrace innovation in solving real-world challenges. He emphasized that the government recognizes AFRISA’s vital contribution to national priorities and encouraged alumni to uphold integrity and excellence as proud ambassadors of Makerere University and AFRISA. He observed that since its establishment in 2010, AFRISA has emerged as a model of excellence in practical education, equipping youth and women with skills that foster livestock-based enterprises and community transformation. Its graduates have gone on to become agripreneurs, veterinary professionals, and leaders who are reshaping Uganda’s agricultural landscape. The institute continues to position itself as a driver of innovation and empowerment, with alumni expected to play a central role in advancing Uganda’s agricultural priorities, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
He extended appreciation to CoVAB for running the programs that link the farmers to experts. ‘We need a lot of people of these calibers given that the Veterinary Doctors are few and not evenly distributed, with many of them seeking out white collar jobs at districts where they work as Veterinary Officers, he said.
Prof. Julius Kikoma, Director of Graduate Training, representing Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, delivers remarks during the 6th AFRISA Graduation Ceremony at Ruth Keesling’s Gardens.
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who was represented by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikoma said AFRISA’s 6th Graduation marked another milestone in the University’s commitment to innovation and community transformation. He said since its establishment in 2010 under CoVAB, AFRISA has grown and continues to address the ivory tower tendencies by extending knowledge to communities through industry practice, directly contributing to Uganda’s agricultural priorities and economic development. While acknowledging the contribution of AFRISA, he said it has trained thousands of youths and women, supported the creation of livestock-based enterprises, and built strong partnerships with government, NGOs, and international institutions. Its graduates have become agripreneurs, veterinary professionals, and community leaders, demonstrating how practical education and innovation can drive transformation across Uganda and the wider region. He said AFRISA was not just an institute, but a movement transforming education, empowering young people, building enterprises, and restoring dignity through productivity. He called upon the graduates to go forth and build, lead, and transform Africa.
Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB, applauds graduates for embracing specialized skills in the animal industry
Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal CoVAB, commended the graduates for choosing specialized skills in the animal industry, noting that many students often opt for simpler subjects. He emphasized that AFRISA’s graduates were leaving with competencies that would enable them to live more productive lives, rather than seeking petty jobs abroad. Prof. Mwiine stressed that not everyone must pursue a university degree, but acquiring practical skills was vital for meeting personal needs and contributing to national development. He cited trades such as the leather industry, where trained professionals are urgently needed to reduce losses in animal handling, and welcomed the graduates into the veterinary profession while cautioning them to remain within their line of specialization, which offers room for growth to higher levels.
While highlighting AFRISA’s legacy and achievements over the past decade, Prof. Mwiine said AFRISA has trained numbers, enabled them to start animal-related enterprises, and built strong networks. He said this was in line with the competence-based education that is being promoted today, using the example of the incubation center at Nakyesasa where the students learn by doing and innovating. This has enabled the students to get a unique educational journey that has equipped them with confidence and skills. ‘You have not just studied animal resources, you have experienced them, managed them, and transformed them. You are therefore not job seekers, so go out and serve.
A section of University Officials who graced the 6th AFRISA graduation ceremony took time for a group photo.
The graduation ceremony was also witnessed by the Academic Registrar, Makerere University Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Deputy Principal, CoVAB Prof. James Acai Okwee, Dean of the School of Veterinary and Animal Resources, Prof. Robert Tweyongyere, and the Dean of the School of Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Claire Mugasa, among other staff.
Some of the parents who turned up to witness the graduation
Some of the graduates who were at the event
Story by Harriet Musinguzi
